Tag: Pakistan

  • Pakistan football team may receive Indian Visa today

    Pakistan football team may receive Indian Visa today

    Members of the Pakistani football team may receive their visas today (Monday) to tour India for participation in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru from June 21 to July 4.

    When geo.tv correspondent reached out to All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Secretary General Shaji Parbharkaram about updates on the Pakistan team’s India’s visas, he replied via WhatsApp: “It will be done tomorrow.”

    AIFF is doing its best to manage visas for the Pakistan team, who will be going to India after nine years.

    According to sources, Pakistan team officials were set to go to India’s High Commission in Mauritius to pick up their passports on Sunday. However, they were told by the PFF Normalisation Committee to wait as AIFF was trying to manage visas for the Pakistan team.

    Pakistan team was scheduled to fly for India on Sunday at 11:30am, but it could not do so as the visas were not yet issued.

    Team management had told Mauritius football authorities that they would be able to get Indian visas on Monday (today), and they have cooperated in accommodation.

    Pakistan team is currently in the same hotel where it was for the four-nation football event, which ended on Saturday.

    Djibouti emerged as champions of the event after they downed Pakistan 3-1 in their final game on Saturday.

    According to team sources, if on Monday the team fails to get visas, then their further stay in Mauritius might be managed by Pakistan itself, which will be costly.

    “You cannot feel in what mental agony we have been for the last three days,” a team source said.

    “Everyone is worried whether they will get visas or not,” the source said.

    “The players were very excited for the SAFF Cup but the visas issues have put them in deep pain,” the source said.

    Sources said if visas are delayed further and if Pakistan moves to India on Tuesday or early Wednesday, then it will be very difficult for the Green Shirts to play their first game against India on June 21.

    “If we reach India on June 21 or the night before then the organisers should reschedule our match against India,” a source said.

  • Export-quality rice production at risk: Rising theft incidents targeting water pumps, transformers

    Export-quality rice production at risk: Rising theft incidents targeting water pumps, transformers

    Pakistan is currently facing a major threat to its export-quality rice production as a result of extensive theft of high-voltage electric wires, transformers, and water pumps. This theft has left vast stretches of rice-producing land along the Lahore to Sheikhupura Motorway without access to tube-well water, precisely during the critical rice sowing season.

    This alarming situation, which has been verified by both farmers and officials from the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), demands immediate attention.

    According to The News, the area most severely affected is near village Warran on the Motorway, where farmers are grappling with the challenges of rewiring their tube-wells and procuring replacements for the stolen equipment required for rice cultivation. The thefts of agricultural-related electrical hardware have been escalating precisely when water is in desperate demand for the rice crops.

    Although the rice-growing season began two weeks ago, many farmers are unable to sow their crops due to the thefts, which have deprived them of crucial equipment necessary for water extraction. Agricultural experts caution that any further delays in rewiring tube-wells and replacing stolen equipment could have severe repercussions for this year’s rice production.

    Regrettably, the motorway police’s lack of cooperation, attributed to resource constraints, has further complicated matters. Despite filing First Information Reports (FIRs) for each incident, no thieves have been apprehended thus far. Some Wapda officials suspect that the stolen wires and accessories are being sold at discounted prices to factories for various manufacturing purposes. Additionally, there are allegations that local politicians may be protecting the thieves, impeding the police’s efforts to apprehend them. These circumstances intensify the urgency surrounding this issue.

    Pakistan’s export-quality rice production is currently under a significant threat due to widespread theft of essential electrical equipment. The unavailability of water for irrigation poses a grave challenge to the entire rice crop, placing immense pressure on farmers. Swift action is imperative to address this issue and prevent further harm to the agricultural sector.

  • ‘I made anthems for Imran Khan, but now I’m ashamed’: Attaullah EsaKhailvi.

    ‘I made anthems for Imran Khan, but now I’m ashamed’: Attaullah EsaKhailvi.

    According to a news report, famous singer Attaullah Esakhailvi has said that he made party anthems and supported Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), but now he’s ashamed of doing so.

    Attaullah Esakhailvi also said that he strongly condemns the events of May 9 and will always support Pak Army. He added that Pakistan’s existence is due to the military.

    The well-known Saraiki singer has stated that the culprits of May 9 should be punished according to the law.

