Tag: trending

  • ‘Waade, tarle, minnaten,’ What did Gen Faiz do to become the next Army Chief?

    ‘Waade, tarle, minnaten,’ What did Gen Faiz do to become the next Army Chief?

    The arrest of former spy master General (retd) Faiz Hameed came as a surprising development on Monday evening, taking most analysts by surprise. Geo’s Shahzeb Khanzada asked the Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Asif, whether Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid sent messages to Mian Nawaz Sharif about his ambitions of becoming the army chief. In reply, Asif revealed, “He offered numerous assurances to Mian sb and was constantly sending messages in a bid to gain power.”

    “I cannot even tell you what kind of promises and oaths he undertook to assure them [Nawaz Sharif] – all in the lust of power and ambition,” said Asif.

    Asif lamented that when “people become blind in a bid to get power, it always ends badly,” referring to the detention of the former spymaster and court martial proceedings against him for misuse of authority.

    “They [General Bajwa & General Faiz] resisted till the last moment when the government appointed General Asim Munir. General Bajwa presented many options for the next COAS while General Faiz was campaigning for himself. Bajwa had abandoned Faiz in the last days,” revealed the defence minister.

    Khawaja Asif also stated that Faiz Hameed was involved in political events following his retirement in 2022.

    “Knowing him a little bit, he never refrains from muddling the waters. Especially [in Faiz’s case] a person who has exercised unlimited power and he has to take the back seat,” he said.

    “We can say he [Faiz] had the role of strategic adviser in the May 9 events. I can’t say that with certainty but the events and circumstances are pointing towards him,” he added.

  • Defiance in Hijab: Olympian Sifan covers head to receive gold medal

    Defiance in Hijab: Olympian Sifan covers head to receive gold medal

    Marathon gold medalist Sifan Hassan, a Dutch of Ethiopian descent, accepted her Olympic gold medal wearing a hijab.

    It was Sifan’s third medal in Paris. She was competing in the 5,000m, the 10,000m and the marathon – the last two events just two days apart.

    On Friday, Hassan took bronze in the 10,000m in the Stade de France after coming away with a bronze in the 5,000m.

    “It was not easy,” said Hassan, 31. “It was so hot, but I was feeling OK. I’ve never pushed myself through to the finish line as I did today,” Sifan said.

    France has been criticised during the Olympics for prohibiting athletes from wearing hijab while competing.

    Athletes from other countries, like Egypt, have worn hijabs while playing. For several years, apparel makers have designed hijabs that function well for competition, which has eliminated one argument that had been used by some detractors.

    Hassan’s presence at the ceremony was not a direct reaction to the French rule, but it is a reminder of a position taken by France that has been widely criticised.

  • Did Kumar Sanu sing a song for Imran Khan?

    Did Kumar Sanu sing a song for Imran Khan?

    Bollywood singer Kumar Sanu, who has worked his magic in countless films in the past, has refused to sing for Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    The Indian singer released an explanatory statement on Instagram, in which he denied singing a song for Imran Khan. Sanu shared a screenshot of a news article published in Indian media that had a fact check and stated that he did not sing for Khan.

    “I want to clarify that I have never sung any song for the former Prime Minister of Pakistan,” he wrote. “The audio circulating on Facebook is not mine but is generated with the help of AI (artificial intelligence). Some people are trying to defame me, so I want to tell my fans this. The news (song) is fake; it is a lie.”

    He requested that the Government of India take immediate steps to stop the misuse of AI and the use of fake technology. On July 26, a user shared a video on Facebook in which Kumar Sanu was singing a song at a concert for the release of former Prime Minister Imran.

  • Resham breaks silence: ‘Syed Noor destroyed my career’

    Resham breaks silence: ‘Syed Noor destroyed my career’

    Renowned actress Resham has leveled serious allegations against director Syed Noor, saying that he ruined her film career.

    Resham, a well-known name in Pakistani cinema, started her acting career on TV and starred in popular films like ‘Jeeva’ and ‘Sangam.’ Although she was successful early on, Resham stepped back from acting in recent years to focus more on charity work.

    During an appearance on ‘Excuse Me’ podcast with Ahmed Ali Butt Resham talked about her career and Pakistani cinema, saying, “I recently heard Syed Noor say that I was an unfortunate actress because I ruined myself by working in low-budget films.”

    Resham defended her choices, saying that every actor does both good and bad projects. “Show me any actor who has only done good work. We all have ups and downs, but everyone thinks only Resham made bad films,” she said.

    She also accused Noor of betraying her professionally, especially after he fell in love with actress Saima, whom he then cast repeatedly in his movies. “Syed Noor was the only director who understood my acting, but he stopped giving me roles because of his feelings for Saima Ji,” she explained.

    She strongly stated, “By God, Syed Noor ruined my career. He insulted me on set, asking who would cast me in their films.”

  • Regime change ‘America’ ki sazish hai, Shiekh Hasina

    Regime change ‘America’ ki sazish hai, Shiekh Hasina

    Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister (PM) Shiekh Hasina has accused the US of being involved in the regime change in Bangladesh.
    According to NDTV, before leaving the country, Hasina wanted to address the nation but couldn’t because protestors stormed her official residence.

