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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

Four Astronauts to Start Living on Mars from this June

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the mission CHAPEA (Crew Habitat for the Exploration of Mars Analogs) to start preparing human beinto live on the red planet

The NASA has designed three such analog missions to understand the requirements necessary to inhibit Mars.

The first analogue missi is already starting this year, while the second will be commenced ok 2025 and the last one in 2026.

This project requires four astronauts to live in a 3D printed simulation of Mars. The habitat in simulation will have dedicated areas for medical, fitness, and work along with a kitchen and private crew quarters. It will also have two bathrooms and a technical work area.

The team will be introduced to isolation, equipment failure, resources limitations and significant workloads.The crew will be trained to execute certain mission activities, including habitat maintenance, personal hygiene, simulated spacewalks, exercise, robotic operations, crop growth, personal hygiene, meal preparation and consumption, and other activities.

Raina MacLeod, CHAPEA deputy project manager said, “We’re really looking at how the crew performance and health changes based on realistic Mars restrictions and the lifestyle of the crew members. So, the lifestyle is what we’re trying to simulate by setting up a realistic environment and workload for the CHAPEA crew.”

FIFA Announces to Pay Clubs $355 Million for Sending Players to FIFA World Cups 2026 and 2030

PC: FIFA

FIFA has recently announced that it will pay clubs $355 millions for sending players to the World Cup 2026 and 2030. Earlier this compensation was $209 Million for the world cups 2018 and 2022.

The recent remuneration by FIFA has been increased by up to 70%. In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the global soccer governing body and the European Club Association (ECA). On this occasion, Nasser Al Khelaifi, ECA Chairman said, “We are delighted to have signed this landmark agreement”

He added, “The MoU recognises the central role of clubs in football globally and ensures that they are properly represented in decision making around issues which affect them.“

“FIFA and ECA will also now establish closer working practices on a future new Club World Cup… and working together on future editions including on potential structures for managing the commercial rights going forward.“

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says that, “To have the new International Match Calendar endorsed by ECA provides the necessary balance between club and national team football,”

“We have exciting projects ahead, including the new FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 and the new FIFA women’s Club World Cup. A close collaboration with clubs in Europe, and the rest of the world, will be essential for the success of those events,” said Infantino.

For the First Time in History of Pakistan NCC Allows Publishing Religious Textbooks for Students Belonging to Minorities

PC: TCF

The National Curriculum Council (NCC) has given permission to publish religious textbooks for the students belonging to seven minority communities including Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity, Bahai, Zoroastrianism, Kalasha and Buddhism. This is the first time in the country’s history that NCC is allowing publishing these books for the students of grade one to three in educational institutions operational under the federal government.

Maryam Chaghatai, Chief of NCC told the media that this will only be applied to the schools that come under the administrative control of the federal education ministry.

She said, “If any province wants, they can publish these books through their respective boards. We have also received a request in this regard. Punjab is interested in teaching religious textbooks to the students of the minority communities in their schools.”

According to the authorities, these books will initially be available in Urdu language only. Bahai textbook will be published from grade one to fifth, while Hinduism, Kalash, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Sikhism will be introduced from grade 1 to 3. Moreover, for Christian community, the textbooks will be available to students from grades 1 to 4.

LMCL increases prices of Kia cars, cites currency depreciation as likely reason

LMCL increases prices of Kia cars, cites currency depreciation as likely reason
Image: Kia

Lucky Motor Corporation Limited (LMCL) has increased the prices of all Kia cars except for the Sportage Alpha and Carnival. While the company hasn’t given any specific reason for the hike, it is likely due to currency depreciation.

What’s notable about this latest price hike is that it includes the Picanto, unlike the previous one. The new prices, effective April 1, are as follows:

  • Picanto Manual: Rs. 3,350,000 (up from Rs. 3,300,000)
  • Picanto Automatic: Rs. 3,625,000 (up from Rs. 3,550,000)
  • Stonic EX: Rs. 5,350,000 (up from Rs. 5,200,000)
  • Stonic EX+: Rs. 5,930,000 (up from Rs. 5,730,000)
  • Sportage FWD: Rs. 7,940,000 (up from Rs. 7,790,000)
  • Sportage AWD: Rs. 8,570,000 (up from Rs. 8,370,000)
  • Sorento FWD: Rs. 10,040,000 (up from Rs. 9,540,000)
  • Sorento AWD: Rs. 10,890,000 (up from Rs. 10,390,000)
  • Sorento V6: Rs. 10,890,000 (up from Rs. 10,390,000)

This latest price hike has resulted in some interesting changes to Kia’s car lineup. All Sorento models now cost over Rs. 10 million, while even Kia’s budget crossover SUV, the Stonic, now has a starting price of over Rs. 5 million.

