In a bid to revitalise its tourism industry, Thailand has expanded the scheme of its visa-free entry to 93 countries and territories.
Under the new scheme that took effect on Monday, visitors can stay in the Southeast Asian nation for up to 60 days, reported BBC.
Earlier, passport holders from 57 countries were permitted to enter without a visa.
Notably, tourism is a key pillar of the Thai economy, however, it has not fully recovered from the pandemic.
In the first six months of 2024, Thailand recorded 17.5 million foreign tourists arrivals, which is up 35% from the same period last year, as per the official data. However, the numbers pale in comparison to pre-pandemic levels.
Moreover, the majority of the visitors were from China, Malaysia and India.
During the same period, tourism revenue came in at 858 billion baht ($23.6bn; £18.3bn), which is less than a quarter of the government’s target.
For its golden temples, white sand beaches and picturesque mountains, millions of tourists flock to Thailand.
The country also introduced a new five-year visa for remote workers on Monday. This allows holders to stay for up to 180 days each year.
Additionally, visiting students, who earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand will also be allowed to stay for one year after graduation to find a job or travel.
Following is the list of 93 countries and territories exempt from visa entry into Thailand for a time period of 60 days, according to Business Standard:
Donald Trump made a triumphant entrance during the first night of the Republican National Convention on Monday, receiving a raucous ovation from the party faithful two days after a would-be assassin’s bullet grazed his right ear.
Trump walked into the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee with a thick bandage over the ear as the crowd chanted “Fight! Fight! Fight” and pumped their fists, a reference to his reaction in the moments after he was wounded.
The former president mouthed the words “Thank you” and settled into a box with some of his children and US Senator JD Vance, Trump’s choice for running mate announced earlier in the day.
Trump is due to formally accept the party’s nomination in a prime-time speech on Thursday and will face Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 5 election.
The four-day convention began less than 48 hours after a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one supporter. The gunman was shot dead and his motive remains unclear.
During Monday’s session, the party gave speaking slots to six everyday Americans who highlighted the impact inflation has had on lower and middle-income families, while Republican leaders assailed the Biden administration as being out of touch.
Senator Tim Scott, who briefly ran against Trump for the nomination, said divine intervention spared Trump’s life.
“Our God still saves,” Scott said. “He still delivers and he still sets free. Because on Saturday the devil came to Pennsylvania holding a rifle, but an American lion got back up on his feet and he roared!”
Vance, 39, was a fierce Trump critic in 2016 but has since become one of the former president’s staunchest defenders, embracing his false claims that the 2020 election was marred by widespread fraud.
Vance is deeply popular with Trump’s core supporters, but it remains to be seen whether he can broaden the ticket’s appeal. He shares Trump’s aggressive approach to politics, and his conservative statements on issues such as abortion could turn off moderate voters.
Soon after Trump’s afternoon announcement, Vance emerged on the convention floor with his wife Usha, shaking hands with and hugging delegates who swarmed the couple. He is scheduled to address the convention on Wednesday.
Reproductive rights issue
Biden told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland that Vance is “a clone of Trump on the issues,” while other Democrats criticised Vance’s record on reproductive rights.
In an interview on Fox News on Monday night, Vance said he backed Trump’s position that each state should decide for itself whether to permit abortion.
Opinion polls show a close race between Trump, 78, and Biden, 81, though Trump leads in several swing states that are likely to decide the election. Trump has not committed to accepting the results of the election if he loses.
The head of the main fundraising super PAC supporting Trump’s campaign, Taylor Budowich, said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Maga Inc had raised more than $50 million on Monday.
Billionaire Elon Musk is planning to donate around $45 million a month to a new pro-Trump super PAC, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with his intentions. Musk endorsed Trump after the assassination attempt on Saturday.
Following the shooting, Trump said he was revising his acceptance speech to emphasise national unity, rather than highlight his differences with Biden.
“The speech will be a lot different, a lot different than it would’ve been two days ago,” Trump told the Washington Examiner.
The day began with yet another in a string of recent legal victories for Trump, when US District Judge Aileen Cannon threw out federal charges accusing him of retaining classified documents after leaving the White House.
Trump is due to be sentenced in New York in September for trying to cover up a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the weeks before his 2016 election victory.
But his other two indictments on federal charges in Washington and state charges in Georgia — both related to his efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat — are mired in delays and could be significantly limited after the US Supreme Court ruled in July that he had immunity for many of his official acts as president.
“This dismissal of the Lawless Indictment in Florida should be just the first step, followed quickly by the dismissal of ALL the Witch Hunts,” Trump said on Truth Social on Monday, also referencing the prosecutions of hundreds of his supporters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
No place for violence
The shooting attempt on Trump’s life immediately altered the dynamics of the presidential campaign, which had been focused on whether Biden should drop out due to concerns about his age and acuity following a halting June 27 debate performance.
Nearly two dozen of Biden’s fellow Democrats in Congress have called on him to end his reelection bid and allow the party to pick another standard bearer.
The focus this week will be squarely on Trump.
Having consolidated party control, Trump could seize on the opportunity to deliver a unifying message or paint a dark portrait of a nation under siege by a corrupt leftist elite, as he has done at times on the campaign trail.
Trump has frequently turned to violent rhetoric in campaign speeches, labelling his perceived enemies as “vermin” and “fascists.”
Biden has cast Trump as a threat to US democracy, comments that some Republicans say helped foster an atmosphere that prompted the shooting even though authorities have yet to determine the motive for the assassination attempt.
Following Saturday’s shooting, Biden sought to lower the temperature after months of heated political rhetoric.
“There is no place in America for this kind of violence,” Biden said in an address from the White House on Sunday.
In an interview with NBC News on Monday, Biden said it was a “mistake” to tell donors last week it was “time to put Trump in the bullseye” but noted that Trump has often used incendiary words.
Biden ordered an independent review of how the gunman could have come so close to killing Trump. Congressional investigators also sought to question the head of the US Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting the former president.
Moody’s Ratings has said that although the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal boosts funding prospects for financially-challenged Pakistan, the strict enforcement of dictated reforms will be key to mitigating future liquidity risks and averting another bailout.
The IMF and Pakistani authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on a 37-month Extended Fund Facility Arrangement (EFF) of about $7 billion. The agreement, inked on July 12, is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, although no date has been set for a vote.
“If approved, which we expect is likely, the new IMF programme will improve Pakistan’s (Caa3 stable) funding prospects,” the Moody’s said in its latest report.
It said the programme would provide credible sources of financing from the IMF and catalyse funding from other bilateral and multilateral partners to meet Pakistan’s external financing needs.
“However, the government’s ability to sustain reform implementation will be key to allowing Pakistan to continually unlock financing over the duration of the IMF programme, leading to a durable easing of government liquidity risks.”
However, the ratings company warned that a resurgence of social tensions on the back of high cost of living – which may increase because of higher taxes and future adjustments to energy tariffs – could weigh on reform implementation.
The new IMF EFF comes with conditions of far-reaching reforms, such as measures to broaden the tax base and removing exemptions and making timely adjustments of energy tariffs to restore the energy sector viability, the financial services company said.
“Other measures include improving state-owned enterprises’ management and privatisation, phasing out agricultural support prices and associated subsidies, advancing anti-corruption, governance and transparency reforms, and gradually liberalising trade policy.”
Moreover, risks that the coalition government may not have a sufficiently strong electoral mandate to continually implement difficult reforms remain, it added.
According to an IMF report published in May, Pakistan’s external financing need is about $21 billion for fiscal year 2024-25 (ending June 2025) and about $23 billion for fiscal 2026-27. Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves of $9.4 billion as of July 5 are well below its needs.
The country’s external position remains fragile, with high external financing requirements over the next three to five years and its economy is vulnerable to policy slippages, as per Moody’s.
“Weak governance and high social tensions can compound the government’s ability to advance reforms, jeopardising its ability to complete reviews under the IMF programme and unlock external financing,” it added.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar said Tuesday that the decision to impose a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has not been taken yet by the federal government.
Upping the ante against the embattled Imran Khan-founded party, the federal government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) decided to ban the former ruling party as well as file references against the top PTI leaders founder — Imran Khan, Arif Alvi and Qasim Suri — under Article 6 (high treason) for dissolving the National Assembly in April 2022.
