Tag: Pakistan

  • Does AP Dhillon’s ‘With You’ sound similar to Pakistan’s ‘Tum Mil Gaye’?

    Does AP Dhillon’s ‘With You’ sound similar to Pakistan’s ‘Tum Mil Gaye’?

    Is there a slight chance that AP Dhillon’s hit song ‘With You’ is a copy of the same beat that the Vital Signs 90s hit ‘Tum Mil Gaye’ used?

    Commentator Ahmer Naqvi raised the question when he pointed out that the first few beats of both songs sound intriguingly similar.

    We are placing both songs here and allowing the audience to make their own judgement.

    Other X users chimed in to say that they could notice the similarities.

    https://twitter.com/umerbinajmal/status/1699010359674224950?s=20

    But it seems like AP Dhillon has seemingly debunked these rumors, with a pinned comment by the producer Rebbel below the ‘Without You’ music video which reads:

    “This beat is not copied or stolen. It’s produced by me and AP Dhillon rightfully purchased this beat off me and now owns the exclusive rights. I’m grateful to have been part of this record.”

  • Sugar prices soar to record highs, adding to woes of inflation-hit masses in Pakistan

    Sugar prices soar to record highs, adding to woes of inflation-hit masses in Pakistan

    Sugar prices across Pakistan have hit an all-time high, casting a cloud of concern and inconvenience among its populace. In a dramatic turn of events, the sugar market landscape underwent significant fluctuations, causing consumers to feel the pinch while traders and policymakers raced to decipher the root cause. 

    Reports from various regions of the country reveal staggering price disparities. In the southwestern province of Balochistan, the town of Chaman witnessed the highest sugar prices, with the sweet commodity soaring to an astonishing PKR 230 per kilogramme. Meanwhile, in the central Punjab town of Arifwala, the price of sugar reached PKR 185 per kilogramme, perplexing both buyers and sellers alike. 

    However, amidst this tumultuous surge in sugar prices, Karachi experienced a minor respite as wholesale prices dropped by PKR 2 to settle at PKR 176 per kilogram. Yet, the relief was not fully passed on to consumers, with the retail price stubbornly clinging to PKR 190 per kilogramme, as reported by the PPI news agency via Dawn. 

    The question on everyone’s mind: What led to this unprecedented rise in sugar prices? 

    The shocking escalation in sugar prices came on the heels of growing concerns expressed by Pakistan’s caretaker government regarding depleting sugar stocks. Dawn’s report identifies rising sugarcane prices and court orders as the primary contributors to the spiralling sugar prices. 

    Furthermore, dealers have attributed the surge to a logistical nightmare, where the supply of sugar was severely disrupted due to vehicles getting stranded on national highways following the suspension of permits.

    Senator Taj Haider added another layer of complexity to the issue, alleging that former minister Rana Sanaullah allowed a massive 1.4 million tonnes of sugar to be smuggled, thus exacerbating the crisis.

    In this blame game, Haider emphasised that Naveed Qamar, Pakistan’s former Commerce Minister, had officially authorised the export of approximately 250,000 metric tonnes of sugar to bolster foreign exchange reserves. He vehemently defended his party colleague, rejecting any implication that Qamar was responsible for the ongoing sugar shortage. 

    Read more: Saudi Arabia to invest $25 billion in Pakistan over five years

    The repercussions of the sudden sugar price surge have further deepened the financial woes of the Pakistani people, who are already grappling with the burdensome weight of inflation. The situation has prompted policymakers, traders, and citizens alike to closely monitor the ever-changing dynamics of the sugar market. 

    As Pakistan grapples with the sugar crisis, the nation remains hopeful for a sweet resolution that can alleviate the hardships faced by its people in these challenging times. 

  • Fact Check: Did the Army Chief say ‘No political party is sincere with Pakistan?’

    Fact Check: Did the Army Chief say ‘No political party is sincere with Pakistan?’

    On Sept 4, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir pledged unwavering efforts to attract foreign investment and rejuvenate the economy during an extensive meeting with members of the business community. In the meeting, he engaged openly and candidly with them.

    The controversy started when a renowned businessman Zubair Motiwala appeared in Nadeem Malik’s program on Samaa TV and said during the live show that the Army Chief said that no political party is sincere with Pakistan. Motiwala was unable to complete his statement as his line was disconnected. A clip of his statement went viral online soon after.

    Today, senior journalist and anchorperson Saleem Safi took to X (formerly Twitter) and said that his sources have revealed that the Army Chief did not said anything like this. He stated that the Chief’s actual words were, “Every political party has good and bad people.”

    The Current reached out to Safi to get a confirmation about his tweet. He said that he confirmed with three people who were present at the meeting that the statement was not said. He said that ISPR also confirmed that the statement was not said by the Army Chief. He also predicted that Motiwala would clarify his statement himself in a few hours.

  • School principal arrested after blackmailing, raping women

    School principal arrested after blackmailing, raping women

    The principal of a private school in Gulshan-i-Hadeed, Karachi has been taken into custody after allegations of raping and blackmailing women, DAWN has reported.

