Tag: Top News

  • Breakthrough expected on Kashmir during PM Khan’s Saudi visit: report

    Breakthrough expected on Kashmir during PM Khan’s Saudi visit: report

    A breakthrough on Kashmir is expected during Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

    According to Geo News, the major development will happen during PM Khan’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.

    As per a Foreign Office schedule, PM Khan is expected to leave for Saudi Arabia on October 29 on a two-day official visit to attend Future Investment Initiative Conference on the invitation of King Salman. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be attending the conference which will take place in Riyadh.

    PM Khan has been vocally raising the matter of Kashmir ever since the Modi-led government revoked the special status granted to Indian occupied Kashmir on August 5. He also highlighted Indian atrocities in the occupied territory while addressing the United Nations General Assembly session in September.

    Meanwhile, PM Imran is also expected to visit Iran this month to mediate between Riyadh and Tehran.

  • Gaddafi Stadium to turn pink during Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20

    Gaddafi Stadium to turn pink during Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20

    The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will turn pink during the third T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka to raise awareness about breast cancer.

    As per reports, a ceremony will be held before the third T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which will be attended by President Dr. Arif Alvi and Pakistan Cricket Board Chairperson Ehsan Mani. The president will also pin pink ribbons on both team captains, while players and match officials will don the ribbons throughout the match.

     The stumps for the last T2oI of the series will be
    branded in pink whereas the sponsors of the series will also be changing their
    branding colors in the ground to pink. The cricket board has asked the fans to
    wear pink to support the cause.

    The PCB stated that Pakistan has the highest number of
    breast cancer cases amongst all Asian countries and this step is a part of
    #PINKtober, which is breast cancer awareness month.

    One in nine women is at a high risk of developing breast
    cancer in her lifetime. However, if diagnosed at an early stage, the chances of
    survival increase over 90 percent.

  • Humayun Saeed shares thoughts on rival drama ‘Alif’

    Humayun Saeed shares thoughts on rival drama ‘Alif’

    Sajal Aly and Hamza Ali Abbasi’s much-awaited drama Alif finally hit TV screens last Saturday and its first episode was received phenomenally with millions of hits on Youtube.

    While Alif aires on Geo, at the same time, same day, (Saturday, 8 pm) another star-studded drama Meray Paas Tum Ho aires on ARY Digital. What is interesting to note is that the producers of both the dramas are the same. Humayun Saeed’s production house Six Sigma Productions is behind MPTH while, Humayun’s wife Samina and her partner Sana Shahnawaz are producing Alif.

    Naturally, this raises questions on what Humayun feels about the whole situation and Humayun, in an Instagram post, addressed the elephant in the room. From praising the actors to the director to the producers – Humayun said that he was “blown over after watching the first episode.”

    He added that after watching the episode, “it seems that our industry is headed in the right direction and I really hope it will go on to change the landscape of TV production in our country.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3W7Pc6px8v/
  • Research: Smartphone dependency predicts higher reports of depressive symptoms

    Research: Smartphone dependency predicts higher reports of depressive symptoms

    In a bid to rest the debate on
    what comes first – smartphone addiction or depression – a new study has found
    that young people who are hooked on to their smartphones may be at an increased
    risk of depression and loneliness.

    Research has identified a link between smartphone dependency and symptoms of depression and loneliness. However, it’s been unclear whether dependence on smartphones leads those symptoms, or whether the reverse is true that depressed or lonely people are more likely to become dependent on their phones.

    In a study of 346 participants, ages 18-20, researchers from the University of Arizona found that smartphone dependency predicts higher reports of depressive symptoms rather than the other way around.

    “There’s an issue where people are totally reliant on the device, in terms of feeling anxious if they don’t have it accessible, and they’re using it to the detriment of their day-to-day life.”

    “If depression and loneliness lead to smartphone dependency, we could reduce dependency by adjusting people’s mental health,” the researcher said. “But if smartphone dependency (precedes depression and loneliness), which is what we found, we can reduce smartphone dependency to maintain or improve wellbeing.”

    The study focused on older adolescents because researchers said they grew up with smartphones and they are at an age and transitional stage in life where they are vulnerable to poor mental health outcomes, such as depression.

    When people feel stressed, they should use other healthy approaches to cope, like talking to a close friend to get support or doing some exercises or meditation, the researchers suggested.

  • PM Khan declared ‘Man of the Year’

    PM Khan declared ‘Man of the Year’

    Prime Minister Imran Khan’s popularity keeps on rising.

