Monday, 31 December 2018
PM Imran says construction of 5 mn housing units govt’s top priority
Prime Minister Imran Khan says construction of five million housing units is one of the top listed projects of the government. While chairing a meeting of Naya Pakistan Housing Project in Islamabad, he directed to expedite all procedures regarding Naya Pakistan Housing Project so that practical work on the plan can be started at the ...
from National News http://bit.ly/2EW8Smx
from National News http://bit.ly/2EW8Smx
B'wood mourns Kader Khan's demise
SC directs FBR to submit report on assets of Pakistanis abroad
The Supreme Court has directed the FBR to submit a complete report about the assets and properties owned by Pakistanis abroad by 13th of this month. A three member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar heard the case pertaining to the foreign assets of Pakistanis in Islamabad on Tuesday. The hearing of the case has now ...
from Top Stories News http://bit.ly/2F3ItmX
from Top Stories News http://bit.ly/2F3ItmX
Pakistan hands over list of 537 Indian prisoners
Pakistan today handed over a list of 537 Indian prisoners to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These include fifty-four civil and four hundred and eighty-three fishermen. The step is consistent with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on 21 May 2008, under which both countries are required to ...
from Top Stories News http://bit.ly/2F0JWv2
from Top Stories News http://bit.ly/2F0JWv2
Rumoured Bollywood couples ring in New Year hand-in-hand
Courtesy some high-profile Bollywood weddings that took place this year, some rumoured couples have gone out in the open while indulging in some serious PDA on New Year’s Eve and there is nothing stopping them.From Alia-Ranbir to Malaika-Arjun, several rumoured Bollywood couples were spotted celebrating the start of New Year by each other's side. Alia Bhatt recently flew to New York to spend the New Year’s Eve together with the love of her life Ranbir Kapoor and his family. The 'Raazi' actress joined the Kapoor clan in their family dinner, the picture of which is doing its rounds on the internet. On Monday, veteran actress Neetu Kapoor shared a picture on Instagram that shows Ranbir and Alia sitting close to each other with Ranbir’s arms around his ladylove. Ranbir’s sister Riddhima Kapoor, her husband and daughter were also clicked at the intimate family dinner. On the other hand, Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor, who are also rumoured to be dating have been painting the town red lately. Arjun Kapoor’s uncle, actor Sanjay Kapoor took to Instagram to share a picture from his private New Year party. The photo features Arjun Kapoor and rumoured ladylove Malaika Arora. Arjun can be seen standing really close to Malaika with one hand on her shoulder. Also seen in the picture is filmmaker Karan Johar. Sanjay Kapoor captioned the picture as ‘family’, which goes to prove that the Kapoor family has given its approval of Arjun’s relationship with Malaika.Apart from the rumoured couples, newlyweds Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas were also seen celebrating New Year’s Eve in each other’s embrace. The couple is vacationing in the Swiss Alps right now to ring in the New Year together. The Indian actress shared a picture of herself with Nick standing beside her with Russian Roulette in his hands. She captioned the picture, ‘He found his true love’.Newly-wedded Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were also seen in the festive spirit as they welcomed the dawn of new year in New York. However, they haven't shared any pictures with their fans as of now.
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2CJNbER
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2CJNbER
Watch: Akshay Kumar 'sharing with you all the first sunrise of the New Year'
Besides giving blockbuster movies, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumaro is also known for his good habits like waking up early to work out.During interviews, he is often asked to share fitness tips and diet plans.As the people took to social media platforms to post new year messages, the Bollywood superstar has shared a motivational video for his fans with even more beautiful caption.In the footage the "2.0" actor is seen working out as the new year sun rises above the horizon. The video was accompanied by a caption that reads" "Sharing with you all the first sunrise of the New Year :) My workout motivation : two action-packed films this year, so find something to make you wake up, get up and get out there! Wishing you all a healthy and #HappyNewYear"
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2VoU85d
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2VoU85d
Kader Khan passes away at 81
"My dad has left us. He passed away on December 31 at 6 pm as per Canadian time due to prolonged illness. He slipped into a coma in the afternoon. He was in the hospital for 16-17 weeks. We are thankful to everyone for their blessings and prayers," his son Sarfaraz said.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Veteran Bollywood actor Kader Khan passes away
TORONTO: Veteran Bollywood actor Kader Khan passed away Monday at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness, his son Sarfaraz confirmed. Khan was seeking treatment at a hospital in Canada for a condition called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a degenerative disease that causes loss of balance, difficulty in walking and dementia. Sarfaraz further informed that the last rituals of the deceased actor will be performed in Canada. "My dad has left us. He passed away on December 31 at 6 pm as per Canadian time due to prolonged illness. He slipped into coma in the afternoon. He was in the hospital for 16-17 weeks,” he said.
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2SqbTiB
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2SqbTiB
Shweta Nanda parties with Navya and Agastya
People all over the world welcomed 2019 celebrating and partying in their own way and our Bollywood celebs are no exception to this. Most of them are away from the country ringing in the New Year with their friends and family.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Photo: Kangana spends family time in Manali
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut is currently in Manali where she is spending the holiday season with her family. Her sister Rangoli often shares some lovely photos of the actress which is a treat for her fans. Amidst the promotions of her upcoming film, 'Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi' the actress will ring her New Years 2019 with her family in Manali.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Akshay Kumar’s ‘healthy’ New Year wish
While most of the celebrities ushered in the New Year, parting and celebrating it with friends and family, Akshay Kumar has a different and unique way to do the same and his New Year wish for his fans is the proof!from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
India fires at civilians across LoC
MIRPUR (AJK) - A housewife was martyred and nine other civilians including four women were grievously injured in unprovoked Indian shelling across the Line of Control on the last day of 2018. Keeping with its ugly tradition of violating the ceasefire agreement and unprovoked aggression, the Indian army targeted populous areas of Neelum district of ...
from Top Stories News http://bit.ly/2EYMPMT
from Top Stories News http://bit.ly/2EYMPMT
Hrithik-Shankar to do a science fiction
Shankar's previous film '2.0' featured South superstar Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar in pivotal roles. Now the director is all set to direct 'Indian 2', which is the sequel to his hit movie 'Indian', with Kamal Haasan. There's a buzz that the shooting will start soon after Kamal Haasan is done with the hosting of the television reality show. Recently, Pinkvilla reported that Shankar has narrated another sci-fi thriller script to Hrithik Roshan and the superstar is almost on board.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
FBR facing massive revenue shortfall
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is facing massive revenue shortfall in first half (July-Dec) period of the current fiscal year thus the PTI government is left with no other option but to take additional revenue measures through mini budget for bridging this yawning tax shortfall, The News has learnt.In this new year 2019, the government plans to slap more taxes to bridge its gap on revenue front and possible avenues for jacking up tax rates included cigarettes, enhanced tax rates on imported vehicles, finding ways to collect withholding tax from mobile subscribers including the possibility on the name of dam fund, contemplating upon option to increase rate of additional custom duty by 1 percent, partial withdrawal of incentives of income tax for salaried class and many others. However, the government claims that it will reduce duty on raw materials in order to boost up exports through this mini budget likely to be unveiled around January 15, 2019 before the Parliament.Till filing of this report, the provisional tax collection of the FBR fetched Rs1,775 billion for first six months (July-Dec) period of the current fiscal year against the envisaged target of Rs1,948.7 billion, witnessing mammoth tax shortfall of Rs173 billion in the ongoing financial year.With this massive shortfall, the possibility of achieving the desired target of Rs4,398 billion for current fiscal year 2018-19 becomes highly impossible without taking additional revenue measures.The budget deficit target of 5.1 percent of the GDP is going to be missed with huge margin in prevailing scenario and it might touch 7 percent mark with existing projections in gap between revenues and expenditures side of the government.The FBR has not yet officially released any revenue collection figures arguing that the FBR authorised its tax offices and designated bank branches to collect taxes till midnight on Monday so the revenue figures will be shared on Tuesday (today). But initial reports suggest that the FBR is all set to witness major revenue shortfall. The FBR had collected Rs1380 billion in first five months and was facing shortfall of Rs100 billion.For December 2018, the FBR envisaged tax target of Rs479.79 billion but so far provisional collection stood at Rs350 billion so the total collection of first half could collect only Rs1,730 billion against the desired collection target of 1948.7 billion. The FBR had collected Rs417 billion in last December 2017. One FBR official said that the collection for December 2018 could go up by few billion rupees as the tax receipts were in the process and they claimed that it might go close to Rs400 billion. Despite this the revenue shortfall of the FBR will be massive and possibility of reaching nearer to the desired target of Rs4.4 trillion becomes impossible.The FBR had envisaged collection of 19.3 percent share in first quarter (July-September) period and was vying for collection of 25 percent out of total desired target in second quarter (Oct-Dec) period but its collection witnessed such huge shortfall that the government was left with no other option but to take major tax measures for raising the tax collection growth in remaining months of the current fiscal year.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2Su0ZbT
