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Showing posts from May, 2024

‘I’m a huge fan of her…’: Hamza Sohail reveals his favourite actor

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Young showbiz heartthrob Hamza Sohail revealed his favourite female actor in Pakistan. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv In a recent conversation with a digital magazine, Hamza Sohail revealed that A-list actor Sajal Aly is his favourite female actor, not only in Pakistan but in the entire region. “I’m a huge fan of Sajal Aly. I’m not saying this just for the sake of it, but I’ve been a fan. She is one of the finest artists in this entire region,” he said. “So when she came [on set], I just got off my chair in respect, but she on the other hand was so warm and kind.” “She is the prime example of how an artist should be when they reach that point. Her on-set demeanour, the way she moves on set and her work ethic are phenomenal. I was mind blown and was like this is what one should strive for,” he added.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Hamza Sohail (@hamzasohail_96) On the work front, Hamza Sohail is curr...

Hyderabad blast death toll rises to four with over 60 injured

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HYDERABAD: The death toll from a blast at a liquid petroleum gas cylinder filling shop in Hyderabad’s Preetabad area rose to four on Friday, ARY News reported. The blast took place in the LPG cylinder filling shop located on the ground floor of Zacha Bacha Hospital area along Mir Nabi Bux Town Road in UC-8 of Neerunkot town. The children who succumbed to their injuries were identified as Bilal, 15, Raheem, 5, Hasnain and Ayan, 1122 officials said. At least 60 people, mostly children, received serious burn injuries and had to be shifted to Karachi after being provided emergency treatment at the Liaquat University Hospital (LUH). Some 18-22 injured persons with 80pc to 90pc burns were referred to a major hospital in Karachi. Those who were shifted to Karachi, according to LUH record, are Azam, 7, son of Rais, Bilal, 11, son of Asif, Azam, 9, son of Shakir, Hasnain, 7, son of Rasheed, Ali Raza, 2, son of Bilal, Abdul Hadi, 14, son of Asghar, Zulfiqar, son of Mohammad Umer, Akram Sha...

Two brothers killed in Karachi shooting

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KARACHI: At least two brothers were killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their car near Karachi’s Guru Mandir area on Thursday morning, ARY News reported.  According to Superintendent of Police Aleena Rajpar, the incident appears to be a case of target killing. According to the police, the attack involved four suspects who fired multiple rounds at the vehicle. “Two of the victims were critically injured and later succumbed to their injuries while the other two injured have been shifted to the hospital,” she said. A 9mm pistol was used in the firing, while 18 bullet casings have been recovered from the incident’s site, she added. The police said it had collected evidence from the crime scene and launched investigation into the incident. from ARY NEWS https://ift.tt/OLMZ9DN

Pakistan, Saint Lucia formalise diplomatic ties

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Pakistan and Saint Lucia, an island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean, formalised their diplomatic relations at a simple ceremony held at the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations. Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, and his counterpart from Saint Lucia, Ambassador Menissa Rambally, signed a joint communiqué formalizing the diplomatic ties between the two countries, on behalf of their governments. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Akram said, “Both countries have been cooperating at multilateral forums, including at the Commonwealth, stating that the establishment of formal relations would serve to expand bilateral ties, especially in the realms of trade, commerce, political cooperation, and tourism.” The people of Pakistan and St. Lucia, he said, had shared their love for cricket. “We look forward to the stronger people-to-people bond. There is immense tourism potential in both the countries that can be explored through vis...

Karachi: Heatwave conditions likely to persist till June 1st

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KARACHI: The Met Office on Wednesday forecast that the heatwave conditions would persist in Karachi and other areas of Sindh till June 1st. The coastal areas of Sindh including Karachi may hit by the heatwave conditions from May 29 today with temperatures likely to surpass 40 Celsius. The weather conditions likely to improve by June 3-4, according to the Met Office. According to an alert issued by the Heatwave Early Warning Center of the PMD, “Heatwave conditions likely to grip Karachi division, Thatta, Badin and Sujawal districts from Wednesday (today) till 1st June with daytime maximum temperatures rising to 40-42 Celsius in Karachi and 42-44 C in Thatta, Badin and Sujawal districts.” The weather will likely to remain very hot and humid in next 24 hours. Maximum temperature on Thursday (tomorrow) could soar to 43 Celsius. Severe weather condition likely to persist till June 01 in most parts of Sindh with daytime maximum temperature being 06-08Celsius above normal in Dadu, Qamb...

