Tag: Pakistan

  • Pakistan reports no deaths due to Covid for the first time in two years

    Pakistan reports no deaths due to Covid for the first time in two years

    For the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country, Pakistan has reported zero Covid deaths today (Wednesday).

    The country witnessed a slight rise in cases, with a 1.28 per cent positivity rate and 443 reported new cases, as per the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).

    However, the country has been maintaining a positivity rate below 2 per cent since mid-March.

    Earlier, NCOC chief Asad Umar had announced the decision to lift all the Covid-19 related restrictions but made it clear that the vaccination restriction would not be lifted.

    On March 12, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (PM) on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, Dr Faisal Sultan announced the government’s decision to shut down NCOC.

    In recent months, the rate of Covid cases in Pakistan has remained low after almost three years of fighting the global pandemic.

  • President, PM share special messages on Pakistan Day

    President, PM share special messages on Pakistan Day

    On the occasion of Pakistan Day, President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan remarked in separate messages that the day will soon come when Pakistan will be economically powerful and successful, Radio Pakistan has reported.

    The President further said that the desire for a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent has shown to be politically correct over time.

    Human rights violations in India’s illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as well as persecution of minorities in India, he claims, are sufficient evidence that the Muslim leadership of the time foresaw what would happen to Muslims if they remained at the mercy of the Hindu majority in undivided India.

    In his message, the Prime Minister emphasised the need of adhering to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s ideals of Unity, Faith, and Discipline, as well as rededicating ourselves to the establishment of Pakistan as a truly democratic welfare state based on the Riyasat-e-Madina model.

    He claimed that the current administration had implemented long-term reforms and actions to reduce poverty and promote justice.

    The Prime Minister stated that the government’s focus will continue to be on marginalised groups in society in order to give them equal chances.

  • ‘You make every day worth living’:Wasim Akram writes heartfelt note to wife on her birthday

    ‘You make every day worth living’:Wasim Akram writes heartfelt note to wife on her birthday

    Former Legendary Cricketer, Wasim Akram has written a heartfelt message to his wife, Shaniera Akram on her 40th Birthday.

    He shared a touching message on Twitter.

    Wasim wrote, “Happy 40th birthday my love – you have grown into such a beautiful human being & you will only get better. I love having you by my side as my life partner, you make every day worth living. Thank you for all you do for me, our children, our families & for Pakistan! We love you.”

    Shaniera Akram also wrote a message on Twitter to thank people who have appreciated her for being herself. She also wrote that she did not feel like celebrating her birthday as the whole world has been going through such a difficult time.

    She wrote, “With so much heartache around the world I didn’t feel like celebrating that much. But I’m 40 now, so I will quietly reflect on the blessings.”

    Netizens also wished a birthday to their national “bhabi of Pakistan”.

    https://twitter.com/aliakbar222444/status/1506132707180675075

  • ‘MQM-P will announce they are with us in a day or two,’ Fazl claims

    ‘MQM-P will announce they are with us in a day or two,’ Fazl claims

    After meeting with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the party [MQM-P] will announce that they are with the Opposition in a day or two.

    Fazl made the announcement alongside MQM-P’s party members in Karachi where he further said that the government allies are no more with them, adding that he is completely satisfied that the no-confidence motion will be successful.

    The PDM chief said the language Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has used during the recent rallies in Khyber Pakhtunkwa (KP) is not of an “honourable person”. “I think it is disrespectful to have such people assume such big offices,” he added.

    With the no-confidence motion date approaching soon, both the Opposition and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are trying to woo government allies ahead of no-confidence motion which is to take place on March 25.

    It is pertinent to mention that the government’s ally in the Centre, the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), has assured PM Imran Khan of complete support on the motion, while other allies i.e Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), MQM-P, and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) are still indecisive.

  • ECP slaps Rs50,000 fine on PM Khan for holding public gatherings despite warnings

    ECP slaps Rs50,000 fine on PM Khan for holding public gatherings despite warnings

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) slapped a fine of Rs50,000 on Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Mahmood Khan, Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Communications Murad Saeed and two provincial ministers Dr Amjad Ali and Muhibul Lah for violating the code of conduct as they all attended a public gathering in Swat on March 16 ahead of the no-confidence motion.

    Earlier, the ECP had restricted PM Khan and other government officials from attending any public gathering in districts of KP as the second phase of the local bodies elections is due in the region. Despite this, the premier and his officials ignored the warning.

    According to Geo News, District Monitoring Officer (DMO) Swat imposed a fine on the PM for breaching ECP’s code of conduct. Similarly, for attending a public gathering in Dir on March 19, Lower Dir’s District Monitoring Officer (DMO) Hameedul Lah had imposed a fine of Rs50,000 on PM Khan.

    ECP has reportedly also taken notice of the PM’s upcoming visit to KP’s Mansehra and called it a breach of the code of conduct.

  • ‘Naak Katva Di Ertugrul Bhai ki’: Pakistanis criticise Esra Bilgic for being in lingerie campaign

    ‘Naak Katva Di Ertugrul Bhai ki’: Pakistanis criticise Esra Bilgic for being in lingerie campaign

    Turkish Actor and Model Esra Bilgic aka Haleema Sultan, who is famous in Pakistan for the drama serial Diriliş: Ertuğrul’s, has been recently featured in Victoria’s Secret’s Turkey promotional campaign. Victoria’s Secret is famous for its lingerie.