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2Su0ZbT
Five Wasa officers booked for Rs6.4m corruption
FAISALABAD: Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Faisalabad Monday booked five Wasa officers and the manager of a construction company for inflicting a colossal loss of Rs6.4 million to the government.Talking to this scribe, ACE Regional Director Shafqat Ullah Mushtaq said that the ACE started inquiry on the written complaint of M Amin, accounts officer of the FDA, against Deputy Director Wasim Ahmed Hashmi, Deputy Manager (Engineering) M Aslam Zia, Assistant Director (Construction) Ahmad Tatla, Assistant Director (Construction) Rana Khalid, (RDD Audit) Ejaz Sidhu, M Raza and Ahmed Raza, manager of a construction company of Laki Marwat.During the Inquiry, it was revealed that the five accused officers of the Wasa had paid rupees Rs6.4 million to the manager of the company without constructing and remodeling of the Paharang Drain Nullah near Faisalabad, inflicting huge financial loss to the government.Lawyers' strike enters 50th day: The strike of Faisalabad lawyers for the establishment of a Lahore High Court Bench here entered the 50th day on Monday.The members of the District Bar Association (DBA) boycotted the local courts and staged a sit-in at District Courts Road and shouted slogans against the government for lukewarm response towards their demand. They vowed to continue their struggle till acceptance of their genuine demand. Later, the lawyers also took out a rally.Property dealer commits suicide: A property dealer Khalid Iqbal of local iron market Monday committed suicide due to some domestic problems and slump in the property business.He was the father of three minor children and perturbed for the last many months due to losses in the property business.ELDERLY MOTORCYCLIST CRUSHED TO DEATH: An elderly motorcyclist M Azim of Chak 266/RB, Jandwala, was crushed to death by a speeding car when he was going home. He succumbed to injuries at the hospital.WOMAN KILLED IN ACCIDENT: An elderly woman Shamim Akhtar of Imdad Garden, Chak 215/RB, Faisalabad was killed when a speeding motorcyclist hit her. The incident occurred when she was crossing the road.impersonator held: An impersonator Shahid Ali of Islampura, Gujranwala, was nabbed by the Airport Security (ASF) at Faisalabad airport on Monday. He was carrying the devotees of Tablighi Jamaat, Raiwind, in his wagon. He was wearing the uniform of ASF and checked at the airport. The accused was handed over to Thikriwala Police for further interrogation.YOUTH KIDNAPPED: A youth Sarfraz Ahmed of Chak-7, Faisalabad, was allegedly abducted by some unidentified persons wearing the police uniform on Monday. When his parents approached the police, the police negated any raid in the village and denied the arrest of Sarfraz Ahmed.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2AoBxgJ
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2AoBxgJ
Pemra bans TV programme for 30 days
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has put 30 days ban on broadcast of program 'Harf-e-Raaz' on NEO TV. It has been banned for violating Section 20 of Pemra Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA Amendment Act 2007 and 2018 Rule 15 1 of Pemra Rules 2009, says a press statement issued by Pemra here on Monday.The prohibition is in pursuance to the show cause notices issued to NEO TV on 07 12 2018 for violating the laws of land orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan High Courts PEMRA laws as well as Electronic Media Programmes and Advertisements Code of Conduct 2015 for airing programme 'Harf-e-Raaz' hosted by Jamil Farooqi and Orya Maqbool Jan on 04 12 2018 at 11 05 p m in which they invited spokesperson of banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban on live call in the show and solicited his views on national and foreign policy of the Government of Pakistan vis-a-vis national security issues Similarly the channel was issued another show cause notice on 12 12 2018 for the same program for airing insulting remarks of the achorperson against Pashtoons.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2SvCJpV
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2SvCJpV
Maryam visits Nawaz in jail
LAHORE: Maryam Nawaz visited Kot Lakhpat Jail here on Monday to meet her father Nawaz Sharif.Reportedly, Maryam brought meal and clothes for her father and spent over one and a half hour with him.Thursday has been reserved as meeting day for those who wish to meet the former premier in the jail. However, sources said Maryam Nawaz was granted special permission to meet her father on Monday. An accountability court, on December 24, had sentenced Nawaz Sharif to seven years in prison in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2Aqh6QA
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2Aqh6QA
FBR facing massive revenue shortfall
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is facing massive revenue shortfall in first half (July-Dec) period of the current fiscal year thus the PTI government is left with no other option but to take additional revenue measures through mini budget for bridging this yawning tax shortfall, The News has learnt.In this new year 2019, the government plans to slap more taxes to bridge its gap on revenue front and possible avenues for jacking up tax rates included cigarettes, enhanced tax rates on imported vehicles, finding ways to collect withholding tax from mobile subscribers including the possibility on the name of dam fund, contemplating upon option to increase rate of additional custom duty by 1 percent, partial withdrawal of incentives of income tax for salaried class and many others. However, the government claims that it will reduce duty on raw materials in order to boost up exports through this mini budget likely to be unveiled around January 15, 2019 before the Parliament.Till filing of this report, the provisional tax collection of the FBR fetched Rs1,775 billion for first six months (July-Dec) period of the current fiscal year against the envisaged target of Rs1,948.7 billion, witnessing mammoth tax shortfall of Rs173 billion in the ongoing financial year.With this massive shortfall, the possibility of achieving the desired target of Rs4,398 billion for current fiscal year 2018-19 becomes highly impossible without taking additional revenue measures.The budget deficit target of 5.1 percent of the GDP is going to be missed with huge margin in prevailing scenario and it might touch 7 percent mark with existing projections in gap between revenues and expenditures side of the government.The FBR has not yet officially released any revenue collection figures arguing that the FBR authorised its tax offices and designated bank branches to collect taxes till midnight on Monday so the revenue figures will be shared on Tuesday (today). But initial reports suggest that the FBR is all set to witness major revenue shortfall. The FBR had collected Rs1380 billion in first five months and was facing shortfall of Rs100 billion.For December 2018, the FBR envisaged tax target of Rs479.79 billion but so far provisional collection stood at Rs350 billion so the total collection of first half could collect only Rs1,730 billion against the desired collection target of 1948.7 billion. The FBR had collected Rs417 billion in last December 2017. One FBR official said that the collection for December 2018 could go up by few billion rupees as the tax receipts were in the process and they claimed that it might go close to Rs400 billion. Despite this the revenue shortfall of the FBR will be massive and possibility of reaching nearer to the desired target of Rs4.4 trillion becomes impossible.The FBR had envisaged collection of 19.3 percent share in first quarter (July-September) period and was vying for collection of 25 percent out of total desired target in second quarter (Oct-Dec) period but its collection witnessed such huge shortfall that the government was left with no other option but to take major tax measures for raising the tax collection growth in remaining months of the current fiscal year.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EXQt9H
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EXQt9H
Five Wasa officers booked for Rs6.4m corruption
FAISALABAD: Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Faisalabad Monday booked five Wasa officers and the manager of a construction company for inflicting a colossal loss of Rs6.4 million to the government.Talking to this scribe, ACE Regional Director Shafqat Ullah Mushtaq said that the ACE started inquiry on the written complaint of M Amin, accounts officer of the FDA, against Deputy Director Wasim Ahmed Hashmi, Deputy Manager (Engineering) M Aslam Zia, Assistant Director (Construction) Ahmad Tatla, Assistant Director (Construction) Rana Khalid, (RDD Audit) Ejaz Sidhu, M Raza and Ahmed Raza, manager of a construction company of Laki Marwat.During the Inquiry, it was revealed that the five accused officers of the Wasa had paid rupees Rs6.4 million to the manager of the company without constructing and remodeling of the Paharang Drain Nullah near Faisalabad, inflicting huge financial loss to the government.Lawyers' strike enters 50th day: The strike of Faisalabad lawyers for the establishment of a Lahore High Court Bench here entered the 50th day on Monday.The members of the District Bar Association (DBA) boycotted the local courts and staged a sit-in at District Courts Road and shouted slogans against the government for lukewarm response towards their demand. They vowed to continue their struggle till acceptance of their genuine demand. Later, the lawyers also took out a rally.Property dealer commits suicide: A property dealer Khalid Iqbal of local iron market Monday committed suicide due to some domestic problems and slump in the property business.He was the father of three minor children and perturbed for the last many months due to losses in the property business.ELDERLY MOTORCYCLIST CRUSHED TO DEATH: An elderly motorcyclist M Azim of Chak 266/RB, Jandwala, was crushed to death by a speeding car when he was going home. He succumbed to injuries at the hospital.WOMAN KILLED IN ACCIDENT: An elderly woman Shamim Akhtar of Imdad Garden, Chak 215/RB, Faisalabad was killed when a speeding motorcyclist hit her. The incident occurred when she was crossing the road.impersonator held: An impersonator Shahid Ali of Islampura, Gujranwala, was nabbed by the Airport Security (ASF) at Faisalabad airport on Monday. He was carrying the devotees of Tablighi Jamaat, Raiwind, in his wagon. He was wearing the uniform of ASF and checked at the airport. The accused was handed over to Thikriwala Police for further interrogation.YOUTH KIDNAPPED: A youth Sarfraz Ahmed of Chak-7, Faisalabad, was allegedly abducted by some unidentified persons wearing the police uniform on Monday. When his parents approached the police, the police negated any raid in the village and denied the arrest of Sarfraz Ahmed.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY8949
