Tag: Pakistan

  • ‘I will not contest the election, even if Imran Khan asks,’ Aleema Khan

    ‘I will not contest the election, even if Imran Khan asks,’ Aleema Khan

    Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has stated that none of his family members will contest the upcoming general elections slated for February 8 next year.

    During a chat with journalists outside the Islamabad High Court on Thursday, she remarked: “I will not contest the election, even if Imran Khan asks (me), I will not participate in the election.”

    Aleema clarified that neither Khan’s sisters nor his wife will contest. “None of us is contesting elections. We only come for the cases of the PTI founder”.

    She emphasized that treating the PTI founder in the same manner as former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was unwarranted, highlighting the absence of a young generation during Bhutto’s time.

    She alleged that Nawaz Sharif, the leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), had got two umpires, asserting that he was preventing other political players from entering the political arena, stressing that evidence supporting this claim became apparent during the nomination paper submission process, where individuals are allegedly being deprived of their papers.

    She dismissed the cipher case as a mere joke, expressing concern over the rapid pace of the trial and raising the possibility of a death sentence being pronounced by December 30.

    “Our hope for justice is from Allah and justice should also be expected from the Supreme Court, but what is happening is in front of everyone. We are no longer disappointed with the Supreme Court. If you don’t expect anything from the Supreme Court, who will you expect from? If we do not get justice from there, we will definitely get it from Allah,” she remarked.

  • Gold price hits Rs219,800 per tola after an increase of Rs1,800

    Gold price hits Rs219,800 per tola after an increase of Rs1,800

    In a notable uptrend, domestic gold prices in Pakistan experienced significant gains on Friday, with the price of 24-karat gold rising by Rs1,800 per tola and concluding the session at Rs219,800.

    According to the Karachi Sarafa Association, the closing price for 10 grammes of 24-karat gold in today’s session was Rs188,443, marking an increase of Rs1,543.

    Similarly, the price for 10 grammes of 22-karat gold reached Rs172,740, showing a gain of Rs1,415.

    Contrastingly, the price of silver remained steady in the local market, with 24-karat silver and 10-gramme 24-karat silver settling at Rs2,650 and Rs2,271.94, respectively.

    The continuous surge in international gold prices is a driving force behind the upward trajectory of gold prices in the domestic market.

    Currently, international spot gold is trading at $2,055.91, indicating a 0.48 per cent increase compared to the previous session’s closing.

    Furthermore, international gold is set for its second consecutive weekly gain, influenced by the weakening dollar and US Treasury yields.

    The recent statement from the US Federal Reserve, outlining a cumulative rate cut of 75 basis points in 2024, is putting sustained pressure on the dollar and Treasury yields, contributing to further gains for the precious metal.

    In addition to the impact of international price fluctuations, the domestic gold market is also susceptible to changes in the interbank exchange rate of the local currency.

    The intricate interplay between global and domestic factors continues to shape the dynamics of the gold market in Pakistan.

  • ‘Khamosh hojaao,’ Maryam Nawaz gets furious at female PML-N worker

    ‘Khamosh hojaao,’ Maryam Nawaz gets furious at female PML-N worker

    The Parliamentary Board of Muslim League-N is conducting interviews of candidates for the distribution of party tickets.

    More than 400 women gathered at the meeting to give interviews to the Parliamentary Board. Each of the N-League women gave details of the work they had done for the party and the time and hardships they had put in.

    According to We News, Madiha Niazi, a worker from Lahore, got up and said, “I am a common political worker, I am neither someone’s niece nor nephew,” implying that she has no reference. She went on to say that party workers like her are not paid any heed and their sacrifices are ignored conveniently.

    Madiha Niazi complained, “We are not even being listened to fully,” to which Maryam Nawaz angrily said that you should be quiet and sit down, other women have to be heard too.

    Madeeha Niazi replied, “I have not come to sit here, I have come to relate all my sacrifices for the party, if you want to throw me out, throw me out, I will not leave without completing.”

    When Madiha Niazi finished her speech, several other women also started narrating their sacrifices for the party.

    According to PML-N sources, before this fiasco, senior leaders sitting in the parliamentary board praised the work of some women, including Hina Parvez Butt, Saba Sadiq and Uzma Bukhari. A woman who came for the ticket of reserved seat got up, asking, “What are the sacrifices of Hina Parvez Butt for the party? We stood with the party in difficult times, surrounded the courts, remained outside the NAB, raised slogans for the leaders, during this time we were penalized by the then authorities but we stood with the party.”

    She went on to criticise the elitism of the mentioned women “They come wearing branded clothes and good makeup, they have no services to offer.”

    She continued: “We poor workers have been there in front of courts during the trials of party leaders but how many times has Hina been spotted there? We should not be underestimated.” The woman demanded to be given the same status as those who wear branded suits.

    Tehmina Daultana also jumped in and had a heated debate with Maryam Nawaz.

