To strengthen its position in the growing “healthier soda” market, PepsiCo (PEP.O) announced that it had paid $1.95 billion to acquire the prebiotic drink brand Poppi. The agreement was made as PepsiCo faced declining consumer demand for its traditional beverages and snack products.
Completed on March 17, 2025, this significant deal puts PepsiCo in a position to meet the growing demand from consumers for healthier beverage options.
Poppi
Founded by Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, Poppi has rapidly acquired popularity since making its debut on the reality TV programme “Shark Tank,” with the support of CAVU Consumer Partners guest investor Rohan Oza. In order to provide low-calorie substitutes for conventional sodas, Poppi’s range of sodas inventively blends prebiotics like agave inulin and cassava root fibre with fruit juice and apple cider vinegar, making sure that each serving has no more than five grams of sugar.
The Rise of Healthier Beverages
In the recent years, beverage companies are being forced to adapt as consumers, especially youngsters, are switching to healthier sodas and energy drinks. For instance, Coca-Cola’s ‘Simply Pop’ is a prebiotic soda that the brand has added to its Simply brand category. Other companies have also invested in the wellness drink sector, such as Celsius Holdings (CELH.O) and Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP.O).
Simply Pop
The goal of PepsiCo’s acquisition of Poppi is to increase its market share in the rapidly expanding heathier soda segment.
In addition to strengthening PepsiCo’s position in the market, this historic acquisition marks the beginning of new beverage dynamics in which traditional options will be increasingly challenged by health-conscious goods. This will ultimately force established brands to innovate or risk falling behind.
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New Zealand defeated Pakistan by five wickets on Tuesday to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20 series. The home side reached 137-5 with 11 balls to spare in Dunedin to take control of the five-match series after Pakistan posted 135-9 off 15 overs in a rain-reduced second match.
The match saw a dominant start from New Zealand’s openers, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, who launched a six-hitting blitz. Seven of the first eight scoring shots were sixes. Seifert initially played a maiden over off Shaheen Shah Afridi before Allen smashed three sixes in the second over, bowled by Mohammad Ali. Seifert then hit 26 off Afridi’s second over, including four sixes. He top-scored with 45 off 22 balls, following up on his 44-run effort in the first T20. Allen added 38 off 16, with both openers hitting five sixes each.
New Zealand lost four wickets in four overs in the middle of the chase, but Mitch Hay’s unbeaten 21 ensured a comfortable victory. Earlier, Pakistan struggled at 19-2 in the fourth over after being sent in to bat. Captain Salman Agha led the recovery with 46 off 28 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. Shadab Khan contributed 26 off 14, while Afridi remained not out on 22 off 14.
Four New Zealand bowlers, including Ben Sears and Jimmy Neesham, took two wickets each. Sears and Neesham replaced Tim Robinson and Kyle Jamieson in the playing XI. Pakistan made one change, bringing in Haris Rauf for leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed. The match was delayed for 90 minutes due to rain at University Oval. New Zealand will look to seal the series with a win in the third T20 in Auckland on Friday.
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Netflix’s latest drama ‘Adolescence’ has stormed the globe, collecting rave reviews for its gripping storyline and superb acting. Out just last week, the four-part British drama series has already become the most viewed on the network. It has created discussions across social media and the wider world.
Critical Acclaim and Storytelling
Critics are praising Adolescence as nothing less than perfection. Times’ Tom Peck labelled it “complete perfection,” while The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan referred to it as “the closest thing to TV perfection in decades.” Audiences have universally recognised the show’s revolutionary status, praising its bold approach to storytelling.
Source: Times
The Plot
The story revolves around the background of a tragic stabbing of a teenage girl, with a 13-year-old boy from her school in custody for the murder. The young actor Owen Cooper, who plays the suspect, has given what has been described by many as a “truly remarkable performance.” His range to switch between vulnerability, anger, bravado and fear has left viewers in awe. Established actor Stephen Graham, who also co-produced the series, plays his father, adding another layer of emotional depth to the show.
Adolescence doesn’t hold back on tough topics, especially the impact of social media and problematic online influencers on teenage boys. For writer Jack Thorne, the show is intended to “look in the eye of male rage.” It highlights the destructive language that has made its way into the minds of vulnerable young people. Erin Doherty’s performance as a child psychologist in the third episode has been particularly praised for its brilliance since the episode itself has been labelled as one of the most interesting hours of TV in recent times.
