More than 200,000 illegal immigrants have returned, says FO
The Foreign Office informed on Thursday that at least 228,574 illegal Afghan citizens had been repatriated so far. In a media briefing, spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the evacuation of illegal Afghan immigrants has been ongoing since the October 31 deadline. The government has taken practical steps to ensure the illegal foreigners are safely deported, Mumtaz added. On a daily basis thousands of Afghan citizens return to their homeland through the Torkham and Chaman borders, the spokeswoman added. Pakistan had issued a deadline for undocumented immigrants living in the country to voluntarily leave, or face crackdown, from November 1.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 16, 2023 16:11 UTC
Seeking solace away from spotlight
Much like her husband actor Yasir Hussain, Iqra Aziz isn't one to shy away from saying what she wants to say. Iqra Aziz emphasised her love for children and her family-oriented nature, expressing her excitement about becoming a mother despite the discouraging comments she received. As the discussion delved deeper into her character Mannat, Aziz revealed her personal connection to the role. Responding to rumors on social media about her taking a back seat in her career after Kabir's birth, Aziz clarified, "I did not want to make the peak of my career an overly ambitious thing. She expressed her desire to savor the moments with her first child, prioritising personal happiness over career milestones.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 16, 2023 09:14 UTC
Threads to test hashtags with Trending Topics side
Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg has recently revealed that the company is testing out a new tagging feature for Threads that's similar to hashtags but not quite exactly the same. Though users will create a hashtag to add a topic conversation, Threads will convert it to a blue-text hyperlink, instead of showing up as a hashtagged word. Threads users when typing a “#” into the post text field will bring up a card with the topic they're tagging or other, similar ones. Underneath the list of relevant topics, will be the number of posts made on the platform, similar to Instagram. The company is still working on the feature and might change certain functions about it later.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 16, 2023 08:36 UTC
Western media defending Israeli atrocities against Palestinians: PM Kakar
The dossier says that dozens of historical mosques in India are under threat and over 1,600 mosques are facing a media campaign. Speaking at the occasion, Kakar said that India was promoting instability in the region. The caretaker prime minister on November 11 strongly condemned Israeli aggression and inhumane blockade of Gaza at the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit, held in Riyadh, Suadi Arabia. Speaking to the audience, Kakar further said that Pakistan is looking to the east to boost trade. The prime minister further added that building infrastructure is the need of the hour for the country’s growth.
Source:Pakistan Today
November 16, 2023 05:41 UTC
Raddysh’s Value, Allan and Del Mastro Developing Together, Calgary Selling? and Other Blackhawks Bullets
Raddysh’s Value, Allan and Del Mastro Developing Together, Calgary Selling? But Pope flipped the script and looked at the next wave on the blue line — specifically Nolan Allan and Ethan Del Mastro. They’re roommates off the ice and they’ve been skating together on it; Allan continues to play his off-side well. Del Mastro playing the left side might see him spend some time eventually with Wyatt Kaiser (who would be on his off-side as well). There, Nolan Allan and Ethan Del Mastro are developing simultaneously as D partners and roommates.
Source:The Nation
November 16, 2023 05:04 UTC
Transportation struggle
The students of Government Girls Degree College Turbat, hailing from remote areas, currently face a petrol crisis affecting transportation availability to the college. With only four buses on campus, none can be utilised due to the petrol shortage. Despite multiple appeals to the principal urging funding for petrol purchase, the students’ pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Expressing their frustration, they state, “Now we are forced to convince the administration.” This ongoing issue hampers their academic journeys, impeding regular class attendance. It is imperative that the caretaker government acknowledges the seriousness of this problem and takes prompt steps to address it.
Source:The Nation
November 15, 2023 22:09 UTC
New Hampshire's "first-in-the-nation" 2024 primary will be held Jan. 23
Watch: 2024 New Hampshire presidential primary will still be first in the nationConcord, New Hampshire — New Hampshire's Secretary of State David Scanlan on Wednesday announced New Hampshire's 2024 primary will be Jan. 23, 2024, ending monthslong speculation and controversy involving President Biden, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and state officials. It stripped New Hampshire of its esteemed "first-in-the-nation" primary status, and elevated South Carolina to the first primary slot. DNC chair Jamie Harrison said in February that the new primary calendar "expands the number of voices that can be heard," pointing to the diversity of the new primary states and the number of women voters in those states. At a press conference shortly after filing for the New Hampshire primary ballot, Phillips pledged to return New Hampshire's "first-in-the-nation" status. In 1968, then-President Lyndon Johnson won the New Hampshire primary as a write-in candidate, though he dropped out of the race weeks later.
