Tag: Pakistan

  • SBP-held forex reserves surge to $7.76 billion in December

    SBP-held forex reserves surge to $7.76 billion in December

    In the week concluding on December 22, 2023, Pakistan witnessed a substantial increase in its total liquid foreign reserves, reaching a noteworthy $12,855.7 million.

    This surge was reported by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), which highlighted that the central bank’s reserves saw a remarkable uptick to $7,757.1 million during the same period.

    The SBP revealed that the surge in reserves, amounting to $852 million, was primarily attributed to official inflows from the Government of Pakistan received during the week under review.

    Simultaneously, commercial banks in the country reported net foreign reserves amounting to $5,098.6 million, further contributing to the overall resilience of Pakistan’s financial position.

    This positive development follows the previous week’s figures, ending on December 15, 2023, where the total liquid foreign reserves were recorded at $12,068.4 million.

    During this period, the central bank held reserves worth $6,904.8 million, with commercial banks reporting net foreign reserves of $5,163.6 million.

    In contrast to the positive financial indicators, Pakistan’s auto industry faced significant challenges in 2023, marked by a sharp decline in car sales of up to 55 per cent. Factories involved in manufacturing car parts also experienced a substantial production cut of 70 per cent.

    The persistent challenges in the auto sector were attributed to the exchange rate crisis, causing a decline in income until the previous year.

    The repercussions of reduced car sales were not limited to impacting the national Treasury; they also resulted in a noticeable decrease in revenue from products.

    An essential factor in this context is the adjustment made by automobile companies following a decrease in the value of the US dollar against the Pakistani rupee.

    In the closing months of 2023, these companies responded by slashing the prices of their units, reflecting the dynamic interplay between economic forces and market conditions.

  • ‘Those who have dissociated from PTI through press conferences will not be granted election tickets,’ Barrister Gohar Khan

    ‘Those who have dissociated from PTI through press conferences will not be granted election tickets,’ Barrister Gohar Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan made a significant announcement on Wednesday, stating that PTI leaders who have dissociated from the party through press conferences will not be granted election tickets.

    Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Barrister Gohar emphasized the party’s firm decision not to award tickets to individuals involved in such public disassociations, regardless of the number of people involved.

    Highlighting the directives of PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Barrister Gohar mentioned, “Imran Khan has instructed the party to gear up for general elections 2024.”

    In response to the recent Supreme Court order on senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the PTI chairman emphasized the Election Commission’s responsibility to ensure its implementation.

    He revealed that the commission had requested the party to submit an application concerning Qureshi and other incidents where PTI leaders and activists were targeted.

    Barrister Gohar informed the media about the Peshawar High Court (PHC) order and urged the Election Commission to upload the certificate of PTI’s intra-party elections, assuring that the commission would conduct an investigation. He asserted that if a party’s election symbol is revoked, it is equivalent to its dissolution, and only the Supreme Court holds the authority to make such decisions.

    Earlier on December 26, PTI Punjab Acting President Hammad Azhar commented on the issue, stating that the fate of PTI leaders who held press conferences and parted ways with the party would be decided by Imran Khan on a case-to-case basis.

    Azhar mentioned that many individuals who had dissociated through press conferences wished to return to the party, and Imran Khan would personally decide on their return.

    He also demanded release of all political workers, “Stop turning the criminal justice system into a joke. Release all political prisoners. My colleagues have languished in jails for more than 7 months despite being innocent. I myself have been falsely nominated as an accused in dozens of Fake FIRs despite being not present on any single incident mentioned (one overly imaginative mind even listed me as chucking petrol bombs on mall road). End this madness and release all. Stop rearresting ppl after bail. Stop booking ppl in fake cases after arbitrarily arresting them for holding political association with PTI. Let the people of Pakistan decide who will govern them.”

  • Dhund nay kar dia safar mushkil

    Dhund nay kar dia safar mushkil

    A thick blanket of heavy fog has descended on different parts of Pakistan, severely impacting visibility and causing widespread transportation disruptions.

    Adverse weather conditions have compelled authorities to take precautionary measures, resulting in the closure of main highways and affecting air travel.

    The impact of the fog extends beyond Lahore, spreading as far as Mandi Bahauddin, Pindi Bhatian, Kot Addu, and Uch Sharif.

    Residents and commuters in these regions are urged to exercise caution and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.

    Sialkot and its surrounding regions, including Pasrur, Daska, and Sambrial, are grappling with reduced visibility levels, significantly disrupting traffic flow. Commuters are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and road closures to ensure their safety.

    The fog has not only affected ground transportation but has also disrupted air travel. Multiple flights have been canceled, and others delayed, impacting cities in Sindh and Punjab.

    The closures of major motorways, including the M2, M3, M4, M5, and M11, further compound transportation challenges.

