Tag: Pakistan

  • Buy online Biryani, get ‘Chipkali’ free

    Buy online Biryani, get ‘Chipkali’ free

    An Indian Hyderabad family recently experienced a horrifying dining ordeal that can send shivers down anyone’s spine at the mere thought of accidentally eating a reptile.

    Their Zomato-ordered chicken biryani from Bawarchi Biryani, located at the RTC Crossroads, came with an unexpected and unwelcome addition—a dead lizard.

    The disturbing incident unfolded as a self-indulgent treat turning into a cause for concern, with a lifeless lizard discovered in the online-ordered chicken biryani. The shocking scenes, captured in a video, have since surfaced on the internet, leaving viewers in disbelief.

    Reportedly, Vishwa Aditya from DD Colony, Amberpet, placed an online order for chicken biryani on Zomato. However, upon receiving the parcel, they were greeted with the unpleasant sight of a dead lizard nestled amidst the rice.

    The matter gained attention after Telugu Scribe posted a video and images on X (former ) Twitter, exposing the unsettling incident.

    The tweet stated, “Live Lizard in Chicken Biryani at Loni Bavarchi Hotel Hyderabad RTC Cross Road. Vishwa Aditya from DD Colony, Amberpet ordered chicken biryani online on Zomato. The family members allege that the chicken biryani brought by Zomato Boy got a lizard. The family members got worried as the Bavarchi management gave a negligent reply.”

    Zomato reacted to the video with, ‘We are looking into it immediately – if you would like to share any additional details with us, please reach out via DM.’

  • Dhoop Kinare, Fairy Tale: dramas that are our favourite example of the ‘she fell first, he fell harder’ trope

    Dhoop Kinare, Fairy Tale: dramas that are our favourite example of the ‘she fell first, he fell harder’ trope

    Everyone who uses the internet knows about the beloved trope ‘she fell first, but he fell harder’, and how it keeps on winning the hearts of audiences. In this trope, it is the woman who falls first, but becomes a cynic after getting rejected. Later, the man learns from his mistake and falls even more in love with the woman than she does with him.

    We know Pakistani dramas aren’t the first things that come to mind when you think about well-written male leads who aren’t misogynist man-children, but there have been rare occasions when we got to see what happens when romance dramas empower women, and actually don’t rely on depressing tropes to generate interest for the audience.

    Fairy Tale

    Starting with the drama that really proved how much Pakistani women needed to see a healthy romance where the male lead’s ego did not rely on taking away another woman’s independence and vivacious nature. Farjaad starts off as the typical saroo man with a strict schedule he refuses to break for any woman. When Umeed enters his life, he dismisses her off as too careless and irresponsible for him. But the way this man shifts positions, doing everything to prove his love for Umeed, made the internet sob oceans because can’t Pakistani men take a blueprint from Farjaad?

    Dude started the show as someone who is completely cold and aloof and after marriage, he began learning how to make tea just because he promised Umeed? He was the strict one whom no one could ever think of displeasing, but is now purchasing a shop to help Umeed fulfil her dream of owning a chai business? Kudos to Sarah Majeed for spoiling us with this show. There’s no way we’re setting our standards low after Farjaad.

    Ankahi

    Every one remembers the cult classic show with a brilliant performance by Shehnaz Sheikh as the hilarious Sana, but few people talk about the love story between her and Taimur, the sariyal boss who grows to fall in love with her. Taimur starts off as a cold and brutal boss who makes Sana miserable as his secretary, but soon her lovable nature and warmth makes him fall for her. His unfamiliarity with love holds him back when he realises how good of a match Faraz is for Sana. In the last moments of the show, the audience realises how much Taimur has fallen for Sana and wants to find happiness with her, but knows she would be happier with Faraz so lets her go.

    Dhoop Kinare

    Haseena Moin, you were the absolute best. Even today, your dramas continue to inspire viewers with portrayals of complex and empowered women. Dhoop Kinare was startlingly unique, with three dimensional interesting characters, and an endearing love story between the two leads. Dr Ahmer Ansari originally clashes with Dr Zoya Ali Khan, a new intern at the hospital where he is the most respected doctor. He calls her careless, while continuing being cold and aloof, while Zoya’s carefree and warm nature continues to win hearts at the hospital, eventually winning him over too.

  • ‘Nawaz Sharif responsible for May 9 riots,’ Imran Khan

    ‘Nawaz Sharif responsible for May 9 riots,’ Imran Khan

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently under arrest, has said that he will ask the court to summon General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, former Army Chief, in connection with the cipher case. Imran Khan shared this information during an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail.