Dar, while addressing a press conference in Lahore today, clarified that Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar had clearly announced a day ago that the government would deliberate on the ban on the PTI and make a decision after consulting its allies.PauseUnmute
Current Time 0:13
/
Duration 4:50
Loaded: 18.62%Quality Levels
“Decision would be taken according to the law and the Constitution,” the deputy premier assured.
“Whatever decision we take, it would not be above the law and the Constitution, nor politically motivated,” he added.
It is noteworthy to mention here that Tarar blamed the former ruling party for May 9 riots, foreign funding from questionable sources, and illegal dissolution of assemblies during the no-confidence move against the former premier Khan in April 2022.
‘PTI is foreign-funded’
“May 9 events are unacceptable,” said Dar, adding that however, national integrity should be prioritised at any cost.
“Whoever is involved in the May 9 riots must face penalties. Either it’s us or anyone else, if someone is working against the country, then it will be unacceptable,” Dar insisted.
The May 9 riots had erupted following ex-PM Khan’s arrest from Islamabad High Court (IHC) premises last year in which protesters targeted government and military installations.
Commenting on possibilities to initiate political dialogue, he said, “Reconciliation is possible as I have always worked for it.”
Referring to the PTI’s 2014 countrywide sit-in, “[During the PML-N rule,] I negotiated with the PTI to end its sit-in with the permission of then premier Nawaz.”
He, however, said that “political reconciliation is possible but not at the cost of compromising the country’s integrity”.
“The party [PTI] is foreign-funded,” Dar said, “It was already proved by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) besides ascertaining that the donors were not only Muslims but also Jews and Christians.”
The FM said that the ECP declared the PTI “a foreign-funded party” on the basis of undeniable facts as per the law and the Constitution.
New cases against incarcerated ex-PM
Dar, while answering a question regarding the government’s involvement in new cases against the ousted premier Khan, rejected the claims and said that the incumbent government was not involved in any kind of tampering with the process of the law and the Constitution.
“We are not like Imran Khan, neither we are summoning FIA DG [Federal Investigation Agency Director-General] at all times nor calling the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) DG or chairman.”
“The cabinet is doing its work […] the law and the Constitution will make their way.”
The statement came after the former premier Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were arrested and remanded in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) custody in a new reference related to Toshakhana gifts last week.
The arrest was made after their acquittal in the iddat case — also known as the un-Islamic nikah case — which was the last hurdle in the couple’s release from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Moreover, Khan’s arrest had also been declared in 12 cases related to May 9 mayhem a day ago and an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore granted his 10-day physical remand.
‘PML-N, PDM took responsibility’
In his initial remarks, the foreign minister said that Pakistan became the 24th largest economy in a short period of three years in 2016 under the leadership of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif when “inflation rate was only 2%, general inflation rate was standing at 3.6% and with the growth rate of 6%”.
Pointing towards the PTI and its founder Khan, he alleged that ex-PM Nawaz had been removed from office through a “conspiracy”, political chaos was created in the country and “a hand-picked [leader] was introduced by spending millions at Minar-e-Pakistan in 2011”.
He further alleged that the 2018 general elections were “stolen” to defeat the Nawaz-led party which led to severe outcomes for the country’s economy, politics and diplomacy.
Dar added that Pakistan’s economic ranking had dropped to 47th from 24th during the PTI’s rule and faced the risk of default due to the poor governance of the former rulers.
“The PML-N and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) had no eagerness to get a chance to rule the country, but it took responsibility to pull the country out of the crises,” he said.
“We saved the country from default after much effort in the short tenure of 16 months and restored diplomatic ties with foreign countries.”
It is pertinent to mention here that after ousting ex-PM Khan from office via a successful no-trust move in 2022, the PDM — a multi-party opposition alliance — came to power in the Centre with the PML-N’s top leader Shehbaz as the prime minister.
Shehbaz was reelected as PM, again, after the February 8 nationwide polls after his party formed a coalition government with the support of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), and others.
Pizza lovers are known for their adventurous spirit, willing to experiment with a myriad of toppings to create the perfect slice. But every so often, a combination comes along that leaves even the most daring foodies scratching their heads. This was certainly the case when an anonymous woman ordered a pistachio pizza and shared her experience on Reddit, as reported by the Daily Express. The unusual choice sparked a lively debate online, with some intrigued by the novel idea while others remained skeptical.
The woman’s post included a snapshot of her unconventional pizza, which featured a vibrant green hue from the crushed pistachios generously spread across the top. The sight of the green-topped pie piqued curiosity and prompted a flurry of questions from other Reddit users. They were eager to know more about the other ingredients that complemented the pistachios.
In response to the queries, the woman detailed the toppings: herbed cream, scallion, pickled fresnos, pecorino, and hot honey. This blend of ingredients added layers of complexity to the pizza, combining savory, sweet, and spicy elements. However, the combination proved divisive among those who commented. While some were excited about the unique flavors, others found the concept too far removed from traditional pizza to be appealing.
One user expressed their surprise, mentioning that they had never considered pistachios as a pizza topping until their Italian colleague shared an experience of having a similar pizza in Sicily. This nod to Italian culinary traditions lent some credibility to the unusual choice, suggesting that pistachio pizza might be more common in certain regions than most people realize.
Amid the mixed reactions, one user humorously commented, “This is nuts,” playing on the double meaning of “nuts” to describe both the inclusion of pistachios and the seemingly crazy idea of using them as a topping. The playful remark encapsulated the overall sentiment of bewilderment mixed with curiosity that many felt towards the pistachio pizza.
When asked to rate the pizza, the woman provided an honest assessment. Despite acknowledging that it was quite good, she admitted that the sweetness of the hot honey and pickled fresnos made it less appealing to her. As someone who generally prefers savory flavors, the sweetness was a bit overwhelming. She ultimately rated the pizza as “unique but much too sweet” and confessed she would not order it again, preferring more traditional savory pies.
The concept of a pistachio pizza, while unusual, is not entirely without precedent. Pistachios are a versatile ingredient used in various dishes for their rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. They can be found in everything from desserts to salads, and their inclusion in pizza is an extension of their culinary adaptability. However, the combination of herbed cream, scallions, pickled fresnos, pecorino, and hot honey with pistachios is certainly unconventional, pushing the boundaries of what many consider acceptable pizza toppings.
This episode highlights the evolving nature of culinary trends, where experimentation and fusion lead to innovative dishes that challenge traditional norms. While pistachio pizza might not become a mainstream favorite, it serves as a reminder of the diverse and ever-changing landscape of food culture. For some, the idea of a pistachio pizza might be too avant-garde, while for others, it represents a bold new frontier in the world of pizza.
In the end, the pistachio pizza story underscores the subjective nature of taste. What may seem bizarre to one person might be a delightful treat to another. As food enthusiasts continue to push the boundaries and explore new flavor combinations, the culinary world becomes richer and more diverse. So, while not everyone may be ready to embrace pistachio pizza, it undoubtedly adds a new chapter to the ongoing saga of pizza innovation.
The woman’s pistachio pizza adventure is a testament to the adventurous spirit of food lovers everywhere. Whether met with enthusiasm or skepticism, such culinary experiments keep the world of food exciting and ever-evolving. So, next time you find yourself at a pizza place, you might just be tempted to try something out of the ordinary—you never know, it could become your new favorite.
Florida Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by former President Donald Trump, has dismissed the criminal case against him regarding the mishandling of classified documents, asserting that Special Counsel Jack Smith was unlawfully appointed. Cannon’s ruling emphasized that Smith’s appointment violated the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This case, previously a significant legal threat to Trump’s 2024 election campaign, involved 31 counts of “willful retention of national defense information,” each carrying a potential 10-year prison sentence.
Trump’s legal team successfully argued for the case’s dismissal based on Smith’s invalid appointment and its constitutional violations. Following the ruling, Trump, who recently survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally, expressed his relief on Truth Social, calling for the dismissal of all other investigations against him, referring to them as “witch hunts.”
Cannon’s decision followed Trump’s lawyers’ argument for a partial assessment of the Supreme Court’s ruling that grants former presidents broad immunity from prosecution. The dismissal of this case, which carried severe implications for Trump’s legal standing and election campaign, marks a significant legal victory for the former president.