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY8949
Pemra bans TV programme for 30 days
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has put 30 days ban on broadcast of program 'Harf-e-Raaz' on NEO TV. It has been banned for violating Section 20 of Pemra Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA Amendment Act 2007 and 2018 Rule 15 1 of Pemra Rules 2009, says a press statement issued by Pemra here on Monday.The prohibition is in pursuance to the show cause notices issued to NEO TV on 07 12 2018 for violating the laws of land orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan High Courts PEMRA laws as well as Electronic Media Programmes and Advertisements Code of Conduct 2015 for airing programme 'Harf-e-Raaz' hosted by Jamil Farooqi and Orya Maqbool Jan on 04 12 2018 at 11 05 p m in which they invited spokesperson of banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban on live call in the show and solicited his views on national and foreign policy of the Government of Pakistan vis-a-vis national security issues Similarly the channel was issued another show cause notice on 12 12 2018 for the same program for airing insulting remarks of the achorperson against Pashtoons.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EXQryB
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EXQryB
Maryam visits Nawaz in jail
LAHORE: Maryam Nawaz visited Kot Lakhpat Jail here on Monday to meet her father Nawaz Sharif.Reportedly, Maryam brought meal and clothes for her father and spent over one and a half hour with him.Thursday has been reserved as meeting day for those who wish to meet the former premier in the jail. However, sources said Maryam Nawaz was granted special permission to meet her father on Monday. An accountability court, on December 24, had sentenced Nawaz Sharif to seven years in prison in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2F1j2Cu
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2F1j2Cu
Ministry given task to achieve target of 15m cotton bales
MULTAN: The federal government has assigned a special task to the Ministry of National Food Security to implement an exclusive action plan for cotton-2019 to achieve Prime Minister Imran Khan’s target of 15 million bales production.The ministry has devised a three-point strategy to achieve the goals. In the first step, the ministry would make efforts to enhance the under-cultivated area of cotton and ensure the sowing of cotton in the targeted area. In the second step, the ministry will ensure the provision of pure and quality seed of cotton to the growers. In the third step, the ministry will focus on the quality of pesticides. Ministry’s secretary Dr M Popalzai has said that cotton prepared by the research institutes had the wide potential to grow and give maximum production. He assured the agriculture scientists that the ministry would improve the administrative affairs of the CCRI besides promotion of the researchers. Cotton Commissioner Dr Khalid Abdullah said the country can achieve the target of 15 million easily after achieving the sowing target. The CCRI cotton varieties have the extensive potential, he said. CCRI Director Dr Zahid Mehmood and other agriculture scientists were also present on the occasion.Grand cleanliness drive launched for Multan walled city: The public departments have launched special cleanliness drive exclusively for the walled city to remove garbage from the narrow streets and bazaars on Monday. The Multan Solid Waste Management Company has assigned more than 200 sanitary workers for grand cleanliness operation in the walled city and provided them with heavy machinery to remove heaps of dirt and filth. The sanitary workers will complete the operation in two weeks.Joint squads of MSWMC, Wasa and Multan Municipal Corporation are taking part in the grand operation in two shifts. The sanitary workers will remove the rubble and clear the roads for smooth flow of traffic. Talking to journalists, Deputy Commissioner Mudassar Riaz Malik said that stringent measures had been taken to remove waste from the walled city. He ordered removal of encroachments across Chowk Ghantha Gher. He directed the municipal corporation to take stern action against the encroachers and demolish illegal parking in front of the hotels.New Year night security beefed up: City police have taken extraordinary measures in connection with the New Year night and assigned special tasks to Dolphin Force to maintain law and order. At least 909 police officials, including four SPs, 11 DSPs, 12 inspectors, 140 upper subordinates and 742 constables, will perform the duties.Moreover, 138 squads of Muhafiz Force and Dolphin Force will perform security duties to avert any mishap while 10 Elite Force vehicles will patrol the city roads. Four police reserves are ordered to remain on standby. The city police have restricted one-wheeling on the New Year night while stern action would be taken against those disturbing peace. Heavy contingents of police have also been appointed at all the churches.Mepco fails to address low voltage complaints: The Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) consumers Monday faced nuisance when their electric appliances broke down due to unabated tripping and low voltage at Wapda Town sub-division.The Mepco complaint centre at Wapda Town sub-division did not allegedly attend a single call of the complainants. Mepco failed to ensure normal voltage, said a consumer Abdul Saboor. Consumers have complained that unannounced and prolonged low voltages continue to mar normal life at Wapda Town sub-division, making it difficult for the people to smoothly carry out their routine affairs. "The compressor of my fridge and water pump motor was burnt when suddenly the voltage went extremely low in the morning.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY8WTr
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY8WTr
Nawaz’s disqualification attained finality: judge
ISLAMABAD: The Accountability Court in its detailed verdict in Flagship reference against Nawaz Sharif has held that the Supreme Court judgment of July 28, 2017 - in which former prime minister was disqualified for not declaring his salary from Capital FZE - has attained finality.In the detailed verdict, released on Sunday, Judge Muhammad Arshad Malik opined that the disqualification of the former prime minister does not require any further discussion by the Accountability Court as the matter has been dealt with by the Supreme Court. “It is apparent from the judgment dated 28-07-2017 of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and also from the judgment reported as PLD-2018 SC 1 that accused No.1 (Nawaz Sharif) through his counsel has admitted his appointment and employment as Chairman of the Board of Capital FZE as well as the monthly salary of AED10,000 but claimed that he never actually withdrew any such salary. This position having been dealt with by the SC admittedly has gone against the accused No.1 and has not attained finality and does not require further discussion by the court.”The verdict further says that the matter before the SC involved non-declaration of an admitted asset in his nomination form of Nawaz whereas the focus of the Flagship case was alleged acquisition and possession of “assets” beyond the known sources of income of the accused within the meaning of the NAB ordinance and hence the two are “separate and distinct”. The judge acquitted Nawaz Sharif of all charges leveled in the reference giving him the benefit of the doubt.This is the first time an Accountability Court has given the former prime minister the benefit of the doubt. In previous two cases against Nawaz Sharif, namely the Avenfield apartment case and Al-Azizia Steel Mills case, the former prime minister was declared guilty on the basis of presumption under the NAB Ordinance. “Whilst the possibility of the accused No 1 being the real beneficial owners of the assets referred to in the charge cannot be ruled out, based on available evidence in this particular reference, this court is inclined to extend the benefit of the doubt to the accused No 1. As such, while giving him benefit of doubt, I do hereby acquit him of the charge as framed against him personally.”On Dec 24, Judge Arshad Malik announced in the court that “he didn’t find anything against Nawaz Sharif in reference No 18 (Flagship Investment) and the accused is acquitted in this case”. He same day while announcing the Al-Azizia/Hill Metal Establishment (HME) case, the court convicted the former prime minister and awarded him seven years’ imprisonment. Nawaz was subsequently arrested from the court and shifted to jail.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2F1iYTg
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2F1iYTg
Naval chief satisfied with PN fleet’s operational capabilities
ISLAMABAD: The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, has expressed his satisfaction over operational capabilities of the Pakistan Navy fleet and lauded professionalism of officers and men in successfully achieving operational objectives and completing the assigned tasks.He was addressing the Pakistan Navy Fleet Annual Efficiency Competition Parade and award ceremony held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard.Upon his arrival, the Naval Chief was received by Rear Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, Commander Pakistan Fleet.He emphasised upon the three pillars of Pakistan Navy’s vision for achieving desired goals which include combat readiness, jump-start the maritime sector and ideological domain.The chief of the Naval Staff stressed upon maintaining perpetual vigilance and operational readiness of the PN Fleet to safeguard National Maritime interests.He remarked that initiatives, like Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP), are manifestation of the PN resolve and commitment to ensure safe and secure Sea Lanes.The admiral further highlighted that while conducting security patrols, PN ships are now engaged in convoy escorting of merchant ships in piracy infested areas. He further apprise that to meet the operational requirement of the Pakistan Fleet, contracts with China and Turkey for construction of four type 054A frigates and four Turkish Milgem Class Corvettes have been signed respectively.Admiral Abbasi expressed satisfaction over progress made in operationalisation of Gwadar Port and PN obligations for the security of maritime components of the CPEC.He reiterated that the Pakistan Navy will remain fully prepared to respond any aggression against Pakistan and will remain committed to maintaining peace and lawful order at sea in the region and beyond. The Naval chief also paid homage to PN officers and sailors who scarified their lives during various operations.In his welcome address, the commander Pakistan Fleet presented the operational achievements of the Pakistan Navy Fleet and presented the resume of Fleet activities undertaken during the year 2018.The chief guest gave away prizes to units adjudged the best in their respective squadrons and interacted with officers, CPOs and sailors of the Pakistan Navy fleet.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2F2hl8H
