Pakistani actress sheds light on reasons for living alone

Pakistani actress sheds light on reasons for living alone

Pakistani actress Ammara Chaudhry has shared a deeply personal and “frightening” experience about the challenges of living alone, highlighting a terrifying incident during her battle with COVID-19. During a recent appearance on a private TV show, Ammara Chaudhry spoke about the increasing number of young men and women living alone in major cities like Karachi, … Read more

President Asif Zardari tests positive for COVID-19

President Asif Zardari tests positive for COVID-19

President Asif Ali Zardari has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in isolation, as confirmed by his physician, Dr. Asim Hussain. He is receiving medical care at a private hospital, and all his official meetings have been postponed until he recovers. Doctors have conducted multiple tests to monitor his health. A day earlier, Asif … Read more

When Robert Pattinson almost quit acting due to COVID

Robert Pattinson
  • Robert Pattinson revealed that he “almost” walked away from acting.
  • He believed that cinema was on the verge of collapse due to COVID.
  • He shared how he questioned the future of his career.

Robert Pattinson recently revealed that he “almost” walked away from acting, believing that cinema was on the verge of collapse due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hollywood labor strikes. In an interview with Vanity Fair, the actor shared how he questioned the future of his career during these uncertain times.

“It’s strange because the last few years for the film industry, starting with COVID and then the strikes, everyone was constantly saying cinema is dying. And quite convincingly,” Pattinson admitted. “I was literally almost turned off. It actually started to get a little worrying.”

Despite his doubts, a wave of ambitious films, including Oscar hopeful The Brutalist, reignited his enthusiasm. Directed by Brady Corbet, the film played a key role in helping Pattinson rediscover his love for acting.

Discussing the recent surge of exciting projects, Pattinson said, “Then looking in the last few months, there’s this flurry of very ambitious movies.” He believes that the upcoming Oscar contenders reflect a newfound energy in the industry, adding, “There’s suddenly a new batch of directors who the audience is excited about as well.”

Pattinson is hopeful about his upcoming sci-fi black comedy Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon Ho, and looks forward to returning as Batman in The Batman Part II, set for an October 2027 release.

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Karachi experiences rise in COVID-19 infections

Karachi experiences rise in COVID-19 infections

Karachi has witnessed a rise in COVID-19 cases, with 25 to 30 percent of patients exhibiting symptoms like cold and cough testing positive for the virus. Professor Saeed Khan, an infectious disease expert at Dow Hospital, noted an increase in patients experiencing cold, cough, and fever. After testing, 25 to 30 percent of these individuals … Read more

African leaders in Beijing target significant financial deals and investments

African leaders in Beijing target significant financial deals and investments

China has provided billions in loans to African nations,  Critics accuse Beijing of burdening nations with debt and funding infrastructure projects. African leaders are expected to seek more Chinese investment and more favorable loan terms. This week, African leaders have descended on China’s capital, seeking funds for major infrastructure projects as they navigate the growing … Read more

North Korea plans to reopen borders to foreign tourists by December

North Korea plans to reopen borders to foreign tourists by December

North Korea plans to resume international tourism to its northeastern city of Samjiyon in December 2024. This move signals the country’s readiness to reopen its borders to larger foreign tourists. Despite this, North Korea has remained largely closed to international tourists since 2020. On Wednesday, tour companies announced that North Korea will resume international tourism … Read more

China’s communist party to address country’s challenges at upcoming meeting

China's communist party to address country's challenges at upcoming meeting

The meeting will also focus on immediate measures to counteract a prolonged real estate downturn and persistent malaise. The unclarity of policy direction in China is affecting consumer and investor confidence. The outcome will communicate the future direction of policy to local government officials. China’s ruling Communist Party is beginning a four-day meeting on Monday … Read more