The indictment in Florida, which accused Trump of retaining national defense information, was seen as one of the most serious legal challenges he faced. However, with Judge Cannon’s ruling, Trump has avoided what could have been a lengthy and damaging trial, reinforcing his stance against what he perceives as politically motivated legal actions.
Pakistan’s stock market experienced a significant surge as investors responded positively to the announcement of a new deal between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 Shares Index climbed 1211.51 points or 1.52%, reaching an unprecedented 81,155.60 points, up from the previous close of 79,944.10 points. This remarkable rise underscores investor optimism fueled by the expectations of macroeconomic stability and reformative measures linked to the IMF agreement.
The deal, a staff-level agreement (SLA) for a 37-month-long, $7 billion loan programme, comes with stringent conditions, including an increase in the tax rate on farm income. The announcement capped negotiations that began in May, following the completion of a short-term, $3 billion programme which had helped stabilize the economy, avoid a sovereign debt default, and set ambitious revenue targets in the national budget to secure IMF’s approval.
Since the signing of the previous SLA for the $3 billion standby arrangement, Pakistan’s benchmark share index has nearly doubled. The recent surge is also more than 10% higher since the presentation of Pakistan’s annual budget, indicating robust market confidence in the country’s financial management under the IMF’s guidance.
“The market has grown used to the IMF deal being a highly politicised news event and the IMF asking Pakistan to do more. This time it was a silent agreement between the government and the IMF staff,” commented Adnan Sami Sheikh, assistant vice president of research at Pak Kuwait Investment Company. This subtle approach appears to have reassured investors, reflecting in the market’s bullish behavior.
Raza Jafri, CEO of EFG Hermes Pakistan, echoed this sentiment, noting that the market’s positive reaction stems from the SLA’s potential to bolster macroeconomic stability and facilitate necessary reforms in critical sectors such as taxation and energy. The agreement also aims to promote more equitable fiscal spending between the central government and the provinces, which could lead to improved financial discipline and resource allocation across the nation.
Ahsan Mehanti, an analyst at Arif Habib Corp, highlighted that the all-time high in stock prices was influenced by investor speculation about potential easing of the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) interest rates, which further fueled the bullish trend during the earnings season. Mehanti’s observation indicates a broader confidence in the economic measures accompanying the IMF deal.
The market’s recent performance also reflects the volatile political landscape. Last Friday, the stocks had a turbulent session, closing 48.26 points lower at 79,944.10 points, after a Supreme Court decision regarding reserved seats. This fluctuation underscores the sensitivity of the market to political developments and judicial decisions, which can significantly influence investor sentiment.
The new agreement with the IMF introduces an increased tax on agricultural incomes, a sector that has historically enjoyed lower taxation rates despite its substantial economic contribution. Agriculture accounts for 23% of Pakistan’s GDP, employs 35% of the labor force, and generates an annual income of approximately 9 trillion Pakistani rupees ($32.37 billion). By aligning agricultural taxation with corporate and other tax rates, the government aims to enhance its revenue streams and address recurrent fiscal deficits, a key condition for IMF’s support.
The IMF has secured commitments from both provincial and federal authorities in Pakistan to implement these taxation reforms. This move is expected to broaden the tax base, improve fiscal transparency, and ensure that all significant income sources contribute fairly to the national exchequer.
The IMF deal signifies a critical juncture for Pakistan’s economic trajectory, promising stability and reform in exchange for tough but necessary measures. The positive response from the stock market reflects a collective investor belief in the potential benefits of these reforms. As Pakistan embarks on this path, the implementation of these measures will be crucial in achieving sustained economic growth and stability.
The Pakistani government has announced a significant hike in electricity tariffs for domestic consumers, with increases ranging from Rs7.12 to Rs48.84 per unit, depending on the consumption slab. However, consumers using up to 200 units per month have been exempted from the price hike for a period of three months. This exemption aims to provide relief to low-usage households, which account for 94% of electricity consumers.
The tariff hike is part of the government’s efforts to improve Pakistan’s chances of securing a fresh program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The increase in tariff is expected to generate additional revenue for the power sector and help reduce the fiscal burden on the government.
The new tariffs will apply to all domestic consumers, including those in Karachi. However, consumers using up to 200 units per month will not be affected by the price hike for the next three months. This exemption is expected to provide relief to low-income households and help mitigate the impact of the tariff hike.
The tariff hike has been approved by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) and will be implemented by all power distribution companies (Discos) and K-Electric. The increase in tariff will also apply to commercial, general services, bulk, and agricultural consumers.
The government has also approved increasing the base tariff for commercial consumers by Rs8.04, agriculture consumers by Rs6.62, general services by Rs6.96, and Rs5.96 for bulk consumers. However, the base tariff for industrial consumers has been maintained.
The exemption for low-usage households is a welcome move, but the tariff hike is expected to have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in Pakistan. The government needs to ensure that the revenue generated from the tariff hike is utilized efficiently to improve the power sector and provide relief to consumers.
In the long run, the government should focus on implementing structural reforms in the power sector to reduce the fiscal burden and improve the overall efficiency of the sector. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, improving transmission and distribution infrastructure, and promoting energy conservation measures.
The tariff hike is a short-term measure to address the fiscal challenges facing the power sector, but it is essential to address the underlying structural issues to ensure sustainable growth and development in the sector.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, in collaboration with its liaison offices in Karachi and Lahore, has introduced a new initiative to facilitate applicants seeking apostille attestation. Designated courier companies will now collect documents from applicants, which will then be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This move aims to streamline the document attestation process and make it more convenient for individuals seeking apostille attestation.
The authorised courier companies, including TCS, M&P, Gerry’s, Leopard, and ECS, will collect documents from applicants in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. However, it is important to note that these courier companies are not authorised to accept Power of Attorney documents.
In 2023, the government of Pakistan acceded to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention) of 1961. This convention simplifies the public document authentication process, replacing the traditional legalisation requirement with a single formality – the issuance of an authentication certificate called “Apostille” by the designated authority of the country where the document was issued.
The Apostille certificate is recognised by all member countries of the Hague Convention, allowing foreign public documents to be directly presented to the authorities concerned without any additional attestation requirements. This development is expected to significantly reduce the complexity and cost associated with the legalisation process, making it easier for individuals to authenticate their documents for international use.
The introduction of this new initiative and Pakistan’s accession to the Apostille Convention demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business and facilitating individuals in their personal and professional endeavors. By streamlining the document attestation process, the government aims to promote trade, commerce, and education, and enhance Pakistan’s global connectivity.
Former president of Pakistan, Arif Alvi, has responded to the government’s latest move to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and file references against him and ex-prime minister Imran Khan under Article 6, with a witty and humorous literary reference. In a social media post, Alvi compared Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar’s press conference to a situation described by the renowned Urdu humorist, Mushtaq Ahmad Yusufi.
Alvi’s post, written in Urdu, roughly translates to: “While watching television, especially after today’s press conference, I was greatly reminded of the late Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi. Due to some friends, I had the honour of knowing him and would meet him every few months at a khichdi gathering in Karachi. He used to say to his friend Mirza: My dear fellow, you speak like a human, but by God, your emotions are like those of a horse. As there is no mention of intelligence in this, otherwise, he could have compared him to another animal. Allah knows best.”
Tarar, in his press conference, announced that the government would seek to ban the PTI, citing allegations against Khan, including leaking state secrets and inciting riots. Alvi’s response, however, was not a direct attack on the government’s move but rather a clever use of literary reference to poke fun at the emotional nature of humans, particularly in the context of politics.
The comparison of Mirza’s emotions to those of a horse is a clever quip by Yousufi, highlighting how humans can be driven by their emotions, much like horses, which are known for their unpredictable behavior. This witty remark has been used by Alvi to draw a parallel between the emotional nature of humans and the current political climate in Pakistan.
The PTI has responded strongly to the government’s move, with a spokesperson stating that the party “will not tolerate” the effort to ban it. “The PTI has become stronger than before. We will face it,” Raoof Hasan said. The party has also received a boost from a landmark Supreme Court ruling, which granted it more parliamentary seats, and the overturning of Khan’s conviction for illegal marriage.
