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Pakistan Considers Importing Cheaper Oil and Gas From Iran to Ease Energy Costs
OGDCL Begins Oil Production From Newly Discovered Bobi Deep-1 Well in Sindh
Maize Prices Drop Nearly 20% Across Punjab as Demand Weakens and New Crop Boosts Supply
Rare June Snowfall at Babusar Top Attracts Thousands of Tourists
Chinese Exchange Praises SECP Reforms, Signals Stronger Investment Interest in Pakistan

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Pakistan Considers Importing Cheaper Oil and Gas From Iran to Ease Energy Costs

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OGDCL Begins Oil Production From Newly Discovered Bobi Deep-1 Well in Sindh

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Maize Prices Drop Nearly 20% Across Punjab as Demand Weakens and New Crop Boosts Supply

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Chinese Exchange Praises SECP Reforms, Signals Stronger Investment Interest in Pakistan

World’s Most Expensive Sandwich Costs Whopping Rs 61,000!

Image: Guineas World Record

Lo and behold the most expensive sandwich in this world which costs around Rs 61,000. Served at Serendipity 3 restaurant, which is famous for its over-the-top concoctions, this fancy sandwich is called “The Quintessential Grilled Cheese Sandwich.” The fancy restaurant is brining back the sandwich for a limited time only, therefore you will have to rush to devour it.

Guinness World Record has certified this beauty as the most expensive sandwich on the planet.

So, what makes this sandwich so expensive and special? To start with, it is made with an exclusive and rare Caciocavallo Podolico Cheese produced by Podolica Cow from Southern Italy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqvTXvUOIEH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Podolica Cows lactate during May-June, therefore this cheese is considered to be one of the rarest and finest in the

Another thing which makes this sandwich special is its serving on French Pullman champagne bread, which is made with Dom Perignon champagne. The sandwich is further adorned with edible gold flakes and is finally slathered with white truffle butter. The South African lobster tomato bisque dipping sauce then further enhance the taste and tantalise your taste buds.

If you intend to try this masterpiece, please give Serendipity 3 at least 48 hours notice to prepare it.

Electricity Price Increased by 46 Paisas

Image: Business Recorder

Another bad news for electricity consumers as the price of electricity has been increased by 46 paisas for quarterly price adjustment. After the recent increase, the consumers will bear an additional burden of Rs 15.46 billion.

NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) has approved the revised rate and has sent it to the federal government.

The consumers will have to pay this additional amount for the month of April, May, and June.

PCB Willing to Face Consequences for Honoring Asia Cup Boycott

PCB Willing to Face Consequences for Honoring Asia Cup Boycott

According to a recent statement by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi, the board is willing to face the consequences of their stance on preserving their honor with regards to the Asia Cup.

Sethi mentioned in an interview that boycotting the Asia Cup and World Cup could lead to a loss of $3 million for PCB and worsen their relationship with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Additionally, he noted that any major event featuring Pakistan and India holds great significance for the ICC, and boycotting it could create issues for both countries.

While the PCB was previously dependent on the ICC for financial support, the success of the Pakistan Super League has allowed the board to become financially independent.

Sethi also acknowledged that the public does not want the team to visit India for the World Cup if India does not visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Despite efforts to improve cricketing relations between the two neighboring countries, there has been little progress thus far.

Islamabad bakery sealed for risking public health by allowing workers with Hepatitis

Islamabad bakery sealed for risking public health by allowing workers with Hepatitis to continue working

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has taken action against Tehzeeb Bakers Blue Area for endangering public health. The bakery came under scrutiny after six of its workers were diagnosed with Hepatitis.

Despite being directed by authorities to halt the affected workers’ activities immediately, the bakery’s management allowed them to continue working, resulting in the Senior Special Magistrate of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) sealing Tehzeeb Bakers.

The Magistrate’s notice stated that the bakery had committed serious violations and was responsible for the transmission of Hepatitis on a large scale among the public. The sealing of Tehzeeb Bakers is expected to prevent the spread of Hepatitis among the public.