Source: Mashable
Technical Brilliance
To its already great praise is added the show’s daring technical achievement—every episode is shot in one, unbroken take. Such methods sometimes have a gimmicky feel, but in Adolescence it adds to the intensity of the story.
Viewers and critics are in agreement: Adolescence is a daring, powerful work of storytelling that has a lasting effect. As the show continues to reign supreme on Netflix’s top lists, it’s obvious that it has hit a resonant chord with people across the globe. For anyone looking for a thought-provoking drama, Adolescence is a must-see.
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The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has sealed several commercial and residential properties owned by Bahria Town’s Malik Riaz due to corruption cases. It has also frozen hundreds of Bahria Town’s bank accounts and vehicles.
On January 21, NAB warned the public against investing in Bahria Town’s Dubai project and announced plans to arrest Riaz. In February, it filed corruption cases against him, former Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, Minister Sharjeel Memon and others for illegal land transfers. Additional cases involve land occupation in Rawalpindi’s Rakh Takht Pari and New Murree.
NAB stated that Riaz and his associates illegally occupied government and private land under Bahria Town’s name. They further urged the public to avoid investing in any of his projects.
Currently residing in Dubai, Riaz faces money laundering accusations. NAB claims that some individuals in Pakistan are helping him transfer money for his luxury apartment project there. They warned that any funds that are sent for this project would count as money laundering and lead to legal action.
In a separate case, a Rawalpindi accountability court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Malik Riaz and Ali Ahmed Malik for skipping the hearing of the Takht Pari land case. The court ordered their arrest and set the next hearing for April 16. Former Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi was also absent but received a one-day exemption due to medical reasons. Of the 17 accused, 10 attended the hearing, while lawyers represented four others.
NAB vowed to continue legal action without delays and is working with other agencies to bring Malik Riaz back to Pakistan.
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Nagpur, a city that is famed for the peaceful existence of its people, is now under curfew after violent confrontations over Aurangzeb’s mausoleum. On 17th March, what started as a demonstration by right-wing groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal turned violent, injuring at least nine individuals and destroying many vehicles and houses. The outburst of violence represents another case where tensions rooted in history and culture have spilt onto the streets.
Source: FirstPost
The Source of the Protests
The source of the protests lies in the call to remove the tomb of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from Maharashtra’s Khuldabad. Right-wing organisations claim that the tomb is a symbol of centuries of oppression and a reminder of India’s colonial history under the Mughal Empire. The call to have it removed is cast in terms of reclaiming cultural pride and ridding themselves of painful reminders of history.
However, what made the protests turn violent was a rumour that spread far and wide that the Quran was being burned during the protests. The rumour, while unsubstantiated, was picked up quickly, and it prompted outrage among the Muslims.
Authorities Respond
The authorities moved rapidly, sending in police officers, Quick Response Units and State Reserve Police personnel to quell the violence. Tear gas was employed to clear the crowd while mobs burned vehicles and pelted law enforcers with stones.
Political Reactions
Political leaders have called for peace. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured citizens that the situation is under control and asked people not to listen to rumours. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also appealed for peace, assuring that the government would take firm action against the culprits.
Source: India TV
Interestingly, the opposition blamed the incumbent ruling party for not ensuring law and order. They are criticizing that knowing about the protests, preventive action was weak. This incident has again brought to light how political groups tend to play on communal tensions to suit their ends.
Even if the violence is contained, for now, the matter of Aurangzeb’s tomb remains unsolved. The conflict of ideologies is still festering, with political parties on either side issuing statements for and against its removal.
On a wider scale, the episode puts the question on everybody’s mind as to how monuments and history are being politicised and mobilised as a political tool.
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18th March marks Global Recycling Day- a day focused on promoting the importance of recycling and encouraging sustainable practices. As the world moves toward sustainability, Pakistani fashion houses, too, are working towards becoming ecologically friendly while also promoting local culture. From ethical production to sustainability through recycling, these brands are raising the bar for the fashion industry.
The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion remains a major polluter, particularly in Pakistan, which is one of the world’s largest textile-producing countries. The cheap and fast production of clothing results in huge amounts of textile waste and more carbon emissions. However, some Pakistani brands are taking the initiative to counter these practices by using sustainable approaches.
