Tag: UK

  • UK removes Pakistan from list of ‘high risk’ countries

    UK removes Pakistan from list of ‘high risk’ countries

    The United Kingdom on Monday removed Pakistan from its list of “high risk” countries, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari tweeted.
    “Some good news. The United Kingdom has officially removed Pakistan from its list of ‘High Risk Third Countries’ following our early completion of FATF action plans,” the minister wrote in a tweet.

    “His Majesty’s Treasury issued an amendment to the UK’s High-Risk Third Countries’ list ON November 14, 2022, through a Statuary Instrument. The amendment removes Pakistan from the list in accordance with the decision taken by the FATF on October 21, 2022,” the official document read.

    “The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office recognizes the progress Pakistan has made to improve money laundering and terrorist financing controls,” it further added.

    The UK government included Pakistan to its list of 21 high-risk nations with inadequate measures in place to combat money laundering and terrorism funding in April 2021.

  • Lizz Truss resigns as UK prime minister

    Lizz Truss resigns as UK prime minister

    After only 45 days in the position, Prime Minister Liz Truss abruptly announced her resignation. The Prime Minister said that a Tory leadership election will be held in the coming week to choose her successor.

    After her government was overthrown and the majority of her economic policies were abandoned, Tory MPs pushed Ms Truss to leave.

    According to Al Jazeera, Ms Truss was elected by the Conservative membership in September, but after making a number of U-turns, she was forced to resign. In a speech outside Downing Street, Ms Truss said: “I recognise that I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party.”

    Ms Truss declared that she would stay in her position until a replacement legally assumes the role of party leader and is chosen as King Charles III’s prime minister.

    When Ms Truss leaves office, she will hold the record for the shortest tenure as prime minister in British history. She took office 44 days ago. Following Ms Truss’ resignation address, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded a quick election.

    In her speech, Ms Truss said she entered “office at a time of great economic and international instability”, as war rages in Ukraine and living costs skyrocket. However, her retirement follows the resignation of a crucial minister, former home secretary Suella Braverman, and a disorderly parliamentary vote in which Tory MPs dissented.

  • Court issues notice to NAB on Dar’s plea to cancel warrants

    Court issues notice to NAB on Dar’s plea to cancel warrants

    An accountability court has served a notice to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) today (Wednesday) after newly-appointed Finance Minister Ishaq Dar surrendered himself before the court and submitted a petition pleading for the cancellation of his arrest warrants.

    The court then issued a notice to the NAB and ordered Dar to appear before the court on October 7.

    “We will hear the application for cancellation of warrants along with assets’ reference,” the judge remarked.

    In 2017, Dar was a declared a proclaimed offender in a NAB reference due to his continued absence from the proceedings.

    NAB accused Dar of possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

    The case was filed by NAB in light of the Supreme Court’s July 28 verdict in the Panama Papers case.

    The same year, Dar flew to United Kingdom due to seek medical treatment. He stayed there for almost five years until his return to Pakistan on Monday.

  • British pound hits 37-year low against US dollar as recession fears grow

    British pound hits 37-year low against US dollar as recession fears grow

    As central banks raised interest rates to combat soaring inflation, the pound fell to a record 37-year low versus the US dollar on Friday, raising concerns among traders about the economy’s outlook.

    Following the Bank of England’s Thursday increase in borrowing prices by 50 basis points, the value of the pound dropped as low as $1.1151, its lowest level since early 1985.

    That came after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by three-quarters of a point on Wednesday and hinted at further increases.

    Additionally, the dollar rose versus the euro, with the euro trading at $0.9753, a fresh 20-year low.

    The Fed has taken a notably hawkish stance, stating it would not relent until the inflation, which is near four-decade highs, is controlled, even at the expense of the economy, while central banks around the world are raising borrowing prices.

    The focus of traders is now on London, where the new finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng is scheduled to present a mini-budget to assist individuals and companies.

    On Thursday, Kwarteng announced he would repeal a recent salary tax introduced by his predecessor Rishi Sunak and would disclose the price tag for the new administration’s proposal to cap energy costs for both homes and companies.

    It occurs when the Bank of England issues a warning that Britain is on the verge of entering a recession as a result of skyrocketing gasoline and food prices.