Menstrual Hygiene Day: Flash mob at Mumbai’s Bandra railway station raises awareness on periods

from The Indian Express https://ift.tt/TaqNyOx

Raoof Hasan claims deal offers are still available to PTI founder

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson Raoof Hasan has claimed that deal offers are still available for the former premier. Talking to ARY News’ program 11th Hour, Raoof Hasan stated that the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) could have been released within ten days if he had agreed to a deal. “Offers for deals are still available to Imran Khan”. According to Hasan, the PTI founder had an ‘offer’ during his first ten days in Attock. However, the founder does not believe in making deals and gave preference to remaining in jail. The PTI leader emphasized that the day the PTI founder calls for protest, people will hit the streets in large numbers. Rauf Hasan asserted that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is a party of the people. He conveyed the public’s sentiment, stating that people are urging leaders to leave their offices and take to the streets. The public also warned that they will not forgive any form of compromise. Read more: PTI’s Raoof Hassan says he agree...

Fake cops loot foreign national in Islamabad

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ISLAMABAD: In a shocking incident, fake cops looted a foreign national woman in the F-6 Supermarket of Islamabad’s diplomatic enclave, ARY News reported citing sources. According to sources, two men, posing as police officers, stopped the woman for checking and snatched £500 and other valuables. Sources said that the fake police personnel were not wearing uniforms when they stopped the foreign national woman. Later, the Kohsar Police Station personnel arrived at the spot of the incident, further investigation is underway. In a separate incident, a foreign woman was allegedly raped by a security guard, deployed for her security, in Islamabad’s G-6/4 area. READ: Man accused of raping foreign national in Islamabad arrested According to FIR registered with Abbpara police station, a security guard, who was deployed for the security of a foreign national woman, raped her and fled the scene. Later, the federal police claimed to have arrested the man accused of raping the foreign natio...

Extreme hot weather spell continues in most plains of country

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ISLAMABAD: The Met Office has forecast scorching hot weather in most of the plains in Pakistan with dusty winds at noon on Sunday, ARY News reported. Sindh’s most districts will experience searing hot weather, while Karachi and other coastal areas of the province will be hot and humid with gusty winds, according to the Met Office. The weather in Gilgit Baltistan will partly cloudy and rainfall with wind and thunderstorm at some areas of the region. Most districts of southern Khyber Pakthunkhwa would experience extremely hot weather and likely rainfall with wind and thunderstorm in Malakand and Kohistan regions. An extremely hot weather will continue in most plains of Punjab with gusty winds and dust storms, Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast. In the ongoing heatwave in the country temperatures mostly remained above 40 Celsius, while Sukkur and Dadu districts had temperatures as high as 50 Celsius. In Balochistan, Sibi was the hottest district with maximum temperature be...

Expert Explains: Special categories of voters, their voting methods

from The Indian Express https://ift.tt/6Vs0wWt

PM Shehbaz ‘rejects’ FBR’s tax proposals for Budget 2024

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday rejected two major tax proposals of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the upcoming financial year’s Budget 2024, ARY News reported citing sources. According to sources, the FBR had suggested increasing the sales tax on various items from 18% to 19%, as well as imposing up to 18% tax on petroleum products aimed to collect billions of rupees in taxes. However, the prime minister directed the Chairman of FBR to prepare alternative proposals, sources added. Sources said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had also suggested imposing sales tax on petroleum products, but the government had suspended the tax in March 2022. Currently, the federal government is charging a development levy of Rs 60 per liter on petroleum products, sources added. Read More:  FY2024-25 budget to be ‘presented’ on THIS date The Pakistan government will likely present its federal budget for the next fiscal year 2024-25 on June 7, with a...