    The incident of May 9 has deeply saddened the whole nation, he added.

    In the past, Attaullah Esakahilvi made several political anthems for PTI and was a diehard supporter of Imran Khan.

  • Haroon Kadwani, Yashma Gill, other celebrities pay loving odes to their fathers

    Haroon Kadwani, Yashma Gill, other celebrities pay loving odes to their fathers

    Its Father’s Day, and celebrities like Yashma Gill and Haroon Kadwani took to social media to share loving odes to their father, because we truly know that behind every successful individual is a strong support system.

    ‘Jhoom’ actor Haroon Kadwani shared a picture with his father, producer Abdullah Kadwani, and praised him for being a ray of sunshine and his role model.

    Happy Father’s Day to a true superhero – my coolest and stylish Abba. A ray of sunshine for others, a king at heart and a man of his words aka my role model. Love you ❤️ Stay blessed.. may ALLAH protect us from the eyes of the evil
    – your proudest son, since 1999 ”

    Zara Noor Abbass shared two pictures with her father, and thanked him for fulfilling his duties as the man of the house

    Actress Yashma Gill shared a cute picture playing a game with her father

    Danish Taimoor shared a card he received from his son, Rayan, for Father’s Day. The actor has married ‘Chand Tara’ co-star Ayeza Khan, with whom he shares two children.

    Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari, daughter of the late Benazir Bhutto, shared a picture of her son with his grandfather, Asif Ali Zardari.

  • Federal govt considering premature dissolution of National Assembly

    Federal govt considering premature dissolution of National Assembly

    The federal collation government is considering a premature dissolution of the National Assembly, Samaa has reported.

    According to Samaa’s sources, the federal government has considered dissolving the National Assembly a week before the end of the constitutional term.

    According to the report, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also take advice from his elder brother, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif in this matter.

    The first week of November 2023 is the suggested time for general elections, but the date will be finally decided after a summit of government and its allies

  • President, Speaker NA, Chairman Senate decide to perform Hajj together

    President Dr Arif Alvi, Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani have decided to perform Hajj together, Urdu News has reported.

    The absence of the three key officials could create a constitutional crisis in the country.

    According to the constitution, when the president is not present in the country, the chairman of the senate performs the duties of the acting president. The oath of the Senate Chairman also includes the oath of the Acting President.

    If both the President and the Senate Chairman are out of the country, the Speaker of the National Assembly takes over the position of Acting President.

  • There are better things in life to talk about than Naimal Khawar’s alleged nose job

    There are better things in life to talk about than Naimal Khawar’s alleged nose job

    Social media can be a blessing because of how it is able to bring people together regardless of their background. It provides people with an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. But we have to admit that the downside of social media -particularly in regard to how women on the internet are openly criticised and trolled- is something that cannot be overlooked. Mahira Khan was attacked online for not wearing a dupatta, and now Naimal Khawar is getting trolled after people assumed the actress had gotten a nose job.

    Pakistani women exist in an invisible cage that follows them to their graves. They are a vessel of opinions other people have about them, and have no say in how they choose to live their own lives. Men tend to perceive Pakistani women as their personal nannies, therapists and full time mothers. In the particular case of Naimal Khawar, its amazing how entitled babus on the internet have so much to say about a woman who is financially independent and has a caring and attentive husband and family.

    What had led to such a vicious response? The actress had merely posted pictures of herself next to some flowers, which led to some trolls making heinous comments about how her alleged nose job made her face look different.

    Like seriously, the comments section really proves how as Pakistanis, misery is the flag we love to wave. We cannot remain happy, therefore we cannot see other people happy.

    I’m sorry but did Naimal Khawar personally reach out to you for money even if she had gotten a surgery? Why would you feel so entitled to make such negative comments about a woman’s face? Why do Pakistanis feel that making hideous remarks about women’s bodies passes is acceptable? Naimal Khawar has not survived so many years in a competitive industry solely because of her looks, but because she is a talented person. She owes no one an explanation about how she chooses to live.

    Trying to justify your body shaming by using the religion card? Didn’t Islam also tell us to keep our opinions to ourself, and to never open our mouth if we have to make a mean comment about someone? In a country like Pakistan where already 75 per cent people suffer from mental illnesses like depression, could we try to understand that, now more than ever, women need to stop pilling on hate on each other, and help by being a little kind and compassionate?