    The news outlet spoke with Steel Town police Station House Officer (SHO) Nand Lal on Monday. The school principal was detained as videos of the alleged rape incidents made rounds on social media.

    The principal has admitted to the allegations that he raped women after promising them job opportunities, then recording their videos to blackmail them.

    The principal himself has been blackmailed by an extortionist who demanded Rs 10 lacs after acquiring the videos. Details of the alleged blackmailer, however, have not been revealed.

    The school principal had filed an application against the alleged extortionist at Malir City Police Station. But before the two parties could possibly reach an agreement, the police became involved in the case and arrested the principal.

    The SHO further said that a First Information Report (FIR) is to be registered against him on behalf of the state through a police officer. None of the man’s victims have resorted to the police as of yet.

    Meanwhile, according to Malir Senior Superintendent of Police Hassan Sardar, 25 videos have been recovered from the suspect. Through these video, five of the women allegedly raped have been identified.

    Further action taken:

    Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Sindh Inspector General of Police Riffat Mukhtar Raja have taken notice of the case and have called for action against the culprits.

    Additionally, the Sindh Education and Literacy Department has sealed the school “immediately” and held a probe into the matter.
    Dawn quoted from a letter from the Education and Literacy Department acting Director General, Muhammad Afzal addressed to Malir deputy commissioner (DC):

    “As per the record of this directorate, the school is not registered with the relevant authority and it is functioning without any legal status,”

    The DC has also been asked to probe into the case “with full length and immediately seal the school premises”.

  • Saudi Arabia to invest $25 billion in Pakistan over five years: PM Kakar

    Saudi Arabia to invest $25 billion in Pakistan over five years: PM Kakar

    On Monday, Interim Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) intends to invest a substantial sum of up to $25 billion in Pakistan over the next two to five years.

    During a media briefing, PM Kakar explained that Saudi Arabia’s investment focus will primarily encompass the mining, agriculture, and information technology sectors. This initiative aims to boost foreign direct investment in Pakistan, which is currently facing financial challenges. 

    If this investment materialises, it will mark the largest-ever commitment by Saudi Arabia to Pakistan. The country is grappling with a pressing need for funds to address its trade deficit and repay international loans in the ongoing fiscal year. 

    While specific projects earmarked for Saudi investment were not disclosed during the meeting, Barrick Gold Corp. expressed interest last month in partnering with Saudi Arabia’s wealth fund for the Reko Diq mine in Pakistan. 

    Kakar emphasised that Pakistan holds substantial untapped mineral resources valued conservatively at $6 trillion. Additionally, the government intends to expedite two privatisation transactions, likely involving state-owned power sector entities, within the next six months. There is also a plan to privatise another government-owned company, preferably outside the energy sector. 

    Read more: Business community finds hope as COAS Munir vows to tackle corruption and boost investment  

    It’s worth noting that privatisation efforts in Pakistan have faced challenges in the past, as the sale of state assets is a politically sensitive issue that previous elected governments have largely avoided. 

    Currently, Pakistan is navigating a challenging path to economic recovery under a caretaker administration, following the approval of a $3 billion loan plan by the International Monetary Fund in July, which prevented a sovereign debt default. Islamabad is confronted with a balance of payments crisis and requires substantial funds to rectify its trade deficit and settle outstanding debts. 

  • Sindh’s caretaker Interior Minister has unique solution for mobile snatching

    Sindh’s caretaker Interior Minister has unique solution for mobile snatching

    With an increase in street crimes, the caretaker Interior Minister Sindh, Brigadier (R) Haris Nawaz, has suggestions for locals as to how they should protect their valuables.

    Thefts and robberies are a major problem for the people of Karachi. The most common of the street crimes is mobile snatching.

    While talking to the media, Haris Nawaz said that people should keep the mobile phone in a place where it cannot be stolen, or keep the mobile phone in an inner pocket.

    He stated that citizens should look out for themselves by staying safe as well as help the government and the police.

    His statement led to social media asking what would the government do, if citizens are supposed to do its job.

    People react

    https://twitter.com/HishamKhan1998/status/1698970013867049247?s=20

  • Shehbaz, Dar should return to Pakistan immediately, says Khawaja Asif

    Shehbaz, Dar should return to Pakistan immediately, says Khawaja Asif

    Khawaja Asif, senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), has said that despite the fact that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s return is not possible until October, party president Shehbaz Sharif and senior leader Ishaq Dar should come back to Pakistan immediately as the public is angry about the economic crisis and inflation in the country.

    “There is no doubt there are countless [causes of unrest] for the people, and there is only one solution to this. We must constantly… constantly stay in touch with the people, so they can see us,” Asif stressed, adding that keeping distance from the public is not a solution.

    The former defence minister said this while talking on Geo News’ programme, ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath’.

    Khawja Asif said that Shehbaz Sharif and the former finance minister should come back and tackle the criticism the party has been facing.

    He also mentioned that the PML-N Vice President is constantly in touch with the public.

    “All of us MNAs are sitting in our constituencies,” he added.

    The former defence minister stated that the PML-N was part of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), so one party could not be held responsible for the economic crisis in the country.