    Imran Khan explained the circumstances of his arrest, stating that it was all part of London’s plan. He drew a parallel with Nawaz Sharif, stating that after the London plan, Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan. He further claimed that Nawaz Sharif is responsible for 9 May incidents.

    Journalist Azaz Syed posted in a tweet that, “Imran Khan while talking to reporters in the jail (during the jail trial) said that I will summon Gen Bajwa to the court , he (Bajwa) did all on the directions of Donald Lu , I will also bring US Embassy officials and Gen Bajwa in doc (as witness).He said that Donald Lu took the cypher to Gen Bajwa, it was meant for Bajwa. “They wanted to remove me. They are trying to do with me what they did with Sheikh Mujib,” Imran reportedly said. He added that he can give in writing that his party will win the elections.

    Imran Khan, also the former Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleged that General Bajwa had acted on the instructions of US diplomat Donald Lu, asserting that he would ensure that General Bajwa faced the court for his actions.

    Responding to a question, Imran Khan emphasized that he had not engaged in any negotiations for a deal, declaring his readiness to submit a written statement affirming that PTI would emerge victorious in the elections.

    He further stated that he has faced no difficulties in jail and considers incarceration a form of worship.

    In response to queries about PTI leaders leaving the party, Imran Khan expressed gratitude for those departing, considering it a positive development.

    It’s important to note that a special court, established under the Secret Act, has set December 12 as the date to formally charge Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the Safdar case. The case involves the alleged altercation with law enforcement at the Quaid’s mausoleum during Maryam Nawaz’s rally.

    Former prime minister Imran Khan has claimed that neither he met anyone in jail nor did somebody negotiate with him. He also stressed that the PTI will win the elections.

    Khan made these remarks while answering a reporter’s question, in his first interaction with the media since being imprisoned, about whether someone held negotiations with him.

    Recalling the events of May 9, the former PTI chairman said Dr Yasmin Rashid can be clearly seen asking people not to go inside the Lahore Corps Commander House. He added that CCTV footage could be seen to check who led the miscreants inside.  

    Furthermore, Khan said false accusations had been made through Khawar Maneka, adding that these were morally corrupt people. 

    “I can say on oath that I saw Bushra Bibi on the day of the marriage,” he insisted.

    Imran Khan said he wanted to convey a message that the “kaptaan” was ready to fight till his last breath. He further alleged that the so-called London Plan was meant to bring back PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, jail all PTI officials and finish the party.

    “I am making it clear to you today that the PTI will win the elections,” the former PTI chief said, adding that looking at the situation, it was feared they would run away from elections.

    He further commented on the economy, saying that growth has dropped from 6.17 to zero. “People are not mad; they know what these people have done.”

    On the other hand, Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a reporter he did not need any office within the party. The former minister was responding to a journalist’s statement that Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had been made the PTI chairman.

    “I stood by Khan yesterday; I am standing today and will continue to do so in the future,” Qureshi asserted. He added that he was at a stage where he did not need a position.

    He further urged the supporters of the former PTI chairman to go out of their houses and cast their votes. He added that he was in the hearts of Imran Khan and the people of the PTI.

  • EU will not send full observation team for upcoming elections

    EU will not send full observation team for upcoming elections

    The European Union (EU) has told the government of Pakistan that it will not be possible to send a full election observation mission to Pakistan as it did last time in the 2018 elections, The News has reported on Monday.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had invited an EU observation mission for upcoming election on February 8 next year. The EU observation mission has already monitored polls five times in the country.

    In 2018, a team of 10 observers and 60 analysts from the EU visited Pakistan. On Election Day, it deployed a total of 122 observers.

    After that, the mission shared its final report in October 2018 and provided 30 recommendations to make the election process better in the future. The eight recommendations were identified as priorities among  30.

    “Only a small mission of experts will visit Pakistan during the elections in 2024, while no recommendations or political assessments of the voting will be presented to the Pakistan government. The EU will not be sending a full-blown election observation mission. Those need several months in advance to plan and budget for,” EU Ambassador to Pakistan Ms Riina Kionka told The News.

    The ECP has encouraged the Foreign Office to take necessary steps to invite international observers to observe the transparency of the upcoming general elections.

    The ECP also said that it believes in an open-door policy and embraces the presence of an observation team during the forthcoming general elections.

  • Attack on passenger bus in Chilas; Protests Erupt, Bus Service Suspended

    Attack on passenger bus in Chilas; Protests Erupt, Bus Service Suspended

    In a tragic incident in the Chilas area of Gilgit-Baltistan’s(GB) Diamer district, a passenger bus en route to Rawalpindi was targeted by unknown assailants on December 2. The attack resulted in the loss of at least nine lives, including two soldiers, and injuries to 21 passengers.

    The attackers fired from nearby hills, causing the bus to collide with a goods truck.