Kia was the fastest-growing new car company in Pakistan between 2019 and 2022, but recent economic challenges have caused a significant shift in its trajectory. It remains to be seen whether the company will regain its momentum.

Twitter in Turmoil: Elon Musk’s Shocking $20 Billion Valuation Announcement

Twitter in Turmoil: Elon Musk's Shocking $20 Billion Valuation Announcement
Image: Twitter/Elon Musk

In a recent internal memo, Twitter CEO Elon Musk announced a valuation of approximately $20 billion for the social media company. This represents a significant decrease from Musk’s previous Twitter buyout payment, which had valued the company at $44 billion.

Musk also announced stock grants to employees in the same memo, with calculations based on the $20 billion valuation. This news came as a surprise to both Twitter employees and users, particularly given Musk’s recent statements that the company was on track to achieve cash flow break-even in 2023.

Despite this valuation decrease, Twitter has been able to improve its financial position by reducing costs and implementing new revenue streams. Shortly after Musk’s appointment as CEO, the company underwent a mass layoff that reduced its workforce by over 50%, and additional job cuts have occurred into 2023. These measures helped to eliminate unnecessary expenses, such as numerous offices that had been draining the company’s resources.

Musk also introduced new ways for Twitter to generate revenue, including a paid Twitter blue tick and the return of political advertising on the platform. However, Twitter has faced criticism for its lack of human moderators to manage its content regulation process. The European Union has called for Twitter to hire more moderators, but Musk has resisted this suggestion due to the associated cost increases. Instead, he aims to automate Twitter’s content regulation process.

An Internal Email Reveals Elon Musk Values Twitter at $20 Billion Only

PC: AFP

Elon Musk bought Twitter for a Whopping $44 billion just five months ago. However, recently an internal email has revealed that now the estimated value, according to Musk, is just $20 billion.

According to American news media, the email sent to employees mentioned about a new stock compensation program in the company and the attribution to employees of stock in X Holdings, Twitter’s umbrella company since Musk took over it in October.

The compensation plan estimated Twitter’s value at $20 billion, just a little more than that of Snapchat (standing at $18.2 billion) and Pinterest ($18.7 billion).

According to the details, Musk admitted shrinkage in Twitter’s value and even mentioned that there came a point when the social media platform was at the brink of bankruptcy.

Musk said, “Twitter was trending to lose ~$3B/year.” He further said that Twitter faced a revenue drop of $1.5 billion a year and was left with “only 4 months of money.”

Musk explained it as an “Extremely dire situation.” He also said that advertisers who left the platform few months ago have also started to return. He also said, “It looks like we will break even” in the second quarter.

Ever since Musk has taken over the platform, he has laid off a number of employees. He says he sees a “clear but difficult path” to a valuation of $250 billion.

World Bank considers $50 million project to support citizens in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province

World Bank considers $50 million project to support citizens in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
Image: TWB

The World Bank has announced its consideration of the “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)/FATA Citizen Centered Service Delivery Project,” which aims to provide support for families affected by the militancy crisis and promote child health, as well as enhancing citizen-centered service delivery in selected districts of KP province.

According to official documents, the proposed project, worth $50 million, will bridge the financing gap for the continuity of activities under the ongoing FATA Temporarily Displaced Persons Emergency Recovery Project (TDPERP), facilitating a smooth transition of the program to the province of KP. The project will continue to support the existing activities under TDPERP for two years, providing an opportunity for a phased transition of interventions to the government of KP.

TDPERP was launched in FATA agencies in 2015 through federal government funding and has since delivered successful services to citizens. The effective phased transfer of the program requires covering the funding gap for the TDPERP program by the federal government for the transition period. As an additional financing to the ongoing project is not possible, the proposed project is crucial for bridging the gap and ensuring the continuation of the program.