  • Business community finds hope as COAS Munir vows to tackle corruption and boost investment 

    Business community finds hope as COAS Munir vows to tackle corruption and boost investment 

     
    In response to the pressing economic crisis facing the country, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has pledged unwavering efforts to attract foreign investment and rejuvenate the economy, as reported by The News on Tuesday. General Munir made these assurances during a recent extensive meeting with members of the business community, where he engaged openly and candidly with them. 

    During an appearance on Geo News‘ “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath” programme on Monday, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, expressed optimism following their meeting with the army chief. He revealed that General Munir had conveyed discussions of a potential $25 billion investment from Saudi Arabia, encompassing sectors such as IT, minerals, agriculture, and defence. 

    Highlighting a pivotal development, General Munir disclosed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman had committed to depositing $10 billion of this investment in the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), to be reimbursed in Pakistani rupees or goods, thereby bolstering foreign exchange reserves. 

    General Munir also acknowledged the bureaucratic obstacles hindering investment and emphasised the establishment of a Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to streamline processes and eliminate bureaucratic impediments. He assured that this initiative would protect investors from interference, bureaucratic hurdles, or legal complications. 

    Irfan Iqbal Sheikh further mentioned that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had both pledged $25 billion in investments, with Qatar and Kuwait following suit with similar commitments. 

    General Munir expressed determination to combat corruption, particularly by curbing land-grabbing and extortion mafias. To this end, he announced the formation of four task forces to address issues related to the Federal Board of Revenue of Pakistan (FBR), border control, smuggling, and social media, aiming to improve the overall situation. 

    Sheikh stressed that the business community had grown disillusioned but found renewed courage and hope through the army chief’s commitments. 

    Meanwhile, Business Group Chairman Zubair Motiwala noted the distinct approach of General Munir in engaging with traders compared to his predecessors. He highlighted the COAS’s efforts to revive the economy through engagements in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and upcoming visits to Qatar and Kuwait. 

    Motiwala reported that General Munir had instructed the corps commander to prevent the influx of Iranian diesel into Karachi and issued directives to address land encroachments, corruption, and law enforcement issues. 

    General Munir also emphasised that only registered Afghan refugees would be allowed to stay in Pakistan, while the rest would need to return to their home country. He conveyed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s concerns regarding corruption and bureaucracy in Pakistan. 

    Motiwala further disclosed discussions about the charter of the economy with General Munir, expressing hope that such substantial investments would significantly improve the economic conditions in the country. 

    He also pointed out that state-owned enterprises were incurring significant losses, amounting to Rs1,300 billion, and stressed the need for action, noting that political governments might not fully embrace privatisation but would seek to relieve this burden. General Munir expressed his understanding of the government’s approach to this issue and its commitment to addressing it comprehensively. 

  • Bushra Bibi files petition to avoid possible arrest

    Bushra Bibi files petition to avoid possible arrest

    Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, has moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) to stop authorities from arresting her, asking for details of all the cases including undisclosed first information reports (FIRs) registered against her.

    The petition, filed through Advocate Mushtaq Ahmad Mohal on Monday, states that after the illegal removal of the petitioner’s husband from the office of the prime minister, political victimization of the petitioner, her husband and other family members has been initiated by federal and provincial governments as well as law enforcement agencies, all of whom are respondents in the petition.

    Bushra Bibi has pleaded that FIRs against her have been kept secret by the respondents to bar her from seeking pre-arrest bail. The respondents include the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Anti Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab, and police.

    “That act of the respondents regarding lodging false, frivolous, baseless and concocted FIRs against the petitioner and to conceal the FIRs numbers, police stations, districts, dates and provinces clearly indicates that the respondents intend to arrest the petitioner without providing an opportunity to get the relief from competent courts of law in the shape of anticipatory bails and pre-arrest bails and to get the FIRs secret against the petitioner at the behest of the respondents is not warranted by law, so law and justice demand that the respondents be directed to submit list of all criminal cases registered against the petitioner throughout in Pakistan, so that the petitioner may approach the competent courts of law, for redress of her grievances,” the petition read.

    It further requested for an order against arresting Bushra Bibi in any case till the provision of the details of case. The hearing of the petition is fixed before the court of Justice Alia Neelum.

    READ MORE: PDM is not ready to talk with Imran

  • ‘Woman spoke to me for a long time because she thought I was Hamza Ali Abbasi’s wife’: Nawal Saeed

    Ever thought that how embarrassing it is to be chatting with someone and then discovering that they mistook you for someone else? Actress Nawal Saeed had the same experience when elaborating at the Geo show ‘Hasna Mana Hai’ about the time, a stranger praised her and then realised she was not Hamza Ali Abbasi’s wife, Naimal Khawar.

    The actress recalled meeting a sweet old woman who kept compliment her work “And after 5 minutes, she went like, ‘I had really wished to meet Hamza’s [Ali Abbasi] wife’,” she joked.

    The ‘Banno’ actress had then revealed she kindly corrected the elderly fan that she was Nawal, not Naimal, but the fan was disappointed that her time was wasted.