    Jordan’s Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center has named PM Khan as its ‘Man of the Year’ in its recent list of the most persuasive Muslims in the world.

    According to Arab News, the center is an autonomous research entity with the Royal Aal Al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Jordan.

    At the same time, PM Imran Khan has also become the sixth most popular world leader on Twitter, boasting 10.5 million followers.

    “If The Muslim 500 was in print back in 1992 and I was the Chief Editor then, I would have nominated Imran Khan as our Muslim Man of the Year because of his brilliant performance in cricket, which culminated in Pakistan winning the 1992 Cricket World Cup — a sport I have always admired for its combination of elegance and intense competitive play,” said Professor S Abdallah Schleifer, a Professor Emeritus of Journalism in the American University in Cairo, who chose Imran Khan as winner of the title.

    Schleifer was quick to add that Khan’s role in cricket was not the only criteria for him being bestowed with the title. He was also impressed with Khan launching a successful fund-raising campaign to establish Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, which is devoted to both the care of cancer victims and its research.

    “This was his magnificent response to the loss of his mother to cancer in 1985 and given Khan’s extraordinary popularity with Pakistanis both at home as well as among the large number of Pakistani expats – along with his own, no doubt, generous personal contribution — he raised sufficient funds so that by 1994, the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital opened its doors in Lahore whereby 75 percent of its patients receive free-care,” he added.

    However, it was PM Khan’s desire for peace with neighboring India which earned him the title, Schleifer said.

    Khan assumed the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan last year after devoting 22 years of his life to building an opposition political party that was committed to reform and confronting Pakistan’s civilian political establishment over the issue of embedded corruption and mismanagement, the report said.

    This and his other accomplishments, professor Schleifer says, are detailed in the biography that accompanies his ranking (Number 16) in the latest edition of The Muslim 500.

    “But what is particularly to his credit is that upon taking office in August 2018, Khan made it quite clear that one of his top priorities was to work for lasting peace with India,” Schleifer said.

  • Five places Kate & William must visit in Pakistan

    Five places Kate & William must visit in Pakistan

    With less than a week remaining to Kate Middleton and Prince William’s first official tour to Pakistan, excitement and energy levels for their visit are high. Though the exact details of their itinerary are still under wraps, Kensington Palace in an official statement revealed that the couple will be visiting Islamabad, Lahore and the Northern Areas of the country.

    “From the modern leafy capital Islamabad to the vibrant city of Lahore, the mountainous countryside in the North, and the rugged border regions to the West, the visit will span over 1000km and will take in Pakistan’s rich culture, its diverse communities, and its beautiful landscapes,” read the statement.

    Narrowing down five places was a task on its own given how much our country has to offer but here are five places, the Cambridge’s must not miss out on.

    Shalimar Gardens

    How can the Royals miss out on one of the most royal gardens of all times. Situated on the Grand Trunk Road in Lahore, these Mughal Gardens are an architectural and historic marvel. The Queen also visited the heritage site when she visited Pakistan in the early 60s.

    Jahangir’s Tomb

    Probably an unconventional choice but considering that Jahangir’s Tomb is considered to be the most beautiful Mughal monument after the Taj Mahal, the Royals should consider visiting it.

    Watch The Current’s video to find out what makes it so special:

    Monal

    A romantic dinner overlooking the glittering city lights doesn’t seem like a bad idea. Highly recommended.

    Eagles Nest

    No matter what, Kate and William should not miss out on Eagle’s Nest in Hunza. The place offers breathtaking views of the valley, the Hunza River and the mountain peaks. If they are early risers, they should watch the sunrise there – the views are unbeatable.

    Fairy Meadows

    Nanga Parbat’s base camp, better known as Fairy Meadows, is one of the most mesmerising places in the country. While it might be difficult for the royals to trek there, they can always borrow Jahangir Khan Tareen’s plane to make a quick trip there to take in the stunning views.

  • Meet the Pakistani version of Maleficent

    Meet the Pakistani version of Maleficent

    Celebrity makeup artist Shoaib Khan has recreated Angelina’s Jolie’s look from Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and we’re shook with the results.

    Taking to Instagram, Shoaib shared a side by side picture of his transformation. From the eyes to the perfectly contoured cheekbones to the blood-red lip, Shoaib’s transformation was flawless. We are pretty sure he would have been the perfect stand-in for Angelina if needed. The best part is that he even adorned a Maleficent costume with those devil horns.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3UrueAFSdM/

    Shoaib also uploaded a video showing off his skills.

    People, including celebrities, praised Shoaib for his talent.

