2023 census results ‘unanimously’ approved at CCI meeting

In a significant development, the Council of Common Interests (CCI) has unanimously approved the results of the 2023 digital census, as announced by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Saturday. This approval indicates that a delay in the upcoming general elections, scheduled for later this year, is highly likely.

According to the government’s plan, the assemblies are set to be dissolved on August 9, triggering the countdown for the elections to be held within 90 days after the end of the assemblies’ tenure. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated during an interview earlier this week that the elections would be conducted based on the latest census data. This has raised concerns as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has already expressed its inability to organize the general polls within the specified timeframe due to the need to conduct a fresh delimitation of constituencies based on the new population count.

The issue has also drawn opposition from some of the government’s allies in the Centre, namely the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Both parties have expressed reservations about the accuracy and implications of the new census data. In fact, just yesterday, PPP senators in the upper house of Parliament labeled the decision to hold elections based on the new census as a tactic to delay the polls.

Despite these reservations, the PMO statement revealed that the chief ministers of all four provinces and representatives from all political parties reached a consensus on the new census results during the CCI’s 50th meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The approval of the census results by the CCI holds significant implications for the upcoming general elections. It remains to be seen how the Election Commission will respond to the challenge of conducting a fresh delimitation process within the constrained timeframe. Additionally, the stance of opposition parties on the matter may also impact the electoral process and its timelines.

As the situation unfolds, political dynamics in Pakistan are likely to experience further shifts and adjustments. The smooth and timely conduct of the upcoming elections is crucial for the country’s democratic process, and the decisions made in the aftermath of the CCI’s approval will shape the future political landscape.

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List of Pakistani Prime Ministers who have served in jail

The news of Imran Khan’s arrest has sparked protests across the country, with demonstrators expressing their discontent over what they perceive as an unjust arrest. The situation is likely to draw significant attention in the coming days, as Imran’s supporters and opposition voices weigh in on the implications of his latest legal setback.

The trial court handed down a three-year prison sentence and imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on Imran Khan for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts, as per Section 174 of the Election Act.

Imran Khan is not the first former Pakistani prime minister to face imprisonment. The country has a series of unfortunate examples of how elected leaders have been treated throughout its history. From Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy to Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, several prime ministers have been arrested and, in some cases, even executed on contentious charges.

A History of Jailing Elected Prime Ministers

Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy:
- Bengali politician from then East Pakistan.
- Served as the fifth prime minister.
- Arrested in January 1962 on bogus charges of “anti-state activities”.
- His actual crime was refusing to support military ruler General Ayub Khan.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto:
- Served as the ninth prime minister.
- Arrested in 1974 on charges of conspiracy to murder a political opponent.
- Sentenced to death and hanged on April 4, 1979.
Benazir Bhutto:
- Served as the premier twice, from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996.
- Arrested several times, first in 1985, and put under house arrest for 90 days.
- Arrested in August 1986 for denouncing military dictator Ziaul Haq at a rally in Karachi.
- Sentenced to five years imprisonment for corruption in April 1999.
- Disqualified and fined over five million pounds.
- Avoided arrest by being in self-exile.
Nawaz Sharif:
- Arrested in 1999 after General Pervez Musharraf took over.
- Exiled for 10 years.
- Sentenced to 10 years in jail in July 2018 in a corruption case along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz.
- Awarded seven years in prison in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case in December of the same year.
- Went to London for treatment in 2019 and never returned to Pakistan.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi:
- Arrested in July 2019 in connection with a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) corruption case.
- Later bailed out.
Imran Khan:
- Arrested on May 9, 2023, in another corruption case.
- Released after a couple of days following intervention by the Supreme Court.
- Sentenced to three years in jail in the Toshakhana case on August 5, 2023.

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Pakistan Football Faces Challenge in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Hosting

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is currently grappling with a significant challenge in their preparations for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, specifically when it comes to organizing home matches. As they endeavor to meet FIFA’s stringent standards for hosting such crucial games, the PFF National Committee (NC) finds itself facing a series of obstacles.

