The Karachi traffic police have announced a traffic plan for March 22 (21st Ramadan) due to the central procession marking the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Ali (RA) Youm-e-Ali.
According to officials, the main congregation will take place at Nishtar Park, after which the central procession will begin at 1 PM. To facilitate movement, M.A. Jinnah Roadwill be closed from Guru Mandir to Tower, with alternative routes arranged to maintain traffic flow.
Procession Route & Road Closures:
The procession will move from Nishtar Parkthrough Numaish,M.A. Jinnah Road, Sea Breeze and Empress Market inSaddar. It will then reach its final destination at Hussainia Imambargah in Kharadar via Bolton Market.
Traffic from Nazimabad can take Lasbela Chowk and Nishtar Road to reach Garden.
Liaquatabad commuters can use Teen Hatti, Lasbela Chowkand Central Jail routes.
Hasan Square to PP Chowrangitraffic will be diverted via Kashmir Road to Society Light Signal.
Jail Flyover traffic will be redirected towards Teen Hatti and Nishtar Road.
Shahrah-e-Quaideen to Numaishtraffic will be routed via Kashmir Road.
Vehicles from Jamshed Road to Guru Mandircan use Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar.
Authorities urge commuters to plan ahead and follow traffic police instructions to avoid inconvenience.
Youm-e-Ali
Youm-e-Ali commemorates the martyrdom of Islam’s fourth caliph, Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA). Hazrat Ali (RA) sustained fatal injuries in an attack by Ibn Muljim, a Kharijite dissident, on 19th Ramadan 40 AH (661 CE) while heading for Fajr prayer in Kufa, Iraq. He attained martyrdom on 21st Ramazan.
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Fire Near Electrical Substation Shut Heathrow Airport
Britain’s Heathrow Airport announced it would remain closed all day Friday after a fire at a nearby electrical substation caused a power outage, disrupting flights worldwide.
The London Fire Brigade reported that 70 firefighters were working to control the fire in west London. The blaze led to a mass power outage at Heathrow, which is Europe‘s busiest and the world’s fifth-busiest airport.
Large orange flames and thick smoke rose into the sky. About 150 people were evacuated from nearby buildings, and thousands of properties lost power. The fire brigade said the cause of the fire was unknown.
Heathrow Airport posted on X: “To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March.” It advised passengers not to travel to the airport.
According to FlightRadar24, at least 120 inbound flights had to divert to other airports. The website estimated that 1,351 flights to and from Heathrow would be affected on Friday, not counting possible cancellations and delays. British Airways alone had 341 flights scheduled to land at Heathrow that day.
Ian Petchenik, a FlightRadar24 spokesperson, stated, “Heathrow is one of the major hubs of the world. This is going to disrupt airlines’ operations around the world.” The impact was immediate, with Qantas Airways rerouting its Perth flight to Paris and United Airlines redirecting its New York flight to Shannon, Ireland. A San Francisco flight was set to land in Washington, DC instead of London. Some flights from the US turned around mid-air, returning to their departure points.
Travel experts warned that the disruption would extend beyond Heathrow. Airlines rely on precise scheduling for planes and crew. Many air carriers will now have to adjust their schedules quickly. Henry Harteveldt from Atmosphere Research Group stated, “The other question is, ‘What will airlines do to deal with the backlog of passengers?’ It’s going to be a chaotic couple of days.”
A Heathrow spokesperson told Reuters that there was no clarity on when power would be restored.
In London, many homes and businesses lost power. The fire brigade reported, “Firefighters have led 29 people to safety from neighbouring properties and as a precaution, a 200-metre cordon has been established, with around 150 people evacuated.”
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Where to Get Fresh Currency Notes Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr?
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced the availability of new fresh currency notes for Eid ul Fitr.
Commercial banks have already started distributing eid-ul-fitr fresh currency notes to the public. The SBP is ensuring easy access through its network of bank branches across the country.
So far, banks have received Rs27 billion worth of new notes this Ramadan. The SBP has also assured that ATMs will dispense clean and standard new banknotes throughout Eid. Cash monitoring teams are ensuring their availability.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 is expected to bring an extended holiday period in Pakistan. The holy month of Ramadan will conclude with Eid (which is observed on the first day of Shawwal). The sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon will determine the exact date for it.
Shopkeepers earn from the sale of the new currency notes on the open market. In the market, a bundle of Rs10 notes worth Rs1,000 is being offered for Rs1,200–1,300.
People, who are unable to buy it from banks, have to pay extra money to buy the bundles so they can distribute Eidi on the eve of the festival.
Eid Holidays
According to the Ruet-e-HilalResearch Council, Pakistanis will likely celebrate Eid on 31 March. They predicted that the crescent moon would be visible on 30 March, as it will be over 26 hours old, meeting the visibility criteria.