    Maryam asked Tehmina Doultana, a stalwart, “What are your services for the party,” to which an infuriated Tahmina Doultana replied, “What do you want? What should I do at this age, you want me to die?”

    At this point, Nawaz Sharif had to intervene to control the situation, saying, “You women are our strength.” He told the women that the party is moving forward because of them, calling them the party’s pride. “All of us went to assemblies because of you, you are an asset to the party.”

    Hina’s response

    Hina Parvez Butt took to Twitter and refuted that any such conversation never happened at the meeting.

    She stated categorically that none of this happened.

  • ‘Baloch protestors can stay in Islamabad, protest, or go back home. The choice is theirs’: IHC Chief Justice

    ‘Baloch protestors can stay in Islamabad, protest, or go back home. The choice is theirs’: IHC Chief Justice

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) raised concerns on Friday about the forced repatriation of Baloch protesters, who had experienced harsh police action the day before, back to their province.

    Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard a petition filed by Baloch protesters against unlawful detention, questioning why they were being “forcefully” sent back to Balochistan.

    “They can stay in Islamabad, protest, or go back home. The choice is theirs,” remarked Justice Aamer Farooq

    The police used brutal force on Wednesday night to disperse and detain Baloch demonstrators in Islamabad, who were protesting against enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings in their province.

    Over 200 protesters were taken into custody after encountering tear gas, water cannons, and police batons.

    The government later claimed that more than 90 per cent of the Baloch men and women in custody had been released, except for men “who could not be identified” by the police.

    However, during the IHC hearing on a petition seeking the release of detained Baloch protesters, it was revealed that over 50 Baloch women protesters had gone missing after police took action.

    The court instructed representatives of the protesters and their counsel to approach the Islamabad SSP (Investigation) to record their version and sought a report from the police.

    Petitioners’ counsel Attaullah Kundi and Imaan Mazari appeared before the court, explaining that the police had informed them that buses were waiting to take protesters back home.

    Kundi stated that the police chief had mentioned orders from the prime minister for the repatriation of protesters, and Baloch women were forcefully filled into buses. He further revealed that some Baloch students studying in Islamabad were also coerced into the buses.

    The court expressed displeasure and summoned IG Akbar Nasir in response. The police chief claimed to have arranged transport for the protesters, to which the court questioned why they were sent back forcefully. Chief Justice Farooq emphasized that the protesters had the choice to stay in Islamabad, protest, or go home.

    When asked how many protesters were in police custody, the IG replied that 216 Baloch men and women were at the Kohsar police station of which some had been sent on judicial remand. Out of these, 19 women were released, he added.

    Protesters at the Tarnol police station were released by the local magistrate while 162 detainees were sent on judicial remand, said IG Nasir.

    The court also asked about the number of women who were sent home, those released, and the ones staying at the hostel. It also directed the police chief to arrange a meeting of the women with their counsels.

    “You have to convince them that not one person is missing,” Justice Farooq emphasised.

    Journalist Hamid Mir and Ahmed Butt of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also provided insights during the hearing. Mir highlighted discrepancies in government statements, and Butt emphasized the constitutional right to protest in a democracy.

    The court directed the police chief to arrange a meeting between the detained women and their counsels and ensure transparency in the process.

    The IHC CJ further expressed displeasure over Wednesday night’s events, regretting the police action on protesters. “What kind of a society are we living in? Even if a common person is being unjust, public officeholders should always be careful,” he remarked.

    The court then instructed Kundi to oversee the entire matter and contact the IHC registrar’s office if there was a problem. It further said that all the women staying at the I-10 hostel be released.

    “I will issue a detailed order of today’s proceedings,” Justice Farooq said, adding that the next hearing would be conducted by Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb.

  • Dania Enwer shares valuable advice with fans

    Dania Enwer shares valuable advice with fans

    Actress and model Dania Enwer’s newest video is getting a lot of attention on Instagram.

    The popular star, known for her role in the ARY Digital serial ‘Adawat,’ posted the viral video on her Instagram, sharing her cheerful and lively side.
    “You healed the wounds on the rollercoaster called ‘LIFE’,” the text on the Dania Enwer’s video read. “Sometimes it is better to just let things be. Don’t fight for closure. Don’t expect people to understand where you are coming from. You chose to heal..instead of spreading pain. That’s strength.”

    The message encourages fans to stay strong no matter what challenges come their way.
    Enwer regularly shares glimpses of her personal and professional life on Instagram, and fans can’t get enough of it.

  • Mansha Pasha open to working in Bollywood with one actor

    Mansha Pasha open to working in Bollywood with one actor

    Popular Pakistani actress Mansha Pasha has said that she is open to the idea of working in Indian films. In a recent interview on a private TV show, Mansha talked about her life, career, and future plans in the entertainment world.

    She expressed excitement about the idea of working in Bollywood and specifically mentioned her interest in collaborating with Indian actor Jaideep Ahlawat if the opportunity arises.