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2F2hl8H
Musharraf seeks covert US support to regain power
ISLAMABAD: In a leaked video, retired General Pervez Musharraf, the former Pakistani dictator, was purportedly seen seeking covert US support to regain power and telling American lawmakers that he was “ashamed” that an agency was negligent about the al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts.The undated video clips, which have been posted by a dissident Pakistani columnist also shows the self-exiled former president as saying that he thinks that the negligence of the agency was “pardonable” as the CIA was also involved in same level of negligence on 9/11.General (R) Musharraf, 75, has been living in Dubai since March 2016 after he left for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons.He is facing the treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007, a punishable offence for which he was indicted in 2014. “All I am saying is I have certain credentials from the past. I need to come (to power) again, and I need to be supported. Not overtly, but in a covert manner. So that we win again,” Musharraf can be heard telling US lawmakers in one of the leaked videos of the meeting. When posed with tough questions, he ruled that US lawmakers “are too involved in minor tactics”. He also claimed that Pakistan used the money given by the US for fight against terrorist to bring down the poverty from 34 percent to 17 percent. To which, those present in the meeting were quick to point out that none of the US Congress members voted for $20 billion aid to Pakistan in the last 10 years because of poverty.Money was given to Pakistan to defeat al-Qaeda and Taliban, the lawmakers said, to which the former Pakistan president sought the US to help him get back to power. In the first video clip, he is seen walking in the corridors of the US House of Representatives. The video clips seem to be from 2012 after he was ousted from power.In the third segment of the clip, Musharraf is seen in conversation with a lobbyist and chairman of the powerful American Jewish Congress Jack Rosen during an informal get-together. One of those present in that meeting was Congressman Gary Ackerman. He argues that there was no complicity in Pakistan not being able to find out Osama bin-Laden."There are aspersions against Pakistan of hiding Osama bin Laden,” Musharraf says in his meeting with US Congressmen. Musharraf himself raised a question if the US was against Pakistan, or annoyed with the establishment and the agency, because they believe there was complicity. Then he himself replied that in his view there was no complicity. “There was negligence. And we are all ashamed. Even, I, though I am not in the government now, I am ashamed that there was this level of negligence by the [agency] that we did not know.“I think negligence is pardonable,” he said, adding that the CIA was also involved in same level of negligence on 9/11. Referring to the 18 people being trained in the US, Musharraf alleged that CIA being such a big organisation was sleeping, adding that the agency was also sleeping. “Let's leave it at that," he said.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY83JP
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY83JP
BRT will change the face of Peshawar, claims PDA DG
PESHAWAR: As the construction work on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) continues apace to meet the new deadlines set for its completion, Peshawar Development Authority (PDA)’s Director General, IsrarulHaq has said the project was much more than a bus corridor as it would change the face of the city.Talking to The News, he pointed out that Peshawar’s drainage system was being improved through repair of old drains and building of new ones. He said the old electricity lines and the existing gas line falling on the BRT route were being changed for the first time in years. “This would improve the electricity and gas supply system in Peshawar,” he added. The PDA head said the city’s drainage system was in need of upgradation and the BRT has made it possible in many parts of Peshawar. He claimed the new drains were well-built and strong. “We aren’t building BRT alone. We are actually changing the face of Peshawar,” he remarked. IsrarulHaq said utmost care was being taken to save the green belts wherever possible and also plant new trees. He said the cycle track is being built adjacent to the footpath, the green belt and the service road. He explained that the BRT with its flyovers, elevated portions, feeder roads, parking lots, ramp for the disabled, elevators, spacious bus stations, etc would offer a unique travelling experience to commuters. “The AmanChowk is a big project in itself. It has been completely redesigned to ensure flow of traffic,” he said. According to the PDA director general, the BRT project was at various stages of completion and the delays had occurred due to changes in the original design. He said February 24, 2019 would mark the beginning of handing over the project to TransPeshawar, the company that would run the BRT. He said the BRT’s soft opening would be done on March 23 on the happy occasion of Pakistan Day.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EYAIzp
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EYAIzp
Murad takes notice of food poisoning death
KARACHI: The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, has taken serious notice of the death of a child reportedly after consuming poisonous chips and juice and directed the Commissioner Hyderabad to conduct an inquiry and submit him the report. The two children including four-year children, Humayyun and his twin sister Aliza fell sick after taking chips and juice they had bought from Cantt Market, Hyderabad.The condition of both the twins deteriorated and were shifted to hospital where Humayyun died and his sister Aliza was in critical condition. Terming it unacceptable, the chief minister said the shopkeepers or vendors could not be allowed to play with the lives of people by selling substandard and poisonous food items. “I want you to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter and get the lab tests of food items done and report to me,” he directed Commissioner Hyderabad Abbas Baloch. The chief minister also directed the commissioner to taken necessary measures to save the life of Aliza. Murad Ali Shah said he has not forgotten the incident of Karachi in which two children had died after consuming poisonous food and now another incident has taken place. The chief minister also directed the Sindh Food Authority to undetake inspection of restaurants and markets of Hyderabad.The Commissioner Hyderabad, Abbas Baloch in his preliminary report to the chief minister had said a child died of food poisoning on December 30, 2018 in Hyderabad. On the receipt of information, a team of officers was sent to the house of Abdul Sattar, the father of deceased child, who informed them that his wife and the children had bought chips and juice from a shop in Cantt. Market Hyderabad. After using the stuff his two kids fell ill. They were shifted to Aga Khan Hospital, Hyderabad where his son died while his daughter is in critical condition.In his report, the commissioner said Abdul Sattar and his wife would give him further details by tomorrow. In the meantime, the commissioner contacted the hospital authorities for medical reports of the deceased child which would also be received by him tomorrow (Tuesday). The Food Inspector of the cantonment board has sealed the shop from which the material was purchased.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY81BH
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY81BH
KP CM calls for including all stakeholders views in legislation
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has directed authorities concerned to review all legal aspects and include all stakeholders views in any proposed legislation and amendment of laws before and during the parliamentary party session.He was addressing the participants of a meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, said an official handout. Minister for Finance Taimur Salim Jhagra, Minister for Law Sultan Mohammad Khan, Minister for Information Shaukat Yousafzai, Minister for Revenue Shakeel Ahmad, Minister for Communication & Works Akbar Ayub, MPAs of Malakand division, Additional Chief Secretary Shehzad Bangash, Secretary Finance Shakeel Qadar, the advocate general of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and secretaries concerned attended the meeting.The participants were briefed about the proposed laws already tabled in the provincial assembly.The meeting was informed that the proposed legislation for the erstwhile provincially administered tribal areas (Pata) tabled in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly would not have any effect or ramifications on the already implemented legislation for the Pata.The meeting was informed that the proposed legislation would not impose the tax on Pata but ensure its special tax-free status.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EXQsTb
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EXQsTb
Lahorites celebrate New Year by choking roads
LAHORE: Hundreds of youngsters and families gathered on major arteries of the provincial metropolis to celebrate New Year’s night. The Mall, Allama Iqbal Road, Canal Road and Bahria Town roads were choked due to heavy influx of vehicles. Youngsters ‘celebrated’ the occasion by removing silencers of their motorcycles, other people also played blaring music in their cars. City traffic police, Dolphin and PERU kept on patrolling the roads to maintain flow of traffic and law and order. Despite ban on aerial firing, dozens of people resorted to it in different localities. Fireworks and aerial firing were carried out especially in the Walled City. However, no loss of life or injury to anyone was reported till the filing of this report. Meanwhile, last FIR (1168/18) of the year 2018 was registered at Township Police Station against Moazzam over illegal weapon while the first FIR of the year was registered at Sanda Police Station against Waqas Ali, under Section 13/20/65.Student ends life: An 18-year-old boy committed suicide in Mustafa Town Monday. Police handed over the body to family after completing legal formalities. The deceased has been identified as Masoom, a resident of Mustafa Town. He had applied for admission in pre-medical for becoming a doctor. On the day of incident, he locked himself in a washroom and opened fire on his temple. As a result, he died on the spot. Police reached the scene and collected evidence.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY7XSt
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY7XSt
Tickets to 1,54,210 vehicles, 11,52,638 bikes issued last year
LAHORE: City Traffic Police issued tickets to 154210 vehicles and 1152638 to motorcycles last year. CTO Capt Liaqat Ali Malik (retd) said action was not taken for collecting revenue but to ensure implementation of traffic rules.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY8Ye1
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY8Ye1
IHC reserves verdict on PAC chairman appointment