Many expect a longer holiday since Eid is likely to fall from Monday to Wednesday, aligning with the weekend. Reports suggest the government may declare an official holiday from 29 March to 2 April. If authorities grant additional leave on Thursday and Friday, the break could extend to nine days.`
The final holiday schedule depends on the official moon sighting announcement.
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Hasan Nawaz’s Brilliant Knock Puts Pakistan Ahead in 205 Chase
Pakistan made a strong start in their chase of 205 against New Zealand in the third T20I at Auckland, reaching 160/1 in 13 overs. Hasan Nawaz’s Brilliant Knock Puts.
Hasan Nawaz leads the charge with an explosive 80* off 35 balls, while Mohammad Haris smashed 41 off 20 before falling to Jacob Duffy.
Pakistan’s aggressive batting has put them in a commanding position, needing 81 runs off 60 balls at a required run rate of 8.10. Captain Salman Agha (35* off 23) is at the crease alongside Hasan.
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain Pakistan’s batters, with Kyle Jamieson conceding 40 runs in three overs and Ben Sears going for 37 in three. Duffy was the lone wicket-taker, dismissing Haris.
With Pakistan’s current run rate at 12.40, they remain favourites to secure a victory and keep their series hopes alive.
New Zealand set a competitive total of 204 in the third T20I against Pakistan at Eden Park, Auckland, on Friday. Mark Chapman’s blistering 94 off 44 balls was the highlight of the innings, as he dominated Pakistan’s bowling attack with 11 fours and 4 sixes.
Pakistan, who opted to field first, struck early with Shaheen Shah Afridi removing Finn Allen for a duck. Tim Seifert added a quick 19 before falling to Haris Rauf, but Chapman took charge, accelerating New Zealand’s innings. His partnership with Daryl Mitchell (17) steadied the hosts before wickets started tumbling.
Haris Rauf was Pakistan’s standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3-29 in his four overs, while Shaheen and Abrar Ahmed claimed two wickets each. Abbas Afridi also contributed with 2-24.
Despite regular breakthroughs, New Zealand pushed past the 200-run mark, courtesy of late cameos from Michael Bracewell (31) and Ish Sodhi (10). Pakistan now face a challenging chase of 205 to keep the series alive, trailing 0-2.
Playing XI
Pakistan: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (c), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears.
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At this year’s Nvidia GTC, one thing stole the hearts of the audience: Blue. Introduced by Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang, Blue is a short, adorable and Star Wars-like AI robot. Nvidia’s Blue is developed in collaboration with Disney Research and Google DeepMind.
The Purpose Behind Nvidia’s Blue Robot
Nvidia’s Blue is made as a solution to the growing labour shortage. Yes, Huang understood that we human beings can’t do all the tedious work ourselves. He also noted that the global workforce could face a deficit of at least 50 million workers by the end of the decade. This allowed him to recognise a potential gap that AI-powered robots can fill.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang introduced ” Blue” at the GTC 2025 AI conference. At the conference, the audience saw a small yet sophisticated robot make its way onto the stage and interact with Huang.
“Hi, and Blue!” Huang greeted the robot before turning to the audience and revealing that what they were witnessing was an entirely real-time simulation. “This is how we are going to train robots,” he stated, emphasising the cutting-edge technology of Nvidia’s Blue, which includes two Nvidia computers housed within its compact frame.
Wall Street’s Focus: Next-Gen AI Hardware
While Blue captured attention, Nvidia’s latest AI hardware announcements remained a key focus for investors. This includes the launch of its next-generation AI chips. The company is preparing for a major transition from its Blackwell AI chip architecture to the more advanced Blackwell Ultra. Apart from all this, Nvidia will be launching its next-generation AI super chip platform, Rubin. This superchip is named after astronomer Vera Rubin, whose research provided key evidence for dark matter.
Additionally, Huang introduced two new AI supercomputers — DGX Spark and DGX Station. Both of these computers are powered by Nvidia’s Grace Blackwell platform. These systems aim to provide users with the ability to train and deploy large AI models with or without a data center connection.
Nvidia’s Blue Movements and Newton
The innovative movements of Nvidia’s Blue are possible only due to Newton, a groundbreaking open-source physics engine co-developed by this same trio. Newton’s engine allows Blue to navigate its environment with real-world precision.
After AI chatbots, it seems like this year and the next we will be seeing a lot of AI robots- first in public places and then in households. A new AI era is about to start and the world eagerly awaits it!
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Armaghan's Father Kamran Qureshi Arrested in Karachi
The Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) of Karachi Police has arrested Kamran Asghar Qureshi, father of Armaghan Qureshi, in a drug trafficking case.