    In addition to the transportation disruptions, the air quality in Lahore has deteriorated, earning the city the unfortunate distinction of being the most polluted in the world.

    Meanwhile, dense fog in various cities of Sindh and Punjab has led to operational challenges for flights. The Pakistan International Airliner (PIA) spokesperson emphasizes the importance of obtaining flight information from the PIA Call Centre before heading to the airport, considering the potential disruptions caused by the fog.

    Over the past week, a total of 32 flights destined for Faisalabad, Multan, Lahore, and other Punjab airports had to be redirected to Islamabad International Airport due to the prevailing fog conditions.

    “Severe fog ongoing in the country has affected PIA flights from Lahore, Multan and Sialkot airport,” the airline’s spokesperson, Abdullah Khan, said in a statement, adding the PIA apologized for any inconvenience caused due to these operational challenges.

    “Low visibility and intensity of fog pose difficulties in flight operations,” he added. “Flights from Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot may be canceled, changed or delayed due to fog.”

    Khan noted that flight operations were usually affected in these cities in winter.

    “All passengers are urged to obtain information about their flights from the PIA call center before heading to the airport,” he added.

    Unusual Winter Conditions Across Northwest India:

    Meanwhile, across Northwest India, including Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, a thick blanket of fog has descended, impacting visibility levels. Despite the fog, winter temperatures are milder than usual for this time of the year.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that night temperatures in north-western states remain higher than normal, with at least 2-3°C above-normal readings in several regions. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7.8°C, one degree above normal, with daytime temperatures reaching 22°C.

    Meteorologists attribute the warmer winter to the absence of strong western disturbances, traditionally responsible for winter rainfall over North India. Additionally, global warming is increasingly influencing weather patterns throughout the year, delaying the onset of winter and reducing the intensity of cold waves.

  • Mureeds of Shah Mehmood Qureshi protest against ‘ill-treatment’ by police

    Meher Bano Qureshi, daughter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, said that the treatment being handed out to her father is unbearable for his “mureeds.”

    She was a guest on a podcast on the digital channel of Hum News.

    The mureeds of Shah Mehmood Qureshi protested on Thursday against the ill-treatment of police and the ‘bogus’ case against him.

    “The people of Umarkot came out of fear. Peaceful protest of Ghousia Jamaat followers and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf workers in Umarkot against the humiliation and bogus arrest of Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi by the Rawalpindi police.”

    @ik.imrankhan00 عمرکوٹ کی عوام خوف کے بت توڑ کر نکل آئی۔ کل راولپنڈی پولیس کی جانب سے مخدوم شاہ محمود قریشی کی تذلیل کرنے اور بوگس گرفتاری کے خلاف عمرکوٹ میں غوثیہ جماعت کے مریدین اور پاکستان تحریک انصاف کے کارکنان کا شہر میں پر امن احتجاج #ReleaseSMQ#releaseimrankhan #سیاسی_انتقام_بند_کرو #PakistanUnderFascism #foryou ♬ original sound – pti offical

    “The people of Khipro on the streets against oppression! Full peaceful protest of Ghousia Jamaat Khipro on ill-treatment of Shah Mehmood Qureshi and arrest in the bogus case.”

    @teamsmq کھپرو کے عوام ظلم کے خلاف سڑکوں پر! شاہ محمود قریشی کے ساتھ ناروا سلوک اور بوگس مقدمے میں گرفتاری پر غوثیہ جماعت کھپرو کا بھرپور پرامن احتجاج۔ #ReleaseSMQ ♬ original sound – riShi

    Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi is the Sajjada Nasheen of Shrine Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya (R.A).

    After Hur and Sarwari Jamaats, the Ghousia Jamaat has the most influence in Sindh.

    Pir Pagara is the Sajjada Nashin for Hur Jamaat and Makhdum Amin Fahim for Sarwari Jamaat.

    Their “gaddis”- religious centers- are in Pir Jo Goth and Hala.

    While the gaddi for Qureshi’s followers is in Multan, the city used to be a part of Sindh till 1818 when Maharaja Ranjit Singh captured it. Hence, a large number of Bahauddin Zakariya’s followers are from Sindh.

    A few former parliamentarians in Sanghar, Hyderabad, and Tando Allahyar districts are diehard followers of Ghosia Jamaat, who were elected in the 2008 elections because of their influence in the community.

    Besides Tharparker, Sanghar, Tando Allahyar, Ghotki, Umerkot, Larkana, Kamber Shahdadkot, Shahdadpur, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Thatta and Jacobabad districts also have a large following of the Ghousia Jamaat.

  • Gold price in Pakistan registers Rs2,200 per tola single-day surge

    Gold price in Pakistan registers Rs2,200 per tola single-day surge

    On Thursday, the price of gold in Pakistan once again saw an upward trend, mirroring the global surge in rates. 