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court Monday reserved a verdict on the appointment of opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif as the chairman of Public Accounts Committee. The lawyer of the petitioner argued that appointing Shahbaz as chairman of PAC is like ridiculing the Constitution, thus IHC should dismiss the opposition leader of the National Assembly from the top post of PAC. Appointing corruption-suspect Shahbaz as PAC chairman would influence the inquiry, the petitioner’s counsel asserted, while mentioning that issuing production order for the Pakistan MuslimLeague-Nawaz president for attending National Assembly session, was also against the law of the NAB. The Pakistan MuslimLeague-Nawaz leader is currently under the custody of the NAB in connection with corruption cases.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY7UGh
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY7UGh
KMC clerk killed in Azizabad over ‘political leaning’
karachi: A man who worked for the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) was gunned down in Azizabad on Monday morning allegedly because he was a supporter of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).Azizabad SHO Waqar Qaiser said Shafiq Ahmed was near the Okhai Memon Jamat Khana when two men on a motorcycle arrived on the scene and the pillion rider opened fire on him.The SHO said a police team was despatched to the spot. They found the critically wounded man there and took him to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment, he added. The officer said Ahmed had suffered seven bullets, adding that they are yet to ascertain how many shots were fired, but they have found 10 spent bullet casings from the scene of the attack and all of them belonged to a 9mm pistol.Qaiser said the targeted man had resided in Gulzar-e-Hijri and worked at the KMC office in Azizabad, adding that he had also been an MQM-P supporter, which was apparently the reason he was targeted.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EZGgJI
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EZGgJI
Cabinet meets tomorrow
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet in it meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) to discuss conspicuous subjects of national importance. It will also have detailed discussion about the political developments, law and order situation in the country. The cabinet will be chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Prime Minister Office (PMO). The sources told The News that the federal cabinet will also have in-depth discussion about the situation in Sindh, in the wake of JIT report in fake accounts and Money laundering case. The cabinet will discuss various matters and likely to take important decisions.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY8yDH
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY8yDH
‘344,961 children to be administered anti-polio drops’
PAKPATTAN: Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Kamal has said that anti-polio drops will be administered to all the children under five years of age.The drops would be administered at schools and the shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Baba Fareeduddin Masood Ganj Shakar.CEO Health Dr Imtiaz said that at least 344961 children would be administered anti-polio drops while 758 teams, including 657 mobile teams, will perform the task.THREE MEDICAL STORES SEALED: A team of health department Pakpattan Monday sealed three medical stores: Bajwa Medical Store, Iqbal Medical Store and Adeel Medical Store at Machi Chowk and allegedly recovered 3800 narcotics’ injections, tablets and other medicines. CEO Health Dr Imtiaz Ahmed said that the cases of these medical stores would be sent to Punjab Healthcare Commission for further action.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EYPxSp
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EYPxSp
Arshad Ansari elected LPC president for 9th time
LAHORE: Journalist Panel won the election of the Lahore Press Club. Arshad Ansari belonging to the Jang Group created history by becoming club’s president for the ninth time. Arshad Ansari and Zahid Abid have been elected president and general secretary of the club. Ansari won club polls with a big margin.In elections Sunday, Ansari of Journalist Panel polled 1246 votes to defeat Muhammad Shahbaz Mian, who got 804 votes. Abid of Progressive Panel secured 884 votes to beat his toughest rival Shahzad Hussain Butt (762) and claimed the position of general secretary. Others in the run were Shadab Riaz (237) and Shafiq Awan (117).The Progressive Panel could only win one of the main seats; all the remaining seats went to the Journalist Panel. Zulfiqar Ali Metho took the slot of senior vice president with 1292 votes beating Muhammad Rehman Bhutta (703) while Nasira Atiq won the slot of vice president polling 1133 votes against Syed Jawwad Rizvi’s 841.Hafiz Faiz Ahmed got elected as the joint secretary securing 1107 votes beating Naveed Alam (859). Salik Nawaz took the position of finance secretary with 1053 votes against Zaheer Ahmed Babar bagging 977 votes. The members of the governing body elected are: Imran Shaikh (902), Ahmed Raza (875), M. Shahid Chaudhry (797), Rana Tahir (763), Hassan Taimur (728), Muhammad Hasnain Chaudhry (709), Gul Nawaz Ahmed (704), Qasim Raza (699) and Fatima Mukhtar Bhatti (688). Newly-elected president of the club said in his maiden speech that he would work for the renovation of the Lahore Press Club. He said he will work for the establishment of Phase-II journalist housing society. Illegal occupation of plots will end under his leadership.Payments/salaries of the workers would be ensured. Services in the club would be improved, he added.
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from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EYdRmx
Girl abducted, brother killed over engagement issue
OKARA: A man along with his seven armed accomplices Monday abducted a girl, shot dead her brother and injured her mother for breaking engagement with him at village Qutab Purah near Mandi Ahmedabad. A gypsy man Saleem had been engaged with Shazia, close relatives to each other. A few days back, the father of Shazia refused to get her daughter married with Saleem. Furious Saleem, along with his seven unidentified accomplices, rushed to her house and abducted Shazia. Her brother Kashif and mother Baggi showed resistance but they started shooting and both suffered bullet injuries. Kashif died on the spot while her injured mother was shifted to the local hospital.CRUSHED TO DEATH: A mini truck crushed a pedestrian to death near village 20/2L on Monday. Abdul Latif of village 7/4L was going to village 20/2L when a truck knocked him to death. Renala city police had registered a case.
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from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EYwk3i
Man killed in accident
TOBA TEK SINGH: A man was killed and two injured in head-on collision between a mini truck a and a car on Sunday night here. Ali, Hamza and Arshad were coming from Gojra to Toba. When they reached near Chak 286/JB, a mini truck hit their car. Ali was killed on the spot while Hamza and Arshad received injuries. They were admitted to DHQ hospital.
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from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2F0vW3B
Boy abused in Malakwal
MALAKWAL: Two youths sexually abused a boy at gunpoint at Badshah Pur on Sunday night in Malakwal police limits. Reportedly, two accused Shoaib and Aslam took Bilal to a deserted place. They sexually abused Bilal at gunpoint and fled. Malakwal police registered a case on the application of M Nawaz, father of the victim, with no arrests till filing of this report.
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from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EZ33FM
Four booked for employing minors
OKARA: Police Monday booked four employers for engaging the minors in violation of the Punjab Minors’ Restrictions on Employment Ordinance (PMREO).The staffers of the labour department visited the city area and found different workshop and other technical sites where minors Arslan, 12, was working at the shop of M Iqbal; Faisal, 12, at the shop of Mohsin; Yousaf, 13, at the shop of Haji Shaukat Ali and Ghulam Nabi, 13, at the shop of Irfan. The B-Division police have registered the cases separately against the employers.
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from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EYdR61
Interpol again refuses to extradite Haqqani
LONDON: The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has refused to act against former Pakistan ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, sources familiar with the case have confirmed.The government of Pakistan is now considering asking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to approach the US government for Haqqani’s extradition after second refusal by the Interpol.As a matter of policy, the US govt doesn’t consider extradition in political cases and in the case of Haqqani it’s almost impossible that the US govt will take any action.The Supreme Court has been informed about the refusal by the Interpol Haqqani’s case. In January 2018, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar had reopened the Memogate case based on a petition filed in November 2011 by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and several others and demanded that Haqqani be produced before the Supreme Court.The FIA registered a case for embezzlement and corruption against Haqqani in March 2018 relating to his tenure as ambassador (2008-2011), expecting that a criminal charge would result in Interpol acting against Haqqani.In April 2018, Interpol turned down the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)’s request to issue arrest warrants for Haqqani, who is now based in Washington. “The General Secretariat of the International Criminal Police Organisation, Interpol, hereby certifies that as of today (April 18, 2018), Mr. Husain Haqqani, born on July 1, 1956, is not subject to an Interpol Blue Notice or diffusion and is not known in Interpol’s data basis,” a letter issued by Interpol’s office of legal affairs said at the time.
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from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2F0hFVq
3 commercial buildings sealed
GUJRANWALA: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) teams Monday sealed three commercial buildings for not fulfilling legal requirements and also having no NOC from the competent authority on Monday. ACE Regional Director Fareed Ahmed said that the owners of commercial buildings, including Ajwa Centre Satellite Town, Plot-4 in front of the accounts office and a plaza near the Civic Centre had been sealed for not producing the NOCs from the municipal corporation and other departments concerned. Meanwhile, the ACE team retrieved the state land from the illegal occupiers at Mandi Bahauddin. The influential persons, in connivance with the highway department officers, occupied the commercial state land for the last many years and constructed shops and flats there.