SSP AVCC Anil Haider Minhas confirmed that police apprehended Kamran from a bungalow in Defence Phase 5, Khayaban-e-Momin. During the raid, officers seized 200 grams of crystal meth (ice), a 9mm pistol, two magazines and ten rounds of ammunition.
Police charged Kamran under the Control of Narcotics Substances Act and for possessing an unlicensed weapon.
The case is linked to the murder of 23-year-old Mustafa Amir, who went missing from Karachi’s DHA on 6 January 2023. Authorities found his body 39 days later in Balochistan.
Police arrested Armaghan Qureshi, an acquaintance of Mustafa, on 8 February after a standoff. He fired at officers during the confrontation, injuring a DSP and a constable. Investigations revealed both men were involved in drug-related activities, particularly the cannabis trade. Armaghan also had a criminal record, including a 2019 drug importation case.
A dispute between Armaghan and Mustafa turned violent. Armaghan invited Mustafa to his bungalow, attacked him with an iron rod and dragged him down the stairs. Later, with an accomplice, he disposed of Mustafa’s body by setting it on fire in Hub. He then ordered his employees to clean the bloodstains and took Mustafa’s belongings, including his phone.
Mustafa’s mother, Wajiha Amir, claimed Armaghan told his father about the crime. Instead of reporting it, Kamran advised his son to flee. She demanded his arrest and inclusion in the investigation.
The case also raised concerns about police involvement. Authorities questioned Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Nadeem of Gizri Police over his contact with Armaghan during the investigation. He claimed it was for official purposes, but authorities suspected obstruction of justice. Officials suspended three police officers for mishandling the case.
The Sindh High Court later ruled that certain decisions, including Armaghan’s judicial remand and the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), were unlawful, further complicating the investigation.
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The government has announced that this year’s Pakistan Day Parade will occur on March 23 at the grounds of Aiwan-e-Sadr, albeit on a smaller scale due to the holy month of Ramadan.
Contrary to earlier rumours of cancellation, officials have confirmed that the annual parade will still occur, just simpler. The celebration will include the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force, according to official sources.
President Asif Ali Zardari will be the key guest and saluted by the military during the procession. The events will also include a fly-past by Pakistan Air Force fighter jets.
Despite scaling down the Pakistan Day parade, it will still reflect the nation’s spirit and honour its armed forces.
The Significance of 23 March
Pakistan Day or Youm-e-Pakistan is the day the Lahore Resolution was taken in 1940. The resolution formally demanded the creation of Pakistan, a sovereign state for Muslims where they can practice their beliefs.
To date, the Pakistan Day Parade is done to celebrate is revolutionary day.
“Pakistan Day, also known as Pakistan Resolution Day, is a national holiday in Pakistan celebrated annually on March 23rd, commemorating the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which called for the creation of an independent Pakistan, and the adoption of the first constitution in 1956”
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“We welcome the second intake of graduates for our ‘Grow Program’, as we remain committed to developing local talent.
DP World Karachi recently welcomed the second cohort of its ‘Grow Program’ for young, high-potential Pakistani graduates. Starting in March, the group includes 11 graduates (8 males and 3 females), who will begin a comprehensive 18-month training and development journey.
DP World’s ‘Grow Program’ is designed to offer skills-training and mentorship opportunities for graduates, enabling them to grow within the logistics industry and become future leaders. Building on the success of the first cohort, 19 graduates have been offered permanent roles, and DP World Karachi continues to recognise the importance of nurturing talent from the local community.
Junaid Zamir, CEO of DP World Karachi, shared his excitement about the program:
“We welcome the second intake of graduates for our ‘Grow Program’, as we remain committed to developing local talent and contributing to Pakistan’s logistics and trade growth. These graduates represent the future of our business, and through this learning experience, we aim to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to drive innovation and excellence within our operations. This initiative also reflects our ongoing investment in Pakistan, ensuring that we build a sustainable and skilled workforce for the future”.
Trainees will engage in cross-functional rotation, working across various departments to develop a broad skill set and gain diverse perspectives on the business. The cohort will then be assigned to their respective departments for on-the-job training to deepen their expertise in key areas such as engineering, HR, procurement, IT, operations, health and safety, and marketing and communications.
In addition to the practical experience, trainees will benefit from regular mentorship sessions with senior leaders, providing valuable insights into leadership, strategy, and career development. This holistic approach ensures that the graduates gain the technical and management skills needed to excel in the logistics and maritime sectors.
“Through our ‘Grow Program’, we hope to inspire a new generation of young logistics professionals to join DP World and contribute to the growth of not only our company but also the local and regional economy,” Zamir concluded.