IMF calls for reforms in Pakistan’s energy sector as Porter-led mission concludes talks

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WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called for reforms in Pakistan’s energy sector to improve the economy. An IMF team, led by mission chief Nathan Porter, concluded discussions with the authorities on Thursday after arriving in Pakistan on May 13, the lender said in a statement. “The mission and the authorities will continue policy discussions virtually over the coming days aiming to finalise discussions, including the financial support needed to underpin the authorities’ reform efforts from the IMF and Pakistan’s bilateral and multilateral partners,” Porter said. “Continue progress towards low and stable inflation by appropriate monetary and exchange rate policies; improve public service provision through state-owned enterprise (SOE) restructuring and privatization; and promote private sector development, by securing a level-playing field for investment and stronger governance.” Read more: IMF ‘wants’ Pakistan to increase GST to 18pc The IMF has opened d...

OGRA bans sale, purchase of substandard LPG cylinders

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LAHORE: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has banned the sale and purchase of substandard LPG cylinders across Pakistan, ARY News reported. In a notification issued by the OGRA, the body termed refilling of substandard LPGO cylinders as dangerous, notices were issued to the 313 LPG marketing and 19 cylinder-producing companies. The OGRA has warned the LPG marketing companies of selling LPG to unauthorized distributors. According to the notification, the new SOPs have been formed for LPG business as from now onwards only authorized distributors can sell and purchase the LPG. The notification further stated that the decision has been taken in the wake of increasing incidents of cylinder blasts as the body is trying to save the lives and the business. On May 3, the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were slashed by Rs 20 per kilogram in Quetta. According to sources, the LPG rates are reduced by Rs 20 taking the price from Rs 280 to Rs 260 per kilogram. Its worth ment...

Raghib Naeemi appointed new CII chairman

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ISLAMABAD: The federal government has appointed Allama Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi as the Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideological (CII). The Ministry of Law and Justice has issued the notification for the appointment of Allama Naeemi as the chairman of the CII, and he becomes the 17th chairman of the Council as the former head of CII Dr Qibla Ayaz, completed his second term last month. Allama Dr Raghab Hussain Naeemi is also the Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Naeemi and Chairman of the Muttahida Ulema Board Punjab. Recently, he was awarded the ‘Sitara-i-Imtiaz’ (Star of Excellence) by President Asif Ali Zardari on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2024. His father Mufti Sarfraz Ahmed Naeemi died after a suicide attack in Jamia Naeemia in 2009. from ARY NEWS https://ift.tt/WcpbqY7

Greek trial of one of worst migrant tragedies opens

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KALAMATA, Greece: The trial of nine accused smugglers opens on Tuesday, nearly a year after a derelict migrant trawler with hundreds on board including nearly 350 Pakistanis sank off the coast of Greece in one of Europe’s deadliest shipwrecks. Nine Egyptian men — who were among the 104 survivors — will appear before a court in Kalamata, southwestern Greece, to answer charges including negligent homicide, participation in a criminal organisation and facilitating illegal entry into the country. The men, aged 21 to 37 years old, have denied responsibility. Their lawyers say they are being scapegoated to obscure the responsibilities of the Greek coastguard, which failed to mount an effective rescue. The suspects, who have spent the past 11 months in pre-trial detention, face life imprisonment if convicted. As the sinking occurred in international waters, 47 nautical miles (87 kilometres) off the coast of Pylos, lawyers for the defendants say a Greek court is not competent to hear the...

Pakistan declares day of mourning over Iran’s Raisi death in helicopter crash

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced Pakistan would observe a “Day of Mourning” over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province, ARY News reported. Taking to X, the prime minister said that Pakistani flag will fly at half-mast as a mark of respect for President Ebrahim Raisi, his companions and in solidarity with brotherly Iran. “Pakistan had the pleasure of hosting President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on a historic visit, less than a month ago. They were good friends of Pakistan. Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for President Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with Brotherly Iran,” the prime minister wrote on X. Pakistan had the pleasure of hosting President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on a historic visit, less than a month ago. They were good friends of Pakistan. Pakistan will observe a d...