However, Khan remains jailed over other cases, and a UN panel of experts has called for his immediate release, stating that his detention “had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him from running for political office”. The prosecution was deemed “not grounded in law and was reportedly instrumentalised for a political purpose”.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced steps to address a series of corruption scandals, including one involving her former household servant who has amassed a staggering $34 million fortune and now travels by helicopter. Hasina disclosed these measures during a press conference late Sunday, highlighting the severity and pervasiveness of corruption within the country.
“Corruption is a longstanding problem,” Hasina stated. “These messes must be cleaned up… we have been taking measures.” One of the notable cases involves her former household assistant, a low-level orderly known as a “peon,” who was responsible for basic tasks such as providing water during events. The individual, who Bangladeshi media have identified as Jahangir Alam, nicknamed “Pani” or “water,” has been reported to own 4 billion Taka ($34 million).
“The man who worked as a peon in my house — he now owns 400,00,00,000 Taka ($34 million),” Hasina said. “He can’t move without a helicopter. How has he earned so much money? I took action immediately after knowing this.”
To put this in perspective, it would take an average Bangladeshi more than 13,000 years to earn that amount, given the country’s average GDP per capita of $2,529, according to the World Bank.
While Hasina did not explicitly name the servant, several newspapers have identified him as Jahangir Alam. The Dhaka Tribune reported that Alam had leveraged his position within Hasina’s office to engage in lobbying, tender manipulation, and bribery.
The news of Alam’s wealth has spread rapidly on social media, prompting opposition parties to criticize Hasina’s administration for widespread corruption. AKM Wahiduzzaman, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition party, said, “If Sheikh Hasina’s peon could make such an astronomical amount of money, you can guess how much his boss has made. The most shocking thing is he has not been prosecuted for his crime. He was just removed from his post.”
The scandal involving Alam is only one among many that have recently come to light. These allegations have implicated a former army chief, an ex-police chief, senior tax officers, and state recruitment officials. The wave of corruption revelations has put significant pressure on Hasina’s administration, which has been in power for over 15 years.
Hasina, 76, won her fourth consecutive general election in January. The election was marked by the absence of genuine opposition parties, widespread boycotts, and a major crackdown on her political opponents. However, since May, these high-profile corruption scandals have cast a shadow over her long rule, intensifying scrutiny and criticism of her government.
Despite these revelations, Hasina has emphasized her commitment to combating corruption and restoring integrity within her administration. The actions taken against her former household servant and others implicated in corruption are intended to signal a serious effort to address these issues. However, critics argue that more stringent measures and prosecutions are necessary to genuinely tackle the deep-rooted problem of corruption in Bangladesh.
As Hasina navigates these turbulent times, the pressure to demonstrate accountability and transparency continues to mount. The handling of these corruption cases will be a critical test of her leadership and the resilience of her government in the face of growing public discontent and opposition scrutiny.
The corruption scandal involving Hasina’s former household servant highlights the broader challenges of addressing endemic corruption in Bangladesh. Hasina’s recent actions signify an acknowledgment of these issues, but the effectiveness of her measures remains to be seen. The political and social implications of these scandals will likely shape the discourse and dynamics within Bangladesh in the coming months.
Kourtney Kardashian recently celebrated her daughter Penelope Disick’s 12th birthday with a beachside gathering. The celebration was shared on Instagram, where Kourtney posted a video featuring highlights of the special day. The reel, captioned “12 years young,” showed a picturesque birthday cake with white icing and twelve candles, and clips of Penelope enjoying the beach with her friends. The background music for the video was Zaz’s “La Vie en Rose.”
Fans and friends expressed their love and well-wishes in the comments. Travis Barker, Kourtney’s husband, commented, “Happy Birthday Penelope,” adding a personal touch to the celebration. One fan commented on the beauty of the beach, calling it a great birthday gift, while another expressed their desire for a similar birthday party, describing it as perfect.
Penelope, along with her siblings Mason and Reign, are shared by Kourtney and her ex-partner Scott Disick. The beachside celebration highlighted Kourtney’s dedication to making her children’s birthdays memorable and filled with love.
The video showcased moments of joy, friendship, and family, with Penelope and her friends playing on the beach, enjoying the sunny weather, and relishing the birthday treats. The choice of location and the heartfelt celebrations captured the essence of a perfect birthday, leaving fans and followers with a glimpse into Penelope’s special day.
Kourtney’s post was met with an outpouring of affection from her followers, who appreciated the intimate and joyful moments shared. The beachside birthday party for Penelope Disick stands out as a beautiful example of how Kourtney continues to create cherished memories for her children, celebrating their milestones with love and happiness.
Tony Hemming has been appointed as the new head curator for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on a two-year contract. The Western Australian, known for his extensive experience in pitch preparation, will arrive in Lahore on Wednesday to assume his role.
Hemming’s immediate responsibility will be to prepare pitches for five crucial ICC World Test Championship matches. These matches include two against Bangladesh scheduled for August and September, and three against England set for October. His expertise will be crucial in ensuring the pitches are of high quality, providing fair and competitive conditions for the teams involved.
Beyond these immediate tasks, Hemming will also be in charge of preparing the pitches for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan is set to host from February 19 to March 9. This event is significant for Pakistan as it provides an opportunity to showcase its capability to host international cricket tournaments successfully, further enhancing its reputation on the global stage.
Hemming brings nearly four decades of experience to the role. He has earned a stellar reputation in the cricketing world, having worked at several iconic cricket grounds in Australia, including those in Melbourne, Perth, and Tasmania. His expertise is not limited to Australia; he has also worked in various countries, including Bangladesh, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Notably, Hemming served as the ICC’s Head Curator from 2007 to 2017 in Dubai. During his tenure with the ICC, he oversaw the preparation of pitches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which served as one of Pakistan’s home venues between 2009 and 2019.
Hemming’s appointment comes as a replacement for Zahid, who has had a long and distinguished career with the PCB. Zahid joined the Chairman PCB Curators Committee in 2001 and was appointed as the Chief Curator in 2004. Despite resigning from this role in 2020, Zahid was reappointed by former PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja in 2021. Hemming’s experience and expertise will be critical in continuing and enhancing the work that Zahid has done over the years.
The challenges that Hemming faces are considerable. Preparing pitches in Pakistan, especially during the monsoon season, requires meticulous planning and execution. The pitches need to balance the needs of both batsmen and bowlers, ensuring a fair contest and reducing the chances of matches being overly skewed in favor of one discipline. Hemming’s vast experience, including his work in diverse climates and conditions around the world, will be instrumental in addressing these challenges.
In addition to the World Test Championship and the ICC Champions Trophy, Hemming will likely have a broader mandate to improve the overall quality of pitches in Pakistan. This includes domestic cricket pitches, which are crucial for the development of local talent. High-quality pitches at the domestic level ensure that players are better prepared for the rigors of international cricket.
Hemming’s appointment is also a testament to the PCB’s commitment to improving cricket infrastructure in the country. By bringing in a curator of Hemming’s caliber, the PCB is making a clear statement about its dedication to providing the best possible conditions for cricket in Pakistan. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of cricket played in the country, benefiting players, teams, and fans alike.
Tony Hemming’s appointment as the head curator for the PCB marks a significant step in the right direction for Pakistani cricket. His extensive experience and proven track record in pitch preparation will be invaluable as Pakistan prepares to host several important international fixtures in the coming years. With Hemming at the helm, the future of cricket pitches in Pakistan looks promising, ensuring that players have the best possible conditions to showcase their talents and entertain fans around the world.
Angelina Jolie and her son Pax Jolie-Pitt were recently spotted at a sushi restaurant in West Hollywood, California, enjoying a meal together. Pax even paid for the parking, showing his independence and maturity. This outing comes amid the ongoing legal drama between Jolie and her ex-husband, Brad Pitt, which has been making headlines for months.
The legal drama between Jolie and Pitt started after an FBI report was made public, detailing an incident on a private jet in 2016. The report alleged that Pitt was drinking on the jet and grabbed Jolie, shouting at her and causing an injury to her elbow. The report also claims that Pitt said one of his children “looks like a… Columbine kid”. Pitt has denied all accusations, and an investigation by the FBI was dropped and the case closed as he was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Despite the ongoing legal drama, Jolie and Pax seemed to enjoy their time together at the sushi restaurant. They were seen laughing and chatting, and Pax even took the initiative to pay for the parking. This outing shows that Jolie is focusing on her work and spending quality time with her children, despite the challenges she is facing in her personal life.