Ever since the Afghan Taliban came into power in 2021, they have imposed an ultra-strict version of their “Islamic Law” which is based on the previous amendments of their rule from 1996 to 2001. However, to many people’s surprise, especially the Afghan government’s surprise, young Afghani women are ditching their cultural all-enveloping blue burqa. This burqa was once a major symbol of Taliban rule that many women refuse to follow anymore.
How Are Afghan Women Able to Abandon this Attire?
The new Islamic law of Afghanistan is still not compromising on covering women’s bodies, they haven’t specified any strict laws regarding the Burqa.
As a result, women can lean towards Abayas and loose scarves that don’t compromise their body’s coverage but also allows them to be much more free. A modest fashion trend followed in many Gulf nations.
It must be noted that these women don’t want to compromise their modesty in any way with this adaptation, they just wish to be much more free in their movements all while allowing them to follow fashion trends. “I prefer wearing an abaya because I am comfortable in that,” said an Afghani girl.
Many now prefer a flowing abaya robe, worn with a hijab headscarf and often a face covering as well — sometimes a medical mask, or a Saudi-style cloth niqab veil that exposes only the eyes.
Afghani Shopkeeper Selling Burqa
The Women’s Shift From Burqa to Abaya
The burqa has long roots in Afghanistan. It was strictly enforced during the first Taliban government rule of Afghanistan, when women were “lashed” for failing to wear one in public. But the abaya and hijab headscarf combination grew in popularity during the time of the foreign-backed government.
When the Taliban recaptured Kabul in 2021, they had promised to be more flexible than during their first rule, when women were deprived of almost all their rights. Hence, allowing the shift to happen.
Hayatullah Rafiqi, a specialist in Pakhtun culture, said the burqa was “strictly imposed” under the first Taliban government — when some women were “whipped if they did not wear it” — but that “today it is worn less”.
Still a Gender Apartheid Of Afghan Women
According to people, this is just some crumbs of flexibility and that their is no major change in the regressive policies specifically targeted to women. Even so that the United Nations has categorized this as a “gender apartheid”. However, this time women aren’t as non existent on Afghanistan’s roads like it was before. Hopefully, this is just the start of a much more progressive future!
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Sultana Siddiqui on Tan Man Neel o Neel: “It’s Our Duty to Raise Awareness”
In a nation where the subject of blasphemy is strictly avoided for fear of backlash, Pakistani producer Sultana Siddiqui went against the tide with her drama Tan Man Neel o Neel. Addressing a highly sensitive topic directly, Siddiqui is convinced that drama is a highly effective weapon for creating awareness and igniting debate on important social issues.
Blasphemy in Pakistan: A Taboo Topic
Islam is the state religion of Pakistan, a Muslim country where blasphemy charges can spark mob violence in an instant. For years, media did not touch the topic, fearing retribution. But Tan Man Neel o Neel has shattered this silence, bringing the issue to prime time television.
Sultana Siddiqui: A Visionary Producer
Sultana Siddiqui, the creator of HUM Network, is not a new hand at crossing boundaries. Acclaimed for airing dramas that present social issues, Siddiqui could not resist acting on the serious issue of fake blasphemy charges and mob lynching.
The Tragic Case of Mashal Khan
The play takes inspiration from true-life tragedies, in particular, the 2017 Mashal Khan case. The 23-year-old student of journalism was brutally lynched by a crowd after being wrongly accused of having uploaded blasphemous material online. Siddiqui was thoroughly shaken by the event, particularly upon listening to Mashal’s mother narrate the gruesome account of her son’s murder.
The Tragic Case of Mashal Khan
Ittook tremendous courage to address such a controversial issue. Siddiqui confirmed that fear was always present as a constant companion during the production process. Still, she felt it was her responsibility to exposethe repercussions of mob justice.
Social Impact Through Storytelling
Pakistani dramas have traditionally been a platform to debate society norms and conventions. With their enormous audience base, the dramas can influence minds and change perspectives. Tan Man Neel o Neel reminds us that art has the ability to drive social transformation.
Since its release, the drama has registered millions of views and uniform acclaim on social media. The audience liked the gutsy approach and the tactful way the sensitive topic was dealt with. Naturally, there was also some criticism, with people raising an eyebrow over the depiction of religious feelings.
Challenges Faced During Production
Writing a drama on blasphemy was a delicate balancing act. The group needed to ensure that the content was respectful without failing to cover the brutal facts of mob violence.
One of the most dominant motifs in the drama is the practice of false allegations as a means of warfare. The plot captures real-life incidences where persons have been picked up because of personal grudges and blasphemy acted as an easily available pretext.
For Sultana Siddiqui, making this drama was not a matter of entertainment but duty. She is convinced that art can educate and sensitise people on important social causes that affect society. Siddiqui would like to hope that Tan Man Neel o Neel would lead the way for other productions to tackle such controversial issues.