Google Issues Strict Policies for Loan Apps, Restricts Them from Accessing Sensitive User Data

Image: Mashriq TV

Google has recently issued stricter guidelines for personal loan apps in Pakistan according to which the apps are not allowed to access the sensitive data of users including contacts, videos and photos.

The tech giant announced, “We’re introducing additional requirements for personal loan apps targeting users in Pakistan. Personal loan apps in Pakistan must submit country-specific licensing documentation to prove their ability to provide or facilitate personal loans”.

The announcement was made after the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) contacted Google and other tech-related businesses to protect consumer interests by ensuring they are complying with rules and regulations.

The updated policy will become effective from May 31, 2023.

Google said, “Each Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) lender can only publish one Digital Lending App (DLA). Developers who attempt to publish more than one DLA per NBFC risk the termination of their developer account and any other associated accounts.”

It further said, “You must submit proof of approval from the SECP to offer or facilitate digital lending services in Pakistan.”

44% Of Registered Voters in Pakistan are Millennials and Gen Z

Image: Yousuf Khan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

According to the latest data released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECO), the number of registered voters in Pakistan has reached over 125 million. Of this, 54 percent are male voters, which is around 60.7 million while female voters account for 46%, which is over 50.7 million.

Voter Demographics

According to the report by ECP, 70.15 million voters belong to Punjab, 20.63 voters belong to Sindh, 20.14 voters belong to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,5.23 million belong to Balochistan and 1.20 million belong to Islamabad.

Province-wise voter count

The data also suggests that 20 million registered voters belong to the age group 18-25 which accounts for 18% of the overall voters. Moreover, the number of voters between the ages 26-35 is more than 30 million, which is around 26 percent of the total registered voters. The number of those falling in the age bracket of 36-45 years is around 20 million constituting 22 percent of the total voters and 11.8 million voters belong to the age group 56-65 years accounting for 9% of the total voters.

Age-wise Distribution of voters

Additionally, the number of those who are above 66 years is12.1 million, making up 10% of the total voters.

Hubble Discovers a Multi-generational Cluster

Image: NASA

The above image is of a globular star cluster NGC 2419. These clusters are absolutely fascinating and beautiful. They are actually stars arranged in a spherical setting that orbit the galaxy. In this case, the galaxy of NGC 2419 is our Milky Way.

According to NASA, the NGC 2419 is approximately 300,000 light-years away from our solar system. The stars included in globular clusters are very much same because they are all formed more or less at the same time.

Astronomers analyze a star’s chemical make up to determine its age. Since stars in a globular cluster are of the same age, their properties are also alike.

However, the latest revelation by Hubble tells us that this is not the case with NGC 2419. This particular globular cluster has two separate populations of red giant stars, and one with helium.

NGC 2419’s stars has other varying elements too. For example, their nitrogen content is different. To everyone’s surprise, the helium-rich stars here are present in the center and are rotating as well.

Hubble’s latest observations have put question mark on the formation of globular clusters; are they two different groups of stars or this particular globular cluster was formed differently?

Cardiac Arrest; The Faster You Act, The Better

image: Parkview Health

If you or someone you know is feeling tightness, pressure, heaviness or squeezing across your chest, it is time to call an ambulance immediately. Often the pain starts spreading toward your arms, mostly toward the left arm, neck, jaw, tummy, back coupled with sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, vomiting, wheezing or coughing. They are all symptoms of a heart attack and must be dealt with immediately.

In most cases, the pain in chest is severe, however, some people only experience minor pain. Chest pain is the most common symptom of a cardiac arrest in men and women, however, women also experience pain in back and jaw, shortness of breath and nausea along with it.

There are some other signs and symptoms that indicate that a person is suffering from a cardiac arrest including: the patient may stop moving and they stop responding to touch and any other simulation.

In case someone is showing these symptoms and you do not have any access to an automated external defibrillator (AED), start doing chest compressions until the help arrives.