Lok Sabha Election 2024, Phase 5: From Rahul Gandhi to Rajnath Singh, check out the list of key candidates in fray

from The Indian Express https://ift.tt/kuqIWj7

Saudi king to undergo tests due to high fever: State news agency

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DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz will undergo medical tests on Sunday due to “high temperature and joint pain”, state news agency SPA reported. The examinations will be conducted at the royal clinics at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah. The king, 88, was last admitted to hospital in April for a routine checkup, state TV reported then. King Salman, the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites, became ruler of the world’s top oil exporter in 2015 after spending more than 2 1/2 years as the crown prince and deputy premier. On April 25, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz underwent a routine medical checkup. READ: SAUDI KING ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL IN JEDDAH FOR TESTS – SAUDI PRESS AGENCY According to Saudi state-run television, King Salman bin Abdulaziz completed a routine check-up at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital. King Salman bin Abdulaziz left the King Faisal Specialist Hospital after completing a routine examination, the television reported, citing a statement from the...

‘Heeramandi’ actor Taha Shah breaks silence on Fawad Khan comparison

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The current internet sensation Taha Shah, of ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’  opened up on being compared with A-list actors Fawad Khan and Vicky Kaushal. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv In a new interview, ‘Heeramandi’ actor Taha Shah spoke about being compared with the national heartthrobs and great performers Vicky Kaushal and Fawad Khan, after his latest outing as Tajdar. Reacting to the comparisons, Shah said, “I don’t know about the looks but I think performance-wise, they’re both great actors.” He continued, “For me, looks don’t matter. For me, the performance matters. So if they’re comparing me to Fawad or they’re comparing me to Vicky – girls are comparing me [in terms of romance] to Shahrukh – what else do you want, man? They’re not comparing me to somebody else. They’re comparing me to the elite actors. These are elite actors.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Galaxy Lollywood (@galaxylol...

Anti-tetanus injection goes short in Lahore

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A shortage of anti-tetanus injections has hit Lahore, Punjab, posing challenges for individuals injured in accidents. The tetanus vaccine is part of the recommended series of childhood and adult immunizations. It protects against the bacterial infection tetanus, also known as lockjaw. Tetanus causes jaw cramping and painful muscle spasms. There’s no cure, and 10%-20% of people who have it die. Government and private hospitals are facing a shortage of anti-tetanus injections. Pharmacies across the city are experiencing a scarcity of anti-tetanus injections, leaving many with limited access to crucial medical treatment. The Pharma manufacturers have cited production suspension by the international company, as a reason behind the shortage. The scarcity of anti-tetanus injections has resulted in severe difficulties for those injured in accidents, as timely administration of the injection is imperative to prevent wound infection. Medical experts emphasize that the in...

Japan economy suffers worse-than-expected contraction of 0.5%

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Japan’s economy suffered a worse-than-expected contraction in the first quarter, official data showed Thursday, in further bad news for its unpopular government. Gross domestic product in the world’s number four economy shrank by 0.5 percent against market expectations of a drop of only 0.3 percent. Exports dived 5.0 percent, after growing 2.8 percent the previous quarter, while imports fell 3.4 percent. Compared with the first quarter of 2023, GDP fell an annualised 2.0 percent compared with a forecasted drop of 1.2 percent, according to Bloomberg News. The economy was hit by a major earthquake on January 1 on the Noto peninsula and by halts in production at auto giant Toyota’s Daihatsu subsidiary. Japan has been flirting with recession since last year, with zero growth — revised Thursday from an expansion of 0.1 percent — between October and December. In the previous quarter, from July to September, GDP suffered a major contraction of 0.9 percent, also revised on Thursday from...

Deputy PM Dar, Chinese counterpart discuss border crossing, easy visa regime

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Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has expressed his country’s full support to Pakistan in all areas of cooperation including economy, trade and investment. He was talking to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Beijing today. The Chinese Vice Premier reaffirmed the importance of fast-track implementation of CPEC projects for mutual prosperity and development. The two sides agreed to sustain the growing momentum of Pakistan-China relations in all areas of cooperation and to further deepen iron-clad Pakistan-China friendship. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed condolences and outrage on the Shangla attack on 26th March and assured zero tolerance for perpetrators. He lauded the services of the fallen Chinese workers. Ishaq Dar noted the progress made by CPEC in energy and infrastructure and expressed the confidence at the positive dividends under Phase-II in the fields of industry, agriculture and mineral development. Connectivity through Khunjerab borde...