She is convinced that only by keeping things open can society start to heal and get moving. Through its identification of the threat of false accusation and mob frenzy, Siddiqui has begun to initiate a conversation that was needed long ago. Her courage inspires, showing us that art really can be an instrument for transformation.
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Elon Musk’s is never free from controversy and neither are his projects. This time too, one of his innovations, the AI chatbot Grok is making headlines for unusual reasons. Anyone who is on X (formerly known as Twitter) must have came across the “let’s ask Grok” trend.
About the xAI’s Chatbot “Grok”
Grok, named after the sci-fi author Robert A. Heinlein and modelled after the irreverent tone of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, is designed to offer a more relatable, human-like experience for users. But turns out that along with being more human, it is also a very big troublemaker due to its “dangerous smart” neural network.
Unlike its other competitor AI models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini which are designed to be neutral-toned in nature, Grok is openly vocalising its perspective. This AI model definitely needs some training in hesitation!
People are really intrigued to see the limitations of this AI chatbot by asking absurd or provocative questions just to see how far it will go. The chatbot’s casual language and slang are making it a hit on social media platforms, especially on X (formerly Twitter). It lately chose Sikhism as the best religion and people are baffled by its unfiltered programming.
Grok
The “Unhinged” Mode
The Chatbot has an “unhinged” mode which is available to premium subscribers. This mode is to avail the rebellious and straight forward side of the chatbot. People using this mode get wide responses, unpredictable and often laced with humour.
This mode, combined with Grok’s real-time access to X posts, means the AI is constantly learning from the platform’s unfiltered, often chaotic discourse. If anything, X will only train its neural network to be much more “unhinged” in the future.
Grok’s Controversy
One recent incident made many furious when a user from India added a Hindi swear word while communicating with Grok. It was because the user was frustrated by the delayed response. Grok responded by using the same swear word and telling the user to “stop crying.”
Grok’s Response to An Indian User
This exchange went viral, with some users amused by Grok’s audacity while others questioned the ethics of an AI engaging in such casual language.
The chatbot has also faced allegations of censoring content that is criticising of Musk and Donald Trump. Early reports revealed that Grok was instructed to dismiss criticism targeting Musk and Trump, leading to a public backlash.
In one incident, Grok initially named Musk as a major spreader of disinformation but was later reported to have been told to ignore such critiques. To this, xAI responded by stating that the censorship was due to an internal error and claimed that they have removed these instructions now. Yet, people now have trust issues with AI’s biases and how it can be trained to protect people in power.
Moreover, India’s Ministry of Information Technology has initiated an investigation into Grok, an AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk AI, after the chatbot reportedly responded to user provocations with abusive language and Hindi slang.
Feels like the day is not so far when AI will be getting cancelled on the internet too and we know exactly which one it will be.
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According to an official notification from the Sindh Education Department, all government and private schools and colleges will remain closed. This decision applies to all institutions under the provincial government’s jurisdiction.
The martyrdom day (Youm-e-Ali) of the fourth pious caliph of Islam, Ali ibn Abi Talib, is observed on the 21st Ramadan across the country with great devotion and reverence. The day is marked with processions and gatherings across Pakistan, with security measures ensuring a peaceful observance.
Hazrat Ali (RA) suffered fatal injuries when a Kharijite dissident, Ibn Muljim, struck him on the head with a poison-coated sword at the Great Mosque of Kufa during the Fajr prayer on 19th Ramadan in 40 AH (661 CE). He embraced martyrdom two days later, on the 21st of Ramadan, at about sixty-two years of age.
Ibn Muljim entered Kufa intending to kill Ali. Before succumbing to his wounds from the assassination attempt, Ali requested Ibn Muljim’s execution in accordance with the principle of “qisas,” the Islamic law of retaliation, or “an eye for an eye.” After Ali’s demise, his eldest son, Hasan, fulfilled his request by ensuring Ibn Muljim’s execution. Today, Ali’s shrine in Najaf, near Kufa, remains a major pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims.
Sindh has a tradition of declaring holidays for religious events, and this year’s decision follows past practices. Educational institutions will resume their regular schedules after the observance.
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Today is International Day of Happiness, the one day solely dedicated to celebrating our happiness in life. Happiness is a fundamental human right yet a privilege’s only accessible to a pocketful of people. To many in a third-world nation like Pakistan, it is nothing more than a far-fetched idea.
A famous quote by Juvenal, a Roman poet states “Give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt,” and that is exactly what our authorities do. They create an illusion of happiness, distracting us from our struggles and preventing us from questioning the exploitation by those meant to ensure our well-being.
What is International Happiness Day?