Khaadi
Khaadi has always had a strong brand identity. The company has launched programmes offering free space for women artisans to sell their products at Experience Hubs and Centres in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Khaadi focuses on green manufacturing processes, including organic cotton and natural dye usage. It also encourages fair labour practices and takes care of its workers by focusing on health and safety.
This legacy brand is committed to sustainability by including responsible practices throughout their entire supply chain. Generation works with artisans from various regions to create quality, handmade clothing. They prioritise natural fibres, reducing water consumption and the absence of chemicals in the production process. Their commitment to ethical processes guarantees fair labour and working conditions for everyone involved.
A leader in the field of promoting traditional handicraft, Rizwan Beyg’s label fuses high-end fashion with sustainability. By collaborating with NGOs and disadvantaged groups, the brand provides skill training programmes and employment opportunities. It uses natural dyes made from plants and environment-friendly textiles in a big way to reduce its carbon footprint while creating beautiful designs inspired by Pakistani heritage.
Through her partnership with the UNHCR, Huma Adnan offers refugee women from Afghanistan, Syria and Myanmar livelihood opportunities. These women produce hand-made jewellry with eco-friendly materials, maintaining traditional skills while securing their economic independence. Her fashion brand focuses on slow fashion and sustainable production.
To start with an environmental stand of its own, Sapphire’s Weaving Green programme encourages sustainability with recycled materials and ethical production processes. Their collection emphasises reducing carbon emissions and water usage while still being affordable to the average buyer.
Through her brand Jehan, Zara Shahjahan is working towards disrupting the fashion sector by advocating for slow fashion. Her limited-collection designs respect native crafts and hand-knit textiles, coming up with trans-seasonal essentials that cut down on waste by prioritising timelessness and endurance.
Though these brands are taking remarkable steps, the road to sustainability for Pakistan’s fashion industry is still long. The consumers also need to do their bit by giving preference to environmentally friendly brands, thus pressurising others to go green. With cooperation and awareness, Pakistan can keep leading the way to a greener and more responsible fashion industry.
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Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has taken proactive steps to prevent a potential dengue outbreak. He has directed authorities to urgently prepare and implement the Dengue Action Plan 2025.
Following his special directives, the CM’s Secretariat sent a letter to the Chief Secretary, stressing the need for immediate action. Experience shows that structured actions during the dormant season can significantly reduce cases during peak season.
The Dengue Action Plan 2025 must outline a month-wise schedule of activities for all relevant departments. It will include surveillance, vector control, environmental management, awareness campaigns, resource procurement and healthcare response strategies. Clear departmental roles and a strong monitoring system will ensure effective execution.
Last October, 1,941 dengue cases were reported, bringing the total for the year to 2,368. Peshawar recorded the highest number (707), followed by Lower Kohistan (171), Mansehra (153), Nowshera (114), and Hangu (105). Other affected areas included Kohat, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Mardan, Bannu, Swat, D.I. Khan, and Swabi.
At the time, 48 patients were undergoing treatment at hospitals, with 12 new admissions every 24 hours. Official records reported two dengue-related deaths, though the actual number may be higher.
Due to limited hospital space, only severe cases were admitted, while most patients received home-based treatment. The Health Department has since intensified dengue surveillance, particularly in high-risk areas, and launched house-to-house awareness campaigns through lady health workers.
With the Dengue Action Plan 2025, the government aims to implement early preventive measures, reduce infection rates, and safeguard public health.
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According to animation historian Jerry Beck, Courage the Cowardly Dog’s lead writer, David Steven Cohen, died at the age of 58. The cause of Cohen’s death was cancer.
A Legacy
The spooky narrative that made Courage the Cowardly Dog a popular yet unnerving children’s animated series on Cartoon Network was greatly influenced by Cohen. Cohen joined the writing staff in season 1 and eventually rose to the position of chief writer, producing many of the most memorable episodes in seasons 2, 3 and 4, even though John R. Dilworth conceived the show. The penultimate episode before the series’ 2002 finale was his last contribution.