One of the primary issues at hand is the search for a suitable stadium that meets all the criteria set forth by FIFA to host international matches. Although options like Islamabad’s Jinnah Stadium and Lahore’s Punjab Stadium were considered, they seem to lack some of the necessary facilities required to comply with FIFA’s regulations. Adding to the complexity, Punjab Stadium also houses the offices of the Sports Board, which further complicates the situation in accommodating teams and officials.

The core problems revolve around various aspects essential for a successful international match, including the quality of the pitch and floodlights, availability of dressing rooms, medical facilities, technical officials’ rooms, and proper broadcast facilities. All of these must meet FIFA’s high standards to ensure the smooth conduct of matches.

The PFF NC is now faced with a race against time, with the deadline for finalizing the venue quickly approaching on August 18. This urgency has prompted the Pakistan Football Federation to initiate discussions about the possibility of hosting matches at a neutral venue as a temporary solution while they work towards upgrading their home ground to fulfill FIFA’s requirements.

With the FIFA World Cup 2023 qualifiers fast approaching, Pakistan is scheduled to face Cambodia in the first round in October. The first leg will be held in Cambodia on October 12, while Pakistan’s home game is slated for October 17. As the clock ticks down, the PFF is determined to find a suitable solution to ensure a smooth and successful FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

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Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan arrested after court verdict

PTI Chairman Imran Khan was arrested on August 5, 2023, after the Islamabad District and Sessions Court sentenced him to three years in prison for corruption in the Toshakhana case.

The court also disqualified Khan from holding public office for five years.

The verdict stated that Khan had filed false details with the Election Commission of Pakistan and was found guilty of corrupt practices.

Khan’s arrest warrants were also issued, and he has been fined Rs100,000. If the fine is not paid, his jail term will be extended by six months.

The police chief has been ordered to implement the court order.

Here are some additional details about the case:

Khan was accused of keeping a luxury watch gifted to him by a foreign dignitary in the Toshakhana, a government repository for gifts received by government officials from foreign dignitaries.
Khan denied the charges, but the court found him guilty of violating the Toshakhana rules.
The court also found that Khan had filed false details with the Election Commission of Pakistan about the watch.
Khan’s arrest is a major development in Pakistani politics. He is a popular figure in the country, and his arrest is likely to anger his supporters.
It is unclear what the long-term implications of Khan’s arrest will be, but it is likely to have a significant impact on the country’s political landscape.

How Gerry’s Visa is helping Pakistani emigrants build a better future

Gerry’s Visa, a well-known visa-related service provider, is all set to elevate its services with the inauguration of a new office in Islamabad. The prime location for the latest establishment will be the upscale F-10 sector of the city. Renowned for its comprehensive visa processing solutions, attestation services, medical facilities, travel insurance, and personalized assistance, Gerry’s Visa has firmly established itself as a leader in the industry.

With a dedicated team of over 400 professionals spread across various locations in the country, Gerry’s has been the preferred choice for travelers seeking seamless visa facilitation. The opening of the new office in Islamabad reflects Gerry’s commitment to convenience and accessibility. By expanding its reach to the F-10 sector, Gerry’s aims to cater to a diverse clientele, offering top-notch visa services right at the heart of the capital city.

Gerry’s Visa has been instrumental in assisting travelers in obtaining visas for over 50 countries, offering a comprehensive one-stop solution for all their visa-related requirements. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and efficiency has earned them a reputation that transcends borders.

This significant expansion comes at a time when an increasing number of individuals are turning to Gerry’s Visa for their expert services, seeking better opportunities and an enhanced quality of life abroad. However, this surge in demand has presented some challenges, including difficulty in securing appointments due to the substantial volume of pending visa applications at Gerry’s.

Recent data highlights the growing trend of Pakistani citizens aspiring for better prospects overseas. Between 2022 and June 2023, an astonishing 1.23 million Pakistanis have left the country in pursuit of improved opportunities and living standards. The year 2022 alone saw 832,339 Pakistanis emigrating, and the trend continues, with 395,166 individuals departing in the first half of 2023.