How To Do Chest Compressions:

For an adult, put the heel of your hand on the breastbone of the patient. Now put your other hand on the top of the first hand and interlock the fingers. Use your whole bodyweight and start pressing down on their chest. Keep doing this until an ambulance is there. You should be doing 100-120 compressions per minute.

You can also find the “hands-only” CPR tutorial from the British Heart Foundation helpful in this situation .

Heart attacks are becoming more common in young people and only timely response can save a person’s life in this situation.

AIC raises red flags over Pakistan’s Data Protection Bill 2023 – Is it a threat to foreign internet companies?

AIC raises red flags over Pakistan's Data Protection Bill 2023 - Is it a threat to foreign internet companies?
Image: techjuice

The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), a group of digital media giants, has raised concerns over Pakistan’s Draft Data Protection Bill 2023, stating that the bill does not address the industry’s substantive concerns.

AIC Managing Director Jeff Paine expressed his worries in a letter addressed to Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Aminul Haque, stating that the bill’s current points would negatively impact Pakistan’s economy and severely impact the ability of foreign internet companies to trade with and operate in Pakistan.

Paine added that local Pakistani companies may lose access to cost-efficient global cloud services, making it less competitive, as they need substantial costs to operate and maintain servers.

The letter identified 16 core issues in the Bill, including stringent limitations on cross-border data flow and mandatory data localization, which will significantly impact Pakistan’s business environment and industry.

AIC has requested an industry meeting to clearly understand the issue and priorities that are important to consider from the Bill. In addition, they recommended reducing the requirement to store personal data on a data centre or a server in Pakistan under Section 30(1) of the Bill. The AIC appreciates the opportunity to provide feedback on the Draft Bill, but their concerns still need to be addressed.

Gold Prices in Pakistan Soar to All-Time Highs

Gold Prices in Pakistan Soar to All-Time Highs
Image: Rong Tuli

The price of gold in Pakistan has seen an unprecedented increase in the last five years, with a staggering 270 percent rise in the per tola price of gold. According to gold price data sourced by ProPakistani, the price of gold (24 carats) in Pakistan jumped from around Rs. 56,200 per tola in January 2018 to an all-time high of Rs. 217,000 per tola on April 5, 2023, before settling at a slightly lower mark of Rs. 214,600 per tola on Saturday.

A closer look at the data reveals that during the last five years, there has been a much higher increase in the price of gold in Pakistan than in the international market. In the international market, the price of gold rose from around $1,268 per ounce at the start of 2018 to $1,900 per ounce at the start of 2023, which translates to a price increase of around 50 percent in five years.

On the other hand, in Pakistan, the price of gold has seen a much higher increase. The per tola price of gold in Pakistan was just above Rs. 56,000 at the start of 2018, which jumped to Rs. 208,000 per tola at the start of 2023. This translates into a staggering 270 percent increase in the price of gold over five years.

The table below shows the price of gold (24 carats) in Pakistan over the last five years, along with the increase in price over the previous year and the percentage increase over the previous year:

PeriodPrice Per Tola*Increase Over Previous YearPercentage Increase Over Previous Year
January 2018Rs. 56,200Not applicableNot applicable
January 2019Rs. 67,800Rs. 11,60021%
January 2020Rs. 88,100Rs. 20,30030%
January 2021Rs. 113,600Rs. 25,50029%
January 2022Rs. 120,900Rs. 7,3006.4%
January 2023Rs. 208,400Rs. 87,50072%
CurrentRs. 214,600Not applicableNot applicable

The sharp devaluation of the Pakistani rupee in the last 12 months has been the primary reason for the much higher increase in gold prices in Pakistan. The Pakistani rupee, which stood at below Rs. 180 against the US dollar at the start of 2022, has now slid to Rs. 284.65.

Production of Electric Buses for New Routes in Islamabad

NRTC Begins Production of Electric Buses for CDA's New Routes in Islamabad
Image: CDA

The National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) has begun the production of electric buses after receiving a demand from the Capital Development Authority (CDA). According to sources, NRTC has notified CDA that it has started manufacturing buses and will deliver the first batch of 30 electric buses next month.