“Klub Katz,”“1000 Years of Courage,”“Forbidden Hat of Gold” and “The Sand Whale Strikes” are a few of Cohen’s most famous episodes. His contributions helped create the show’s distinctive fusion of dark humour, terror and emotional storytelling, proving that children like stories that evoke fear.
Other Renowned Work
In addition to Courage, Cohen proved his talents in animation and children’s television by writing for Phil of the Future, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss and Balto.
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Following Eid-ul-Fitr, the third stage of the public school campaign is scheduled to start. All government schools with 100 or fewer kids enrolled will be sold to private owners during this phase.
The Ministry of Education has instructed District Education Officers and Heads of District Education Authorities from each of the province’s forty-three districts to compile and submit a list of schools that meet this requirement.
According to sources, a sizable portion of these schools are situated in rural communities. Some, on the other hand, are also found in cities, especially primary schools in places with low student enrollment. As soon as Eid is over, these schools will be open for privatisation.
This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline the education sector and address the challenge of underutilised public school resources.
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Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has been fined 50% of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct in the first T20I against New Zealand on 16 March 2025 in Christchurch. The incident occurred in the 8th over when he collided with New Zealand bowler Zakary Foulkes. Match referee Jeff Crowe and umpires Wayne Knights and Sam Nogajski ruled it as “forceful physical contact” that was careless and avoidable.
Khushdil violated Article 2.12 of the ICC Code, which addresses improper physical contact. He accepted the charge, avoiding a formal hearing. As a result, the ICC added three demerit points to his disciplinary record. If he reaches four within 24 months, he could face suspension.
Pakistan struggled in the match, managing only 91 runs in Salman Ali Agha’s first game as full-time T20I captain. Khushdil scored 32 off 30 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to support him. Agha made 18 and Jahandad Khan added 17. The team collapsed before completing 20 overs as the entire team got bowled out.
New Zealand’s bowlers dominated. Jacob Duffy took 4 wickets for 14 runs, while Kyle Jamieson grabbed 3 for 8. They dismantled Pakistan’s batting order with ease.
Chasing 92, New Zealand cruised to victory, losing just one wicket. Tim Seifert top-scored with 44 off 29 balls before Abrar Ahmed dismissed him. Finn Allen (29*) and Tim Robinson (18*) sealed the nine-wicket win with 59 balls remaining giving them the lead in the five-match series.
Khushdil’s incident underscores the importance of maintaining discipline on the field, as he now carries three demerit points with the risk of a future suspension if further offences occur.
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Israel has broken the fragile two-month-old ceasefire between its forces and Hamas with a massive attack on Gaza.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, Israeli airstrikes throughout the territory early on Tuesday killed at least 232 Palestinians, many of them being children. According to medical authorities, at least 20 persons were killed in Gaza City in the north and at least 77 in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, said he gave the military orders to take “strong action” against Hamas for refusing to accept proposals to prolong the ceasefire or free prisoners abducted from Israel.
According to Gaza Civil Defense, people were “trapped under the rubble of homes that were bombed in various areas.” The main targets of the strikes were the residential buildings where people sought refuge, improvised schools and densely populated neighbourhoods.
Hamas, which governs Gaza, said it viewed Israel’s attacks as a cancellation of the ceasefire that began on January 19.
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US President Donald Trump has signed an order to cut funding for Voice of America (VOA), calling it “anti-Trump” and “radical.” A White House statement said the move would “ensure taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda.” The order also includes comments from politicians and right-wing media criticizing VOA.
Mike Abramowitz, VOA’s director, said he and nearly all 1,300 staff members were placed on paid leave. He warned that the order left VOA unable to carry out its “vital mission… especially critical today, when America’s adversaries, like Iran, China and Russia, are sinking billions of dollars into creating false narratives to discredit the United States.
The National Press Club condemned the decision, saying it “undermines America’s long-standing commitment to a free and independent press.” It added, “If an entire newsroom can be sidelined overnight, what does that say about the state of press freedom? An entire institution is being dismantled piece by piece. This isn’t just a staffing decision – it’s a fundamental shift that endangers the future of independent journalism at VOA.”
The order also affects the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which funds organizations like Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia. CBS reported that all freelance and international contractors were told there was no money to pay them. The Czech Republic’s Foreign Minister, Jan Lipavský, said he would ask European foreign ministers to find ways to keep Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty running. Meanwhile, billionaire Elon Musk has supported the cuts, using his social media platform X to call for VOA’s shutdown.