Overbilling: LESCO officers ‘end strike’ after FIA’s assurance of no-raids

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LAHORE: The Lahore Electric Supply Company’s (LESCO) officers have ended their month-long strike after assurance of no-raids by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), ARY News reported on Tuesday, citing sources. The FIA and LESCO remained at odds on the overbilling issue. Earlier, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) ‘barred’ its revenue officers from appearing before the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) team in an overbilling probe. As per details, the LESCO chief was assured of no more raids by the FIA, following which the officers ended their strike and all SDOs and XENs joined their offices. Sources said, the FIA team can go with the LESCO team during the checking of industrial and commercial units. They further said due to raids of FIA on the overbilling issue, the recovery of LESCO reported fell to 76% from 100%. Read more: FIA initiates probe into wheat bags embezzlement case On May 12, it was reported that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) decided to ex...

Karachi robbery resistance death case takes shocking turn

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KARACHI: The Karachi robbery resistance death case took a shocking turn after the CCTV footage of the tragic incident emerged, ARY News reported. As per details, a 49-year-old man, Yousuf Khan, was killed in a shooting incident in Liaquatabad, Karachi. Initial reports suggested that the incident was of a robbery resistance but further investigation has revealed that the killer and the victim were acquainted. According to police, Yousuf Khan was visiting his in-laws’ house when he got into an argument with an unknown person, wearing a mask. The argument escalated, and the unknown man shot Yousuf Khan and fled the scene on Yousuf’s motorcycle. CCTV footage of the incident shows the killer and the victim arguing over something. The police have found evidence that suggests the killer and the victim knew each other. The killer did not take Yousuf’s valuables, including 20,000 rupees and a mobile phone, which were found in his pocket. Police are investigating the incident and have trans...

Female students among seven injured in Larkana truck-rikhshaw collision

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LARKANA: In a tragic accident, a truck and a rickshaw collided in Larkana, leaving 6 students and drivers injured, ARY News reported. As per details, the students were returning from Madrassa when the incident occurred on Naudero Bypass. According to hospital administration, the condition of 3 students and the rickshaw driver is critical. The injured have been admitted to Chandka Hospital for treatment. Earlier, at least three people including two baby girls were killed and eight were seriously injured when two passenger buses collided with each other on Superhighway, in Karachi. READ: Karachi: Three dead, 8 injured in collision between two buses As per rescue sources, two passenger buses collided with each other near Jokhia Morr at Superhighway as the drivers lost control of vehicles due to rain. As a result, three people including two baby girls and eight people were seriously injured. The injured and bodies were moved to the Jinnah Hospital. As per initial reports, the iden...

Poliovirus spreading rapidly in Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD: Type-1 Wild Poliovirus (WPV1) has been detected from 18 sites including four new districts, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Swabi and Swat. The detection has been confirmed by the regional reference laboratory for polio eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad. This brings total count of infected districts for 2024 to 38. In Bannu, the sample was collected on April 24 from Hinjal-Noorabad site, which is the first positive sample from district this year. The virus is YB3A cluster and 99.77pc genetically linked to virus detected in Pishin on April 1. In Lakki Marwat, the sample was collected on April 22 from Tube Well Gali sample collection site. This is the first positive sample from District Lakki Marwat this year. The sample in Swabi was collected on April 18 in Shah Mansoor & Kala Pull Badray site. In Swat, the sample was collected on April 25 from Saidu Sharif. The virus is 99.77pc linked to virus detected in Swabi on April 18. Prime Minister Shehb...

