Google released an election search trend page in Pakistan
For the media and the public to have easy access to this data, Google has introduced a page called ‘Google Trends Pakistan General Election’ which contains questions about the parties participating in the elections, and topics. Google released an election search trend page in PakistanThis page includes data on the top election topics searched for in each part of the country, such as the economy, taxes, and wages. All the charts on the Google Trends page can be embedded on any website where they will be updated automatically. Google released an election search trend page in PakistanLegal action against Indian businessman for lying to GoogleIntroducing a new and great feature in Google MapsThe free Google storage facility available to WhatsApp users is about to endThis page simply shows people’s interest and searches for specific topics locally over time. Visit the Google News Initiative’s website for more information and to get the most out of the Trends page.
Source:The Patriot
January 17, 2024 19:23 UTC
Bilawal questions rational of imposing ‘three-time failed PM’
Bilawal emphasised the party's nationwide efforts, presenting their manifesto to the people in all four provinces. Read more: Bilawal champions shared heritage, transcending divisions"A person lacking a vision and a manifesto, who wishes to become prime minister for the fourth time, has consistently caused harm to the country," remarked Bilawal. He is only concerned about becoming the prime minister. Questioning the rationale behind offering a person a fourth opportunity after repeated failures, Bilawal stressed the need for youthful leadership in the country. He pledged to adhere to the ten points of their manifesto if given the chance to become prime minister.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 17, 2024 15:55 UTC
China urges Iran, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint'
China urged Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday to show "restraint", after Islamabad said Tehran had carried out an air strike on its territory that killed two children. "We consider both Iran and Pakistan as close neighbours and major Islamic countries," she said. Both Iran and Pakistan are close partners of Beijing and members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Pakistan denounced the strike, near the nations' shared border late on Tuesday, as "completely unacceptable", saying it was unprovoked. “It is even more concerning that this illegal act has taken place despite the existence of several channels of communication between Pakistan and Iran,” the FO said.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 17, 2024 15:16 UTC
120,000 personnel to be deployed for elections in Punjab
The Punjab Police on Wednesday pointed out that 19 politicians face security threats. Punjab Inspector General (IG) of Police Dr. Usman Anwar informed a meeting held to review security situation in the province with the Chief Election Commissioner in the chair about the threat. He, however, dispelled the impression that the security situation in the province was not favourable to hold elections next month. On the other hand, he pointed out shortage of 92,000 security personnel in Punjab. The IG informed the meeting that 120,000 personnel would be deputed on February 8 to ensure secure and peaceful elections.
Source:The Nation
January 17, 2024 13:36 UTC
Kashmir and Justice
Peace, justice and human dignity cannot take a back seat as societies globalize their trade, supply chaining, and outsourcing. It is the responsibility of everyone operating in the international arena to ensure that peace, justice and human dignity are protected. Now, let us analyze the conditions of administration of justice in Indian occupied Kashmir where the justice system has failed the hapless population of the State. In becoming a party to key international human rights treaties, India undertook to ensure that effective remedies were available to the victims of such human rights abuses. The government of India has to undertake measures that protect and enhance an independent and impartial judiciary, as well as an independent legal profession.”Dr. Ghulam Nabi FaiThe writer is the Secretary General of the Washington-based World Kashmir Awareness Forum.
Source:The Nation
January 17, 2024 13:23 UTC
Police save man’s life
LAHORE - Police setting a remarkable example of public service on emergency call 15 and save an unconscious man in Township areas here on Tuesday.According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Safe City Authority, a call was received on 15 about an unconscious man in the Town Shop area due to severe cold. The Safe City team instructed the Qauid-e-Azam Industrial Estate Police Station for an immediate response. To which, police rescued the citizen. After initial medical aid, officials provided the man with warm clothes, food and tea.
Source:The Nation
January 17, 2024 12:25 UTC
Variant Vigilance
In a recent announcement, the National Institute of Health’s National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) confirmed 15 cases of the JN.1 variant of the Omicron variant in Pakistan. This multi-pronged strategy is crucial in addressing the threat posed by JN.1, classified as a variant of interest (VOI) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and known for its heightened transmissibility. This collaborative approach highlights the comprehensive nature of the effort to identify and address cases promptly, underscoring the importance of a unified front in the battle against the variant. The health ministry’s emphasis on preparedness and timely measures, as outlined in the advisories, is vital in ensuring a collective strategy to mitigate the potential spread of this more transmissible variant. As the nation faces the challenges posed by this new variant, the unity and coordination demonstrated in these efforts lay a solid foundation for effectively mitigating risks and protecting the well-being of the population.
Source:The Nation
January 17, 2024 12:19 UTC
MEU VC condoles over student’s death
HYDERABAD - Mehran University Vice Chancellor Dr Taha Hussain Ali has expressed a deep sense of sorrow and regret over the sad demise of student Hasnain Mustafa Samo who was killed in firing by motorbike snatchers on other day. In his condolence message, the VC, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Anil Kumar, Registrar Lachman Dass Sotahar and others prayed for the high ranks of the departed soul and for the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.