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from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2F2ipIR
The economy in 2019
The economy has slowed down, the rupee has been devalued, interest rates have gone up and there has been some increase in the rate of inflation in the country. Why has this happened? And what prospects does the economy hold in 2019? This article answers the above questions in an honest and as simple a manner as is possible.Pakistan’s economy is recovering from what can be best described as a ‘consumption led’ growth period that was financed by short term debt instruments and a stifling of investment climate. Consumption as percentage of GDP went up from the already worrying figure of 91.8% in FY14 to 94.5% in 2018. Correspondingly, total gross investment (that includes government investment also) in Pakistan was reported at just 16.4% of GDP in FY18 whereas India’s figure stands at close to 30% and Bangladesh is at 31% of GDP. Additionally, our spur of consumption spree was associated with policies in the past that instead of channeling the countries resources into savings, investments and industrialisation further aggravated the problem of private investment. And here’s how:To begin with, we saw a very visible deterioration in the economy’s fundamentals as the country exited the last IMF programme in 2016 and all forms of fiscal and monetary discipline were abandoned. What this means is that we were fuelling growth in the economy by spending from resources that we did not have. For example, in the last financial year alone, Rs1300 billion of government spending was financed by printing money and monetisation of public debt. The previous government was also happy to ask FBR to withhold genuine refunds to the tune of hundreds of billions of rupees of businessmen and entrepreneurs that further squeezed their working capital and halted all their expansions. This whole model broadly represented the previous government’s fiscal policy and it’s no surprise that it fuelled only consumption growth. And it also led to whopping Rs2300 billion or 6.6 % of fiscal deficit in the system i.e. the excess of government spending over government’s income.Now let’s take a look at the monetary side. In the first 4 years of the previous government, the Real Exchange Rate (the buying power of the currency in comparison to other currencies) appreciated by 28% without any improvement in the trade deficit to justify this increase. This means that our exports became that much uncompetitive in the international markets and we began subsidizing our imports. This led to the closure of hundreds of export houses and fuelled a largely consumption led increase in our imports. From a point where we had a Current Account deficit of just $2.5 billion in 2013, the figure soared to $19 billion in 2018.The second aspect of monetary policy is interest rates. The interest rates were kept low in the past but that also did not translate into any notable increase in private sector borrowing, the loans that our entrepreneurs use for investments and setting up businesses and industry. The reason that private sector was not advanced these loans by the banks is that the government was doing what the economists call ‘crowding out’ the private sector. The banks were more than happy to lend to the government in the form of treasury bills. So in effect, the lower interest rates actually did not lead to any investment and the whole monetary scheme of things further fuelled the consumption spree.The result of the above mentioned fiscal and monetary policies was not surprising for any economist. The country came on the verge of bankruptcy at the close of the last financial year (FY2018). Once both the IMF programme ended and oil prices began to rise, the superficial nature of the whole economic model unfolded and the state was left with nothing to finance its fiscal expenditures and its huge import bill.So what has the new government done about this? And what does it plan to do in order to make sure that the repeat of the above does not take place?The first and foremost plank of the new government’s economic priority in 2018 has been that the country must meet its financing obligations in terms of debt repayment due this financial year (USD 9 billion) and that the current account deficit is reduced to the range from USD 11-13 Billion from the current USD 19 billion.The fiscal side also has to show improvement as the last reported fiscal deficit of 6.6% is not sustainable. The above priorities are necessary and overarching in order to keep the economy functioning and not defaulting on its both external and internal obligations.The good news is that as a result of adjustments by SBP in the exchange rate and the imposition of regulatory duties by the government on non-essential items, we have seen a sharp reduction in the growth of imports that has gone down from the figure of 26% growth to a negative figure. Some commentators have criticised the steep adjustment in the exchange rate. However, one has to take into account the fact that the exchange rate was allowed to appreciate in real terms and the need for corrections had been piling up for at least 4 of the last 5 years. Therefore, the country had deviated significantly from its Actual Exchange Rate value and a one-time steep adjustment had become inevitable.The foreign remittances, another foreign exchange source, have also shown a very encouraging rise of 12.5% in the first quarter and the export sector is also showing a positive growth. In 2019, the government shall announce a comprehensive incentives package for overseas workers to send their remittances through the formal channels. Improving the speed, security and reducing the red tape that is currently surrounding the formal channel procedures is a central aspect of the upcoming incentives package for foreign remittances.The new government’s successful foreign policy has led to friendly countries offering us sizeable support for our Balance of Payments. Bilateral assistance in the form of funds and deferred oil payment facilities from KSA, UAE and other countries has begun to pour in. As a result of the above, the country has successfully averted the balance of payments crises and all economic trends indicate that our deficits are coming down rapidly to within manageable ranges.The second economic priority of the PTI government is that growth shall now have to be led by exports, investment and productivity instead of consumption and imported finance capital. I mention exports first because a country earns its foreign exchange primarily by virtue of this sector. And foreign exchange earnings are required to fill our huge financing gap and escape from the debt dependency trap. The readjustment of the exchange rate by bringing it at par with its actual market value has helped in restoring competitiveness of our exports. Furthermore, the government has also reached an agreement with the export sectors with regards to freeing up their entire stock of working capital stuck up with FBR in the shape of pending refund claims. This government will no longer use the entrepreneur’s capital to cover up and finance its own shortcomings in raising revenues or funding showcase projects.On this same note, the government has also taken the unprecedented step of bringing at par the energy costs that our exporters face. LNG and natural gas mix is now being supplied to them at the regional average rate of USD 6.5 per MMBTU. A similar approach is being worked out when it comes to the electricity tariffs that shall be notified at 7.5 cents/KWH for the export sector. With these measures in place, the export sector in 2019 will be able to unleash its real comparative advantage and earn the much needed foreign exchange for Pakistan.Another much debated subject these days is interest rates. One would be justified to ask the question that how the government on one hand claims to be promoting ‘investment led growth’ whilst on the other hand is raising interest rates, the act that in theory discourages investment? Firstly, the need for raising interest rates arose when the rupee was devalued. Devaluation causes inflationary pressures to rise in the economy and in order to prevent the rise in prices from forming a spiral and going out of control, the interest rate had to rise simultaneously. However Pakistan’s interest rate in Real Terms (adjusted for inflation) is approximately 4% now. That’s the same rate in real terms that is prevalent in all countries in our region. Furthermore, fresh data with regards to interest rates and investment is painting a very different figure from what many would predict. The ‘private sector credit off take’ in the economy in the first quarter has risen by more than 400%. This means that current interest rates are not stifling investment at all. The explanation for this seems to be that once the ‘crowding out’ phenomenon that was mentioned above was eliminated, the suppressed appetite of the private sector for loans came into play. This phenomenal growth in private sector loans is a much needed development and this trend shall continue into 2019.Studies point out that apart from restrictive economic policies that were hindering savings and investment in Pakistan, there are two additional features in play -- security and taxes. The security situation has significantly improved over the years following the successful ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ operation conducted and led by the military. However, little attention has been paid to the most complicated and business unfriendly tax policies and laws in place. Whilst Pakistan is 136th in the rank of the ‘ease of doing business’ index, we are 173rd when it comes to ‘complicated tax systems’ as per a World Bank report. This means that taxes are right now the single biggest hindrance in the way of investment in the economy and the current government is formulating bold initiatives in this regard that shall be rolled out in 2019. For example, ‘With-Holding’ taxes on filers is nothing but a ‘red tape’ as most of the sums under this head are adjusted in the annual return anyway. Similarly, for the non-filers, this tax has only acted to reduce the ‘Cash to Deposits’ ratio in the economy. As per some calculations that take into account the ‘multiplier effect’ of deposits and subsequent lending in the banking system, it is estimated that up to Rs6 trillion can potentially be made available for private sector lending if the disincentives from transacting in the banking system are removed and the government in 2019 fully intends upon beginning to phase out these distortionary taxes.I now turn towards the question that affects each one of us; overall economic activity. As mentioned above, the general policy paradigm was in need of a shift, from ‘consumption’ towards ‘investment’. This shift in economic priority entailed a readjustment in the fiscal and monetary policies of the country. ‘Change’ is always accompanied by a certain degree apprehension and uncertainty. We indeed see that in our economy now and it is understandable. We are witnessing a correction or a ‘hang over’ from the over consumption of the past as we sail away from that approach towards a more sustainable and structurally sound economic model.However, as the contours of this new economic approach become clear and an investment focused and pro-business set of policies and framework is put in place, we expect this uncertainty to be swiftly replaced by investor confidence and growth.2019 shall be a year in which Pakistan shall take significant steps towards improving its ‘ease of doing business climate’. A new tariff policy aimed at rationalising duties on imports of raw materials, machinery plus simplification in taxes and filing procedures for individuals, corporations and businesses shall be announced. Taxes shall no longer be used purely to raise revenues. The aim of the separation of Tax Policy Division from FBR’s administration is precisely to phase out all taxes that have added to the cost of doing business in Pakistan and replace them with measures that create incentives for SME’s and businesses.Reforming Pakistan’s tax laws is an extensive subject and a Tax Reform Implementation Committee that I head has already been notified. It is composed of the original authors of the famous and well written Tax Reform Commission Report that was never followed up with policy. My next article will be devoted purely towards the issues of upcoming ‘Tax Reforms’ so I leave this subject with the comment for now that the government will not shy away from undertaking bold measures at simplification and ease of filing taxes and reforming FBR into a business friendly entity in 2019.Entrepreneurs and businesses in Pakistan have to deal with multiple government departments that require extensive time and workforce to deal with. The methods these departments employ in the name of compliance with outdated legal statutes and their wide ambits mean that businesses and especially SMEs are put at a serious disadvantage and feel harassed. Therefore, the scope and powers of these departments is being revisited and shall be reviewed in conjunction with the provincial governments.2019 is also expected to be the year for foreign investments in Pakistan. CPEC shall be entering its second phase that shall be more focused on trade and industry, moving on from infrastructure. This shall play a pivotal role in terms of technology and skills transfer to our economy. Multi-national companies from sectors ranging from automobiles, telecommunications, energy, electronics and others have also expressed their interest to invest in Pakistan. Our sizeable population and a young demographic holds great and yet untapped potential for any investor. In the coming year, we are confident to see these interests transforming into tangible foreign investments.To sum up, the economy has averted the immediate severe balance of payments crises and all macro-economic indicators are showing positive trends towards stabilisation. The general paradigm of fiscal and monetary policies has been realigned towards exports, investment and productivity growth. In the days to come, bold steps will be put in place to facilitate both foreign and local investment and dramatically improve the ease of doing business climate in the country.The writer is the Minister of State for Revenue, Government of Pakistan.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2F0oGW7