The drivers for these electric buses will be trained after the first batch arrives, and after two weeks of training, the buses will be operational on two routes connecting IJP and Taramri with the Central Metro Bus System in Islamabad. CDA officials have stated that feeder buses will operate on 13 routes, providing world-class travel facilities for approximately 100,000 passengers.

CDA had previously issued a tender for 200 electric buses for 13 routes, but the authority had to reissue the tender due to interest from only two companies. After canceling the bids and inviting new ones, the decision was made to acquire 200 electric buses from NRTC to operate on the new routes.

The second and third batches of 70 buses each from NRTC will be delivered to CDA in June and July, respectively. With the introduction of electric buses, CDA aims to provide eco-friendly public transportation and promote sustainable living in the city.

Also, see:

Minister Hints at Another Winter Without Gas In Pakistan

Sindh Government Announces Holiday for Youm-e-Ali to Commemorate Imam Ali’s (AS) Martyrdom

Sindh Government Announces Holiday for Youm-e-Ali to Commemorate Imam Ali's (AS) Martyrdom

To commemorate Youm-e-Ali, the Sindh government has declared a holiday for all public and private educational institutions on April 12, 2023. The College Education Department has issued a notification in this regard, stating that the decision was made in a Steering Committee meeting held on February 22, 2022.

Youm-e-Ali is observed on the 21st of Ramadan each year to remember the martyrdom of Imam Ali (AS). On this day, large processions are held throughout the nation, particularly in Sindh, where people gather to pay tribute to Imam Ali’s (AS) life and memory. Due to the massive crowds on the roads, traffic congestion is a common occurrence.

The holiday has been announced to ensure law and order and prevent any inconvenience to the people. It is expected that the holiday will enable people to observe the day with reverence and respect without any hindrance.

Imam Ali (AS), also known as Ali ibn Abi Talib, was the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the fourth caliph of Islam. He is highly respected in the Muslim world for his bravery, wisdom, and devotion to Islam.

Imam Ali (AS) was known for his outstanding leadership skills, and he played a pivotal role in the spread of Islam. He was also renowned for his eloquent sermons and speeches, which are still studied and revered by Muslims today. Imam Ali (AS) is considered one of the most important figures in Islamic history and remains a source of inspiration for Muslims around the world.

It’s Confirmed – Shamoon Abbasi and Sherry Shah Are Married

Image: Lollywood City

Shamoon Abbasi and Sherry Shah have finally confirmed that they are a married couple. In an Instagram post, Shah wished her husband on his birthday, “I appreciate so many things about you — your strength, your calmness, your character and integrity, your sense of humour, your way of seeing the beauty in the world and how fun you are to be with and how beautiful my life has become because of you.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqoC5eEN4aD/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

She further said, “Thanks for being the best thing in my life, every hardship is a walk in the park when you are around. I feel so blessed to have you as my life partner. Thanks for existing. Happy Birthday hubs.”

Abbasi also shared a picture with Shah earlier this week and wrote, “The hardest people to recruit are the doers, because they can stand up for themselves and reach their goals and their dreams by themselves and they don’t need the by victimhood to be manipulated. Because Allah have blessed them with that strength. My journey might have began somewhere but I pray it ends with you.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqecXDLq6Hj/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

This is not the first time Shah shared a picture of Abbasi on her Instagram. However, this is the first time she has called him her husband. The two reportedly became closer while working for the movie Durj. This is Shamoon’s fourth and Shah’s second marriage.