Jolie and Pitt have six children together: Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16. The children have been caught in the middle of their parents’ legal drama, and it has been reported that they are struggling to cope with the situation. However, Jolie is doing her best to provide a stable and loving environment for her children, and is prioritizing their well-being above everything else.
In addition to spending time with her children, Jolie has been focusing on her work and various projects. She has been spotted on set, filming her latest movie, and has been attending various events and premieres. Despite the challenges she is facing in her personal life, Jolie remains committed to her work and is determined to continue making a positive impact in the world.
Republican candidate and former US president Donald Trump recently shared his harrowing experience of surviving an assassination attempt, describing it as a “very surreal experience.” In an interview with the New York Post, Trump recounted the incident, which occurred at a campaign rally on Saturday. He expressed his gratitude for being alive, stating, “I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead.”
Trump attributed his survival to luck or divine intervention, saying, “By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God I’m still here.” He also praised the Secret Service agents for their prompt and effective response, which resulted in the shooter’s death. “They took him out with one shot right between the eyes,” Trump said. “They did a fantastic job. It’s surreal for all of us.”
The incident left Trump with a bloodied face and a wounded ear, which was covered with a white bandage during the interview. Despite the trauma, Trump seemed determined to move forward, rewriting his speech for the Republican National Convention to focus on unity rather than criticism of President Biden’s administration.
Trump acknowledged the division in the country, saying, “People are very divided.” However, he expressed hope that his rewritten speech could help bring people together. The former president also reflected on the iconic photo of him raising a defiant fist as Secret Service agents escorted him away, saying, “A lot of people say it’s the most iconic photo they’ve ever seen. They’re right, and I didn’t die. Usually, you have to die to have an iconic picture.”
Trump’s survival has sparked an outpouring of support from his fans and well-wishers, who have taken to social media to express their relief and admiration for his resilience. The incident has also raised questions about the security measures in place for political rallies and the potential risks faced by public figures.
As Trump prepares to take the stage at the Republican National Convention, his survival and determination to continue his political journey have galvanized his supporters and underscored the significance of his message. Despite the challenges he faces, Trump remains a formidable force in American politics, and his survival has only strengthened his resolve to continue fighting for his beliefs.
In a shocking move, the PML-N-led government has announced plans to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a decision that has been widely condemned by political parties, human rights organizations, and civil society.
The government’s move has been described as “childish” and “unconstitutional” by many, including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Awami National Party (ANP). PPP leader Farhatullah Babar termed the move as “absurd” and emphasized that such decisions would further deepen the political crisis, undermining democracy and the state.
The government’s decision to ban PTI comes after the party’s involvement in the May 9 riots and attempts to sabotage Pakistan’s deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, many argue that banning a political party is not the solution to addressing political differences and that it would only fuel polarization and undermine the democratic process.
PTI leadership has condemned the federal government’s decision to ban the party and demanded that allies of the ruling coalition government clarify their position on the plan. PTI chairman Imran Khan termed the move a “cowardly act” and vowed to challenge it in court.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also expressed shock over the government’s decision, stating that it violates party members’ right to association under Article 17 of the Constitution. The commission warned that banning a political party would lead to deeper polarization and political chaos, undermining the democratic process.
The move has sparked fears of political unrest and violence, with many warning of a dangerous precedent being set. Political analysts argue that the government’s decision would only strengthen PTI’s narrative of being a victim of political persecution, potentially leading to more support for the party.
As the political crisis deepens, many are calling for restraint and dialogue. The government must reconsider its decision and engage in meaningful talks with PTI to address the underlying issues. Banning a political party is not the solution to Pakistan’s political problems, and it is time for the government to recognize that.
The royal couple along with children expressed their admiration for the England team’s teamwork and determination, while also congratulating Spain on their victory. This post provides a rare glimpse into the private lives of the royal family, highlighting their enthusiasm for sports and quality time together. Fans worldwide praised the family’s down-to-earth nature and the joy they shared in watching the match.
Both William and Kate are known for their love of sports and are often seen attending tennis and soccer matches. They have also been spotted at rugby and sailing events, where they share their passion with their children. The Cambridge family prioritizes spending quality time together, whether at home or public events.
This moment underscores the importance of family bonding and creating lasting memories, even for the royal family. The post received positive feedback from fans who appreciated the insight into the royal family’s private moments and their shared enthusiasm for sports.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Sanam Javaid and has instructed the police and other law enforcement agencies not to arrest her until Thursday. The court also advised Javaid to “stay mum” during this period.
Sanam Javaid, a prominent campaigner for the PTI, founded by Imran Khan, has been entangled in numerous legal battles following the unrest on May 9, 2023, triggered by Khan’s arrest. She faced a series of arrests and re-arrests in connection with various cases related to the mayhem. Most recently, Javaid was taken into custody by the Islamabad police on Sunday, just an hour after her release from the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) custody.
On Saturday, a duty magistrate in Islamabad had allowed Javaid to walk free after she was arrested by the FIA in a terrorism case linked to the May 9 riots. This arrest occurred minutes after her release from a Gujranwala prison, where she had been acquitted in a separate case on similar charges. However, on Sunday, she was freed again by an Islamabad court, only to be re-arrested by the police shortly after.
Javaid’s latest arrest was made in connection with a terrorism case lodged in Balochistan. Authorities claimed she had been arrested for a provocative speech, registered under sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Today, Javaid was presented before a district kachehri court in Islamabad, seeking her transit remand for transport to Balochistan.
Her father, deeming her custody illegal, moved the Islamabad High Court. During the kachehri court hearing, the judge received orders from the high court to present Javaid before them. Justice Mian Gul Hassan presided over the hearing in the presence of Islamabad Inspector General Ali Nasir Rizvi and FIA officials. The petitioner’s lawyer requested the court to direct authorities to present the First Information Report (FIR) for Javaid’s latest arrest by the Islamabad police.
Authorities informed the court that Javaid had not been named in the FIR. Instead, the Balochistan police had sought assistance for her arrest in the terrorism case. Due to a shortage of time, the court sought all records of cases registered against Javaid over the past year and allowed her family to take her home.
The IHC barred the authorities from rearresting Javaid until Thursday and directed her to remain within Islamabad’s limits until then. The court also advised Javaid and her father to avoid making any hard-hitting statements during this time.
Javaid has been behind bars for almost a year, embroiled in various cases linked to the PTI-led vandalism and unrest following Imran Khan’s arrest. Before the latest case in Balochistan, there were twelve cases registered against her, including incidents like the Zaman Park vandalism, the PML-N house fire, and an incident at the Racecourse Police Station. She has been acquitted in four cases, including the recent FIA case, and has obtained bail in the remaining eight cases.
The IHC’s decision to release Javaid and prevent her re-arrest until Thursday offers her a brief respite from the continuous legal turmoil she has faced. The court’s directive to avoid making any provocative statements suggests an attempt to de-escalate tensions and prevent further unrest related to her legal battles.
Javaid’s ongoing legal struggles highlight the contentious political climate in Pakistan, where activists and supporters of different parties frequently find themselves at odds with the law. Her case underscores the challenges faced by political activists in navigating the legal system and the impact of political unrest on individual lives.
Sanam Javaid’s temporary release by the IHC marks a significant development in her prolonged legal ordeal. The court’s instructions for her to remain silent and within Islamabad indicate a cautious approach to managing the situation, aiming to prevent further escalations while providing her a brief period of freedom amidst the numerous charges she faces.
Commending the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act after the reserved seats verdict, the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) former president Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed asked the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to review its decision to oppose the law which “ceased trend of chief justices’ like-minded benches”.
Barrister Salahuddin, while talking to Geo News on Sunday, backed the top court’s decision in the case of the reserved seat related to the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and termed it a “good decision” which paved the way for proper allocation of special seats for women and minorities candidates.
“For important matters, larger benches should be formed to get the opinions of the majority of judges,” he said.
The senior lawyer was of the view that the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision was “beyond the Constitution” for not allocating reserved seats to the PTI-SIC successful candidates in the February 8 nationwide polls.