The proposed project will retain the original components from the TDPERP, including the Early Recovery Package for Temporary Displaced Persons, which includes reimbursement of the Early Recovery Grant (ERG) and the provision of the Livelihood Support Grant (LSG). The ERG provides a one-time transfer per family to assist the Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs) to settle after returning and offset their transportation costs. The LSG provides monthly income support per TDP family for four months as subsistence support while livelihoods are re-established.

The project also includes promoting child health in selected areas of FATA, strengthening program management and oversight, and replicating the program design and institutional setup under the new project with revised results to cover the extended period of support.

Rising Tea Imports: Pakistan Spends Rs. 90 Billion in First Eight Months of FY23

Image: pexels

Pakistan’s tea imports have risen significantly during the first eight months (July-February) of the current fiscal year (FY23). According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the imports during this period amounted to Rs. 90 billion, which is a 24.58 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year (FY21), when imports were reported at Rs. 72.5 billion.

However, in February of this year, tea imports in rupee terms stood at Rs. 8.71 billion, which is a 28 percent decline compared to the same month in FY21, when imports were reported at Rs. 12.15 billion.

In terms of dollar value, the tea imports during July-February FY22 amounted to $396.5 million, which is a decrease of 6.45 percent compared to the same period in FY21 when imports were reported at $423.9 million. Meanwhile, in February of this year, the imports in dollar terms were recorded at $32.67 million, which is a decrease of over 50 percent compared to imports of $69.2 million reported in the same month of FY21.

During January of 2023, the tea imports in rupee terms amounted to Rs. 10.541 billion, which brought the total imports for the first two months of the current calendar year to Rs. 19.25 billion. This translates to Pakistan importing tea worth Rs. 326 million each day during the first two months of the year.

It is worth noting that Pakistan is one of the largest tea importers in the world, as per data from Statista, which shows that Pakistan was the leading tea importing country in the world, with imports valued at approximately $598 million.

In conclusion, while Pakistan’s tea imports have increased significantly during the first eight months of the current fiscal year, there has been a decline in imports in February 2023 in both rupee and dollar terms. Nonetheless, Pakistan remains one of the biggest importers of tea globally.

Tragic Property Dispute Results in the Slaughter of Seven Family Members in Pakpattan

Tragic Property Dispute Results in the Slaughter of Seven Family Members in Pakpattan
Image: ipleaders

In a devastating incident, a property dispute led a man and his associates to enter his brother’s house in Pakpattan, resulting in the brutal killing of seven family members during Sehri. The victims included the mother, brothers, sister-in-law, and their children.

The assailants fled the scene of the crime, leaving a seven-year-old girl severely injured. Despite Rescue 1122’s repeated calls, the service failed to respond, and the girl had to be taken to the hospital in a police van.

The incident has prompted a police investigation, and the Inspector General of Punjab has ordered a report submission from RPO Sahiwal and directed DPO Pakpattan to form a special team for the swift arrest of the accused. This tragic incident highlights the need for effective measures to prevent such violent crimes and ensure the safety and security of citizens.

Also, see:

Lahore Qalandars are the Winner of PSL 2023: PSL 8

Seven Pakistani Universities Make It to 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject

Seven Pakistani Universities Make It to 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject
Image: AKU

Seven Pakistani universities have made it to the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject, which is an encouraging development for the country’s higher education sector. The rankings, released by QS, highlight the top universities across the globe in different subject areas. The rankings are divided into five broad subject areas, namely Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences and Management.

In the area of Social Sciences and Management, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) tops the chart among Pakistani universities. Quaid-i-Azam University leads the ranking for Natural Sciences, while Aga Khan University is the only Pakistani higher education institution that has been ranked in the subject area of Life Sciences and Medicine. National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) is the top Pakistani Engineering and Technology higher education institution. However, no Pakistani university has been ranked in the subject category of Arts and Humanities.