  • Shehbaz, Nawaz to meet for three hours in London

    Shehbaz, Nawaz to meet for three hours in London

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif is set to leave for a two-day visit to the United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday, September 18, during which he will represent Pakistan at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and meet Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif.

    The premier is scheduled to have a three-hour-long meeting with his elder brother, Nawaz Sharif, in London.

    According to news reports, PM Shehbaz will return to Pakistan on Monday soon after attending the state funeral for the late Queen — who died at the age of 96 on September 8 at her Balmoral Castle residence.

    It is pertinent to mention here that senior analyst Suhail Warraich had recsbtly revealed that Nawaz Sharif is not satisfied with the performance of his brother Shehbaz Sharif or Finance Minister Miftah Ismail. Warraich said Nawaz wants Shehbaz to review his policies.

    “Nawaz had already said that they should not take over the government and move towards elections. It seems like he [Nawaz Sharif] has made up his mind that he wants economic policies reviewed, and he would want Ishaq Dar to manage it. He [Nawaz Sharif] does not trust Miftah Sahib,” said Warraich on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’.

  • How to apply for the UK Commonwealth Scholarship

    How to apply for the UK Commonwealth Scholarship

    Commonwealth Scholarships are given to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage.

    As part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth, each year around 800 students are given the chance to undertake postgraduate degrees at UK universities.

    Eligibility criteria for Pakistani Students:
    • Be a Pakistani/AJ&K national and permanent resident of Pakistan/AJ&K. Dual nationals are not eligible.
    • For Master’s scholarship, an applicant must hold a first-class degree in a relevant postgraduate qualification (16 years Bachelors/master’s degree) in the relevant field of study by closing date of HEC application portal.
    • For a PhD scholarship, an applicant must hold a first-class degree in relevant postgraduate qualification (17/18 years Masters/MS/MPhil degree) in the relevant field of study by closing date of HEC application portal.
    • Candidate must not have Second/Third division in the terminal/last degree. Result awaiting candidates are also not eligible to apply.
    • All applicants are required to provide HAT test scores. Applicant must have obtained a minimum score of 60 out of 100 on the HAT test. Those applicants who have taken HAT test on or after January 01, 2022, may upload the test result on the HEC portal for consideration.​
    • ​Without providing minimum HAT test score (60 out of 100), applications will not be considered for further process. Interested applicants who are yet to take HAT test, may register for the same by visiting https://etc.hec.gov.pk/. ETC is accepting applications for HAT test till October 11, 2022​.

    CSC Eligibility Criteria in addition to HEC criteria:

    To apply for these scholarships, you must:

    • Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
    • Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2023
    • The CSC would not normally fund a second UK Master’s degree. If you are applying for a second UK Master’s degree, you will need to provide justification as to why you wish to undertake this study
    • Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship
    • Provide full transcripts detailing all your higher education qualifications including to-date transcripts for any qualifications you are currently studying (with certified translations if not in English) – uploaded to the online application system
    • Provide references from at least two individuals.

    For PhD candidates only:

    • NOT be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university or in your home country before September/October 2023
    • Provide a supporting statement from a proposed supervisor in the UK from at least one of the institutions named on your application form.

    Kindly visit below mentioned links for further details on eligibility criteria & terms of award:

  • PM Shehbaz Sharif will attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral

    PM Shehbaz Sharif will attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on September 19 in London, United Kingdom.

    The premier will reportedly reach London on September 17. Other than PM Shehbaz, United States (US) President Joe Biden and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida will also participate in the funeral along with almost 2000 other guests.

    The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is now at London’s Westminster Hall, where the monarch will lie in state before her state funeral on Monday.

    The Queen’s son, King Charles III, was joined by his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, and other members of the royal family as he walked behind the coffin during its procession route on Wednesday en route to Westminster Hall.

    During this two-day tour, PM Shehbaz will also meet his brother Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif. He and three key cabinet members, who are currently in Samarkand, will embark on a visit to London on September 17.

    Earlier this week, Pakistan observed a national day of mourning over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

  • Apple honours Queen Elizabeth II by removing iPhone 14 from homepage of its official website

    Apple honours Queen Elizabeth II by removing iPhone 14 from homepage of its official website

    On Thursday, Apple changed the homepage in memory of Queen Elizabeth II. The Cupertino-based tech giant has added her photo and a tribute statement to its homepage in memory of her.

    Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, also offered his condolences to the citizens of the UK and the Commonwealth.

    The longest reign of any British monarch was that of Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled for 70 years. She passed away at the age of 96.

    Here’s how Apple’s landing page currently appears:

    Apple.com landing page

    Importantly, Apple just announced the iPhone 14 series one day before Queen Elizabeth II passed away, and all of the new products were displayed on the landing page of the company’s website. However, the Cupertino-based technology company immediately updated the home page and included a photo of Queen Elizabeth II.

    Read more: Here are the official prices of all iPhone 14 models

    Apple is one of the few tech behemoths to have changed its website, surprisingly at this key moment when the company is promoting its recently announced products, including the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 8 and AirPods Pro 2.

  • Queen Elizabeth: World leaders remember when they met her

    Queen Elizabeth: World leaders remember when they met her

    Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, breathed her last on Thursday in Balmoral Castle, United Kingdom (UK) at the age of 96.

    In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

    The royal family’s official website carried the message: “Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022” along with an official statement issued by Buckingham Palace.

    Flags on landmark buildings in Britain were being lowered to half mast as a period of official mourning was announced. Royal residences that are open to the public will be closed.

    Shortly after the official announcement, world leaders took to Twitter to extend their condolences.

    President Arif Alvi expressed his sincere condolences.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif extends his heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, people and government of the UK.

    https://twitter.com/PresOfPakistan/status/1567934211637628940?s=20&t=59bb4GrkTNi98ERzhcRB8A

    UK’s newly elected PM Liz Truss mourned the death of her country’s monarch. She released a statement that reads: “With the King’s family, we mourn the loss of his mother. As we mourn, we must come together as a people to support him. To help him bear the awesome responsibility that he now carries for us all.”

    United States (US) President Joe Biden shared a statement on the demise of the Queen. “Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity constancy who deepened the bedrock of the Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special,” Biden said.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping offered “sincere sympathies to the British government and people” following the Queen’s death, adding: “Her passing is a great loss to the British people.”

    Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his “deep sorrow”. “The loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a great loss not only to the British people but also to the international community. Japan’s thoughts are with the United Kingdom as the British people overcome this deepest sadness”, he said.

    Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau said, “It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”

    French President Emmanuel Macron said, “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”

    Indian PM Narendra Modi, in a tweet, said he had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

    “I had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during my UK visits in 2015 and 2018. I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings, she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her at her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture.”

    Finish PM Sanna Marin said, “My deepest condolences to the Royal Family, people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

    Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto said, “Queen’s sense of duty and devotion to service are an example to us all. Deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK.”

    Earlier, it was reported that Queen’s doctors were concerned about her health and she was under observation.

    All the Queen’s children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.

    Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way.

  • FACT CHECK: Did a UK couple name their baby ‘Pakora’ for real?

    FACT CHECK: Did a UK couple name their baby ‘Pakora’ for real?

    Claim: A couple in the United Kingdom named their baby ‘Pakora’.

    Fact: No, the couple did not name their baby Pakora. The incident was a joke made by the owner of a restaurant.

    News reports have been making rounds on social media about a UK couple naming their baby after the desi fried snack Pakora (fritters). The unusual news is being widely talked about on social media, generating a lot of mirth and decisive views.

    The Captain’s Table, a restaurant in Newtownabbey, Ireland, took to Facebook to share the news. The eatery shared the receipt of an order placed by the UK couple and also a picture of the baby girl born on August 24.

    “My wife has just called our newborn daughter Pakora after her fav dish from The Captain’s Table,” read the note.

    However, the owner of the restaurant, Hilary Braniff, later clarified that the post was only a joke. She made the story up to “bring a little cheer to the industry” which is reeling under the rising costs and increasing energy bills.

    Braniff claimed that she just wanted to share the post and brighten up people’s day.

    The girl in the picture is the granddaughter of the restaurant owner, and her name is Grace. “I just thought I would do a post – my two favourite things in the world are chicken pakora and my baby granddaughter. I thought I would combine the two things for a bit of fun really,” she said.