Pakistan Viral Series

  The viral spread of the "All Eyes on Rafah" message on social media has shone a necessary light on concerning developments in the besieged Strip.  Created by a user in Malaysia, the simple yet powerful post featuring tents arranged in a cry for attention has resonated widely, with over 35 million shares on Instagram alone.  This massive grassroots response indicates a strong desire among netizens to comprehend why Rafah has emerged as a focal point. The city in Gaza finds itself in a precarious situation, with lives continually at risk. By drawing global eyes to recent strikes and the dire humanitarian conditions faced by civilians, the post aims to hold accountable those inflicting harm while also advocating for impacted communities.  As wit

  This young man named Wahab lives in a small village outside the city of Sukkur. There's one big problem - electricity is really unreliable around there. It's hard for Wahab cause he runs a little shop fixing phones and selling phone stuff. That's how he makes his money to get by. With no power most of the time, Wahab needed to figure something out so he could keep his shop open. Then he got an idea - he put some solar panels on his roof. During the day, they collect sunlight and store enough power for him to charge phones and use things like his computer. Folks from the village really appreciate Wahab's shop. For a small fee, they can get their phones charged up there so they can make calls and such. It also lets Wahab earn a bit of cash too. Since the solar panels work so well, Wahab worries what will happen if the government adds new taxes on them. As it is, they're the only way for him to run his shop with the electricity being so iffy. Higher taxes might m...

  The prevailing heatwave conditions in the country are likely to subside as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted isolated rain in the upper parts from May 28. According to a statement issued today, duststorm/thunderstorm and isolated rain expected in the upper parts of the country from May 28 to June 01 will help subside severe heatwave conditions, providing relief to the heat stricken people. The Met office informed that a shallow westerly wave is likely to affect upper parts of the country on 28th May(evening/night). Under the influence of this weather system: Dust storm or thunderstorm is expected in Balochistan’s Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Sherani and Barkhan of from May 27 till May 29. Duststorm or thunderstorm with isolated rain is expected in KP’s Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Waziristan, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Mardan and Kurram from the night of May 28 to June...

  Power consumers likely to receive another ‘shock’ as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is set to take up CPPA’s plea seeking a hike of Rs5 per unit in the base tariff Preparations are underway to impose an additional burden of over Rs 310 billion on electricity consumers. As per details, the electric power regulator will decide on the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) plea tomorrow, which is seeking a hike in the base tariff for the FY2024–25. CPPA has presented seven scenarios for power purchase prices, with an estimated range of Rs 25.03 to Rs 27.11 per unit. A report by the power division indicated that the circular debt was Rs 2,310 billion as of June 2023, marking an increase of Rs 325 billion over the following seven months up to January 2024. These developments signal continued financial strain on electricity consumers and highlight ongoing challenges within Pakistan’s power sector.

  A 73-year old British man dies, dozens hurt Singapore Air says pilot declared medical emergency Flight from London forced to divert to Bangkok Passenger describes how people hit overhead lockers A British passenger has died and seven people have been critically injured after a flight from London to Singapore was hit by turbulence. Passengers onboard the Singapore Airlines plane told of a “dramatic drop” that launched those not wearing a seatbelt into the cabin ceiling. The airline said the Boeing 777 carrying 211 passengers – mostly from Australia, Britain, New Zealand or Singapore – and 18 crew members encountered severe turbulence on its way from Heathrow. The aircraft was diverted to Bangkok, where it landed at 3.45pm local time (0945 BST) on Tuesday. Neighbours paid tribute to Geoffrey Kitchen, from Thornbury, Gloucestershire, on Tuesday night. The retired insurance professional with a “passion for theatre”, died after leaving from Heathrow on Monday night.

 A senior Pakistani politician and scion of a well-known political family from Mansehra, Abbotabad, has gone on trial over two alleged child sex offences. Details have emerged of how Muhammad Khurram Khan, aged 60, arrived in the UK earlier this year to attend his son’s law graduation ceremony but allegedly engaged with a child for sexual purposes – and got caught by the detectives. The prosecution at the Kingston Crown Court told the judge that Muhammad Khurram Khan has been charged with two counts: “attempted sexual communications with a child” and “arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence”. The prosecution at the Kingston Crown Court told the judge that Muhammad Khurram Khan has been charged with two counts: “attempted sexual communications with a child” and “arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence”. Khurram thought he was talking to a girl, aged under 17, and the “girl” pretended as such but in reality there was a police detective on the o...

  Thousands of Pakistani students planning to study in the UK this year have a reason to cheer. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended keeping the graduate route work visa, also known as the post-study work (PSW) visa, in its current form. The UK Graduate Route Visa is a post-study work visa introduced in July 2021. It specifically targets international students who have recently graduated from a UK university. This decision provides stability and opportunities for students from India, who make up a significant portion of those utilising this visa. Luckily, I just heard some news that has given me so much hope. The UK government has decided to keep their Graduate Route visa system exactly as it is. This means if I choose to study at a university like Edinburgh or Manchester, I’ll have the opportunity after graduation to live and work in the UK for up to two years. As long as I find viable work, I can stay. Who knows, maybe in a few years I could even choose to settl...

  UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Awarded Inaugural Prize for Global Humanitarian Efforts The UAE has consistently been a generous and leading humanitarian force worldwide, and its President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan rightly deserves the inaugural PAM Global Humanitarian Personality Award for his decades-long exemplary humanitarian work. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to provide all forms of support to the friendly people of Pakistan due to the repercussions of the recent floods. The UAE's compassion was also evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when it provided billions of vaccine doses to underprivileged nations through initiatives like the "Hope Consortium." Its support transcended borders, aiding conflict-hit regions like Syria and Yemen with over $6 billion in aid since 2015. The relief aid includes shelter materials, humanitarian needs, food and medical parcels for those affected by torrential rains and floods, with the a...

  The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted on Wednesday bail to PTI founder Imran Khan in the £190 million case. The court asked the PTI founder to submit a surety bond of Rs1 million in order to secure bail. However, the order will not result in the ex-premier’s release from Adiala jail since his sentences in the Iddat and cypher cases are yet to be suspended.  A day earlier, a two-member bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri reserved the decision on Imran’s bail plea following the completion of arguments presented by both sides. In the £190 million NAB reference, known as the ‘Al-Qadir Trust case’, it is alleged that Imran Khan and his wife acquired billions of rupees worth of land and assets from Bahria Town Limited in return for giving legal cover to £50 billion sent by the UK’s National Crime Agency to the Pakistani government during the PTI government’s tenure.

  BOSTON – The first recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney transplant has died nearly two months after he underwent the procedure, his family and the hospital that performed the surgery said Saturday. Richard “Rick” Slayman had the transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital in March at the age of 62. Surgeons said they believed the pig kidney would last for at least two years. Drugs used to help prevent rejection of the pig organ by the patient’s immune system included an experimental antibody called tegoprubart, developed by Eledon Pharmaceuticals (ELDN.O), opens new tab, according to the hospital. According to a data tracker, opens new tab maintained by the United Network for Organ Sharing, more than 100,000 people in the U.S. await an organ for transplant, with kidneys in the greatest demand. Such efforts long failed because the human immune system immediately destroyed foreign animal tissue.

  A Palestinian-Swedish drinks maker has seen its alternative to Coca-Cola and Pepsi take off massively as consumers boycott the US brands over perceived ties to Israel, UAE media reported on Monday. Palestine Drinks said that it is struggling to meet the soaring demand, with some eateries in Europe opting to exclude the American-owned market leaders. Within just under two months, sales have skyrocketed to approximately four million cans. The three entrepreneurs from Malmo with Palestinian roots, Hussein, Mohammed, and Ahmad Hassoun took the initiative six months ago to create an alternative to popular soft drink brands like Pepsi and Coca-Cola. The brand they established has rapidly accumulated millions of engagements on social media and has captured the attention of companies globally, eager to distribute their cola product

  Officials in Riyadh and Islamabad are holding consultations on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s Pakistan visit. The clarification from the government sources was issued after reports emerged that the high-profile visit had been delayed. According to the sources, the final date for Muhammad bin Salman’s visit has not been decided yet and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is also in contact with the Saudi authorities in this regard. Earlier today, sources said that theSaudi crown prince’s much-anticipated visit to Pakistan has been deferred. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch, when asked to comment on the development, made it clear on Friday that as soon the schedule was worked out between the two capitals, it would be made public. She was confident that the visit would take place soon and it would surely be very valuable and people of Pakistan are anxiously waiting for the leader from the brotherly country.

The iCube Qamar was launched on board China’s Chang’e-6 from Hainan, China, on May 3. According to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), iCube Qamar entered Lunar orbit on May 8. The satellite is equipped with two cameras, which is taking pictures of the moon from a distance of 200 kilometers. The landmark images were unveiled at a ceremony organised at the China National Space Agency (CNSA) to mark the successful mission accomplishment, IST spokesperson and head of Department of Electrical and Computer Science, Dr Khurram Khursheed told.

  PM Shehbaz Sharif approves Peca law amendments to regulate social media 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. It will collaborate with social media platforms to facilitate the promotion of a positive digital ecosystem. It will also regulate online content, investigate violations of the new PECA law on social media and take action against violators. The proposed authority will be able to demand information from involved individuals and witnesses. It may also establish rules to enforce laws related to digital rights and will create a secure and trustworthy digital environment while promoting user protection online and safeguarding fundamental rights. As per the officials, this bill has been formulated to protect the privacy of citizens from the dangers associated with social media and has no connection w...

