Tag: trending

  • Fact check: Shehbaz Sharif did not meet singer Farhan NTF at PM House

    Fact check: Shehbaz Sharif did not meet singer Farhan NTF at PM House

    Claim: PM Shehbaz Sharif invited singer Farhan NTF to the PM House

    Fact: Shehbaz Sharif met Farhan NTF at his private residence in November 2021, almost 5 months before becoming Prime Minister.

    A video of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif meeting singer, composer and writer Farhan NTF went viral on Friday in which the singer can be seen sitting with Sharif and singing “Mian De Naray“, which is a political song.

    Political analyst Raheeq Abbasi tweeted the video and wrote: “These days, PM House looks like a circus. If in doubt, watch this video.” His tweet was retweeted more than 12,000 times and had almost three thousand quote-tweets.

    Former federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry quoted Raheeq Abbasi and tweeted: “Pakistan’s dummy prime minister in an important meeting discussing people’s issues in PM House.”

    Anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan also quote-tweeted the same video and wrote that the King can be seeing enjoying himself.

    However, the video is not recent. Farhan tweeted about meeting Shehbaz Sharif on November 3, 2021. At that time, Imran Khan was the prime minister of Pakistan and the video was not shot inside the Prime Minister House.

    In a YouTube video, Farhan explains how hurt he was that his old video went viral and is being misused by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He clarifies that he met PM Shehbaz last year in November at Sharif’s private residence. He said that it seems that the video is being used as if PM Shehbaz is listening to a political song that was written for him instead of working.

    “I am a singer. I don’t have any political affiliations. I have sung songs for PTI also but my song ‘Mian De Naray’ became very popular. Did Khan not meet Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar and Shaan Shahid when he was prime minister? Why can Shehbaz Sharif not meet any artist? I hope that people do not misuse our videos for their political interests.”

    VERDICT: FALSE

  • PM Shehbaz rejects OGRA’s proposal, petrol price to remain unchanged till April 30

    PM Shehbaz rejects OGRA’s proposal, petrol price to remain unchanged till April 30

    Pakistan’s new Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Friday dismissed the proposal from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to raise the price of petroleum products for the fortnight. The recent decision is aimed at providing relief to the public affected by inflation.

    It is worth noting that the present government’s choice to maintain the same prices will oblige it to provide another substantial subsidy till the end of April 2022.

    Earlier, OGRA suggested to the Finance Division that the price of petrol be increased by Rs21.50 and that of diesel be hiked by Rs51.30 in view of the current petroleum levy and general sales tax (GST).

    Read more: Massive hike of Rs83.5 for petrol, Rs119 for diesel proposed by OGRA

    The authority also proposed a hike of Rs83.50 per liter of petrol and Rs119.88 per liter of diesel considering the federal government’s recommended petroleum levy of Rs30 and 17 per cent GST, as per the official statement.

  • Around 100 Palestinians injured as Israeli forces raid Al-Aqsa mosque

    Around 100 Palestinians injured as Israeli forces raid Al-Aqsa mosque

    Nearly 100 Palestinians suffered injuries when the Israeli security forces raided the Al-Aqsa mosque compound on Friday, according to Al Jazeera.

    Al Jazeera reported that the Islamic endowment that runs the site said Israeli Police entered in force before dawn on Friday, as thousands of worshippers were gathered at the mosque for early morning prayers.

    “90 injured were transferred to Jerusalem hospitals and dozens of other injuries were treated in the field,” a Palestinian Red Crescent official told a French news agency, adding that they were due to rubber bullets, sound grenades, or assault.

    The Israeli raid is likely to incite violence as a large number of worshipers are expected today for Friday prayers with “videos circulating online showed Palestinians throwing rocks and police firing tear gas and stun grenades”.

  • ‘Kya jurm huva agar gharri baich di’: Fawad Chaudhry admits to allegations on Khan selling Toshakhana gifts

    ‘Kya jurm huva agar gharri baich di’: Fawad Chaudhry admits to allegations on Khan selling Toshakhana gifts

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has revealed that former premier Imran Khan took gifts worth Rs140 million from Toshakhana and sold them in Dubai. Sharif made these claims during a meeting with senior journalists at PM House on Friday, reports Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai for The News.