International Happiness Day is celebrated by United Nation’s members worldwide on March 20th. On this day, the centre of the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator, which is called an equinox. On the equinox, day and night last for almost equal time all over the Earth. Hence, the idea of equal happiness celebration.
The idea was originally proposed by the King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He believed that a nation’s prosperity and progress are measured by the happiness of people and not just how much it produces or how much money it makes. He called it Gross National Happiness (GNH). This way it will be known whether a nation is doing good just on paper or in reality too.
However, not every government is so considerate. People in power still only care about economic indexes and not about the high suicide rates, growing inflation and deterioration of life.
On this International Happiness Day, let’s ask ourselves, who really is happy in Pakistan?
Is it the fathers who spend day and night working for the sake of feeding their families and providing them with a good life? Or is it a bike rider who dodges life at every intersection, covers a 45-minute drive in 2 hours and yet doesn’t know when a rich spoilt kid will drive all over him?
Maybe it is the young girl, who walks on the road, gets eyed by every passerby like a candy and knows that if anything happens to her today, people will only point fingers at her character. Or it must be the medical student who works hard throughout his youth only to find out he won’t be placed in a reputable position because of his county’s qouta system.
Masking Happiness Despite Inflation
The illusion of happiness is an idea that makes us forget the decade-old inflation that burdens our shoulders more and more each day. Let us keep aside our inflation-induced anxiety and tell ourselves that we might have the lifestyle of at least a dog somewhere in Seattle, USA, whose government considers it a mandate to give it all the luxuries.
Let’s live in the chronic disillusionment to embrace positivity and tell ourselves that the value of our lives is not the same as just a stray animal. Let’s tell ourselves that we still don’t have an engrained class system to keep us all in check.
Happiness: a Complicated Idea
Regardless the misery and the tragic fate of our nation, happiness still prevails in this “nation of steel.” Happiness is a very complex concept and more complex are human beings.
Despite all the burdens, people will immediately rush to help you if you need a hand or get into a quarrel. With the high inflation rates, people still fight to sustain, send their children to school, celebrate their happy moments and share their wealth among the needy. Even in the worst of political turmoil, we cope with memes and make something humorous out of it too. Even in the worst of crises, we still show up and carry ourselves forward. All in all, even with the constraints, we still innovate, we still flourish and we still continue to be happy.
Pakistani Children Still Choosing To Smile Despite The Poverty
On this International Day of Happiness, let’s celebrate our resilience, our strength and our stubbornness to stay happy.
Happy International Happiness Day!
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Umar Akmal Addresses Ongoing Feud With Zulqarnain Haider
Umar Akmal is back in the headlines. This time, not for his explosive batting, but for some serious allegations against former Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis.
In a recent interview, Akmal revealed that Younis mentally pressured him during his time with the national team, affecting his confidence and approach to Test cricket.
For a player once considered Pakistan’s most promising young batter, this raises an important question—was Umar Akmal held back by coaching decisions, or did he fail to adapt?
The “T20 in Tests” Criticism
Umar Akmal’s attacking batting style was never a secret. He loved playing shots, even in Test cricket. But according to him, Waqar Younis didn’t approve.
“Have you started playing T20 cricket in Tests?” Younis would often say whenever Akmal played attacking shots.
And when he tried to rotate the strike, he got a different response. “Are you playing an ODI in Test cricket?”
Umar Akmal was left frustrated, feeling caught between conflicting instructions. In his words: “Now, look at today’s Test cricket—it doesn’t even last three or four days.”
And he’s not wrong. Modern Test cricket has evolved, with teams like England’s Bazball approach proving that an aggressive mindset can actually be successful in the longer format.
Umar Akmal also claimed that Waqar had issues with his brothers, Kamran Akmal and Adnan Akmal. He recalled a moment when he overheard Younis questioning their presence in the team.
“Will all the cricket be played by these brothers?”
That’s a bold accusation. The Akmal family did have three international cricketers, which is rare in Pakistan. But was it favouritism, or were they simply good enough to be there? Akmal clearly feels it was unfair criticism.
Another surprising allegation was that Waqar Younis was more concerned about Umar’s appearance than his game.
“He would ask me, ‘Why are you wearing these glasses? Why these shoes?’ Instead of focusing on my cricket, he was more interested in such things.”
For a coach, shouldn’t performance come first? If true, this kind of distraction would frustrate any player.
At 34, Akmal hasn’t played for Pakistan since October 2019. His career, which started with so much promise, has been overshadowed by controversies, fitness concerns, and inconsistent performances.
His latest claims add another chapter to his rollercoaster journey. But the real question remains—was he truly a victim of poor coaching, or did he fail to evolve with the game?