    Esra shared the video on her Instagram account, and Pakistanis had a collective meltdown under her post.

    However, this is not the first time Esra has been trolled by Pakistani social media users. In September 2020, after months of being patient and forgiving Pakistani viewers for their comments on her choice of clothes, Esra Bilgiç slammed a troll who asked her not to wear “such dresses”.

    Under her Instagram post, a social media user by the name Astounding Ali commented: “Please don’t wear such dresses Halima baji, not good.” In response to his comment, Bilgiç remarked, “Let me give you a little advice: Don’t follow me. Thank you.”

    Read more- Esra Bilgiç shuts up a Pakistani troll on Instagram

    Esra has worked with multiple brands in Pakistan. She was also the brand ambassador of Peshwar Zalmi in PSL season 6.

  • ‘The battle should be fought inside Assembly’: SC

    ‘The battle should be fought inside Assembly’: SC

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial heard a plea filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Monday about the lawful proceeding of the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly (NA).

    During the hearing, which was attended by three bigwigs of the Opposition — PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and Jamiat-e-Ulema-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, SCBA counsel argued that NA Speaker Asad Qaiser summoned the session 17 days after the submission of the no-confidence motion. However, according to Article 95, the session has to be called within 14 days.

    He further argued that the no-confidence motion could not be adjourned before voting. To this, CJ observed that it is an “internal matter” and it would be “better if the assembly’s fight is fought inside the assembly”.

    Justice Bandial further remarked that the court will not interfere in the assembly’s proceedings.

    Moreover, SC said that no one can be prevented from voting by bringing people. About the upcoming marches, the court added that the Opposition will keep the same distance as the government’s from parliament.

    According to the SC, a member’s individual vote has no “status”. Justice Munib Akhtar said after joining a political party, a member’s vote is considered a “collective” right.

    The petition, which was filed by SCBA says circumstances involving a confrontation between the government and the Opposition could trigger an “anarchic situation” in the country.

    About the recent Sindh House attack, Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Qazi Jamilur Rehman gave the incident’s briefing to the court.

    Chief Justice Bandial remarked that what happened at the Sindh House did “not seem to be the police’s failure”.

    “The main issue is related to stopping Members of National Assembly (MNAs) from voting,” he said.

    Before the hearing, Bilawal Bhutto avoided making any political statement. Meanwhile, Maulana Fazl said that it is the first time that he is appearing before the SC.

    “This government is illegitimate. Do you want to create sympathy for such an incompetent government,” Fazl asked.

  • ‘No uterus, no opinion’: Twitter calls out Rohail Hyatt for ‘mansplaining a woman’s period’

    Musician Rohail Hyatt jumped in a Twitter conversation about the emotions felt by women during PMS/period. While sharing his opinion on the emotional and physical changes felt by women, Hyatt said that “acceptance helps”.

    “Very important to understand and realise the subconscious aspect of this sadness. Since at our root layer, survival of our species is our primary function, shedding an unused egg post ovulation triggers a deep ‘missed opportunity’ emotion wave. Acceptance helps,” wrote Rohail Hyatt while replying to a particular tweet about PMS/period.

    Twitter users are calling out Rohail for ‘mansplaining’ periods to women.

  • Rs 182.50 in open market: US dollar hits record high against rupee

    Rs 182.50 in open market: US dollar hits record high against rupee

    The US dollar reached an all-time high against the Pakistani rupee on Tuesday, soaring to Rs182.50 in the open market, reports Samaa News. In the inter-market, the rupee reached Rs181.35 against the US dollar during the intra-day trade. The devaluation in the rupee has been seen despite a decrease in the current account deficit.

    The current political situation in the country is said to be one of the reasons behind the increase in the value of the dollar against the local currency. In addition, concerns about the next tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is also a possible reason behind the devaluation. There has been no progress in Pakistan and the IMF’s seventh review talks for the release of the next loan tranche. The IMF expressed reservations about the PM’s relief package.

    Despite market expectations, the declining current account deficit failed to entice investors, and the currency continued to fall to new lows.

  • Mangni time: Asim Azhar finally makes it official with Merub Ali

    Mangni time: Asim Azhar finally makes it official with Merub Ali

    Pakistani singer Asim Azhar announced his engagement via Instagram on Sunday to his rumoured girlfriend and longtime friend, Model Merub Ali.

    The pair posted identical announcements on Instagram on Sunday. “Shukar Alhamdulillah [Thank you God]. With the grace of Allah Almighty and our parent’s duas, we announce our Imam Zamin – engagement. May Allah SWT keep us protected and this happy forever, Ameen. Keep us in your prayers,” read their posts.

    There were many speculations prior to the announcement but the duo never confirmed their relationship publicly. In an interview, Ali said, “We’re great family friends and have known each other since childhood. My brother is his best friend and our mothers are best friends.”

    Merub is Asim’s best friend Raamis’s sister. The singer’s best friend also congratulated the couple.

    After, the announcement, congratulations began pouring in under both their posts from their celebrity friends.