    “I can confirm that Imran Khan took gifts from Toshakhana and sold them in Dubai for Rs140 million. Valuable gifts include diamond jewellery, bracelets, watches and sets,” revealed PM Shehbaz.

    Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry said that Shehbaz Sharif is confused and cannot fathom how to level allegations against PM Khan so he has resorted to “throwing dirt at Imran Khan”.

    Fawad Chaudhry claimed that Khan bought a watch from the government of Pakistan, which he had received from a foreign country, and sold it.

    “What is the offence if the [then] prime minister sold the watch he bought from the government? It doesn’t matter if the watch is worth Rs50 million or 100 million […] if it is mine and I sold it, there shouldn’t be any objection,” said Chaudhry.

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had been reluctant to share details about gifts retained from Toshakhana, leading to speculations.

    According to official Cabinet Secretariat statistics from the past 10 years, officials and public office holders of PTI paid highest amount for subsidised Toshakhana gifts in the fiscal year 2018-2019.

    Toshakhana is a word of Persian origin that literally translates into “treasure-house”. In Mughal ruled India, Toshakhana was a place where princes stored gifts and emblems of honour that they received for their posterity, whereas in modern times, it is where gifts received from foreign dignitaries or countries are kept.

    READ MORE: PTI govt to auction gifts, including golden gun, Rs1.7 crores watch, Rs1.4 crores diamond set

  • Exes Katrina, Deepika wish Ranbir on wedding, Former boyfriend Sidharth Malhotra congratulates Alia

    Exes Katrina, Deepika wish Ranbir on wedding, Former boyfriend Sidharth Malhotra congratulates Alia

    After dating for five years, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt tied the knot on April 14. The intimate wedding happened at their home in Bandra, and was attended by only family members and close friends.

    https://twitter.com/imranliaa/status/1514701509178667012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1514701509178667012%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinkvilla.com%2Fentertainment%2Fnews%2Franbir-kapoor-alia-bhatt-wedding-inside-pics-3-tier-cake-happy-faces-neetu-kareena-ayan-more-1068170

    As Alia shared photos from their dreamy wedding, colleagues took to the comments section to congratulate the couple.

    While Ayushmann Khurana, Madhuri Dixit, Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor commented on Alia’s post, fans were surprised by seeing wishes of Ranbir’s superstar exes, Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone.

    Deepika took to the comments section of Alia’s post and wrote, “Wishing you both a lifetime of love, light and laughter,” followed by a heart emoji. As readers would remember, Ranbir briefly dated Deepika.

    Katrina, who too dated the Raajneeti star for 6 years took to her Instagram stories to congratulate the couple on their wedding. Reposting Alia’s post, Katrina wrote, “Congratulations to u both, all the love and happiness.” Katrina and Alia share a warm bond.

    They are set to share screen space in Farhan Akhtar’s Jee Le Zara. The girls’ road trip film will also stars Priyanka Chopra.

    Alia Bhatt-Ranbir Kapoor wedding- Couple's exes Deepika, Katrina and Sidharth send heartfelt wishes - Entertainment News

    Ranbir’s alleged ex Sonam Kapoor also wished him on his special day.

    Alia’s former boyfriend Sidharth Malhotra also dropped her a special wish.

    Sidharth Malhotra on Alia, Ranbir wedidng

    Sidharth reacted to Alia’s wedding post and wrote, “Congratulations guys all the love and happiness.”

  • ‘Breath of fresh air’: Opposition reacts to DG ISPR’s press conference

    ‘Breath of fresh air’: Opposition reacts to DG ISPR’s press conference

    Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar’s presser on Thursday is being appreciated by the Opposition after weeks of political drama.

    Reacting to DG ISPR declaring that the word “conspiracy” had not been used in the statement issued after the March 31 meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari termed the news conference of the military spokesman a “breath of fresh air for democracy”.