    She stated, “I admire Jaideep as an actor, and I would be thrilled to work with him because a talented actor can elevate the entire project.”

    In response to another question, the ‘Surkh Chandni’ actor shared that she had never thought about choosing acting as a profession and was always more interested in behind-the-camera jobs, including direction, production and screenwriting.
    Mansha Pasha thanked veteran actor Adnan Siddiqui for recognizing her talent while they were working together. He encouraged her to step in front of the camera and pursue acting.

  • ‘I am more experienced than Barrister Gohar,’ Latif Khosa

    ‘I am more experienced than Barrister Gohar,’ Latif Khosa

    In a recent interview on Geo News’ program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath,’ senior vice president of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Latif Khosa, took a swipe at the party’s newly appointed chairman Barrister Gohar.

    Khosa expressed confidence in assuming a leadership role after Imran Khan.

    Directing criticism at Barrister Gohar, Khosa stated that the lawyer lacks the experience that he possesses. He emphasized his role as the senior vice president within PTI, positioning himself as a contender for leadership after Imran Khan.

    During the conversation, Khosa emphasized that, unlike the situation with Nawaz Sharif, the judiciary was not biased in favor of PTI.

    He highlighted the trial without jurisdiction in the Toshakhana case, stating that the punishment given was incorrect and could be rectified through a review order.

    Khosa asserted that the subsequent disqualification of Imran Khan by the Election Commission as a consequence of delaying the sentence was rushed, occurring within three days instead of the stipulated 30 days.

    He further stated that the basic rights of Imran Khan were being apprehended by the courts.

    Khosa mentioned that the situation is leading to uncertainty and keeping PTI out of elections means that the elections are not free and fair.

  • Pictures: Mahira Khan celebrates birthday with son, husband

    Pictures: Mahira Khan celebrates birthday with son, husband

    Newlywed Mahira Khan celebrated her birthday on Wednesday with her son Azlan and husband Saleem Karim, and the pictures have us screaming in joy.

    The superstar shared photos and videos of her 39th birthday on Instagram, looking happy and excited to be with her loved ones for the big day.

    Fans are loving the photos and videos of Mahira cutting the cake with her son Azlan.

    Mahira Khan got married to her friend, businessman Saleem Karim, a few months ago, in a private ceremony in PC Bhurban, attended only by close friends and relatives. Photos of the couple and the mother-son duo took social media by storm, with fans swooning over the romantic destination wedding.

  • Is Bilawal expected to shake ‘Takht-e-Lahore’?

    Is Bilawal expected to shake ‘Takht-e-Lahore’?

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has decided to challenge the Sharif brothers in Lahore, famously known as Takht-e-Lahore, for a high voltage competition in the metropolitan, Azaz Syed has reported for Geo News on Friday.

    The report states that the PPP chief has decided to contest elections from Lahore’s NA-128 constituency in Lahore, traditionally the stronghold of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), with the party securing a majority of seats from the provincial capital in the last many elections.

    Along with Bilawal, Hafiz Mohiuddin, and party stalwart Misbah-ur-Rehman will file nomination papers for provincial assembly seats in the same constituency, PPP sources told Geo.

    Bilawal is expected to file nomination papers today (Friday) as December 22 is the last date for the submission of nomination papers.
    Although several political parties PML-N have sought an extension on the deadline, no decision has been taken by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) so far.

    PML-N’s Mian Ahmed Subhan will contest elections against the PPP chief in the NA-128 constituency.

    Lawyer Salman Akram Raja from PTI is expected to compete against Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

  • Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi get bail from Supreme Court in cipher case

    Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi get bail from Supreme Court in cipher case

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday approved post-arrest bail for former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case.

    The PTI founder and vice-chairman were indicted in the cipher case by a special court established under the Official Secrets Act 2023 after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared their jail trial null and void.

    During proceedings today, the top court heard the petition against Khan and Qureshi’s October 23 indictment, as reported by Maryam Nawaz on Geo News.

    At the outset of the hearing, Justice Masood remarked that the indictment that was challenged was already nullified by the IHC on November 21.
    As a result, Imran and Qureshi’s Oct 23 indictments in the case also stood null and void, and the trial was conducted again.

    Justice Masood said that the fresh indictment will not be affected by the previous proceedings that were declared invalid by the IHC.

    At this, Khan’s counsel Hamid Khan argued that the trial was taking place on the previous charge sheet.

    Justice Masood said that the petition against the old charge sheet has become infructuous. “If you have an objection to the fresh indictment then challenge it in the high court,” the judge told the lawyer.

    To this, Hamid requested the court to wait for the Islamabad High Court’s decision today against the in-camera trial in the cipher case.

    Khan’s other counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, said that Hamid had made amendments to his petitions, requesting the court to accept it as a fresh one.

    The court then adjourned the hearing on the plea against indictment while the hearing on bail pleas got underway.