    Six people have been arrested in connection with the attack, according to a local police official as per Dawn.

    The bus (Number BLN 4647) was traveling from Gahkuch, the district headquarters of Ghizer, operated by K2 Travels, a private transportation company.

    This isn’t the first time passenger buses have been attacked on the KKH by terrorists. Unlike the past attacks, in which passengers from the Shia community were targetted, this time the victims are not from a particular faith group.

    Contrary to previous incidents in the region, GB Home Minister Shams Lone emphasized that this attack was not sectarian but rather a terrorist act that claimed lives from various backgrounds.

    The local community in Diamer has reportedly rejected such acts, and the government has assured the public of taking tough measures against the perpetrators.

    The minister said that the GB government has taken “tough decisions” to deal with militants and “all culprits will be arrested soon”.

    He added that religious scholars from all sects, civil society and political parties have condemned the attack.

    GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, along with other top officials, attended the funeral of the victims and announced compensation of Rs1 million for the deceased, Rs500,000 for the seriously injured, and Rs300,000 for other injured passengers.

    The government has also implemented security measures, including daytime travel for passenger vehicles through Diamer in convoys escorted by security personnel.

    Protests

    Protests erupted across Chilas, Gilgit, Skardu, and Hunza, with the transporters’ association calling for protection for vehicles traveling on the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

    Bus Service Suspended

    In response to the incident, bus services from Rawalpindi to Gilgit-Baltistan remain suspended until foolproof security is provided, as stated by Malik Shahbaz, the general secretary of the Pakistan Transporter Welfare Association.

    Malik Shahbaz, the general secretary of the Pakistan Transporter Welfare Association, told Dawn that 150 to 200 coaches and buses operate from Rawalpindi to 10 GB districts daily.

    He claimed that only one security official on a motorcycle is deputed to escort the convoy of buses along the 50-kilometer-long stretch of the KKH in Chilas.

    “The public transport service will remain suspended until the provision of foolproof security to Gilgit-bound buses,” Mr Shahbaz said.

    The Pakistan Association of Tour Operators also condemned the attack and said the act of violence not only resulted in the loss of innocent lives but had a profound impact on the tourism industry as well. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy.”

    Security Enhanced

    Meanwhile, Islamabad Capital City Police Officer(ICCPO) Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan issued directives to enhance security measures in the Diplomatic Enclave following the attack.

    “Police remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment and ensuring the protection of the lives and property of the citizens within the federal capital,” he said.

    “Citizens are urged to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activities or items by dialling helpline Pucar 15 or at ICT-15 app,” he said.

  • Climate change hitting home once again with wildfire in forests of Balochistan

    Climate change hitting home once again with wildfire in forests of Balochistan

    A fire has broken out over the weekend in the forests of Sherani and Musakhail, divisions close to the border area of Balochistan, reports Geo.

    This is not the first time that these regions have been caught in a wildfire as last year in May, another fire destroyed a vast cultivation of Chilgoza pine plants spread on almost 30 square kilometer area. The fire lingered on for more than 10 days and took the lives of three people.

    Deputy Commissioner Musakhail Zulfiqar Kirar has employed Levies Force and fireballs to curb the fire in the mountainous forests. As cars can not reach the region, the Levies force is heading the firefighting effort on foot. He further said that inmates of the two houses have been relocated due to the fire. The operation will continue all night while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) will remain in close coordination with the administration.

    Caretaker Chief Minister Balochistan Ali Mardan Domki has also directed officials to stop the spread of the fire.

  • JUI-F claims that Maulana Fazlur Rehman will be the president of Pakistan

    JUI-F claims that Maulana Fazlur Rehman will be the president of Pakistan

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) claimed on Sunday that party chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will become the president of Pakistan whether the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) or Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) win the upcoming elections on February 8 next year.

    Currently, Dr. Arif Alvi is the head of the state under Article 44 of the Constitution, which allows the president to work in the absence of provincial and national assemblies, which were dissolved early this year in January and August, respectively.

    Alvi is the fourth head of state to complete his full term. The previous three presidents who completed their five-year terms were the fifth president Fazal Ilahi Chaudhry (1973–1988), the 11th president Asif Ali Zardari (2008–2013), and the 12th president Mamnoon Hussain (2013–2018).

    In an interview, JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah said that if Fazlur Rehman can be the head of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), then he can also be the president of the country as well.

    Hafiz Hamdullah also criticised PML-N and PPP for “keeping an eye” on Balochistan.  

    “Father-son and father-daughter duos keep an eye on Balochistan’s [politics], let’s see what results it bears [in future],” he said.