    “It is [the] responsibility not only of every institution but every Pakistani to support democracy, constitution, and rule of law,” tweeted Bilawal.

    “Parliament , Judiciary & establishment transition from controversial to constitutional roles will not be easy. The answer to all of Pakistans problems is democracy, democracy and more democracy. If we continue on this path no power on earth can stop Pakistan’s progress,” said Bilawal.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz tweeted, “It is time to make you accountable for your condemnable efforts […] to play with the national security in a bid to save [your] regime.”

    “Face accountability, do not run away like always because this nation won’t let you this time,” said Maryam. Her words were directed at former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

    “You played a dangerous game to cling to power and used the NSC forum for your conspiracy plot. You built a fake narrative of absolutely not for the bases that were never demanded. You begged the establishment for an NRO and lied that they gave you those options,” tweeted Maryam.

    Addressing a press conference on the recently held 79th Formation Commanders’ Conference, the DG ISPR said he cannot discuss what was discussed in the NSC meeting, but noted that the word “conspiracy” was not used.

    DG ISPR said that the establishment did not put forth options before Khan. He, however, said that during the deadlock, Prime Minister’s Office contacted the military leadership to resolve the matter.

    “The political parties were not ready for talks with each other to end the deadlock at that time,” he said. “The army chief and DG ISI visited the PM’s Office at their request to play the role of mediator.”

  • Fact check: Was Khan’s Peshawar jalsa visible from space?

    Fact check: Was Khan’s Peshawar jalsa visible from space?

    Claim: Imran Khan’s jalsa in Peshawar was visible from space as shown in a photography taken by NASA

    Fact:

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s Peshawar jalsa was massive. Visuals and videos from the jalsa are doing the rounds on social media. However, PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan went overboard as he shared a photo from the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), claiming that it was from the party’s rally.

    Ali M Khan shared three pictures on Twitter after the rally, and among them was a picture from NASA, which was a snap captured from the International Space Station.

    Screenshot of Ali Muhamamd Khan’s tweet

    The picture shared by the PTI leader actually shows the lights in the Iberian Peninsula, which falls in Spain and Portugal. This picture was taken by NASA and published on their website in 2014.

    “One of the Expedition 40 crew members aboard the International Space Station recorded this early evening photo of the entire Iberian Peninsula on July 26, 2014,” the NASA post read.

    VERDICT: FALSE

  • Here’s a look at the upcoming Honda Vezel 2023

    Here’s a look at the upcoming Honda Vezel 2023

    Honda’s mini-SUV, the HR-V is finally approaching its second generation. The upcoming model will have some significant upgrades from styling to engine performance.

    It will be bulkier, futuristic, and more powerful than the previous model, with better looks than the smaller, hybrid-only European variant introduced in 2021.

    VEZEL and HR-V confusion

    For those who may not know, the original name for ‘Honda Vezel’ is ‘Honda HR-V’. This hybrid vehicle has become quite famous in Pakistan for its good looks and impressive fuel consumption despite being an expensive completely built-up (CBU) unit. It is mostly witnessed with a ‘Vezel’ badging instead of ‘HR-V’ here.

    The Japanese automaker said that the new subcompact SUV will be based on the same platform as the international Honda Civic variants. It has a longer wheelbase than before, and the rear suspension is now independent.

    Engine and Performance

    One important thing Honda revealed about the powertrain is that it will be a more responsive engine as compared to the prior one, which might be the Civic’s 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four, replacing the existing HR-V’s 141-horsepower 1.8-liter inline-four.

    The HR-V’s engine for the base model could be the naturally aspirated 158-hp 2.0-liter inline-four from the Civic’s lower trim levels. Front-wheel drive will almost certainly be standard, with all-wheel drive as an option, and a CVT automatic transmission will almost certainly be the only transmission option. A hybrid HR-V is also expected to enter the lineup, though it may arrive later than the fuel-only model.