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SPI Shows Weekly Inflation Increase in Pakistan

Samsung Ready to Launch its First Smart Ring in November

Samsung is gearing up to launch its first smart ring in November. The ring, which is codenamed “Project Gem,” is designed to be a more modest and wearable alternative to smartwatches and fitness trackers.

The ring is said to be made of titanium and will be available in two sizes. It will have a small display that can be used to view notifications, check the time, and control music playback. The ring will also have a built-in heart rate sensor and a microphone that can be used to make calls and send voice messages.

Samsung is targeting the smart ring at fitness enthusiasts and people who want a more discreet way to stay connected. The ring is expected to be priced at around $299.

Here are some of the key features of Samsung’s smart ring:

Available in two sizes
Made of titanium
Small display for viewing notifications, checking the time, and controlling music playback
Microphone for making calls and sending voice messages
Built-in heart rate sensor
Priced at around $299

The smart ring is expected to be released in November 2023. It will be available for purchase from Samsung’s website and from select retailers.

Is the smart ring a good idea?

The smart ring is a new and innovative product, so it is difficult to say for sure whether it will be a success. However, there are a number of factors that suggest that the smart ring could be a popular product.

First, the smart ring is a more discreet and wearable alternative to smartwatches and fitness trackers. This could appeal to people who want to stay connected without having to wear a bulky device on their wrist.

Second, the smart ring has a number of features that could make it a valuable tool for fitness enthusiasts. The heart rate sensor could be used to track workouts, and the microphone could be used to record voice memos.

Third, the smart ring is priced at a relatively affordable price point. This could make it more accessible to a wider range of consumers.

Overall, the smart ring is a promising product with a number of potential benefits. It remains to be seen whether the smart ring will be a success, but it is certainly an interesting new development in the wearables market.

Alibaba Releases Open-Sourced AI Models to Challenge Meta Platform

Alibaba is taking on Meta with its own open-sourced artificial intelligence (AI) model. The Chinese tech giant has released two versions of its large language model (LLM) called Tongyi Qianwen, which can generate content in English and Chinese.

The models, named Qwen-7B and Qwen-7B-Chat, have seven billion parameters each and are free to use for academics, researchers, and businesses worldwide. Alibaba hopes to increase the adoption and innovation of its AI product and compete with Meta’s Llama 2, which was also open-sourced last month.

This is a big step for China’s AI development and a challenge to U.S. tech dominance.

Pfizer to Launch a Global Cost-cutting Program If COVID-19 Vaccine Keeps Underperforming

The pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has announced that it will scale back its investment if the demand for COVID vaccine remains low this year.

Pfizer also announced it to initiate a cost-cutting program if it’s COVID-19 and antiviral medications continue to underperform due to low demand. The company also said that this year’s fall demand is going to determine the actual market size as the infection cases increase in autumn.

Chief Executive Pfizer, Albert Bourla said that this fall predicting the annual vaccine market size “with the only upside if we have a combined vaccine with flu or with RSV, that would increase the vaccination rates.”

Bourla further said that the company is planning to scale back its investment in the COVID vaccine along with the combination shots if demand is not that high this year.

The company hinted that the cost-cutting would be done company-wide, however, the COVID-19 Vaccine business is more like to get affected by it.

Here is Everything You Need to Know About this 21-Foot Hummer Which is Taller Than Your Apartment

You might have seen many huge vehicles, however, Hummer H1 is gigantic. It is so massive that a regular apartment may look small in front of this Hummer. The 21-foot-tall vehicle is owned by Dubai‘s Sheikh Hamad Al Nahyan.

You might be thinking that this is just a display model and not a real car. In that case, be ready to be amazed because despite its extraordinary size Hummer H1 X3 operates like any other Hummer.

Hummer H1 X3 is three times bigger than a regular Hummer and weighs around 60,000 kilograms.