    Hasina shared details of her undelivered speech with close associates in India.
    A letter accessed by NDTV reveals, “I resigned so that I did not have to see the procession of dead bodies. They wanted to come to power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow it’’.
    Hasina wrote that she could have remained in power if she had “surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal.”

    “I beseech the people of my land, please do not be manipulated by radicals.”

    It also further added: “Maybe if I had stayed in the country, more lives would have been lost. I have removed myself. You were my strength and did not want me, so I left. I have lost, but the people of Bangladesh have won, the people for whom my father and my family died’’.

  • Audit report reveals illegal hiring in PTA causing over Rs45 million loss

    Audit report reveals illegal hiring in PTA causing over Rs45 million loss

    The Auditor General of Pakistan’s annual audit report for 2023-2024 has revealed significant irregularities in the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), leading to a loss of over Rs 45million, Samaa reported.

    The report stated that illegal recruitment in the PTA during financial year 2022-23, including two assistant directors and one IT officer, took place without the presence of any relevant job posts.

    Generally, government job vacancies appear as advertisements in the newspapers but most recruitments in the PTA did not adhere to established criteria.

    The audit report highlighted that the PTA has paid Rs 45.9 million in salaries and perks to these alleged illegal recruitments.

  • Students ‘inciting violence’ can face cancellation of their identity cards, passports

    Students ‘inciting violence’ can face cancellation of their identity cards, passports

    The Interior Ministry has announced that strict measures will be taken against students involved in or promoting violent activities, including their names being added to the Fourth Schedule.

    According to Section 11EE of the ATA, the Fourth Schedule is to include “any person who is an activist, office-bearer or an associate of an organisation kept under observation … or proscribed … or … affiliated with any group or organisation suspected to be involved in terrorism or sectarianism.”

    If an individual’s name is added to the Fourth Schedule, many of his/her constitutional rights are suspended, such as the cancellation of the identity cards and passports, prohibition from leaving their city, and denial of character certificates from any educational institution.

    The notification issued by the Interior Ministry emphasised that departments should be ready for action against potential troublemakers, The News reported.

    Last week, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced that it would launch a movement for the restoration of the Constitution and revival of the student unions in the country.

  • Pakistan will get $500 million from Islamic Bank to purchase crude oil

    Pakistan will get $500 million from Islamic Bank to purchase crude oil

    Pakistan has secured a $500 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to purchase crude oil from the international market. The loan will be provided in installments throughout the fiscal year 2024-25.

    The Nation has reported that Pakistan will receive $100 million from the IDB in the first quarter of FY2024-25, followed by $150 million in the second quarter. The remaining $25 million will be distributed equally in the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year.

    It may be recalled that Pakistan was assured of $3.6 billion by the IDB at the Geneva Donor Conference held last year.

    Meanwhile, oil prices rose for a fifth consecutive session on Monday, extending gains from last week’s more than 3 percent rise, as US recession fears eased while geopolitical tensions in the Middle East supported prices.

    Brent crude futures climbed 28 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $79.94 a barrel by 0635 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 42 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $77.26.

    IG Markets analyst Tony Sycamore said that the rise in oil prices to improve US economic data from last week, which raised concerns about a potential US recession. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have contributed to the rising pressure on oil prices.

  • Heartbroken Indian Fans Pay Tribute to Haniya Aslam

    Heartbroken Indian Fans Pay Tribute to Haniya Aslam

    Indian fans are expressing deep sorrow and paying heartfelt tributes to renowned musician Haniya Aslam, who recently passed away. The news of her death has resonated deeply across borders, touching the hearts of many in India who admired her work.

    Aslam, best known for her role in the iconic duo Zeb-Haniya, had a significant impact on music lovers worldwide. In India, her unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds won her many admirers. Fans have taken to social media to share their condolences and celebrate her remarkable contributions to music.

    Messages from Indian fans highlight their grief and admiration, reflecting the profound influence Haniya had on the music scene. Her legacy continues to inspire, and her loss is felt deeply by those who followed her career and cherished her artistry.

    Check the tweet below:

  • Government to introduce 5-year economic plan under supervision of British economist Stefan Dercon

    Government to introduce 5-year economic plan under supervision of British economist Stefan Dercon

    A five-year economic plan for the development of Pakistan’s struggling economy has been prepared under the supervision of Belgian-British economist Stefan Dercon. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is likely to launch it on August 14.

    Geo News reported that the proposed economic plan has been named the Stefan Dercon plan. It contains target of 6 percent annual economic growth target by 2028.

    The ambitious plan also emphasises on structural reforms to take the export target to $60 billion by 2028.

    The proposed plan prioritises the promotion of private investment and the increase in exports. The successful implementation of reforms is estimated to create one million employment opportunities annually.

    According to the Dercon Plan, the proposed plan’s results would be fairly visible by 2028, one year after the IMF programme ends.

    “The failure of structural reforms for growth in Pakistan is not due to a lack of ideas, but a lack of political will to implement these reforms,” warns the draft report.

    It also warns that Pakistan won’t get chances like this; therefore, the opportunity must not be wasted.