Source:The Nation
November 15, 2023 19:27 UTC
Pakistani teacher wins award for schooling poor children
PHOTO: AFPA dedicated Pakistani educator from Gujranwala, recognised for her unwavering commitment to education, has received the prestigious Global Teacher Award at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Confronting challenges such as insufficient funding, lack of infrastructure, and teacher shortages, Sister Zeph's determination shone through. Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar also extended congratulations to the Pakistani teacher, stating, "A great moment of pride for Pakistan. Our very own Sister Zeph has won the Global Teacher Prize 2023." Our very own sister Zeph has won the Global Teacher Prize 2023.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 15, 2023 18:47 UTC
Gaza war to delay $70b investment
Khan said that the country had promised to make an investment of $25 billion through its sovereign fund but it would take time before the investment could materialise. The $70 billion investment would mostly come from private investors and the foreign governments-led investment would be through sovereign wealth funds, he elaborated. Pakistan has hoped for receiving $6 billion to $7 billion in Saudi investment in the Reko Diq project but so far no tangible progress has been made. Reko Diq investmentKhan said that financial advisers had almost finalised the valuation of gold and copper mines. Read: Investment in Reko Diq soughtRight now, according to Khan, Saudi Arabia is reviewing the green field investment policy and once the Saudis clear it, it will be easy to bring investment in the oil refinery.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 15, 2023 11:22 UTC
NFC West recap: The 49ers and the Seahawks are on a collision course
Death, taxes, and the San Francisco 49ers’ NFC West crown running through Seattle. 1 seed, the 49ers will need to run the table the rest of the way unless some disasters hit the rest of the NFC. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was much better, going 31/47 (65.9 completion percentage) and two touchdowns. Commanders quarterback Sam Howell had a good day as well, going 29/44 (65.9 completion percentage) and 312 yards. The Seattle Seahawks head out to Los Angeles to take on the Rams.
Source:The Nation
November 15, 2023 00:28 UTC
Railway crisis
Railway employees are on the brink of a wheel jam strike due to the non-payment of their salaries. Despite the looming crisis, the government has remained silent on the railway department’s request for a 35 billion bailout package. The government’s lack of response has exacerbated the situation, particularly concerning the employees’ salaries. To avert further disruptions and ensure the well-being of railway employees, it is imperative that the government promptly addresses and approves the requested bailout package. Failure to do so will only exacerbate the challenges faced by both the railway department and its dedicated workforce.
Source:The Nation
November 14, 2023 22:01 UTC
Unshackling the Iraqi dinar
The primary objective behind this decision is to wrest control over a fluctuating black market exchange rate and bolster the utilisation of the Iraqi dinar. Iraq’s de-dollarisation strategy is intrinsically tied to its pursuit of greater economic self-reliance and enhanced sovereignty. As it stands, the local currency, the Iraqi dinar, maintains an exchange rate of approximately 1,300 dinars per US dollar. China’s expanding economic influence in Iraq, closely linked to its BRI, plays a pivotal role in Iraq’s de-dollarisation journey. However, the question of whether the US dollar can maintain its status as the world’s primary reserve currency can no longer be disregarded.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 14, 2023 21:35 UTC
Rupee faces ongoing strain amid IMF talks
Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP) revealed a 0.34% decrease in the open market, dropping the currency to Rs289 against the dollar. Zafar Paracha, General Secretary of ECAP, attributed the pressure on the currency to importers securing dollars in preparation for potential outcomes from the ongoing IMF review of Pakistan’s economy. Read - IMF seeks further power tariff hikeThis surge in the central bank’s dollar purchases has amplified the demand for foreign currency, further straining the local currency. Despite positive indicators such as increased remittances in October and a slight rise in foreign exchange reserves, the currency market largely overlooked these developments. The prolonged currency strain continues amidst ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and economic negotiations.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 14, 2023 15:27 UTC
PDM support was necessitated by circumstances, says Bilawal
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari described his party's backing of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) as a "necessity of the time", underscoring that the decision was made in the "national interest". Speaking at a press conference in Mithi on Tuesday, he asserted that the choice to support the PDM would have been different if solely driven by political interests. Bilawal stated that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has been advised to seek support in provinces other than Punjab, where the party is encountering challenges. Also read: PPP pursuing ‘wait and watch’ policyDispelling allegations that the PPP is against businesses, Bilawal deemed such claims baseless. Read more: No more 'selected ones', Bilawal tells rivalsIn response to political attacks, Bilawal commented, "Malice, accusations, and the politics of revenge are not my upbringing.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 14, 2023 15:22 UTC
Qatar shows interest in purchase of PIA for over $2b
“State of Qatar, has shown its interest in purchase of PIA,” said the official adding, Interim Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad has been meeting official( s) of Qatar, and background discussions, and meetings were much in progress to sell the state carrier in a smooth manner. The New York State government will house its migrants at the hotel intermittently during the coming three years. “The costliest routes for sale are direct flights to UAE, Jeddah, London, Toronto, Rome, and New York, which will boost PIAs sale value,” informed the official. “If the routes value in terms of cash is added PIA should go for a sell off more than $3.5 billion,” insisted the official. Despite repeated attempts Caretaker Privatisation Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad did not respond to a text message, and calls made for his version on the story by this scribe.
Source:The Nation
November 14, 2023 14:10 UTC