He was of the view that the ECP did not adopt a constitutional way to fully strip PTI of reserved seats and the top court rectified it.
“It becomes possible after [the new law] the CJ’s powers devolved to three senior judges to form benches,”, he said and recalled the past where “chief justices used to form benches of their own choice”.
The SHCBA former chief said that the SC Practice and Procedure Act “stopped the trend of like-minded benches” and such decisions revolving around “one man”. He added that in the like-minded benches, judges usually endorsed the CJP’s decision.
He urged that the top court’s verdicts should be taken with consultations after taking views from all jurists where chief justices may have faced a minority while issuing verdicts.
Barrister Salahuddin asked the former ruling party should rethink its decision to register opposition to the SC practice law besides celebrating the reserved seats’ verdict in its favour.
He also suggested that all political parties should welcome structural reforms which strengthen institutions and devolve powers instead of choosing short-term political benefits.
The senior lawyer expressed his views in a detailed X thread a day ago, saying: “In rightful celebration of SC judgment, I wonder if some PTI friends now reviewing their opposition to SC Practice & Procedure Act & support for CJP’s God-given right to form benches.”
— X/@SalAhmedPK
“Last CJP in minority in a major constitutional case was Nasir-ul-Mulk [who served as the 22nd chief justice from 2014 to 2015] in 21st Amendment case. CJPs after that (esp Saqib Nisar & Bandial) just formed humkhayal [like-minded] benches so they were never in minority. Structural reform should not be sacrificed at altar of political expediency,” the SHCBA former president said.
“Allowing CJPs to dominate the Court through bench/case fixation was a bad idea then and now. Regardless of who is CJP,” he wrote, adding: “I’m always surprised by how people in power (and their supporters) never ever think about the days they will not.
What’s SC Practice and Procedure Act?
For context, the SC (Practice & Procedure) Act, 2023 has provided a transparent process for the formation of benches for hearing crucial constitutional issues. It also says that a decision to take up a matter suo-motu would be made by a three-member bench, comprising the CJP and the two senior-most judges of the apex court — instead of this power being solely held by the CJP. The law also gives parties the right to appeal to the Supreme Court within 30 days of a final order from a lower court.
Why this becomes important in the current scenario because Friday’s reserved seats verdict was given by a full-court bench, and the CJ was not in the majority. CJP Qazi Faez Isa openly supported the Practice and Procedure law even after he became the chief justice.
Longlegs, a serial killer chiller film starring Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe is headed for new box office record.
Writer-director Osgood Perkins film is close to take a second-place finish with a hefty $20 million to $23 million opening, a record start for the film.
The movie was well reviewed and earned $10 million on Friday alone, including previews.
Despicable Me 4 is still on top in its second weekend with $44 million for a global hit of $441 million through Sunday.
On Friday, the Despicable Me franchise crossed $5 billion in global tickets, a feat no animated franchise has achieved before.
Holding the third spot in its fifth weekend is Inside Out, a sequel to Inside Out 2, which now has a shot at becoming the top-grossing animated film of all time.
The animated film already become the top-grossing Pixar title of all time, not adjusted for inflation.
Talking about apocalyptic horror film A Quiet Place: Day One continues to entertain movie lovers as it holds no. 4 spot at the box office. It is expected to scare up another $12 million this weekend for a domestic total of $165 million through Sunday.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ‘s (PTI) Sanam Javaid, who has been jailed for months, was rearrested once again just almost an hour after her release following acquittal by an Islamabad court on Sunday in a case registered by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The social media political activist had walked free earlier today following months of incarceration, but was taken into custody by Islamabad police soon after.
It may be noted that Javaid’s release has been blocked multiple times as she had been released from a jail in Gujranwala on Saturday as well but the FIA handcuffed her again minutes after her release.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) last week cleared the PTI activist of charges in a case linked to the May 9 riots, while allowing her plea against physical remand granted by an anti-terrorism court.
However, the FIA team booked and arrested her in a new case pertaining to the May 9 events, upon her release from prison on Saturday.
The FIA Cyber Crime Cell had lodged a case against her for allegedly posting inciting remarks on May 9, urging people to attack the Jinnah House, The News reported.
Following her arrest, the FIA team transported Javaid to Islamabad, where she was presented in a district and sessions court for acquisition of remand.
The magistrate on duty, Malik Imran acquitted her on her request, only to be rearrested by the Islamabad police. Her arrest was confirmed by her lawyer in an X post.
However, it has not yet known in which case Javaid has been rearrested.
The PTI firebrand campaigner has been embroiled in various cases, all linked to the vandalism and unrest triggered by PTI founder Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023. There were 12 cases registered against her, including the Zaman Park vandalism, the PML-N house fire and a Racecourse Police Station incident.
She has been acquitted in a total of four cases counting the latest FIA case, and has acquired bail in the remaining eight cases.
It may be noted that Javaid also contested the February 8 general elections from a provincial constituency in Punjab on PTI’s ticket.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi among others on Sunday attended Dawoodi Bohra’s Muharram congregation addressed by the community’s leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin.
The official delegation participated in the eighth sermon of Ashara Mubaraka today.
The dignitaries, along with other senior government officials, visited the landmark Dawoodi Bohra masjid in Karachi’s Saddar, where they were warmly greeted by Syedna Saifuddin, his family members, and thousands of community members gathered there.
Syedna Saifuddin briefly explained to the guests the significance of the Ashara Mubaraka gatherings. He highlighted Imam Husain ibn Ali’s principled stand for Islam, justice and humanity, for which he sacrificed his life and those of the Ahle Bayt.
Syedna drew inspiration from a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) where he stated: “All of Creation is a single family dependent upon Allah” and declared that “the most beloved to Allah is the one who benefits His family the most.”
Syedna also explained that Creation comprises all things, and as such we should strive to benefit not just one another but all of Creation.
He also cited the hadith where the Prophet (PBUH) establishes that “Love for one’s homeland is an integral element of faith”. Syedna exhorted the Dawoodi Bohra community to be law-abiding and honest citizens, partaking in all activities that result in the progress of the nation.
Syedna extended his gratitude to the governors, chief minister, and the government for providing the Dawoodi Bohra community with every assistance and cooperation in making necessary arrangements for the Ashara Mubaraka congregations in Karachi.
Addressing the gathering, CM Murad said, “Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s arrival in Karachi is a matter of pride for Sindh. We welcome him and the Dawoodi Bohra community members who have come from all over the world to Karachi for the Muharram congregation.”
Governor Tessori expressed his appreciation to Syedna for selecting Karachi to host this year’s Ashara Mubaraka. “Along with Syedna’s prayers, the community’s arrival has had a positive impact on the economic conditions of the city.”
The visit by these high-ranking officials to the Ashara Mubaraka sermon highlights the significance of this spiritual gathering and the Dawoodi Bohra community’s relations with Pakistan and its people, an official statement read.
“Syedna Saifuddin’s words on benefiting all of Creation and loving one’s homeland resonate deeply with the community’s values and their role as engaged citizens,” it added.
“This interaction between religious and state leaders during such an important religious observance demonstrates the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation that exists in Pakistan’s diverse society.”
“As Ashara Mubaraka continues, it not only provides spiritual guidance to the Dawoodi Bohra community but also contributes positively to Karachi’s social and economic fabric, reinforcing the community’s commitment to national progress and interfaith harmony,” it concluded.
Experts at Geo News’s exclusive Great Debate on the economy on Sunday were in utmost consensus as they stressed that “economic and political stability is the cornerstone for the country’s recovery from its downtrodden state of affairs”.
The panel, comprising prominent economists, business tycoons, analysts, and industry leaders, broke down the many-sided challenges and suggested a wide range of strategies to guide Pakistan out of the belly of the beast of economic insecurities.
Faced with chronic mismanagement, Pakistan’s economy has found itself on the brink, challenged by the Covid-19 pandemic, the effects of the war in Ukraine and supply difficulties that fuelled inflation, as well as record flooding that affected a third of the country in 2022.
Arif Habib, a seasoned economist and chief of the Arif Habib Group, set the tone of the debate by asserting that economic stability must be prioritised.
Criticising the political leadership for defaulting on the necessary reforms, Habib said this had led to continued economic woes.