Shamoon Abbasi also shared on Facebook, “Getting married to someone Infront of Allah’s name is better than to have girl friends living with you .. and being called a stud . hence I am proud to have married again because I always wanted a life that brings peace in my life ..and I finally found that peace in her . Fact is that me and Sherry Shah got married 4 years ago and never shared the news on social media because of the toxicity of social media..Now that it’s Public, I would like to thank every one by heart who sent their prayers for both of us after reading the post of our marriage . I know many will want to joke and troll this news .. but I think haters will hate potatoes will potate and rotis will rotate .. so it’s all good 😊”

No Balloting for Hajj This Year – All Applications Under Government Scheme Will be Accepted

image: VOX

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has told the media that there will be no balloting this year for Hajj. All applications received under the government Hajj scheme will be accepted as the number of applications received is very less than the allocated seats.

Dar had a brief session with media along with Min­is­ter for Religious Affairs Mufti Abdul Shakoor where he said that only 72,869 applications had been received this year under the government’s hajj scheme while the allocated quota was 44,190.

Ishaq Dar announced that the government intends to accept all applications for Hajj and that the extra foreign exchange reserves for these pilgrims will be arranged with the help of the State Bank of Pakistan

The finance minister also asked the pilgrims to pray for the prosperity of Pakistan. .

Minister Hints at Another Winter Without Gas In Pakistan

Image: PID

Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik has told the media that things are moving in the right direction and Pakistan is likely to receive the first Russian crude oil consignment this month. He said while talking to the businessmen, petroleum dealers and industrialists in Karachi that “Import of crude oil from Russia will start this month”.

Last year, Pakistani authorities said that, just like our neighbour India, we are also contemplating buying Russian crude oil.

However, later Russia said that it will only be able to offer oil to Pakistan after March on certain conditions.

The Russian Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov on his visit to Pakistan said that “We are discussing with Islamabad whether payment could be made in the currencies of ‘friendly’ countries.”

He further said that “As for the supply of crude oil and petroleum products, we conceptually agreed on the development and signing of an agreement that will determine and resolve all issues of logistics, insurance, payment and volumes.”

According to Malik, oil dealers have given some suggestions for providing cheap petrol. He said, “The ministry of petroleum will prepare a scheme for supply of cheap petrol only after reviewing it.”

He also said that Pakistan’s gas reserves are depleting very fast and that they country could have another winter without gas.

Malik added, “Our gas reserves are depleting and round-the-clock gas supply is not possible. The demand for gas increases from November. Due to rains and cold weather in Balochistan, the demand for gas has increased there.” He continued, “We are making efforts to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas to the consumers during suhoor and iftar hours [in Ramazan]. In this regard, we have also spoken to the governor of Sindh. However, I will request people to pay their bills.” He also blamed the poor infrastructure for the gas load shedding in Karachi. He said, “Due to the lack of infrastructure in Karachi, there are obstacles in the supply of gas to some areas.”

Google to Offer 1,000 Scholarships to the Youth of Balochistan

Image: Facebook

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the government of Balochistan and Tech Valley Pakistan to offer 1,000 Google Career Certificates Scholarships to the young people of the province.

Abdul Aziz Aqeeli, Chief Secretary Balochistan told the media that those who will complete the training will be conferred with the certificates. Also, they will be assisted in finding better employment opportunities.

He also said that Tech Valley will initiate information technology classes in different schools of Balochistan while Google will offer US$500,000 dollars for this project. He further said that Google will also provide 10 buses for the commute of students in different areas of Balochistan.

The chief secretary ensured all their support to Tech Valley so that the project can be started as soon as possible.

One Serene Residences Breaks Ground, Sets New Standard for Luxury Living in Pakistan

Image: One Serene/Pro Pakistani

One Serene Residences, a luxury resort-themed residential development, held its ground-breaking ceremony on March 21, 2023, to commemorate the occasion. The ceremony took place at the construction site located in DHA III Islamabad, marking the first-ever development in Pakistan with international standards of luxury living and a resort lifestyle specifically designed for the overseas Pakistani diaspora. The project is being developed by ONE Homes, a leading real estate developer with a proven track record of delivering exceptional properties, and is valued at $40 million.