As the Pakistani government prepares for discussions with the IMF later this month, one proposal on the table could impact many working people - raising the country's retirement age.  Currently in Pakistan, most government workers and those in the private sector can retire with a full pension at age 60. But with an aging population and financial pressures, some experts argue the retirement age needs to be pushed back to help the system's long-term sustainability. The finance ministry is considering recommendations from the IMF and other advisers to gradually increase the retirement threshold. One plan under discussion would bump the age up by a few months or years every year over the next decade, eventually setting it at 63 or 65. Proponents say Pakistan simply can't afford to have so many people leave the labor force in their late 50s anymore. An older retirement age would mean more years of contributions still being made to pension plans. It could also encourage skills an...

  Social media sources: unconfirmed reports A convoy carrying the Crown Prince and several other high-ranking Officials was attacked Social media on Tuesday was flooded with claims of alleged assassination attempt of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to the claims that have been going wildly viral on a X twitter heavily-armed security convoy, supposedly carrying the Saudi crown prince and other high-ranking officials was bombed in Riyadh. BBC journalist Shayan Sardarizadeh debunked the claims as “totally baseless”. “A totally baseless claim about an assassination attempt on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is going viral on X after being shared by fake osint accounts and well-known misinformation spreaders seeking engagement. There’s zero evidence for the claim,” Sardarizadeh stated in an X post, putting an end to the claims.

So I was catching up on my friend Jugnu’s talk show the other day and heard the craziest story. She had Imran Khan’s brother-in-law Hafeez on as a guest. During their chat, Jugnu mentioned how back in the day she asked Imran if he ever saw himself going into politics. We have known since long that our politicians believe in pirs and palmists. Now we have another juicy anecdote about what a palmist told Imran Khan. In the latest episode of Intekhab Jugnu Mohsin Kay Sath on Samaa News, political analyst and Imran Khan’s disgruntled brother-in-law Hafeez Ullah Niazi made an appearance. During the interview , Mohsin narrated that back when Imran Khan was young, she asked him if he would ever join politics, to which Khan responded, “No”. Who knew our politicians were so into that mystical spiritual stuff. Anyway, it seems Imran didn’t heed the prediction.  He went ahead and took the plunge into our messy political arena. Became PM and leader of his party and all that

With all of Pakistan’s human development indicators having declined in recent years, a timely new report asks a pivotal question. Can digital technology play a role in the country’s development, enabling it to leapfrog to a better future? The UNDP’s 2024 National Human Development Report for Pakistan seeks to answer this question and more. It puts forward the compelling argument that digital technology can be a vital enabler to enhance human development in Pakistan. The UNDP report Doing Digital for Development assesses in detail how digital transformation can be a critical vehicle to drive socio-economic development in Pakistan. It identifies the challenges and opportunities on the path of digital empowerment. It sees digital technology as a transformative and democratizing force “capable of bridging the gap between existing human development deficits and a future of prosperity and growth.” In surveying the challenges of the country’s uneven digital playing field, the report points to...

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is a rare yet serious condition characterized by low platelet count and blood clot formation. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches. AstraZeneca has acknowledged a rare link between its vaccine and TTS. The details were reportedly shared in court documents as the vaccine maker takes on a case linking its jab to death and serious injury in dozens of cases. Documents quoted by British media add that the causal link between the vaccines and the blood clot-related side effect remains unknown. Serum Institute of India had produced its version of the Vaxzevria vaccine (called Covishield) by using the viral vector platform. “TTS is a serious and life-threatening adverse event. WHO has issued this interim emergency guidance to increase awareness about TTS in the context of COVID-19 vaccination and help healthcare providers in the assessment and management of potential TTS cases," the World Health Organisation had said ...

This is the first meeting in 10 years for the bilateral joint economic cooperation commission, with Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehdi Bazrpash and Emirati Minister of Economy Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri in attendance. During the mentioned committee meeting, the two sides stressed the need for further expansion of economic cooperation between Tehran and Abu Dhabi. Speaking at the end of the meeting, Bazrpash said: “We have held the joint commission between the two countries after 10 years, which is an opportunity to develop the commercial and economic relations between the two countries.” “The UAE, as Iran's second biggest trade partner, has great strategic importance for us,” the minister said. Referring to the location of Iran and the UAE in the International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC), Bazarpash said: “Access to the markets of the north and south can create an opportunity for the two countries to cooperate.” The UAE downgraded its diplomatic ties with ...

Japan — A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left at least 62 people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Aftershocks continued to shake Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas a day after a magnitude 7.6 temblor slammed the area. The damage was so great that it could not immediately be assessed. Japanese media reports said tens of thousands of homes were destroyed. Water, power and cellphone service were still down in some areas. Residents expressed sorrow about their uncertain futures. Two of the latest reported deaths came from Suzu, where the death toll grew to 22 people, according to city officials. Twenty-four people died in nearby Wajima city. Although casualty numbers continued to climb gradually, the prompt public warnings, relayed on broadcasts and phones, and the quick response from the general public and officials appeared to have limited some of the damage. Toshitaka Katada, a Univers...