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2F0oGW7
2019 likely to witness low GDP growth, hike in inflation
ISLAMABAD: With continuous decline on economic front, the PTI-led government is largely relying upon conventional and old wisdom focusing on raising tax rates and utility prices instead of tackling underlying structural problems.In the latest classic example to understand the government’s economic and fiscal policies, in a bid to avoid passing on full benefits of decreased oil prices in international market to the consumers, the PTI government jacked up general sales tax (GST) rate at standard level of 17 percent with effect from today (Tuesday). Earlier, the government had kept GST rate on lower side, but now it was brought at standard level of 17 percent for both petrol and diesel from January 1, 2019. Earlier, the GST on petrol stood at 8 percent and diesel at 13 percent, but now it has been jacked up to standard rate of 17 percent with effect from today.In the wake of increasing budget deficit because of inability of the government to raise revenue and curtail expenditure simultaneously, the government is left with no other option but to generate taxes through increasing tax rates in upcoming mini budget which the government plans to present before the Parliament around mid of this month. The prescription of the PTI-led regime will be the same as tax rates will be hiked as was done by the PML-N government in last five years.The PTI government has come up with prescriptions of confusing signals in second half of 2018, rather it can be termed as directionless so far on major structural problems on front of raising taxation through broadening of narrowed tax base, overhauling public sector enterprises, especially cash bleeding power sector and undertaking any step towards bureaucratic structure under much needed civil service reforms.With culmination of all these directionless policies, the economy is all set to witness declining trends in GDP growth and hike in inflationary pressure in 2019.The CPI-based inflation on monthly basis will be standing in the range of 7 percent today (Tuesday) when the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) will be releasing its monthly figures. The GDP growth for the ongoing financial year is projected to fall sharply and will be standing at around 4 percent of GDP for 2018-19 against 5.8 percent achieved in last financial year that was highest of last 13 years.In the name of stabilization of economy, this outgoing year 2018 witnessed 40 percent devaluation of rupee against dollar, hike in discount rate by 425 basis points, rising twin deficits to historic levels in absolute figures, falling foreign direct investment and rising inflation.Now the possible IMF programme will be folded with prescription of “one shoe fit for all” conditions under which tight noose of scrutiny will suppress demand into the national economy resulting into choking growth trajectory and raising CPI-based inflation in coming months of 2019.The PTI-led government argued that it inherited highest ever twin deficit in absolute terms as the budget deficit stood at 6.7 percent of GDP and the current account deficit was in the range of over $18 billion. With massive holes on twin deficit, the government requires huge adjustments in order to bring down the budget deficit and current account deficit.On the positive side, the government claims that it has managed external financing and there is no urgent crisis. After achieving this task, the PTI should be in position to utilise this breathing space for overcoming structural problems because if time was wasted for next six months then the problems of budget deficit will surface with more force paving the way for second round of instability, rising debt, unemployment and increasing poverty with rapid pace. So the time is short and there is long list of things require to be done in the menu in 2019.
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY7M9L
from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EY7M9L
$26b lost in market capitalisation in 2018
LAHORE - Pakistan market continued its fall for the second year in a row, down 8 percent in 2018. This fall in two successive years is after a period of 22 years. In market capitalization, Pakistan lost $26b in 2018. According to stock market experts, falling global market financial markets along with deteriorating macros ...
from Top Stories News http://bit.ly/2LHUfVk
from Top Stories News http://bit.ly/2LHUfVk
NASA spaceship zooms toward farthest world ever photographed
New York-A Nasa spaceship is zooming toward the farthest, and quite possibly the oldest, cosmic body ever photographed by humankind, a tiny, distant world called Ultima Thule some 6.4 billion kilometres away. The United States space agency will ring in the New Year with a live online broadcast to mark historic flyby of the mysterious object in a ...
from Top Stories News http://bit.ly/2s4retC
from Top Stories News http://bit.ly/2s4retC
New Year's 2019 around the world
on December 31, 2018
in entertainment, Entertainment - SUCH TV, latest, pakviral, trending, viral
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People around the world are set to ring in the New Year. The Pacific island nation of Samoa was the first to enter the year 2019. DW is keeping track of all the New Year's celebrations across the globe.
16:00 Although the Lunar New Year is still king in China, revelers gathered in Hong Kong for a massive fireworks display marking the arrival of 2019. In Beijing, celebrities attended a VIP gala dedicated to the 2022 Winter Games. President Xi Jingping addressed the nation before the evening news, saying that his government "sent out China's voice" into the world.
The celebrations in China came an hour after Japan welcomed the 2019 with a bout between American boxer Floyd Mayweather and Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa. The 41-year-old American defeated the local champion in less than three minutes.
15:47 Berlin opened its party mile which starts at the city's iconic Brandenburg Gate and stretches some two kilometers (1.24 miles) west to the Victory Column. The party is set to start in a few short hours, with city officials promising "live bands, DJs and a spectacular fireworks display at midnight." British pop singer Bonnie Tyler is also set to perform.
14:00 Brisbane celebrated New Year's an hour later than Sydney — even though Brisbane is located 2 degrees longitude east of Sydney.
13:00 Tens of thousands have gathered in Sydney despite stormy conditions to witness the city's spectacular fireworks show for New Year's.
Organizers say it will be the most expensive celebration ever at 6 million Australian dollars ($4.2 million, €3.7 million). The 12-minute show was to feature 100,000 pyrotechnics and culminate at midnight with "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," a song made famous by the recently deceased Aretha Franklin.
12:00 Most of the remaining island Oceanic nations have now bid farewell to 2018.
11:00 Fiji, Tuvalu, and half of New Zealand have now joined in on the festivities. Fireworks were shot from the top of the Sky tower in downtown Auckland, New Zealand to ring in the new year.
#HNY from #Auckland #Newzealand @skytower pic.twitter.com/aF2MXRjJts
— VoyageToTheHeart (@UnifiedLove) December 31, 2018
Anadyr, the easternmost town in Russia, has also entered 2019.
10:00 Samoa has become the first full country to enter the new year. Fireworks exploded over the Samoan capital of Apia for locals and tourists who timed their visit to enter 2019 before anyone else.
The Pacific nation shifted to the zone west of the international date line eight years ago, jumping forward 24 hours and wiping out December 30, 2011.
The island of Kiritimati, part of the group of islands that makes up Kiribati, and Tokelau, an island territory belonging to New Zealand, were also among the first islands to enter the new year.
from Entertainment - SUCH TV http://bit.ly/2EZBcoT
Like his father, Bilawal will fail to ‘end govt’: Fawad
Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Monday criticized the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on his comments of ‘toppling the federal government’ upon Asif Ali Zardari’s will. Addressing a press conference, the information minister said that Bilawal will fail in his bid to end ...
from National News http://bit.ly/2VsYys2
from National News http://bit.ly/2VsYys2
IHC reserves judgement on petition challenging Shehbaz’s PAC chairmanship
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday reserved its verdict on a petition challenging Shehbaz Sharif’s appointment as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman. Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiani presided over the hearing on the petition challenging the opposition leader’s appointment. Justice Minallah ...
from National News http://bit.ly/2QeX3cS
from National News http://bit.ly/2QeX3cS
Fawad Ch postpones Karachi visit: PID
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry's visit to Karachi has been postponed, the Press Information Department said in a statement on Monday. The minister was scheduled to arrive in Karachi today evening, as rumours of governor’s rule and calls for resignation of the provincial chief minister heat up the political atmosphere in ...
from National News http://bit.ly/2SoFmK4
from National News http://bit.ly/2SoFmK4
Spare compliant taxpayers in new mini-budget: ICCI
The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) has called upon the government to ensure that the compliant taxpayers were not burdened with new taxes in the forthcoming new mini-budget as putting more tax burden on the regular taxpayers for enhancing tax revenue would prove counterproductive and discourage tax culture in the ...
from National News http://bit.ly/2AhSaLd
from National News http://bit.ly/2AhSaLd
Saudi Assistant Defence Minister calls on COAS Bajwa
Saudi Arabia's Assistant Minister of Defence Muhammad Bin Abdullah Al-Ayesh called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday, the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement. Matters of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting, including regional security and enhanced bilateral defence cooperation, the ISPR ...
from National News http://bit.ly/2SvxOF9
from National News http://bit.ly/2SvxOF9
PTI moves adjournment motion to discuss JIT report in SA
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf provincial lawmaker Khurrum Sher Zaman on Monday submitted an adjournment motion in the Sindh Assembly, calling for a discussion on the findings of a Joint Investigation Team report in the money laundering and fake accounts case in the next session. The adjournment motion presented in the assembly stated that Sindh Chief ...
from National News http://bit.ly/2EZYkmu
from National News http://bit.ly/2EZYkmu
Sonali Bendre shares a heartfelt post
'Simmba' crosses Rs 100 crore worldwide in three days
'Zero' box office collection Day 10
'KGF' box office collection Day 10
Unseen pictures from Nick-Priyanka wedding
The lovebirds tied the knot earlier this month, and in the latest photos that have surfaced on the internet, we get to see more of the insights from Nickyanka’s Hindu as well as Christian weddings.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Sushmita Sen makes boyfriend Rohman Shawl official part of family
Indian actress Sushmita Sen and her boyfriend Rohman Shawl have been making it to the news every now and then ever since they made their relationship public. It seems like things are moving fast between the former Miss Universe and her 26-year-old beau as the two were clicked together with Sushmita’s family in Jaipur only recently. The actress made Rohman an official part of her family on a post that included her parents, daughters Renee and Alisah and brother Rajeev Sen. Rohman and Sens have gathered in Jaipur to attend the wedding of Tamil filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s son SS Karthikeya’s wedding with singer Pooja Prasad, who is a cousin of Sushmita. Recently, Sushmita even uploaded several stories of her “baby sister’s” sangeet on Instagram.The pre-wedding festivities of Karthikeya and Pooja’s nuptials entailed the who’s who of Bollywood and Tamil cinema such as Prabhas of ‘Baahubali’ fame and others attending the events.