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Erik Strömstedt, CEO of TalkPool, added, “Partnering with Thunder Energy aligns perfectly with our mission to enable efficient communication.
Pakistan – March 17, 2025 – Thunder Energy Ltd, a pioneering solution provider of AI-Native Energy Intelligence Platform and a Brillanz Group company, has signed a landmark and strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TalkPool AG, a Swiss company listed in Stockholm and Frankfurt exchanges, at MWC Barcelona 2025.
This collaboration aims to integrate Thunder Energy’s advanced AI capabilities with TalkPool’s expertise in IoT and telecom network services, delivering innovative energy management and sustainability solutions to telecom operators worldwide, with an initial focus on high-growth markets in Europe, the Americas and beyond.
This partnership brings together Thunder Energy’s cutting-edge platform, processing over 300 million data points daily across more than 8,000 tower sites as of Q1 2025, with TalkPool’s extensive portfolio of IoT solutions and network services. The MOU establishes a framework for joint innovation, combining Thunder Energy’s real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and autonomous energy optimization for TalkPool’s extensive customer base spanning multiple continents. Together, the companies will explore opportunities to enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve sustainability for telecom infrastructure, leveraging TalkPool’s rich legacy that includes introducing GSM to the Latin America and Africa.
The signing ceremony took place during MWC Barcelona 2025, the world’s largest and most influential connectivity industry event, held from March 3-6 at Fira Gran Via. Brillanz Group showcased its leadership in IoT and AI-powered telecom solutions at the UK Pavilion, highlighting key products including Thunder – Energy Intelligence Platform, and CRATUS – Smart Theft Resistant Cabinet. Throughout the event, Brillanz Group leaders, including Group CEO Bilal Qureshi, Group’s Chief Commercial Officer Ousama Hanif, Group CTO Dr. Saad Liaquat Kiani, CRATUS CEO Adnan Siddique and others, engaged with industry stakeholders and reinforced the company’s commitment to driving transformative technology solutions globally.
Bilal Qureshi, CEO of Brillanz Group, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with TalkPool at MWC Barcelona 2025 underscores Brillanz Group’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of AI and IoT in the telecom sector. Thunder Energy’s platform, paired with TalkPool’s innovative solutions, will empower telecom operators to achieve unprecedented levels of energy efficiency and sustainability. This MOU is a testament to our shared vision of a smarter, greener future.”
Erik Strömstedt, CEO of TalkPool, added, “Partnering with Thunder Energy aligns perfectly with our mission to enable efficient communication and sustainable networks. Their AI-driven energy intelligence complements our IoT and telecom service offerings, allowing us to deliver scalable, impactful solutions to our clients. We’re excited to kick off this collaboration at MWC Barcelona and look forward to driving innovation together.”
Magnus Sparrholm, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TalkPool, further highlighted the strategic value of the partnership, stating, “This MOU with Thunder Energy marks a pivotal moment for TalkPool as we continue to expand our footprint in sustainable telecom solutions. By combining our IoT expertise with Thunder’s AI-powered platform, we’re not only enhancing operational efficiency for our clients but also reinforcing our commitment to a future where technology drives both profitability and planetary good. It’s a proud moment to see this alliance take shape at MWC 2025.”
As the telecom industry faces rising energy demands and environmental challenges, this partnership positions Thunder Energy and TalkPool to lead the charge in AI- and IoT-driven transformation. By combining their strengths, the companies aim to set new benchmarks in energy optimization and network reliability, benefiting telecom operators, tower companies, and communities worldwide.
EBM and SOS Children's Village held the groundbreaking ceremony in September 2024 at the SOS facility, Karachi.
Karachi, March 17, 2025: English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM), Pakistan’s leading food FMCG company, has partnered with SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan to establish Family Strengthening Program for single mothers.
Since 1977, SOS Children’s Village Pakistan, a private non-profit organization, has been working towards the welfare, upbringing and education of orphaned and abandoned children. The SOS Family Strengthening Program aims to empower single working mothers by providing a nurturing environment for their children while they are pursuing their livelihoods.
EBM and SOS Children’s Village held the groundbreaking ceremony in September 2024 at the SOS facility, Karachi. The project is geared towards completion by June 2025.