Each tire attached to this beast costs around $25,000 and is 7 feet 2 inches tall.

Getting on board this vehicle is a task where you have to take the help of a ladder. Furthermore, please be patient while you open those big doors as each one of them took at least six months to be completed.

The Hummer H1 X3 boasts multiple floors, a kitchen, a bathroom, and an impressive lounge. The vehicle also has an engine room to power the car with 1,000 hp.

The vehicle was specially customized for the automobile enthusiast Sheikh Hamad, also knowns as ‘Rainbow Sheikh.’ Hummer H1 X3 has become a viral sensation and social media users are discussing it everywhere.

Saudi Arabia Plans to Invest $24bn in Pakistan

Musadik Malik, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Petroleum said that Saudi Arabia is willing to invest $24 billion in Pakistan. He was talking to a local TV channel and mentioned that Pakistan is welcoming investment in energy, IT and agriculture sectors.

Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Pakistan, has also confirmed in a press conference that Saudi Arabia had transferred $2bn to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Pakistan is currently facing many challenges including the fear of default, high inflation, low foreign direct investment and unemployment.

This week SBP’s foreign exchange reserves dropped by $32 million, now standing at $8,153.8 million.

Wife Falls in Love With Her Husband Again After Memory Loss, Remarries Him

Laura Hart Faganello of Canada was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury in 2017. The injury caused her to lose her memory of her husband, Brayden, and their nine-month marriage.

After her injury, Laura had to relearn everything, including how to walk, talk, and eat. She also had to learn who her husband was all over again.

Brayden was incredibly patient and supportive during Laura’s recovery. He helped her to learn everything she had forgotten, and he never gave up on her.

Over time, Laura and Brayden fell in love all over again. They remarried in 2021, and they are now happily living together.

Laura’s story is a reminder that love is a powerful force. It can overcome even the most difficult challenges. It is also a reminder that it is never too late to start over.

Here are some of the things that Laura and Brayden did to help their relationship recover:

They communicated openly and honestly with each other.
They were patient and understanding with each other.
They made time for each other, even when it was difficult.
They focused on the positive aspects of their relationship.
They never gave up on each other.

Laura and Brayden’s story is a heartwarming reminder that love can conquer all. It is a story of hope and resilience, and it is a story that will inspire others who are facing similar challenges.

Norway’s Most Scenic Football Field is Surrounded by Mountains and Sea

Norway is known for its stunning natural beauty, and its football fields are no exception. Henningsvær Stadion, a small stadium in the Lofoten Islands, is one of the most scenic football fields in the world.

The stadium is located on a small island in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by mountains and sea. The pitch is made of natural grass and is surrounded by a running track. There are no stands at the stadium, so spectators can sit on the rocks or on the beach to watch the game.

Henningsvær Stadion is home to the local football team, FK Lofoten. The team plays in the Norwegian Third Division, the fourth tier of Norwegian football. The stadium is also used for other events, such as concerts and festivals.

If you’re looking for a truly unique football experience, then Henningsvær Stadion is the place for you. The stunning scenery and the lack of stands make it a truly immersive experience. You’ll feel like you’re part of the game, surrounded by the beauty of the Norwegian landscape.

Here are some other facts about Henningsvær Stadion:

It was built in 1911.
It has a capacity of 1,000 spectators.
The record attendance is 1,500 for a match between FK Lofoten and Tromsø IL in 2013.
The stadium has been featured in several films and television shows, including the BBC documentary “Football’s Greatest Venues“.

If you’re planning a trip to Norway, be sure to add Henningsvær Stadion to your list of must-visit places. It’s a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

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Pakistan Football Faces Challenge in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Hosting

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Major Population of Pakistan Lives in Punjab

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A History of Jailing Elected Prime Ministers

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Here are some additional details about the case:

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Here are some of the key features of Samsung’s smart ring:

Is the smart ring a good idea?

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Here are some of the things that Laura and Brayden did to help their relationship recover:

Here are some other facts about Henningsvær Stadion:

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