Let’s take a closer look at the detailed rankings of Pakistani universities across the remaining subject areas. In the Social Sciences and Management category, LUMS ranked at 322, while NUST ranked between 451-500. In the Natural Sciences category, Quaid-i-Azam University and COMSATS University ranked at =346 and 451-500, respectively, while NUST ranked between 451-500. In the Life Sciences and Medicine category, Aga Khan University ranked at =391. In the Engineering and Technology category, NUST ranked at =160, followed by COMSATS University Islamabad at =267, UET Lahore at =279, Quaid-i-Azam University at =348, LUMS at 401-450, and Punjab University at 501-530.

QS uses five components to rank institutions in the World University Subject Rankings, namely Academic reputation, Employer reputation, Research citations per paper, H-index, and International Research Network. The first two indicators are international surveys of academics and employers, which are used to assess the international reputation of institutions in each subject. The second two indicators evaluate the research impact and h-index for the relevant subject, obtained from Scopus, the world’s most comprehensive research citation database. The last indicator highlights the international research collaboration of an institution.

The ranking of Pakistani universities in different subject areas reflects their research output, academic reputation, and international recognition. It is a positive development for the country’s higher education sector, as it highlights the growing quality of research and education in Pakistan. However, there is still a long way to go, and the universities need to focus on improving their research capabilities, strengthening their international collaborations, and enhancing their academic reputation to make a significant impact on the global stage.

Fasting Hours Across the Globe This Ramzan

PC: Time Out Dubai

Durijg Ramzan, the fasting hours vary from region to region. While in some areas, people fast for a longer time, others break their fasts a few hours earlier than them.

The primary reason behind this variation is the position of the sun which determines the duration of day and night in a particular country.

It is seen that the countries closer to equator have shorter fasting hours compared to those located farther. Moreover, there are some countries where the sunsets never happen therefore, Islamic scholars suggest following the fasting schedule as in Makkah, Saudi Arabia as it is the place where Ka’aba is located.

This Ramzan, the average fasting hours are 14-15 hours. Let’s have a look at the fasting hours in different countries now.

Nuuk, Greenland: 18 hours

Reykjavik, Iceland: 18 hours

Helsinki, Finland: 17 hours

Glasgow, Scotland: 17 hours

Ottawa, Canada: 17 hours

London, United Kingdom: 16-17 hours

Paris, France: 16-17 hours

Zurich, Switzerland: 15 hours

Rome, Italy: 15 hours

New Zealand : 12 hours

Chile: 12 hours

Buenos Aires, Argentina: 12 hours

Jakarta, Indonesia: 13 hours

Nairobi, Kenya: 13 hours

Karachi, Pakistan: 13-14 hours

New Delhi, India: 13-14 hours

Hajj Pilgrimage Costs Surge as Pakistan Raises Package Prices

Hajj Pilgrimage Costs Surge as Pakistan Raises Package Prices
Pakistani pilgrims walk in line as they prepare to board a Pakistan International Airlines’ special Haj pilgrimage flight bound for Saudi Arabia at the Allama Iqbal International airport in Lahore on November 2, 2008. Around 165,000 pilgrims from Pakistan are expected to leave for the annual Haj congregation in Mecca. AFP PHOTO/Arif ALI (Photo by Arif Ali / AFP)

The cost of the annual Hajj pilgrimage has surged dramatically this year, as the Religious Affairs Minister in Pakistan announced a significant increase in package prices. The official Hajj cost for Pakistani pilgrims now exceeds Rs. 1.175 million, a substantial rise from last year’s expense of Rs. 826,000.

The rise in expenditure can be attributed to various factors, including global inflation, increased food prices, and inflated lodging rates. Additionally, pilgrims are required to pay for animal sacrifices separately, which has increased from Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 356,000 this year.

Furthermore, the visa cost has increased from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 22,275, while the airfare has climbed from Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 250,000. Food and drink prices for pilgrims have also more than quadrupled, with the cost for 38 days exceeding Rs. 100,000, up from Rs. 53,440 last year. Rents in Makkah have climbed by around Rs. 82,000, while rentals in Madinah have increased by approximately Rs. 41,000. Transportation costs have also risen from Rs. 61,000 to Rs. 112,000.

The Hajj package also includes other fees, such as Rs. 43,882 for rail travel and Rs. 1,100 for Zam Zam water charges, which was previously Rs. 721. A further Rs. 12,000 is being charged for medications, vaccinations, and other vital supplies.