After Richa & Aditi, Sonakshi Sinha roasts ‘Heeramandi’ co-star Sharmin Segal

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After Bollywood divas Aditi Rao Hydari and Richa Chadha, Sonakshi Sinha roasted their ‘Heeramandi’ co-star Sharmin Segal, who happens to be the niece of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali of the web series. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv In a recent promotional mushaira roast with Indian comedian Munawar Faruqui, featuring the ensemble cast of ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ , actor Sonakshi Sinha aka Fareedan chose Alamzeb [Sharmin Segal] from the rival team to take a blunt dig at her preparation for the shoot of the web series. The ‘Dabangg’ star said, “ Sharmin ko har din set ka wrap jaldi karwana tha. Raat me jaldi so jaati thi, agle din school bhi to jana hota tha  (Sharmin wanted to wrap the shoots early every day. She went early to bed for the school next day).” “ Sharmin din bhar jitney gen Z alfaaz ratt jaati hai, kaash kisi din set par aane se pehle apne dialogues bhi ratt liya kare  (The number of Gen Z words that Sharmin memorises in a day,...

French art group uses brainwaves and AI to recreate landscapes

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PARIS: The hypercolour image of a dark hill and lava flow is pretty enough — but its high-tech artificial intelligence origins make it special. It is the product of the brainwaves of one member of French art collective Obvious, collected in an MRI machine at the Brain Institute of the Pitie Salpetriere hospital in Paris. “I was thinking very hard about a volcano,” said Pierre Fautrel, one of the trio. He admits the resulting work was not exactly what he had in mind, “but it has kept the basic elements: a flaming mountain with flowing lava and a landscape on a light background”. The trio of thirty-somethings, Fautrel, Hugo Caselles-Dupre and Gauthier Vernier, already gained international attention in 2018 by selling an AI-generated artwork at Christie’s in New York for more than 400,000 euros. For the latest project, “Mind to Image”, they used an open-source programme, MindEye, which is able to retrieve and reconstruct viewed images from brain activity, combining it with their own...

Islamabad airport hosts inaugural hajj flight ceremony

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On the occasion of the inaugural Hajj flight at Islamabad International Airport (IIAP) on 10th May, 2024, an esteemed gathering convened in Lounge A-2 for the ceremonial commencement of the Route to Mecca. His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, graced the occasion as the Chief guest. Secretary Religious Affairs and COO/APM Islamabad Airport welcomed the chief guest. Other notable attendees included the Joint Secretary of Hajj, Deputy Director General of the Anti-Narcotics Force, Chief Security Officer of the Airport Security Force, and the Director of Hajj. Saudi Ambassador alongwith Secretary Religious Affairs got briefing from Saudi immigration officials about the operational arrangements of Road to Mecca project. They expressed their satisfaction about the overall arrangements.In this regard,  CAA IIAP  extended full support/associated facilities for the successful conduct of  Hajj flights operation. The inaugural flight, designa...

IMF technical experts ‘reach’ Pakistan for budgetary, loan talks

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ISLAMABAD: The technical experts’ team of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has landed in Pakistan for talks on a fresh loan programme and budget preparations, well-placed sources informed ARY News on Friday. As per details, a few members of the IMF’s mission have reached Islamabad to assist finane ministry in finalising the FY2024-25 budget. The team will stay in Pakistan for more than 10 days, while other members of the IMF mission are likely to reach Pakistan on the night of May 16, the sources said. The mission will hold talks with Islamabad for a fresh loan programme. Earlier sources said that the government had expedited preparations for the budget targets before the arrival of the IMF mission. In this regard, the Ministry of Finance has directed relevant ministries to complete targets expeditiously. Read more: Pakistan to ‘finalise’ FY2024-25 budget targets before IMF team arrival The sources said the framework for all important budgetary targets would be prepared and...

SIM blocking issue: FBR to ‘move’ court against PTA, Telcos

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ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to move court against Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and telecom companies (Telcos) for not blocking SIMs of non-filers, ARY News reported citing sources. According to sources, FBR will take legal action against telecom companies if they fail to block SIMs of 500,000 non-filers by May 15. Sources said The FBR has consulted with its legal team to file a petition in the Islamabad High Court against telecom companies, including PTA, for not complying with the orders to block the SIM cards of non-filers. The FBR and Ministry of Finance have agreed to take action against PTA and telecom companies for not implementing the orders to block SIM cards of non-filers despite the passage of over 10 days, sources added. The move came after the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Telecom companies failed to reach consensus regarding the blocking mobile SIMs of identified non-filers nationwide. Sources close to the development...