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2AkttgX
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2AkttgX
Best Of Bollywood 2018
Here are all the celebs that won our hearts in 2018 and the award goes to...
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2Amw7Dg
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2Amw7Dg
Anushka Sharma jets off to Sydney to celebrate New Year’s with Virat
While a number of Bollywood power couples like Deepika-Ranveer, Priyanka-Nick and Sonam-Anand took their relationships to the next level by tying the knot this year, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma were busy celebrating their first wedding anniversary in Australia.While Anushka had to fly back to India briefly after, to wrap up the promotional schedule of her film ‘Zero’, the actress has jetted off to Sydney again to ring in New Year’s celebrations with husband Virat who is stationed there for his next match against Australia for January 3rd. Virat posted a picture with Anushka on Instagram and captioned it, “Off to sydney. Looking forward to the new years eve with my one and only. [sic]” In the picture, Anushka Sharma is leaning on her husband’s shoulders while hiding her face with her palms.Anushka and Virat tied the knot in Tuscany, Italy in a private wedding on December 11, 2017.
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2EYLapv
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2EYLapv
Rohit Shetty on Ajay Devgn-Ranveer Singh
Rohit Shetty brought together Ranveer Singh and Ajay Devgn for his latest film ‘Simmba’. Ajay appeared in a special role in the film and the action scenes between the ‘Singham’ star and Ranveer was definitely whistle-worthy.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
'Simmba' box office collection Day 3
Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan To Finally Work Together Again!
Read all the details of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan's upcoming project here!
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2RrPfcw
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2RrPfcw
Shah Rukh Khan's Next Projects After 'Zero'
Shah Rukh Khan has decided to stop doing Masala films here onwards
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2QdybSO
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2QdybSO
I look best with Fawad Khan: Sonam Kapoor
Apart from making phenomenal movies, ace film director Karan Johar also conducts a famous talk show named ‘Koffee with Karan’ that gets all celebrities of B-town spill out some deep, dark secrets. In an upcoming episode filmed for the show, the Kapoor siblings (Sonam Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor and Harshvardhan Kapoor) took to the couch to spill some sass. The much-talked-about rapid fire round had Sonam Kapoor revealing that she in fact looks best with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, but Karan Johar “sent him back”. Sonam Kapoor worked with Fawad Khan in Disney’s 'Khoobsurat'. The film gave Fawad his first break in Bollywood, which he received a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for his role in the film. Fawad then went on to feature in films like ‘Kapoor and Sons’ in 2014 and Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ in 2016. However, due to the unstable political situation between India and Pakistan, Pakistani actors were barred from working in Indian movies with ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ becoming Fawad’s last Bollywood offering.
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2StgAIB
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2StgAIB
Katrina Kaif Walks Out Off Remo D'souza's Dance Film and This Is The Reason
Salman Khan may the reason for Katrina Kaif walking out off Remo D'souza's film
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2F0MWXv
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2F0MWXv
Bollywood Directors Select Their Favourite Films 2018 - "These Are My Favourites"
The directors of the industry talk about their favourite films in 2018
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2EYKErF
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2EYKErF
Sunday, 30 December 2018
Exclusive: Vijay Deverakonda Talks About His Films, Love Life and More!
Vijay Devarakonda had a fabulous year. He not only had four releases, but he also branched into various directions. Telugu cinema’s fastest-rising star speaks to Subhash K Jha
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2Tjfm2F
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2Tjfm2F
Guess Who Was The First Choice For The Lead Role In 'Zero'?
This is how Shah Rukh tried to upstage Ranveer Singh
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2QbkMe7
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2QbkMe7
5 Most Neglected Films Of 2018
2018 has had its share of hits and flops but here are film's that were good but not given enough attention!
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2SzguiV
from Masala.com http://bit.ly/2SzguiV
Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas' romantic getaway in Switzerland
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas after tying the knot in December are ending 2018 in style as they vacation together in Switzerland. Recently, the 36-year-old actress has been sharing pictures of her snowy, wintery getaway alongside husband Nick and making it snow on Instagram. They are accompanied by Nick’s brother Joe Jonas, his fiancée Sophie Turner, Priyanka’s brother Siddharth Chopra and a few other friends. The latest picture shared by ‘The Sky is Pink’ starlet is from her skiing adventure with family. Priyanka shared photos from what appears to be the take-off point, in which she features with Nick Jonas (of course) and Sophie Turner. She captioned the picture: “Ski life”. She looked cute in a rose-printed ski suit while Sophie was adorable in matching separates.Recently, Priyanka broke the internet with a cute, adorable picture she had shared with Nick. The expressions on their faces were best described by Priyanka in the caption: "Happiness in the mountains," she wrote.Priyanka and Nick tied the knot in two wedding ceremonies in December at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. They flew to Oman for a brief honeymoon ahead of their wedding receptions in Mumbai.
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2BSYHf4
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2BSYHf4
Top 10 sizzling pictures of Sara Ali Khan
Deepika on having kids with Ranveer: It will happen at some point
Bollywood’s favourite couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh continue to make headlines even after days of tying the knot at the picturesque Villa del Balbianello in Lake Como, Italy.The young and vibrant couple has been basking in the glory of its dreamy nuptials that were a starry affair for all of Bollywood which even fans couldn’t help but admire. Even though it has just been a month since the power couple took the plunge, fans are already talking about how both of them will make beautiful babies. Deepika, addressing the matter in an interview with an entertainment website recently said, "Motherhood trumps being married. That's what I hear from people who have had children. Of course, it will happen at some point but no, I think it is unfair to put women through that, to put a couple through that. I guess the day we stop asking the questions is when we will bring about change."Speaking about how she plans to tackle pregnancy rumours, the Padmaavat starlet added, "I don't think there is anything to tackle honestly. As people in the public eye, you are anyways so used to constant speculation. Sometimes, things are true and people probably second guess or assume something even before you have said it yourself and sometimes, it's absolutely untrue. That's the nature of the business that we are in."Moreover, Deepika revealed that she was not ready to commit to Ranveer when she first met him in 2012. The actress said that she was recently recovering from a heartbreak and did not want to get involved in a serious relationship with anyone. Hence she had told Ranveer that she wants an open relationship with him despite feeling a strong connection. On the work front, Ranveer has been tasting immense success lately after his film Simmba kicked off to a great start. It is being touted as Ranveer's biggest opener ever after mustering Rs 44.05 crore in two days.Deepika, on the other hand, will be next seen in Meghna Gulzar's Chhapaak which is based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. Vikrant Massey has been roped in to play the male lead.
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2RoxKd8
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2RoxKd8
CJP summons interior minister for placing 172 names on ECL
Supreme Court (SC) on Monday has summoned Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi for placing names of 172 people on Exit Control List (ECL), as it resumed hearing the long-running mega money laundering and fake bank accounts case on Monday. During the hearing of money laundering case, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar ...
from Top Stories News http://bit.ly/2EWuFv7
from Top Stories News http://bit.ly/2EWuFv7
Rani Mukerji gets slammed online for controversial take on #MeToo movement
Famed Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji is under hot waters after her controversial stance on the #MeToo movement was met with immense censure by internet users.Speaking at a roundtable discussion moderated by film critic Rajeev Masand that featured some top-of-the-line actresses including Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma and Alia Bhatt, the ‘Hichki’ starlet said that it is rather women who should be taught to be physically strong and courageous to shield themselves from sexual harassers. Responding to a question regarding what change has the movement brought with itself, Rani said, “I think as a woman you have to be that powerful within yourself, you have to believe that you're so powerful that if you ever come into a situation like that you have the courage to say 'back off.' I think you have to have the courage to be able to protect yourself."However, Rani's viewpoint did not receive approval from the fellow actresses. Deepika, for instance, said, “I don't think everyone is constructed with that sort of DNA."Rani further said that martial arts and self-defence should be made compulsory in schools, adding that "you have to take the responsibility of your own self."Deepika again countered, “But why to even bring it to the point where girls should learn self-defence.” Even, Anushka agreed to Deepika's point, however, Rani wasn't convinced as she later added, “You can’t tell mothers how to bring up their children." Rani’s controversial statement did not fare well with netizens who slammed the actress for belonging to a privileged background and for being ‘ignorant’. The #MeToo movement reached India after former model and actress Tanushree Dutta accused veteran actor Nana Patekar of sexual misconduct. It opened the floodgates of many women calling out prominent men in the industry for sexual harassment.
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2EYliLd
from The News International - Entertainment http://bit.ly/2EYliLd