EBM presented a cheque valued at Rs. 50 million to the Chairman of SOS Children’s Village, reinforcing its dedication to nourishing the welfare and education of orphaned and abandoned children in Pakistan.
In a speech on the occasion, Dr. Zeelaf Munir, Managing Director and CEO of EBM, stated, “At EBM, we firmly believe that our responsibility doesn’t end at business; it extends to nourishing lives, hearts and communities. Our partnership with SOS reflects a lifelong commitment to meaningful social impact through women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and youth development. This is an extension of EBM’s vision for a Pakistan where women thrive within the home and outside it with the right support system.”
In addition to the Family Strengthening Program, EBM has consistently championed inclusivity through its women-centric initiatives. The company has taken significant steps to assist women workers by facilitating their rehiring after career breaks, providing flexible work arrangements, and supporting their overall growth and development. These efforts align with EBM’s broader vision of instating an inclusive work environment where all employees, particularly women, can thrive, furthering the company’s goal of nourishing lives, hearts, and communities.
Imagine living in a feudal state, where everything goes by the decade-old culture that exploits you in every way possible just to benefit a certain group, or well a certain gender to be precise. For many Pakistani women, this is a reality. Women live with these cultural practices and rituals every day. One example of such cultural practice is Dowry A.K.A Jahez (in Urdu).
The decade-old culture is coming again to the surface in Pakistan, not like it disappeared to start with. However, this time our government is promoting it too. Subtly
Image from the fashion film made by Pakistani designer Ali Xeeshan for his bridal collection Numaish denouncing dowry culture.
The Dhee Rani Programme
Launched under the supervision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab Dhee Rani Programme aims to aid low income parents in fulfilling the socio-religious obligation of their daughter’s marriage in a dignified manner.
For this, eligible low-income brides will be given a dowry worth Rs206,000 including a wooden double bed with a mattress, mirror, dinner set etc. And a separate marriage gift of Rs100,000 disbursed through a debit card. Seems nice right? Well, we wished.
Despite its apparent sense of goodwill, the project has come under fire for indirectly promoting the vice of dowry, which is a major cause of women’s subordinated status in the country.
Instead of going after the goons and banning the concept of dowry along with proper checks and balances, the government is just paying off the people who ask for dowry. They are giving them exactly what they want and allowing an easy way out.
Apparently, paying the extorter solves the problem, or well, maybe gives them the idea that they should want more.
Try conversing with any destitute beneficiary of a welfare initiative, and just two minutes into the conversation they will highlight the fact that they have two, three or four unmarried daughters or sisters. It’s almost as if having unmarried female kin at home is solid evidence for the kind of financial strain they are facing. All thanks to the dowry culture.
After such a scheme, it will only be fueled. Don’t be surprised if parents are now asked to just opt for the scheme and fulfil the demands of the groom’s family, at all costs. Back to square one now, aren’t we?
According to many individuals, the Dhee Rani Programme is a regressive step that reinforces gender stereotypes.
“Instead of facilitating marriages, the government should invest in policies that empower girls through education, employment opportunities and financial independence. A more progressive approach would be to launch initiatives that support women entrepreneurs, provide scholarships for higher education and establish job training programmes to integrate women into the workforce. The Punjab government should reassess its priorities and redirect resources toward breaking societal barriers that hinder women’s progress,” said an executive.
Why Dowry Culture is Bad?
The dowry culture is one of the key factors that reinforces the perception of daughters as financial burdens. In the state we live in, many parents already see their daughters’ marriages as expensive obligations rather than joyful milestones. And hence, they wish for a boy instead.
Not only this but often the groom’s side of the family gets a chance to exploit the bride’s family just for their own personal needs.
According to a report published by the Guttmacher Institute, large demands for dowry and women’s low labour force participation in Pakistan, have instigated a widespread culture of son preference, where parents often view daughters as financial burdens, hoping instead to have sons. This often puts families into debt too.
It also increases the likelihood of child marriages, as parents try to ‘settle’ their daughters early to minimise the financial burden.