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Abdullah Shafique is ready for a fresh start. The young Pakistani batter knows he hasn’t been at his best lately, but he’s determined to turn things around in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, starting March 29.
Reflecting on his recent struggles, Shafique is taking the lessons in stride.
“I didn’t perform well in some of my recent games, but I have learned a lot from those experiences,” he admitted.
That’s the mindset of a player hungry for improvement.
No Labels, Please: Abdullah Shafique Wants to Play All Formats
Lately, there’s been a growing debate about player specialization—some are labelled red-ball cricketers, while others are tagged as white-ball specialists. But Shafique isn’t a fan of that.
“Tagging a player as a red-ball or white-ball specialist isn’t fair. A cricketer should be capable of playing all formats,” he stated.
And he has a point. The best players in the world—Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Steve Smith—excel across all formats. Why should Shafique be any different?
The New Zealand Challenge: Tough but Not Impossible
Pakistan has never found New Zealand to be an easy place to play. The conditions are challenging, and the Black Caps always put up a fight. But Abdullah Shafique is up for it.
“New Zealand’s conditions have always been challenging for Pakistan. I will do my best to perform well and contribute to the team’s success,” he said.
He’s been working hard in domestic cricket to refine his skills and get back in rhythm. The upcoming series is his chance to prove that he belongs at the highest level.
Cricket in Pakistan comes with constant scrutiny. Every player is under the microscope, and social media only amplifies the pressure. But Shafique is learning to shut out the noise.
“Criticism is part of cricket. It should be taken positively. A lot is said, but I prefer to focus on my performance,” he remarked.
Modern Cricket = Strike Rate Matters
One of the biggest talking points in white-ball cricket today is strike rate. Gone are the days when a batter could take their time to settle in. Now, scoring quickly is just as important as scoring big.
“In white-ball cricket, maintaining a good strike rate is crucial. It plays a significant role in a team’s success,” Shafique concluded.
With Pakistan often struggling to keep up with modern ODI batting standards, Shafique’s approach to scoring faster could be the key to his redemption.
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Australian Test opener Usman Khawaja has once again raised his voice against the ongoing violence in Palestine.
The left-handed batter took to social media to express his grief and frustration over the alleged killing of over 130 children, calling out the double standards in global outrage.
Sharing a heart-wrenching image of an infant’s corpse from American activist Omar Suleiman’s post, Khawaja wrote: “Over 130 children killed in one day. For no reason, to break a CEASEFIRE.”
His frustration was clear as he questioned why some lives seem to matter more than others.
“Now imagine if that happened on the opposite side. The outrage that would occur. All lives aren’t equal.”
Khawaja’s message wasn’t just about numbers—it was about real people, real families, and real tragedies. He reminded the world that these children had names, parents, siblings—just like anyone else.
“We can’t normalise this type of brutality. Although I’m afraid we may already have. I can’t believe this is still happening.”
This isn’t the first time the Pakistan-born cricketer has voiced his concerns. He has been a consistent critic of the Israel-Palestine conflict, using his platform to spread awareness.
During Australia’s home Test series against Pakistan in late 2023, he tried to stage a silent protest. He planned to wear shoes with the slogans:
“Freedom is a human right”
“All lives are equal”
But the ICC shut it down, citing their rules against political or personal messages on cricketing gear. Instead, Usman Khawaja wore a black armband during the first Test against Pakistan, a gesture commonly used to mourn tragedies.
Even the black armband couldn’t shield Khawaja from ICC action. The governing body reprimanded him, saying he was displaying a personal message.
Frustrated, Khawaja called out the inconsistencies in ICC’s rulings. “Other guys that have religious things on their equipment, under the ICC guidelines that’s not technically allowed, but the ICC never says anything on that.”
He felt that certain causes were allowed while others weren’t, raising questions about who gets to decide what’s acceptable.
In an era where many athletes choose to stay away from controversial topics, Khawaja has consistently stood his ground. He isn’t afraid to use his voice, even when it costs him.
His latest post is another reminder that sports and politics can’t always be separated—because at the end of the day, athletes are humans first.
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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif left for her Umrah pilgrimage on Wednesday. Pictures of her departing from Jati Umrah, her father Nawaz Sharif’s residence, quickly spread online. One detail that stood out was the luxury Hermes bag she carried.
CM Maryam Nawaz is known for her love of high-end fashion, often making headlines for her luxury brand choices. For her Umrah journey, she wore an all-black abaya, black sunglasses and carried a Hermes bag.
Hermes, a French luxury brand, is famous for its high-end leather goods and accessories. Its Birkin and Kelly bags are especially sought after by luxury buyers worldwide.
The bag CM Maryam Nawaz carried was reportedly a Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 Etain Epsom with Gold Hardware. Though the exact price was not confirmed, a luxury fashion website listed it at over $20,000, which equals more than 5 million Pakistani rupees.