  • Pakistan set to host US officials for crucial bilateral talks 

    Pakistan set to host US officials for crucial bilateral talks 

    In a confirmation made by the foreign office spokesperson on Sunday, Pakistan is set to host successive visits by senior US officials, marking a continuation of bilateral consultations between the two nations.  

    According to Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the foreign office spokesperson, Pakistan and the United States are actively engaged in discussions on a spectrum of issues, prompting the need for reciprocal visits to facilitate and further these consultations. 

    Scheduled to commence on December 4, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Julieta Valls Noyes, is expected to visit Pakistan until December 6.  

    Following her visit, the Special Representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West, is slated to be in Islamabad from December 7 to 9. Subsequently, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Pakistan, Elizabeth Horst, is scheduled to visit from December 9 to 12. 

    The spokesperson for the foreign office emphasised that these visits are integral to the ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the US, with a primary focus on addressing issues pertaining to Afghanistan. Notably, the discussions are not confined solely to matters related to Afghanistan but encompass a broader spectrum of bilateral concerns. 

    According to the US State Department, Julieta Valls Noyes will engage with senior government officials as well as representatives from non-governmental organisations and international partners.  

    The purpose of her visit is outlined as discussions on “shared efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and accelerate safe, efficient relocation and resettlement of Afghan refugees in the US immigration pipeline.” 

    These diplomatic engagements underscore the commitment of both nations to maintain an open dialogue and collaborate on multifaceted challenges, with a particular emphasis on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. 

  • China to assist Pakistan in improving crop growth through advanced farming

    China to assist Pakistan in improving crop growth through advanced farming

    Liu Jianming, Deputy Party Secretary and Deputy Political Commissar of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, announced that China is set to extend support to Pakistan by providing top-quality, disease-resistant, high-yield hybrid seeds for cotton, canola, and wheat crops. 

    The objective is to achieve robust crop production while simultaneously addressing the escalating demands of the textile industry and earning essential foreign exchange. During his visit to the head office of Guard Agricultural Research and Services, he emphasised, “We aim for enhanced crop production through modern mechanised agricultural farming,” according to a news release. 

    Furthermore, Liu affirmed that China will collaborate with Pakistan in the production of cotton hybrid seeds, encompassing sunflower, maize, sesame, and other varieties. He also mentioned that China would share its successful experience with “Water Saving Technology.” 

    Expressing appreciation for the research activities of Guard Agriculture Research, Liu stated that all nine members of the delegation were keenly interested and extended an invitation to visit China for one-on-one interactions with stakeholders. 

    Liu asserted, “Together, we can leverage the power of innovation to address the challenges confronting the agricultural sector in Pakistan,” underscoring China’s readiness to provide technical expertise, research collaboration, and necessary resources for the development of cutting-edge hybrid seeds. 

    Highlighting the significance of the agriculture sector, he mentioned that China is eager to support Pakistan in hybrid seeds, with the shared goal of enhancing crop productivity and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Deputy Consul General Cao Ke was also present during the occasion. 

    According to APP, earlier in the event, Shahzad Ali Malik, CEO of Guard Agri, extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation. He informed them, “We are pioneers in developing the first-ever Guard Hitech hybrid rice seed, which not only doubled production but also significantly increased farmers’ profitability in Pakistan.” 

    Malik mentioned that Guard Agri has been actively engaged in research since 1999 in collaboration with the Longping Chinese Company. He added that their rice is exported to 41 countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The CEO emphasised ongoing research in rice, wheat, cotton, maize, oilseed, and vegetables in various stations across Punjab and Sindh provinces. 

    “Pakistan aims to enhance the production of all crops through modern technology and Chinese expertise,” Malik stated, expressing gratitude to the Chinese delegation for visiting Pioneer Company. He accepted their invitation to visit Xinjiang Province for further cooperation and collaboration in the agriculture sector. 

    Subsequently, Liu and Shahzad exchanged souvenirs to mark the occasion. 

  • Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reach consensus on long-awaited GCC free trade agreement

    Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reach consensus on long-awaited GCC free trade agreement

    Pakistan’s Commerce and Industries Minister, Dr Gohar Ejaz, led an official delegation to Saudi Arabia. The delegation included secretaries from the Ministry of Commerce, the Board of Investment (BOI), and officials from the Attorney General’s Office. 

    They engaged in discussions with the GCC Chief Negotiator to finalise the investment-related aspects of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Technical teams delved into details such as investment protection and facilitation. 

    Dr Ejaz expressed optimism about strengthening economic ties and highlighted the significance of the investment chapter. 

    The GCC FTA is anticipated to enhance trade, investment, and job opportunities between Pakistan and the GCC. 

    Both parties are considering a joint business forum to further promote economic collaboration, and Dr Ejaz expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the GCC.