The cost of the Hajj pilgrimage has risen significantly this year, making it more difficult for Pakistani Muslims to undertake the journey. The increase in package prices, along with rising costs for food, lodging, transportation, and other expenses, have made the pilgrimage less accessible for many who wish to perform this sacred obligation.

SBP Directs Banks to Keep Branches Open on Weekend for Hajj 2023 Applications

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed 14 authorized banks to keep their designated branches open on March 25 and 26, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to facilitate the deposit of Hajj 2023 application forms and dues. This move comes as part of the Hajj Policy 2023, which authorized the collection of application forms and dues by 14 banks across the country from March 16 to March 31, 2023.

The designated banks include National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank, United Bank, MCB Bank, Allied Bank, Bank of Punjab, Bank Alfalah, Zarai Taraqiati Bank, Faysal Bank, Askari Bank, Bank Al-Habib, Habib Metropolitan Bank, Soneri Bank, and Meezan Bank. This measure is expected to make the process of submitting applications and dues for intending pilgrims more convenient and accessible.

Asia Cup 2023 to be Played in Pakistan, Apart from India’s Matches

PC: AFP/File

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting has been concluded on the remarks that the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 would be played in Pakistan. However, Team India has still refused to come to the host country.

During the meeting in Dubai, all other countries showed their willingness to come to Pakistan except for India. So, it was decided that all the Asia Cup 2023 will be played in Pakistan and for Indian matches a neutral ground will be selected. This neutral country could be UAE, Sri Lanka or Oman. Even England is an option in case the other three options do not work out.

Energy Ministry Says No Load Shedding During Sehri, Iftari and Taraweeh Hours

PC: TrendsPak

The Ministry of Energy has announced that there will be no load shedding during the sehri, iftari and taraweeh hours.

The ministry has also ensured provision of electricity throughout the holy month of Ramadan, which is about to start in a day or two.

Reportedly, the department has already prepared a comprehensive strategy to ensure smooth operations. A spokesperson told the media that there will be no load shedding during two hours of Sehri, one hour during Iftar and two hours during Tarawih.

UN Report Warns of Imminent Global Water Scarcity Crisis Due to Climate Change

UN Report Warns of Imminent Global Water Scarcity Crisis Due to Climate Change

The United Nations has recently released the World Water Development Report 2023, which provides a troubling outlook on the increasing global water scarcity due to climate change. The report highlights that seasonal scarcity will continue to rise, creating an imminent international crisis.

The report also notes that approximately 26% of the world’s population does not have access to safe drinking water, while around 46% lack access to adequately managed sanitation services. The UN Conference on global water scarcity, the first in almost fifty years, began on Wednesday, following the release of the report.

The report outlines that the global consumption of water has risen by approximately 1% annually over the past four decades and is expected to continue increasing at a similar rate until 2050. Population growth, socio-economic development, and changing consumption patterns are driving the rising demand for water.

The report emphasizes the significant discrepancy in the availability of water and its usage across various regions worldwide. It highlights the need to bridge the gap to ensure that all people have access to clean water by 2030. The estimated cost of meeting these goals is projected to be between $600 billion and $1 trillion per year.

Currently, about 10% of the world’s population resides in countries where water stress is considered high or critical. Additionally, the agricultural sector accounts for over 70% of water consumption. However, due to the increasing urban population, water allocation from agriculture to urban areas has become a common strategy to meet freshwater needs.

Finally, the report warns that climate change will exacerbate seasonal water scarcity in areas where it is currently abundant, such as Central Africa, East Asia, and parts of South America. Conversely, regions where water is already in short supply, such as the Middle East and the Sahara in Africa, will face even worse water scarcity due to climate change.

In case you’ve missed Ramadan gas schedule, click here

In case you've missed Ramadan gas schedule, click here
A picture taken on December 7, 2012 in Bordeaux shows the flame of a gas stove. AFP PHOTO PIERRE ANDRIEU (Photo by PIERRE ANDRIEU / AFP)

To facilitate its consumers during the holy month of Ramadan, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced the provision of gas during Iftar and Sehr. However, due to a shortfall of 250 million mmbtu, the company has informed its customers that gas pressure would be low from 8 AM till 2:30 PM, leading to the suspension of gas supply to various regions. This has resulted in concerns and complaints from disgruntled consumers who are finding it impossible to prepare meals for the elderly, children, and patients who are unable to fast.