Highlighting the impact of a stabilising rupee, Habib noted that it resulted in a subsequent reduction in inflation. The business mogul said that agricultural taxes could generate up to Rs1200 billion, which could then provide relief to other sectors.
The financial and real estate sector baron stressed that provincial acceptance of agricultural taxes would be a meaningful achievement and pointed out that even the President of Pakistan [Asif Ali Zardari] has recognised the necessity for large landowners to contribute their share in revenue generation.
Habib also raised alarms regarding the excessive burden on salaried individuals and the challenges in tax collection from retailers, which has been shifted to manufacturers.
He preferred growth in remittances over exports and encouraged overseas Pakistanis to send more funds home, contending that improvements in domestic conditions would naturally incentivise their return.
Furthermore, the business leader questioned the efficacy of foreign investment, urging the government to create more opportunities within the country.
With its foreign currency reserves dwindling, Pakistan found itself in a debt crisis and was forced to turn to the IMF, obtaining its first emergency loan in the summer of 2023.
Asif Peer, another panellist and CEO of Systems Limited, a global IT firm, underscored the critical role of middle management, describing it as the backbone of the economy that needs empowerment and confidence.
Peer played up the importance of cybersecurity, data protection, and electricity distribution, dubbing them as critical for progress.
Registering his genuine worries over the unpreventable exodus of skilled workers and the pressure [to immigrate] faced by those choosing to stay, Peer put all his weight behind a secure and stable environment to harness the potential in the IT sector.
Asif Inam, Chairman of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), zooming in on the energy sector, slammed the high electricity prices, calling them a major issue, responsible for 70% of economic problems hindering the growth.
Calling for projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to address electricity concerns, Inam said that the post-budget scenario had worsened these issues to a greater extent.
He minced no words criticising the lack of new dams and the complications arising from Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Mohammad Sohail, CEO of Topline Securities Ltd, said that while the direction of the budget was correct, there were questions about tax implementation.
The brokerage chief said things were likely to improve for Pakistan in three to four years, but the challenge at hand was to avoid a default and boost foreign exchange reserves to at least $25 billion.
Sohail stressed the necessity of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal and the goal of achieving 5-6% economic growth to match the increase in population.
Last week, Pakistan and IMF reached a three-year, $7 billion bailout , according to the Washington-based institution. The new programme, which needs to be validated by the fund’s Executive Board, should enable Pakistan to cement macroeconomic stability and create conditions for stronger, more inclusive and resilient growth.
Highlighted the paramount importance of political stability, Sohail noted that it was an elementary concern for foreign investors. He said that in the short term, Pakistan direly needed political stability to foster economic confidence and attract foreign direct investment.
Sohail asserted that the pronounced political division had greatly angered people and that the economy was actually in trouble because of politics.
Amar Habib Khan, assistant professor of practice at the School of Business Studies, IBA, pointed out the consumption-driven nature of 99% of the economy and the detrimental effect of a 29% corporate tax on investment.
He regretted the reliance on government guarantees and the lack of market direction. Khan noted that apart from the IMF, Pakistan has limited loan options and underlined the need for agricultural and IT sector development.
Muhammad Ali Tabba, CEO of Lucky Cement, discussed the potential in sectors like mining and construction and the need for investment in these areas.
He called attention to the security issues in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where fencing around hotels reflects the prevailing dangers.
Tabba contended that investors were deterred by these risks and stressed the need for reducing government interference in the economy. He called for bureaucratic reforms, digitalisation, and a charter of the economy to ensure policy continuity across different governments.
Ehsan A Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Business Council (PBC), chimed in that political stability was paramount, with external investors frequently questioning it.
Malik also bluntly called for the immediate privatisation of white elephants [loss-making state-owned enterprises] — which are a drain on the national exchequer.
The consensus among the panellists was crystal clear: Pakistan’s path to economic recovery rests on bringing about stability — political and economic — implementing comprehensive reforms, and creating a secure, investor-friendly business environment across the country.
The latest bailout, coming to Pakistan in the form of loans, follows a commitment by the government to implement reforms, including a major effort to broaden the country’s tax base.
In this regard, the authorities plan to increase tax revenues through measures of 1.5% of GDP in FY25 and 3% of GDP over the programme.
In particular, the recently approved FY25 budget targets an underlying general government primary surplus of 1% of GDP (2% in headline terms).
Revenue collections will be supported by simpler and fairer direct and indirect taxation, including by bringing net income from the retail, export, and agriculture sectors properly into the tax system.
At the same time, the FY25 budget provides additional resources to expand social protection by increasing both the generosity and coverage of BISP, education, and health spending.
In a nation of over 240 million people and where most jobs are in the informal sector, only 5.2 million filed income tax returns in 2022.
United States authorities found explosive devices in the car of the man who officials say tried to assassinate former president Donald Trump, the American Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources.
The car driven by the suspected shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was parked near the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, the newspaper reported.
The newspaper and ABC News both reported that the gun Crooks used was purchased by his father.
Meanwhile, CNN reported that the shooter had explosive material inside his residence as well.
The incident was being investigated as an assassination attempt.
Trump, who is again a candidate for US presidential elections, was attacked at a polls campaign rally. He was shot in the ear, streaking the Republican’s blood across his face and prompting his security agents to swarm him, before he emerged and pumped his fist in the air, mouthing the words “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
As identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the shooter was a 20-year-old named Thomas Matthew Crooks. He was shot and killed by the Secret Service right after he fired multiple shots towards Trump.
The US Secret Service said in a statement that the shooter “fired multiple shots towards the stage from an elevated position outside the rally” before being “neutralised” by agents.
“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” Trump said later on his Truth Social platform following the shooting in Pennsylvania, about 30 miles (50 km) north of Pittsburgh.
“Much bleeding took place.” However, the Trump campaign said he was “doing well.”
The shooting occurred less than four months before the November 5 election, when Trump faces an election rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden. Most opinion polls including those by Reuters/Ipsos show the two locked in a close contest.
Biden said in a statement: “There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”
Former first lady Melania Trump said Sunday that a gunman who opened fire at a Donald Trump rally was a “monster,” as she condemned the assassination attempt in which the Republican presidential candidate was injured.
“A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald’s passion — his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration,” Melania said in a statement shared on X.
“When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life, were on the brink of devastating change,” she said, referencing the couple’s 18-year-old son.
“I am grateful to the brave secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband,” Melania said.
Donald Trump said he was hit in the ear when a shooter targeted an election campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday.
The shooter and a bystander were killed, while two spectators were critically injured.
The ex-first lady said she offered her “sincerest sympathy” to the families of the victims, saying: “Your need to summon your inner strength for such a terrible reason saddens me.”
Melania, 54, has barely engaged with her husband’s White House campaign, failing to appear at a single Trump rally and rarely joining him in public.
She has also remained largely absent during the former president’s multiple court appearances in recent months to fight legal cases against him and as he cranks up his 2024 election campaign.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday directed to form a committee on an urgent basis for reactivating the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project which completely stopped power generation last month.
The premier was chairing a meeting to review the progress of the project at the PM House.
During the key huddle, he was briefed that power generation from the project was reduced on April 29, 2024, due to the pressure drop in the right and left headrace tunnels (HRT) of the hydropower project which was completed stopped on May 2, 2024.
A preliminary investigation report was presented in the meeting by former federal interior secretary Shahid Khan, who is the head of the committee investigating the recent faults in the project.
He told the meeting that the closure of the project is causing a loss of millions of rupees to the national exchequer. It was told that the place where the current fault occurred was the rock burst zone.
The participants were further informed that during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regime in 2021, a significant decrease in power generation was seen from the project due to an abnormal drop in pressure in the HRT, but it was ignored and not reported. “The matter deliberately suppressed,” he added.
During the PTI rule, no repair work was done regarding the failure of the hydropower project in 2021, which continued to increase the losses due to “criminal negligence”, the meeting was informed.
The investigation report spotted defects which surfaced in 2021 which led to the suspension of power generation in 2022 due to the faults in the tailrace tunnel (TRT) of the project.
Geophysical and seismic factors were also ignored in the construction of the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project and adequate concrete lining of HRT was also undone, it added.