One Serene Residences is a collaboration with a range of world-leading partners, including Italian design house VERSACE Ceramics, which will handle the floor and wall finishings, UAE’s leading group AYANA Holding as a strategic development partner, VX Studio as the lead design consultant, and OPAAL as the interior designers.

The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Major General (R) Rehan Abdul Baqi, Barrister Khurram Hashmi of H & M Advocates, Rafat Farid CEO of Pak Iron, and other dignitaries. Presentations were made by Hamid Jaafri, CEO of ONE Investments, Atif Masood Malik, Chief Development Officer of ONE Homes, and Arsalan Mohsin, Chief Marketing Officer of ONE Group.

Construction teams will begin work on the site following the ground-breaking ceremony, with the project expected to be completed within 48 months. One Serene Residences is poised to become the new standard for luxury living in Pakistan, offering overseas Pakistanis a truly unique living experience in one of the most sought-after locations in the city.

With world-class partners and a focus on luxury living, One Serene Residences is expected to set a new standard for luxury living in Pakistan. This development promises to provide the overseas Pakistani community with a resort-style lifestyle that combines the finest amenities with breathtaking natural beauty, all while maintaining the highest standards of luxury and comfort.

Mohammad Hafeez Inducted as Honorary Life Member of Marylebone Cricket Club

Mohammad Hafeez Inducted as Honorary Life Member of Marylebone Cricket Club
Image: Getty

Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been named among the latest group of Honorary Life Members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), one of the most prestigious cricket clubs in the world. The MCC awards Honorary Life Membership to some of the world’s finest cricketers in recognition of their outstanding international careers. The announcement of the latest list was made public on April 5, 2023, with Hafeez being one of 16 cricketers to receive the honor.

MCC recognized Hafeez for playing almost 400 matches across all formats for Pakistan and displaying exceptional all-round skills throughout his career. Hafeez is the only Pakistani cricketer to be included in this year’s list, and his inclusion is a testament to his contribution to the game.

The latest list of Honorary Life Members of MCC includes five Indian players, four English players, two Australians, two New Zealanders, one South African, one West Indian, and Hafeez. The other players include Merissa Aguilleira (West Indies), M.S. Dhoni (India), Jhulan Goswami (India), Jenny Gunn (England), Rachael Haynes (Australia), Laura Marsh (England), Eoin Morgan (England), Mashrafe Mortaza (Bangladesh), Kevin Pietersen (England), Suresh Raina (India), Mithali Raj (India), Amy Satterthwaite (New Zealand), Yuvraj Singh (India), Anya Shrubsole (England), Dale Steyn (South Africa), and Ross Taylor (New Zealand).

The inclusion of Hafeez in this esteemed list highlights his exceptional performance and dedication to cricket. He is a role model for aspiring cricketers and has inspired many young players in Pakistan and around the world.’

Karan Johar Is A Fan of This Pakistani Actor

Pakistani dramas are extremely popular in India too. Recently, Wahaj Ali’s drama “Tere Bin” is receiving a lot of appreciation because of its plot and mainly because of the lead actors, Wahaj and Yumna.

Image: Instagram

Wahaj Ali’s role in the drama is very much loved by the audience and it seems like that Indian producer Karan Johar is also his fan now.

Image: Instagram

Ali lately shared his picture on Instagram and netizens could not ignore Karan Johar’s LIKE on it. The action is recieving mix response from the fans. While some fans appreciated Karan Johar’s likeness, others fear he might copy another Pakistani content for his next project.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqkOkt4NK_x/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

‘Why Do You People Care So Much About My Marriage?’, Neelam Munir Slams Reporter

Image: Pinterest

A short video of Pakistani actress Neelam Munir is taking rounds on the internet in which she can be seen lashing out at a reporter for asking about her marriage plans.

The renowned actress looked irritated with the question and answered categorically. Munir said, “Why do you people care so much about my marriage? I don’t have any tension. I just want to work. Don’t ask such questions for now”

Watch the video here

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqmu-m9AsK6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again

She further said, “my fans will get to hear the news of my marriage suddenly and I will get married simply”.