Source:The Nation
January 17, 2024 12:15 UTC
Pakistan records current account surplus of $397m in Dec 2023: SBP
The State Bank of Pakistan has reported an improvement in its current account balance from July to December of the current fiscal yearAccording to the details, the latest figures revealed an improvement in the current account deficit with a loss recorded at $83.1 million during the period of July-Dec FY24, meanwhile $3.62 billion of loss was recorded in the current account balance during the period of July-Dec FY23. This positive trend is a testament to the efforts and strategies implemented by the bank to stabilize its financial standing. The current account balance for December 2023 reflected a surplus of $39.7 million compared to the figures recorded a loss of $36.5 million in December 2022. November 2023 saw a temporary setback, with a current account deficit of $1.5 million. However, the overall trend indicates a positive trajectory in the State Bank’s financial performance.
Source:The Nation
January 17, 2024 10:30 UTC
Trump cements frontrunner status to face Biden with record win
Former US President Donald Trump speaks as he attends a rally in Warren, Michigan, US, October 1, 2022. Trump took over half the votes, propelling him towards what looks set to be a close and deeply acrimonious election campaign against Biden, a Democrat, in November. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, 45, finished well behind Trump in second place in Iowa, edging out former U.N. Trump garnered 51%, DeSantis 21% and Haley 19%, with 99% of the expected vote tallied, according to Edison Research. Nearly two-thirds of Iowa caucus-goers embraced his false claims about voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, saying they did not think Biden legitimately beat Trump.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 17, 2024 09:08 UTC
Election Evolution
In the countdown to the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, a significant demographic shift is unfolding—a surge in the number of young voters. With the majority of young voters engaging in the digital realm, there exists a potent potential for them to wield influence through online channels. The sheer volume of young voters has the potential to be a game-changer, especially if they turn out in large numbers on election day. Delving into the geographical distribution, it’s noteworthy that some districts in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa exhibit particularly high proportions of young voters, surpassing 50 percent. Similarly, in Punjab, Dera Ghazi Khan stands out with 50.87 percent young voters.
Source:The Nation
January 17, 2024 06:23 UTC
Bilawal unveils charter of economy
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari formally launched a ‘Public Charter of Economy’, detailing his 10-point electoral pledge aimed at reviving the ailing economy, containing the unprecedented inflation and ushering the country into an era of growth and development. By enhancing investment, Bilawal stated, the government could ensure long-term and sustainable inclusive growth. “The PPP will implement a two-pronged investment plan under which the public-private partnership model of Sindh will be applied across the country,” he continued. He added that the public sector and the public-private sector investments would focus on jobs creation. He assured that a PPP government would provide sustainable solutions to the energy crisis by providing electricity through indigenous sources and renewables.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 17, 2024 05:56 UTC
Delayed openings and closings: Government and business
CITY OF IRONDALEThe City of Irondale, City Hall, and other City Departments will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 16. Clay City Hall will also have altered hours & be open from 11 am – 3 pm. CITY OF LEEDSThe City of Leeds City Hall and non-public safety city operations will delay opening on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, till noon. CITY OF ARGOArgo City Hall will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 16, due to weather concerns. JEFFERSON COUNTYUpdated: The Jefferson County Courthouse and its satellite locations will be closed today, Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 17, 2024 01:59 UTC
Basketball weekly review and preview: Pinson, Moody, Leeds, Springville
The lone game this week will be a Friday night game against Moody at home. This week, Leeds will go to Spain Park on Tuesday followed by a Friday night rivalry game against Moody. The Blue Devils entered the Purple Palace and the end result was a Springville win, 68-47. Next up was a Friday night trip to Leeds to take on the Greenwave, where it was a last-second win for Springville, 39-38 in what was a great basketball game. This week, Springville will play out of area twice, taking on Fort Payne on Tuesday and traveling to Pelham on Friday night.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 16, 2024 18:29 UTC
Circular debt reaches Rs5.73tr
Additionally, the gas sector circular debt also surged over Rs3 trillion, bringing the total unfinanced debt to Rs5.73 trillion. The total energy sector circular debt now equals 5.4% of the size of Pakistan’s economy, as the wrong policies of ending the circular debt through price increases have failed to yield the desired results. Energy Minister Mohammad Ali has now proposed a plan to reduce the energy sector circular debt by Rs1.268 trillion or 22% of the stock. Read Gas circular debt set to soar by Rs275bThe circular debt has made the power and gas sector companies unviable and is now affecting the country’s lending options. China has now linked the approval of a $600 million commercial loan with the settlement of the Rs400 billion circular debt.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 16, 2024 15:38 UTC