Saboor Aly Starrer Drama ‘Nehar’ To Shed Light On Curse Of Dowry System
Battling Dowry Culture the Right Way
If a state actually wants to combat the dowry culture, instead of launching such patriarchal schemes they should try integrating anti-dowry messages. This must be done where masses can listen i.e. into sermons, Friday prayers and madrasa curriculums. They can also enforce legislative reforms that penalise dowry demands and encourage marriages based on mutual respect.
Challenging the dowry culture requires systemic efforts. These must include stricter enforcement of laws against dowry demands, awareness campaigns and promoting the economic participation of women to shift perceptions about their value in society.
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For the avid social media user in Pakistan, monthly bundles are a necessity. Both Zong and Jazz offer compelling packages, but let’s dissect their offerings to see which reigns supreme.
Zong’s “Monthly Social Plus” provides 20GB of data specifically for WhatsApp, Facebook, IMO, and YouTube, alongside 100 off-net minutes, 500 Zong minutes, and 500 SMS, all for Rs. 600. Jazz counters with its “Monthly Video & Social” bundle, offering the same 20GB for YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, Tamasha, BiP, and IMO, along with identical off-net and on-net minutes and SMS, but at a slightly higher price of Rs. 695.
A key differentiator lies in the platforms covered. Jazz includes TikTok, Tamasha, and BiP, expanding its appeal to users who frequent these apps. However, Zong’s Rs. 95 price advantage is significant. This price difference allows a consumer to save a considerable amount of money over a year.
Furthermore, Zong’s clear specification of included applications allows users to manage their data usage effectively. While Jazz offers a broader range of social apps, the exact data allocation per app is not explicitly stated.
Zong’s commitment to affordability and transparent data allocation provides a positive impact, particularly for budget-conscious users who rely heavily on specific social platforms. By offering a robust package at a competitive price, Zong empowers users to stay connected without breaking the bank. While both bundles offer similar core features, Zong’s value proposition, coupled with clear service specifications, makes it a strong contender in the monthly social bundle arena.
Junaid Zafar Khan, a club cricketer in Adelaide, has died after collapsing on the field during a match played in extreme heat. Khan, who was in his 40s, was representing Old Concordia against Prince Alfred Old Collegians at Concordia College Oval on Saturday when he suffered a medical episode around 4 pm ACDT. Despite paramedics’ efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded temperatures above 40°C at the time. Adelaide Turf Cricket Association bylaws require matches to be cancelled if temperatures exceed 42°C, but games can continue with modifications in up to 40°C heat.
The Old Concordians Cricket Club confirmed Khan’s passing in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of a valued member of the Old Concordians’ Cricket Club, who tragically suffered a medical episode while playing on the Concordia College oval today. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he sadly did not survive. Thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”
Khan moved to Adelaide from Pakistan in 2013 to work in the tech industry. His friends and fellow players remembered him as a kind and generous person. “It’s a huge loss; he was destined for very big things in his life,” said his friend and teammate Hasan Anjum. Another close friend, Najam Hassan, described him as a “gem of a person.” The incident comes as a severe heatwave continues to affect South Australia and other parts of the country.
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We all know that fashion always repeats it’s way around; this time it’s Farshi Shalwars. The credit for this fashion statement goes to Sadaf Kanwal. The model re-introduced this trend in Pakistan in her Rosa ’23 collection under her label “Sadaf Kanwal Fashion” and then suddenly everyone wanted it.
I’m pretty sure you are already aware of the hype behind it. These days, almost everyone asks, “What are you wearing this Eid? Is it a Farshi Shalwar set?”
Now the question is: Are you?
This trend is almost impossible to avoid, so why not just embrace it? After all, it’s fine to not try and be “different” for once.
Below listed are some brands where you can find the most stylish Farshi Shalwar sets for Eid. Let’s dive in.
Of course, the mother of this very trend is the first one on the list. The OG, Sadaf Kanwal Fashion knows this trend the best. Nothing too much- the designs are minimal yet statement-making, just as Mughal empresses wore their Farshi Shalwars. Classic, yet modern!
Want your Farshi to be as luxurious as possible? The royal way? Then you can definitely go for Raja Salahuddin. Along with hand embellishments and ornate embroidery, the Farshi Shalwars here will make your inner Mughal empress super happy.
We all know how prestigious Laam is. If you don’t have at least one Laam piece in your wardrobe, best believe you aren’t keeping up with Pakistani fashion. This Eid, you can opt for Laam to get your perfect Farshi Shalwars. Chic, simple and definitely a FLEX!