    Read more: Car sales up by 53.7 per cent in 2022, despite repeated price hikes

    Honda has not officially revealed any photographs or details of the HR-V’s interior, however, it will be exciting to see how the new platform will affect its packaging. As the fuel tank was positioned behind the front seats, the previous HR-V, like the Fit, had a surprisingly low cargo floor.

    The LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L variants from the current model are anticipated to continue over. Honda also published a video showcasing the new HR-V in a variety of colours, including red, silver, black, and white. Unfortunately, there is no official statement released by the company regarding its price and availability in other regions.

  • Referee halts football match to help Muslim player break Ramazan fast

    Referee halts football match to help Muslim player break Ramazan fast

    A referee had to halt a football league match for a Muslim player, Moussa Niakhate,26, to allow him to break Ramazan fast. It happened during a match between Mainz and Augsburg last week in Bundesliga which is a professional association football league in Germany.

    Moussa Niakhate who is a center-back in the Mainz team was observing fast during the match. The match referee stopped the game at 65 minutes to allow Niskhate to break Ramazan fast by drinking water.

    https://twitter.com/hdfootballl/status/1513867791740379143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1513867791740379143%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Findianexpress.com%2Farticle%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2Ffirst-time-in-history-referee-pauses-game-at-sunset-to-let-player-break-his-ramadan-fast-7867346%2F

    Later, Niakhate ran up to the referee to thank him for this kind gesture. It was the first time in the history of the Bundesliga league that a match has been paused to allow the player to break the fast. Augsburg won the match against Mainz with 2-0 goals. There were other cases where the referee paused the game for a similar situation.

    According to The Mail, Lutz Michael Frohlich – director of communications for the German Referee Committee​ – has given his approval for officials to stop matches to allow players to break their fast during Ramazan.

    “There is no general instruction in this regard,” he said on Monday, “but of course, we support our referees allowing such drinking breaks during Ramazan at the request of the players.”

  • Which reptile is Imran Khan most scared of? Zardari reveals all

    Which reptile is Imran Khan most scared of? Zardari reveals all

    Former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari revealed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairperson Imran Khan is afraid of lizards.

    Taking a jibe at the PTI chairman, Zardari said Khan was detained for eight hours in 2007 and over there, it came to light that he was afraid of lizards.

    “If Imran Khan will be put in jail, then it will be an enormous problem for this gora (white) sahab,” he added.

    “We have an issue with Imran Khan’s mindset. We have an issue with how Imran Khan has provoked the people of Pakistan. Individually, I don’t care for him, ” said Zardari.

    “Imran Khan has been lying since the beginning. He exaggerates a lot. His ” said Asif Zardari on Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’.

    Talking about a secret meeting with Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Zardari, the PPP leader was questioned if it was this secrecy that led to Khan losing his position. “I don’t know what is in Imran Khan’s mind. But his advisers are novices, they are not political beings. They don’t understand politics. You know politicians make terrible bedfellows. So this can happen anytime.”

    Responding to becoming a part of PM Shehbaz’s cabinet, Asif Zardari said Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s inclusion will be decided according to the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).

    “Bilawal Bhutto as Foreign Minister of Pakistan will be decided in PPP’s CEC meeting,” he said.

    Talking about the 22-year political journey of Khan, Zardari said, ” Once Bibi [Benazir Bhutto] was asked what does she think about Imran Khan in politics, she said that as long as the ball is not tempered, he is welcome.”

    Zardari said that Khan’s propaganda machinery was very strong. “He has hired people internationally. He has the complete support of the Goldsmith family.”

    Talking about National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Zardari said that it is important to bring sensibility to NAB. So before the next elections, “we will decide to dilute some of the powers of NAB”.

    Talking about wooing Khan’s allies to vote against him in the no-trust motion, the former president went on to say, “I am a guarantor in all agreements made with allies and we will fulfill all of their legitimate demands.”

    “I am also a guarantor with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). However, someone has misguided Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), but we still want them to join us,” he said.

    Zardari said it was also his responsibility to oversee the implementation of the agreements signed with all allies, including the MQM-P, Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) of Akhtar Mengal, Shahzain Bugti of Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) and Khalid Magsi of Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).