    The valued yellow metal reached Rs222,800 per tola in the domestic market, marking a noteworthy single-day gain of Rs2,200. 

    The 10-gramme gold, as reported by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), was traded at Rs191,015 following an increase of Rs1,886.

    This escalation follows a Rs1,000 per tola rise in gold prices in Pakistan on the preceding Wednesday. 

    Internationally, gold prices experienced a $20 increment, reaching $2,105 per ounce (with a premium of $20), as highlighted by APGJSA. 

    Concurrently, silver rates remained constant at Rs2,680 per tola in the local market.

  • Lollywood to Parliament; Film star Noor enters politics

    Lollywood to Parliament; Film star Noor enters politics

    Former Pakistani actress Noor Bukhari, is all set to venture into politics. She has joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and has submitted papers for a reserved seat for women.

    Noor personally visited the Punjab Election Commission office to confirm her nomination papers. The verification process for her papers has been successfully completed.

  • In a first, women to contest general elections in Shangla and Buner

    In a first, women to contest general elections in Shangla and Buner

    Dr. Sawera Prakash has become the first Hindu woman to contest from Buner, while Nadia Sher Khan has become the first woman to contest from Shangla, Swat.

    The elections, scheduled for February 8, mark a significant step towards inclusivity and representation in the region, traditionally known for its conservative values.

    Dr. Sawera Prakash, who has submitted nomination papers for both reserved seats of the National and Provincial assemblies, is affiliated with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for an impressive 35 years. She is now set to create history as the first woman to contest elections for the provincial assembly from constituency PK-25 on a general seat, reports Samaa News.

    The PPP, recognising her potential, urged her father Dr. Om Prakash, an active political and social worker, to bring his daughter into the political arena. Her father is known for his dedication to the welfare of humanity, and has played a pivotal role in serving both public and private sector health centers, reports Dawn.

    In Shangla, for the first time, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MPA Nadia Sher Khan of Saidu Sharif, Swat, has submitted nomination papers for the Shangla’s PK-30 constituency. She is running for the general elections on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf-Parliamentariticket.
    A tough competition is expected between PTI and PML-N in this district.

  • ‘Sab ki salary double hogi’; Bilawal Unveils Ambitious 10-Point Election Manifesto

    ‘Sab ki salary double hogi’; Bilawal Unveils Ambitious 10-Point Election Manifesto

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari presented an ambitious 10-point election manifesto during a public gathering in the party stronghold Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the 16th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

    The manifesto, outlined on Wednesday, aims to establish a “pro-people” government after the upcoming February 8 elections.

    Here’s a breakdown of what Bilawal promised his party would do if they came into power:
    • Double salaries within five years
    • Free solar energy of 300 units for the poor; every district to have green energy parks
    • Education for all — rolling out projects for better education
    • Free health for all across Pakistan
    • Three million houses for flood affectees and the poor
    • Expand BISP’s scope; introducing more welfare schemes
    • BSIP-like programme for farmers and ‘Hari Card’
    • Enhanced support for labourers through Benazir Mazdoor Card
    • ‘Youth Card’ for unemployed youth and ‘Youth Markaz’
    • ‘Bhook Mitao Programme’

    At the core of the agenda is a commitment to double salaries and provide 300 free units of electricity per household. This goal is to be achieved through the creation of green energy parks in every district, focusing on harnessing solar and wind energy sources.

    In addition to economic measures, Bhutto-Zardari pledged to overhaul the health sector by replicating successful models such as NICVD, SIUT, and the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences across the country. Another significant project, titled ‘Apni Zamin, Apna Ghar,’ aims to construct three million houses nationwide.

    The manifesto also includes provisions for free education, the expansion of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the introduction of Hari and Benazir Mazdoor Cards, and the establishment of youth centers in all divisional headquarters for career counseling and skill development.

    Bhutto-Zardari called for public support to navigate the current crisis, expressing confidence in the PPP’s ability to address national issues and strengthen the federation. Reflecting on the party’s past achievements, he highlighted the devolution of powers through the 18th Amendment and the successful implementation of the NFC award.

    The PPP chairman criticized certain politicians without naming them, accusing them of engaging in politics to evade legal challenges and jail time.

    “I had told my team that I wanted to contest from Lahore. I’ll take the battle to Lahore. Let’s see what happens,” he said.

    “Is it Lahore’s destiny that the same person will be installed for the fourth time?” Bilawal said while taking a jibe at the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, who is eying a record-fourth term as the country’s prime minister.

    “Our paths are different with that of those we were in government for 16 months,” Bilawal said while referring to the PML-N-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government of which the PPP was a key part.

    Former President Asif Ali Zardari, speaking on the occasion, reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the promises made by his son. He criticized the central administration in Islamabad for its detachment from the struggles of the common people, contrasting it with the PPP’s “people-centric” approach.