Want to remain fashion forward while being elegant? Sajni is the perfect glamourous option. Pearls, sequins and embroidery; name it and you will get it in your Farshi Shalwar set this Eid. So, make heads turn this Eid-ul-Fitr!
Thinking about buying trendy fashion pieces and skipping Sapphire? Impossible! Sapphire will give you the most stylishly sequined and embroidered Farshi Shalwar designs, and that too in a budget! This brand is a must-need, given the current prices and inflation.
Get ready to slay this Eid-ul-Fitr with the Farshi Shalwar sets of your dreams. Check out the brands above or use them as fashion inspiration and get your own customised. We would love to see that unfold!
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Eid-ul-Fitr, which completes Ramadan, is a significant Islamic celebration observed around the globe. In Pakistan, Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 will either fall on Monday, March 31, after 29 days of fasting, or on Tuesday, April 1, after 30 days of fasting. This is based on the calculations by the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council. Official announcement will come from the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, whose chairman is Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, on the day of the meeting, i.e., March 30.
Source: Samaa
Significance of Eid-ul-Fitr
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is either 29 or 30 days long depending on the sighting of the moon. The duration of Ramadan differs from one year to another as it depends on how visible the new moon is, which may be affected by weather, geographic location and/or other natural elements. For a moon to be visible, it has to be a minimum of 18 hours old at sunset with a difference of at least 40 minutes between sunset and moonrise.
Eid-ul-Fitr is of great religious importance to Muslims because it signifies the culmination of a month of fasting, prayer and contemplation. The festival is regarded as a blessing from Allah for having exhibited patience, self-restraint and devotion during Ramadan. It’s also a time to ask for forgiveness, exchange blessings, and renew ties with family, friends and the community.
Eid Traditions
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated with huge pomp and glee all over Pakistan. The Eid day starts with special prayers at mosques as well as open spaces, after which sermons are delivered focusing on unity, love and gratefulness. It is also a tradition among Muslims to distribute Zakat-ul-Fitr, which is charity, prior to the Eid prayer in order to enable the poor to celebrate with the rest.
Source: Prag News
Families organise grand feasts, with traditional foods such as sheer khurma, biryani and kebabs. Individuals wear new attire, go to relatives and friends, and exchange gifts as a gesture of goodwill and love. Children especially look forward to receiving Eidi (gifts or money) from seniors.
Since the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council likely anticipates full visibility of the Shawwal crescent in the evening of March 30, Pakistanis are preparing to greet Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 with enthusiasm, prayer and celebration.
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Facebook has rolled out a new feature to assist creators in making money from their publicly viewed stories. The feature comes as part of Facebook’s continual content monetisation programme, introduced last year for offering creators even more ways through which they can earn money based on their content.
How It Works
The new tool enables creators to earn money on content they’ve already created. For instance, if a user posts a recipe tutorial video or reel and shows a part of it as a story, he/she can now earn money according to the number of views on their story. Surprisingly, this feature isn’t reserved for high-quality material alone—simple moments shared as stories are also eligible for money-making.
Meta Reveals Simplest Way to Earn Money from Facebook
Unlike some platforms that require a specific view threshold to start earning, Facebook’s approach focuses on content performance. The better the story performs, the more the creator earns. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, aims to motivate creators to keep producing engaging content for the platform through this initiative.
Who Can Benefit?
For now, the feature is only open to creators who are already on Facebook’s content monetisation programme. They don’t have to do anything extra to turn on the new feature—story monetisation will be turned on for them automatically. But Meta is going to open up the programme to more users later this year.
The firm has also indicated that users who are not yet on the programme can show their interest by taking an invitation on Facebook’s monetisation website.
Source: Uscreen
The Future of Facebook Monetisation
With this new functionality, Facebook is apparently trying to bring more creators on board by providing additional means of making money. As competition from other platforms such as TikTok and Instagram increases, Facebook’s approach to simplifying monetisation and making it more accessible could prove to be a powerful advantage.
The growth of this programme further down the line could possibly become an opportunity for a lot of potential creators to monetise what they already enjoy creating. When more people do join, Facebook’s creator ecosystem is likely to expand, increasing the platform’s appeal to both users and creators.
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