    By the end of the day, we simply have to say that take your rules and restrictions away from the bodies of Pakistani women. Naimal Khawar is her own person. She can decide by herself what she wants with her life, whether she chooses to go under the knife or not. It’s all about what makes her feel more secure in her body. For the rest of us, there are more things to worry about while living in Pakistan rather than taking it out on a woman who has nothing to do with it.

    If you’re still having a problem in undestanding how to possibly mind your business and manage not to tear down a happy person, then take a note from Mathira, who manages to keep a classy and cool persona by uplifting people when they need it the most.

  • No special treatment: Russia denies exclusive discounts on oil export deal with Pakistan

    No special treatment: Russia denies exclusive discounts on oil export deal with Pakistan

    In a recent statement, Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov clarified that his country is not providing Pakistan with oil at a special discount. The announcement came during an international economic conference in St Petersburg, where Shulginov confirmed that Russia had begun exporting oil to Pakistan.

    Contrary to earlier reports, the Russian minister emphasised that the oil deliveries to Pakistan were being conducted on standard terms without any exclusive discounts. Citing Russian state media, Voice of America (VoA) reported Shulginov’s remarks, which aimed to dispel speculations about preferential treatment in the oil deal.

    According to Geo, Shulginov further revealed that both countries had agreed to accept Chinese currency as payment, highlighting the importance of conducting transactions in the currencies of friendly nations. However, he denied claims that Pakistan had received any special advantages or discounts within the agreement.

    During the conference, the topic of barter trade between Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Russia was also addressed. Pakistan had recently passed a special order allowing barter trade for various commodities, including petroleum, liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal, minerals, metals, wheat, pulses, and other food items.

    Regarding this specific trade arrangement, Minister Shulginov clarified that discussions had taken place, but no final decisions had been reached. In particular, the two countries have yet to establish mutually agreeable prices for the export of liquefied natural gas to Pakistan. Shulginov explained that the current focus was on spot supplies, and since spot gas prices were high at the moment, the negotiations were primarily centered around long-term contracts.

    As Russia commences oil deliveries to Pakistan, both nations are working to ensure fair and transparent trade practices while exploring potential opportunities for collaboration in the energy sector. The recent developments underscore the significance of bilateral cooperation and economic ties between Russia and Pakistan.

    While the exact details of the ongoing negotiations remain undisclosed, Minister Shulginov’s statements emphasise the commitment of both countries to maintaining a level playing field in their trade relations. The international community will be closely monitoring future developments in this energy partnership, particularly as Pakistan continues to diversify its energy sources and explore avenues for economic growth.

    As the discussions progress, it is expected that Russia and Pakistan will strive to reach mutually beneficial agreements that foster stability and prosperity in their bilateral trade relations, creating opportunities for sustained cooperation in the energy sector and beyond.

  • PM Shehbaz expresses sorrow over loss of lives in Greece boat disaster

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the immigrant boat disaster that took place off the Greek coast.

    The prime minister expressed sympathies with bereaved families and offered condolences. “My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate ferry disaster in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Greece.”

    He further stated that the Pakistani’s Embassy in Athens has identified 12 Pakistanis rescued by the Hellenic Coast Guard.

    The boat sank on Wednesday, resulting in the death of at least 78 people, with many Pakistanis feared to be among dead.

    104 people have been found alive, with 12 Pakistanis among them, the Foreign Office (FO) confirmed on Saturday.

    Different media reports suggest that 400 to 750 people were onboard the ill-fated boat.

  • Govt-TLP reach agreement to establish ‘Counter Blasphemy Wing’

    Govt-TLP reach agreement to establish ‘Counter Blasphemy Wing’

    The federal government and Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) have signed a 12 point agreement on Saturday.

    The agreement has been signed to settle matters that led to TLP starting its ‘Pakistan Bachao March’ from Karachi on May 22.

    From the government’s side, the agreement was signed by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

    The government has accepted a multitude of TLP demands including the establishment of a “Counter Blasphemy Wing.”

    The agreement also states that Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act will be imposed on accused persons arrested on charges of blasphemy.

    TLP has also demanded a reduction in petroleum prices.

    The agreement also states that the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will write a letter to the United States (US) government in three days, demanding the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.