  • The most controversial dramas of 2023

    The most controversial dramas of 2023

    As this year ends, we’ve picked the most controversial dramas of 2023, a tough job since so many serials keep throwing out objectionable stories. These dramas stood out in the sea of shows, focusing on themes like marriage and family conflicts. They’ve earned recognition for capturing large audiences and getting top ratings but also angered parts of the audience with misogynistic or sexist content.

     Here’s the list for the most controversial dramas of 2023:

    1. Mayi Ri

    Writer: Sana Fahad
    Director: Meesam Naqvi
    Channel: ARY Digital

    Mayi Ri, aired on ARY Digital, created waves in the drama scene, garnering attention, criticism, while also generating significant discussion. Considered a game-changer, it proved pivotal for stars like Aina Asif and Samar Jaffry, and marking a significant comeback for Maya Khan. While anticipated to address child marriage issues, the drama’s controversial content led to divided opinions.  Despite criticism, the drama amassed a massive fan following defending its storyline against perceived problems.

    2. Jurm

    Writer: Sana Fahad
    Director: Mehreen Jabbar
    Channel: Geo Entertainment

    Jurm was another mini-series this year which cannot be overlooked. It was the first mini-series of its kind which had it all – drama and mystery. Jurm also marked Mehreen Jabbar’s comeback to television and she made her presence felt in a way that only she can.

     The story follows a newlywed couple deeply in love, willing to go to any lengths for each other. Their happiness takes a hit when Wahaj is attacked by thugs, and his wife gets kidnapped. Despite Wahaj appearing innocent due to his injuries, suspicions arise suggesting his possible involvement in the abduction of his wife. However, Jurm’s underwhelming end was the worst part of the series.

    3. Jaisay Aapki Marzi

    Writer: Naila Jaffri
    Director: Saba Hameed
    Channel: ARY Digital 

    Jaisay Aapki Marzi is a current favorite among viewers. It’s not just a show earning good ratings; many women, in particular, find it relatable. Unlike other dramas, it strikes a chord with the audience, connecting with their experiences and resonating with their lives.The story of drama revolves around Aleezay’s journey. She dreams of a successful career and living life on her terms but succumbs to parental pressure, marrying Sheheryar.

    The plot unfolds as Aleezay grapples with a harsh reality—a marriage into a family dominated by abusive clinical narcissists.Despite some repetitive elements, it remains engaging, particularly when approached without a critical perspective. Mikaal Zulfiqar and Kiran Naz’s performances receive praise for their exceptional quality.

    4. Hadsa

    Writer: Zanjabeel Asim
    Director: Wajahat Rauf
    Channel: Geo Entertainment 

    Hadsa, the story of a rape survivor, landed in a perfect social media storm. Critics alleged that the serial insensitively portrayed a sensitive and distressing subject. Rape is a serious issue, and it’s crucial for media outlets and creators to consult with experts and survivor advocacy groups when tackling such topics. The drama, aired on Geo, left many expressing discomfort due to its perceived mishandling of the sensitive subject and its resemblance to a real-life horrific incident on the motorway in 2020. Supporters said that the drama highlights struggle and bravery of a rape survivor who fights against sexual violence.

    5. Tere Bin

    Writer: Nooran Makhdoom
    Director:  Siraj-ul-Haq
    Channel:  Geo Entertainment

    Tere Bin has gained immense popularity, winning the hearts of millions worldwide. Its engaging storyline and outstanding performances have made a lasting impact on television, creating a remarkable presence in the entertainment landscape. As the highly popular Pakistani drama Tere Bin nears its conclusion, fans are preparing to bid a bittersweet farewell to the beloved characters of Murtasim and Meerab. Meerab and Murtasim, childhood friends, experience separation when Meerab is forced into a marriage she doesn’t want. After years apart, they reunite, and their bond evolves into love.

    The series explores themes of love, separation, and the chance for a fresh start.But a surprise allusion to a marital rape scene cast a negative light on the chemistry between the lead cast. The shocking scenes stirred heated reactions on social media, with Tere Bin trending on Twitter. People voiced their concerns to the makers, questioning the decision to include such content at a time when women in Asian nations are already grappling with domestic violence issues.

  • Indian teacher dies while giving lecture about good health

    Indian teacher dies while giving lecture about good health

    A professor at Kanpur’s Indian Institute of Technology died of cardiac arrest on stage while delivering a speech on a health-related topic. Sameer Khandekar’s last words reportedly were “Take care of your health….” after which he collapsed. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he was declared dead upon arrival.

    The professor, 52, was speaking at an alumni meet on the campus on Friday evening. He was the head of the mechanical engineering department and also served as Dean, of student welfare. According to Indian media, he had been grappling with cardiac health problems since 2019.