Margalla Patrol Unit launched to protect citizens on trails

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Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi formally inaugurated the Margalla Trails Patrol Unit, a new security system started in just seven days. Inspector General of Police (IG) Islamabad, Ali Nasir Rizvi gave a briefing about the Margalla Patrol Unit and introduced the patrolling unit to the minister. The minister inspected the motorcycle and cavalry unit and also met the police officers of the Margalla Trails Patrol Unit and advised them to perform their duties diligently. A force of 60 police officers will patrol the Margalla trails, the unit has been formed to protect people on Margalla trails, the minister was briefed. This unit consists of foot petrol, motorcycle petrol and Horseman consists of gasoline and the purpose of setting u the Margalla Trails Unit is to provide a safe environment to the citizens visiting the trails. The Foot Patrol consists of 10 police officers who will patrol the trails on foot in full protective kit, the motorcycle unit consists of 06 motorcyc...

Ranveer Singh shuts divorce rumours, days after deleting wedding pics

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Bollywood A-lister Ranveer Singh quashed the divorce rumours with his wife Deepika Padukone, days after taking down their wedding pictures from his Instagram handle. Watch ARY News live on  live.arynews.tv After breaking social media, as he removed all his Instagram posts, shared before January 2023, including his wedding pictures with Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh shut all the divorce speculations during his recent public outing. Attending the store launch of a luxury jewellery brand in Mumbai, Singh revealed some of his most favourite jewellery pieces, that are very ‘dear’ to him, which were nothing else but his wedding and engagement rings. “One of the rings that are very dear to me is this one — it’s my wedding ring, presented to me by my wife. The other one is a platinum engagement ring,” he said while showing off the jewellery pieces to the camera. “And there’s of course my mother’s diamond earrings and my grandmother’s pearls. Personal, sentimental value attached to ...

PM Shehbaz Sharif approves Peca law amendments to regulate social media

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved a draft for amending the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 to regulate social media, ARY News reported on Wednesday. According to the details, the establishment of Digital Rights Protection Agency (DRPA) has been approved under the PECA Act 2024. The new PECA Bill will be presented in the Parliament after the approval of the Cabinet. Sources said that the document approved by the Law Reforms Committee of the Cabinet states that the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications has considered setting up a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) under PECA 2016 to deal with dynamic digital vulnerabilities. The Ministry of IT will be responsible for the implementation of the Digital Rights Protection Agency, the law stated. The authority will investigate violations of the law on social media and take action against those who violate the new PECA law. The Digital Rights Authority will be able ...

PCB to install floodlights at Quetta stadium for PSL matches

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QUETTA: Interior Minister Naqvi announced the installation of floodlights at Nawab Akbar Bugti cricket stadium within three months in order to promote cricket in Balochistan. “PCB will fulfil its promise to install floodlights by September. PSL matches will also arranged in Quetta after making the stadium up to the mark,” said Naqvi, who is also chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. “Holding of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Quetta is being mulled over,” he said while addressing a press conference during his visit to Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti Cricket Stadium. He said the PCB would also play its role in the promotion of cricket in Gwadar and Quetta. کوئٹہ۔بگٹی سٹیڈیم میں فلڈ لائٹس لگیں گی۔ میچ ہوں گے چیئرمین پی سی بی محسن نقوی کا 3 ماہ میں بگٹی سٹیڈیم میں فلڈ لائٹس لگانے کا اعلان چیئرمین پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ محسن نقوی کا وزیر اعلی بلوچستان سرفراز بگٹی کے ہمراہ نواب اکبر علی خان بگٹی سٹیڈیم کا دورہ سابق نگران وزیر اعظم سینٹر… pic.twitter.com/k27VsdBffZ — PCB Media (@The...