PM Shehbaz issued a set of directives to immediately complete the investigation report regarding the recent closure of the project.
He ordered to identify of those responsible for the defects in the project and take strict action against them.
He expressed outrage over the negligence in the key power generation project despite experts pointing out the defects in its design and non-compliance of a detailed geological survey.
“Criminal negligence was committed by not doing third-party validation of the project,” the prime minister added.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Power Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jehanzeb Khan, Coordinator to PM Rana Ehsaan Afzal, Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Sajjad Ghani, former interior secretary, and other high officials.
A local journalist Malik Hassan Zaib was shot dead by unknown assailants in the Nowshera district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Sunday.
According to police, the victim was on his way in a car along with his brother. His brother escaped the attack, they added. The journalist’s body had been shifted to a nearby hospital, according to police.
The paramilitary forces also gathered clues and various CCTV footage from the crime scene.
The short video clearly shows attackers, riding a motorbike, opening fire at the journalist’s car in the city area of Akbarpura, District Police Officer (DPO) Azhar Khan said.
The slain journalist’s brother filed a first information report (FIR) of the incident, the police said.
They said three investigation teams had been constituted to probe the incident.
The copy of an FIR filed by slain journalist Malik Hassan Zaib. — Geo News File
Journalists from across the country condemned Zaib’s killing. The Khyber Union of Journalists, condemning the murder, demanded KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Gandapur take notice and arrest the assassins immediately.
It is the third incident of the assassination of a journalist within two months, KHUJ President Nasir Hussain said.
The Peshawar Press Club also regretted the killing of the journalist. PPC President Arshad Aziz Malik sought updates from the KP IG and DPO Nowshera. Talking to the media, he said the top police officer of the province assured him of the early arrest of Hassan Zaib’s killers.
“The inspector general said the PPC would be apprised of any progress made in the investigation of the journalist’s murder case,” the PPC official said, adding that the IG has summoned an initial report from the DPO Nowshera.
Condemning the attack on former president Donald Trump at an election rally, a US-based Sikh rights group has likened the shooter’s mindset to the ultra-nationalist Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, it claims, “takes pride in getting his political opponents killed at home and abroad”.
“We, the pro-Khalistan Sikhs seeking a referendum for Punjab’s independence from Indian occupation, unequivocally condemn the assassination attempt on Trump,” stated Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, General Counsel to Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
The attack occurred just before Trump, 78, was scheduled to formally accept the Republican presidential nomination at a campaign speech in Butler, Pennsylvania. Gunshots rang out, injuring Trump’s right ear and causing minor facial injuries.
The FBI has identified the suspect as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, a registered Republican. The incident also tragically claimed the life of rally attendee Corey Comperatore, 50, from Sarver, Pennsylvania, who Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed died while shielding his family from gunfire.
Pannun compared the Trump attack and the alleged actions by India’s Modi government, accusing them of targeting dissenting voices within the pro-Khalistan movement, such as Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and multiple incidents of alleged “Murder for Hire” plots in New York City.
“There is no place for political violence in a democracy. Political differences should always be resolved through votes, not violence,” emphasised Pannun, calling for a peaceful resolution through democratic processes like the Khalistan Referendum.
Criticising the Indian government for using political repression against pro-Khalistan Sikhs in Canada and the USA, Pannu urged the Biden government to take action.
“We hope that after this heinous political violence against Trump, the US administration will more sternly respond to the use of political violence by domestic and foreign elements, such as India’s transnational repression against pro-Khalistan Sikhs in the USA,” Pannun said
Pennsylvania police are yet to identify a motive for the attack. Both Republicans and Democrats will closely watch for evidence of Crooks’ political affiliation as they seek to smear each other with accusations of extremism.
The shooting whipsawed the discussion around the presidential campaign, which had recently focused on whether Biden, 81, should drop out following a disastrous June debate performance.
Suleman Raza MBE — a noted British-Pakistani entrepreneur, restaurateur, and philanthropist — has been awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City of London award.
This honour, one of the highest accolades bestowed by the City of London, recognises Raza’s exceptional contributions to the community and his achievements in business and philanthropy.
Expressing his delight at receiving the award, Raza told Geo News that he had started his journey with humble tasks such as “mopping floors, washing pots, cooking, and grocery shopping” when he first came to London.
“When I arrived in London at 18, I was welcomed with open arms and endless opportunities. My only dream then was to own a small restaurant,” he said.
Suleman Raza receives Freedom of the City of London award. — Reporter
“Yet, this amazing city, which embraced me so warmly, offered a platform to dream bigger, strive harder, and achieve more. I eventually earned the title of the Curry King of Greater London,” he added. “Inspired by the support I received, I vowed to give back to this incredible nation.”
Raza said he was deeply honoured to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London. He said that this ancient tradition, dating back to 1237, originally allowed citizens to trade freely and has evolved into a symbol of excellence and dedication.
The award ceremony takes place at Guildhall, where recipients are presented with a parchment document known as The Copy of the Freedom.
The Briton has been running the “No One Eats Alone on Christmas Day” campaign since 2015, serving homeless people in Croydon, South London.
His “One Million Meals” campaign has served over 300 locations and 47 hospitals across the UK, providing meals to NHS key workers, including frontline medics during COVID-19 pandemic and vulnerable individuals.
For this, Raza was previously honoured with the Points of Light Award by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Additionally, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to business and philanthropy.
India’s former middle-order batter Yuvraj Singh recently unveiled his all-time playing XI following his team’s triumph in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024. Known for his crucial performances in the T20 World Cup 2007 and the ODI World Cup 2011, Yuvraj’s selection reflects his admiration for cricket legends across different eras.
Yuvraj’s all-time XI features a blend of prolific run-scorers and match-winning bowlers. At the top of the order, he selected Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Ricky Ponting, and Virat Kohli. These batsmen are known for their consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Sachin Tendulkar, revered as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, has numerous records to his name, including the most runs in both Test and ODI cricket. Ricky Ponting, a three-time World Cup winner, is celebrated for his aggressive batting and leadership skills.
Virat Kohli, one of the modern greats, is known for his remarkable chase-master abilities and consistency across all formats. Rohit Sharma, famous for his elegant batting and multiple double centuries in ODIs, adds solidity to the top order.
For the middle and lower order, Yuvraj included AB de Villiers, Adam Gilchrist, and Andrew Flintoff. AB de Villiers, known as Mr. 360 for his ability to play shots all around the wicket, is one of the most versatile batsmen in modern cricket. Adam Gilchrist, renowned for revolutionizing the role of wicketkeeper-batsman, brings explosive batting and reliable wicketkeeping to the team. Andrew Flintoff, a charismatic all-rounder, is known for his impactful performances in both batting and bowling.
The bowling lineup is formidable, featuring Wasim Akram, Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Glenn McGrath. Wasim Akram, the only Pakistani in Yuvraj’s XI, is hailed as one of the best left-arm fast bowlers, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways. Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, two of the greatest spinners, have a combined tally of over 2,000 international wickets. Glenn McGrath, famous for his precision and consistency, is one of the most successful fast bowlers in cricket history.
In the WCL 2024 final, India chased down a target of 157 runs against Pakistan in a thrilling finish. The run chase was anchored by Ambati Rayudu, who scored a quick 50 off 30 balls, and Gurkeerat Singh, who contributed 34 off 33 balls. Yusuf Pathan played a crucial role with a quickfire 30 off 16 balls, bringing India closer to victory. Skipper Yuvraj Singh held one end, scoring an unbeaten 15 off 22 balls. The winning shot was struck by Irfan Pathan off Sohail Tanvir, sealing the win for India.
The match had its tense moments, especially when Pakistan struck back by dismissing Robin Uthappa and Suresh Raina early in the innings. However, a 60-run partnership between Rayudu and Gurkeerat stabilized the innings. Yusuf Pathan’s aggressive batting in the final overs ensured India crossed the finish line. Pakistan’s Aamer Yamin was the standout bowler, with figures of 2/29.
This victory and the announcement of his all-time XI further cemented Yuvraj Singh’s legacy in cricket. His selections highlight a deep respect for players who have made significant contributions to the game and have displayed exceptional skill and sportsmanship throughout their careers. Yuvraj’s choices reflect not only statistical excellence but also the impact these players have had on the sport globally.