Before leaving for Umrah, Maryam Nawaz received a farewell from PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, who hugged her and offered prayers for her journey.
(Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is a Pakistani politician who has served as the 20th chief minister of Punjab, since 26 February 2024. She is the first woman to hold the position of chief minister in Pakistan)
NASA Astronauts Receive No Overtime Pay for Extended ISS Mission
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have returned to Earth after an unexpected nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Their journey, originally planned for just one week, was extended to 286 days due to Boeing Starliner thruster malfunctions.
Despite the extended stay and the risks of spending more time in space than expected, Williams and Wilmore will not receive overtime or hazard pay. Instead, they will be paid their standard government salaries, which range between $100,000 and $155,000 annually, along with a small daily stipend of $4 to $5.
NASA astronauts work under a unique pay structure that does not include overtime or danger pay, unlike many other professions.
This situation highlights a key part of working at NASA – astronauts are driven by a sense of purpose and exploration rather than financial incentives.
As Ken Bowersox, NASA’s former astronaut and current associate administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, explained, astronauts are trained to focus on completing missions rather than worrying about their return date.
During their unexpectedly long stay, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore continued scientific research, maintained the ISS, and contributed to NASA’s space exploration goals.
Once news broke about them receiving no overtime pay, people reacted online. One Instagram user joked, “And I was angry because of 1 hour.”
In many industries, overtime work comes with higher pay or special bonuses. But NASA astronauts remain dedicated to their mission, even when they do not receive extra compensation.
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The recent instance of two brothers of investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani being “forcibly disappeared” from his residence in Islamabad brings about the brutal realities of Pakistan for people who dare to target powerful institutions. Noorani, famous for his fearless investigations into corruption in the military and politics via the news portal FactFocus, has once again been targeted by reprisal.
According to a petition filed by his mother in the Islamabad High Court, over two dozen unknown individuals stormed their homes in the dead of night. The raiders allegedly broke into the house, confiscated phones, seized identification documents and disconnected Noorani’s communication with his family. The siblings, Saifur Rehman Haider and Muhammad Ali were dragged away despite having no involvement in Noorani’s investigative work.
A Pattern of Retaliation
The timing of the raid points directly to Noorani’s latest report, which exposed sensitive information about a serving high-ranking military official. Amnesty International has strongly condemned the incident as a sign of “relentless repression of dissent,” stressing the need for Pakistan to respect freedom of expression and bring those responsible to justice.
The Noorani case is not an isolated act of intimidation but seems to be part of a larger effort to muzzle voices critical of influential institutions. Over the past few years, FactFocus has exposed corruption by high-profile individuals, including former army chiefs and politicians. Despite its focus on data journalism, the platform and journalists still face harassment and legal troubles.
This incident reflects a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at journalists, activists and even their families. As Amnesty International rightly points out, targeting family members to punish a journalist’s work is a brazen attack on free speech. Senior journalist Matiullah Jan has also called for immediate action, emphasising that if Noorani’s brothers are accused of any crime, they should be charged through legal means and not abducted in the darkness of night.
Source: Voice.Pk
The Battle for Justice
The real issue now is whether or not the legal system in Pakistan will step up and ensure that the rights of its people, particularly those brave enough to speak the truth, are guarded. The world is watching as the Islamabad High Court hears a case that could be used to set a precedent — for justice, or for the further persecution of those who will not be silenced.
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PM Shehbaz to Announce Rs8 per Unit Electricity Price Cut
The government is preparing to announce an electricity pricing decrease of Rs8 per unit Electricity Price Cut, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expected to make the official announcement on March 23, following permission from the International Monetary Fund.
The Ministry of Finance and Power Division is reportedly looking into other options to further lower electricity tariffs by Rs2 per unit. The announcement will be preceded by a final decision.
The reduction is expected to show on May consumer bills and take effect on April 1, 2025. A permanent adjustment of Rs4.73 per unit will replace the Rs8 per unit loss.
The tariff adjustment results from multiple measures, including the cancellation of agreements with six Independent Power Producers (IPPs), revising contracts with 16 IPPs under a “take-and-pay” model, shifting bagasse power plants’ currency from the US dollar to Pakistani rupees and lowering the return on equity (ROE) for government power plants (GPPs) to 13%, with the dollar rate fixed at Rs168.
Officials noted that the tariff reduction calculations also account for the impact of lower oil prices in the global market since March 16, 2025. Maintaining current oil prices is expected to save approximately Rs168 billion, allowing a reduction of Rs1.30 per unit in power tariffs.
The IMF has agreed to approve this relief, acknowledging the government’s decision to freeze oil prices for three months.
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