In contrast, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has announced special initiatives to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to its consumers throughout Ramadan. The company has pledged to undertake immediate measures to ensure gas supply with full pressure, especially between 2:30 AM to 6 AM and 4 PM to 9 PM for domestic consumers. However, citizens are complaining about gas load-shedding in different regions.

The SNGPL spokesperson has assured consumers that the company will ensure natural gas supply other than the mentioned timings so that their routine activities can continue without disruption. The company has taken this step to ease the burden on its consumers during the holy month of Ramadan.

https://twitter.com/SNGPLofficial/status/1638489603102457857?s=20

Haleon Pakistan and Smile Train partner to provide Comprehensive Care to Children Born with Clefts

Haleon Pakistan and Smile Train partner

21 March 2023: Haleon Pakistan Limited (formerly GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Pakistan Limited) has announced a partnership with the leading global cleft charity, Smile Train,   raising funds through its leading Oral Care brands, Sensodyne and Parodontax. 

Annually, 1 in every 600 children in Pakistan is born with cleft lips and palates. In most cases, these children face difficulty in eating, speaking, and breathing and are subjected to social stigma. The partnership between Haleon Pakistan and Smile Train will help children born with cleft lips/palates to lead full and productive lives, achieving their own potential and contributing to their community.

Smile Train provides training and education to local medical professionals and supports 100%-free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children all over the world including orthodontics, speech therapy, and psychosocial support. 

The partnership between Haleon Pakistan and Smile Train was announced at a press event in Karachi. Panelists at the event included Farhan Haroon, CEO and General Manager of Haleon Pakistan, Professor Dr. Mirza Shehab Afzal Beg, MBBS, FRCS (Ire), FRCS Plastic Surgery UK and Ire), Ms. Amina Mujib Khan, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach & Weightloss Consultant, and Ms. Hima Raza, a makeup artist whose child was born with a cleft lip.

“As leaders in specialist oral health, we are committed to make a positive impact on the lives of children in need of free and safe access to quality cleft care. Together with Smile Train, we aim to help transform more children’s lives, one smile at a time,” said Farhan Haroon, Haleon Pakistan

The partnership, powered through Oral Care brands, Sensodyne and Parodontax, will identify and support eligible patients. A portion of sales proceeds on every pack of Sensodyne and Parodontax sold in selected retail outlets, during the period 15th March 2023 to 5th May 2023, will be donated to Smile Train Foundation on behalf of Haleon Pakistan.

9 People Lost Their Lives As Earthquake Jolts Pakistan

PC: FILE

Reportedly nine people have lost their lives while several others are injured after an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 hit different parts of Pakistan on Tuesday night. The quake lasted for at least 30 seconds and was felt in Islamabad, Bannu, Rawalpindi, Loralai, Lahore, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Chichawatni, Jaranwala, Mailsi, Lakki Marwat, Minchinabad, Kohlu, Jahanian, Pakpattan, Shorkot, Dijkot, Shakargarh, Lodhran, Layyah and others.

The earthquake was so strong that it was also felt in other countries including India, Afghanistan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The people in Pakistan left their homes while reciting duas when the tremors started. According to reports, 11 people have died so far, 2 in Afghanistan and 9 in Pakistan.

The Met Department reported that the exact time of the quake was 9:47 and it’s epicentre was Hindukush region of Afghanistan.

PCB Evaluating Alternative Venues for Asia Cup 2023

PC: ICC

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been under pressure pressure regarding the future of Asia Cup 2023 after the Indian Team has refused to play matches in Pakistan.

The Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled in September, however, considering the current situation in Pakistan, Indian Team has refused to participate if the venue remains same, which may cause loss of billions of rupees to PCB.

In order to find a feasible solution, Najam sethi, Chairman PCB is talking to officials from Bangladesh, India, UAE and Sri Lanka because if any of these teams excuse from participating in the event, the revenue generated via broadcast media will be equal to none. Therefore, the organisers are trying their best to find an alternative venue instead of cancelling it altogether.