    As Angelina Jolie returns as the ‘protector of the Moors‘ in Maleficent 2 people are eagerly waiting for the film’s release on October 18th.

  • Abhinandan leads MiG-21 formation on Indian Air Force’s 87th birthday

    Abhinandan leads MiG-21 formation on Indian Air Force’s 87th birthday

    Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan after an aerial dogfight led a formation of the MiG-21 Bison as the Indian Air Force (IAF) put up a show on its 87th birthday on Tuesday.

    According to the details, three Mirage 2000 aircraft and two Su-30MKI fighter aircraft flew in ‘Avenger formation’.

    Watch Video:

    Responding to IAF’s violation of Pakistani airspace on February 26, PAF had hit back by sending fighters to strike Indian targets the following day.

    In the pursuit, a PAF fighter jet had downed at least one Indian MiG-21 aircraft and captured Abhinandan, who had ejected and landed within Pakistani territory.

    He was later handed over to India by Pakistani authorities as a goodwill gesture within 60 hours of the standoff.

  • British journalist claims Shehbaz Sharif still hasn’t filed a lawsuit

    British journalist claims Shehbaz Sharif still hasn’t filed a lawsuit

    British journalist, David Rose of Daily Mail, has once again denied receiving any lawsuit from former Punjab chief minister and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif against his story exposing alleged theft of earthquake relief funds.

    “Hello Pakistani friends. A lot of you have been asking if Shehbaz Sharif has commenced a lawsuit against me and my newspaper yet. He hasn’t [sic],” he tweeted.

    Resharing his July 14’s story, the journalist wrote, “Sources tell me that investigation by NAB [National Accountability Bureau] and the Asset Recovery Unit into allegations against Shahbaz Sharif have continued with some vigour since my article was published. This may explain why he hasn’t filed a lawsuit: they have been keeping him busy.”

    Shehbaz had earlier claimed having served a legal notice to the newspaper on July 26, alleging it was a “politically motived” report. He had also shared a copy of the legal notice on Twitter.

    The tweets had come after a series of indirect spats between Shehbaz and Rose over Twitter following the latter’s news story according to which British authorities had decided to initiate a probe into the funds worth millions of Pounds that were sent to the Shehbaz-led Punjab government as aid for quake victims.

    The Daily Mail UK report claimed that the paper was given exclusive access to some of the results of a high-level probe ordered by the government of Pakistan and it was also able to interview key witnesses held on remand.

    One of the witnesses had claimed that he laundered millions on behalf of Shehbaz’s family from a nondescript office in Birmingham without attracting suspicion from Britain’s financial regulators.

    The paper had also alleged that Shehbaz and his family were embezzling tens of millions of pounds of public money and laundering it in Britain.

  • Sarmad Khoosat begins shoot on ‘Kamli’ with Saba Qamar

    Sarmad Khoosat begins shoot on ‘Kamli’ with Saba Qamar

    High after the success of his film Zindagi Tamasha, which won a standing ovation at the Busan International Film Festival, ace filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat is all set to start shooting his next film Kamli at various locations in Pakistan. The film starres Saba Qamar in the lead.

    Speaking to Variety, Sarmad revealed: “A tragic love story at heart, the film is going to be a fresh mix of a rustic setting captured in a contemporary, universal sensibility.”

    “Unlike other films of the genre, Kamli is not only going to depict the vibrancy and humour of rural Punjab but also its poetic lyricism and love-lore in an international film aesthetic,” he added.

    The film which is expected to release in Summer 2020 will feature Sania Saeed and Hamza Khwaja along with Saba.

    Meanwhile, Khoosat’s Zindagi Tamasha had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival and was received positively. It will release in Pakistan in January 2020.

    Speaking about Zindagi Tamasha, Khoosat said, ”What was most important to me was exploring the idea of tolerance. Tolerance not just to others (to allow people to exist the way they are) but also tolerance to self – and this is where the concept of shame, need for approval, etc. come in to play,” said Khoosat. “I have been in situations where I have felt I should have been more tolerant of others and more accepting of my own self.”

    Sharing his thoughts on the evolving Pakistani film industry, Khoosat said, “The mainstream is governed by commerce, but very interesting parallel cinema has also made its space – films like Moor (which was also screened at Busan), Cake, Laal Kabootar, and even my first film Manto. The challenge remains financial support for genres beyond comedy or romance.”

    On the ban on Bollywood in Pakistan, Sarmad remarked, “The absence of Indian films has highlighted just how promising the Pakistani industry still is.”