NGO condemns surge in air freight pollution

NGO condemns surge in air freight pollution

COVID-19 travel restrictions and supply chain disruptions boosted the air freight sector. The pandemic forced industries to shift to air freight for transporting a wider variety of goods. Online commerce has surged from $2.1 trillion in 2019 to $3.6 trillion in 2023. On Wednesday, an environmental pressure group denounced the rising emissions of the air … Read more

WHO Chief urges global countries to seal pandemic deal

WHO Chief urges global countries to seal pandemic deal

WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, urges countries to finalize a global agreement. Ghebreyesus praised the negotiators’ dedication and commitment to pushing forward despite misinformation. Despite the missed deadline, countries have expressed a commitment to continue pushing for an accord. On Monday, the World Health Organization chief urged countries to finalize a landmark global agreement on … Read more

CAA starts implementing NCOC guidelines after surge in Covid-19 cases  

CAA

KARACHI: Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CCA) has started implementation on the instructions proved by the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) at major airports of the country after surge in Covid-19 cases in certain parts of the world.

These instructions include the screening of 2% of all international flights arriving in Pakistan. The purpose of this screening is to identify and isolate any potential Covid-19 cases among incoming passengers.

Additionally, the airports are required to carry out fumigation of passenger lounges at least once during the day.

This measure aims to ensure a clean and sanitized environment for passengers and staff, reducing the risk of virus transmission.

The airports have been further instructed to provide full cooperation to the Border Health Services staff.

This cooperation includes facilitating their work and ensuring that all necessary protocols and guidelines are followed.

These measures are part of the national efforts to control the spread of Covid-19 and protect public health.

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Pakistan likely to receive Pfizer vaccine from US soon

Pakistan l
  • Pakistan to get 200,000 doses from US in few days.
  • 300,000 doses of new Pfizer vaccine will also be received soon.
  • Covid vaccine will be administered to pilgrims and high-risk people.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is likely to receive Pfizer’s new COVID-19 vaccine from the United States(US) in a few days after an increase of new variants in the world.

The federal authorities, the arrival of 200,000 doses of Covid vaccine from the US is expected in a few days and another 300,000 doses of the new Pfizer Covid vaccine will also be received in the same month.

Officials say that Pfizer’s new vaccine is also effective against new variants of Covid-19. The Covid vaccine will be administered to pilgrims and high-risk people.

It should be noted that cases of the new variant of Coronavirus JN1 have been reported in America, the United Kingdom, and India. “There have been deaths in India due to the new variant, while in the United States, admission of people infected with the new variant of Coronavirus has increased”.

Officials said that no cases of the new variant JN1 have been reported in Pakistan so far and the rate of Covid-19 cases in Pakistan is less than one percent.

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UAE Expert claims that Covid-19, flu, RSV vaccines safeguard against ‘tripledemic’

UAE Expert claims that Covid-19, flu, RSV vaccines safeguard against 'tripledemic'

 Dr. Nawal Al Kaabi, emphasizes the importance of vaccination programs. WHO has classified JN.1, a newly identified Covid-19 variant, as a “variant of interest.”  WHO emphasizes that existing vaccines are effective in protecting against severe illness. As winter arrives, the potential threat of a tripledemic—simultaneous outbreaks of COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—becomes … Read more

China Earthquake Tragedy: At Least 111 Dead as 6.2 Quake Hits Northwest

China Earthquake Tragedy: At Least 111 Dead as 6.2 Quake Hits Northwest

A 6.2 earthquake in northwest China killed at least 111 people. Gansu province epicenter; tremors felt in Lanzhou. Over 200 people were injured. China’s official media said on Tuesday that a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in a hilly area of the country’s northwest claimed the lives of at least 111 people. The quake struck just before … Read more

Defending champions Italy to face “Group of Death” at Euro 2024

Defending champions Italy to face "Group of Death" at Euro 2024

24 teams will compete in Euro 2024, divided into six groups of four. The defending champion, Italy, is in Group A with Hungary and Switzerland. Germany will open the competition against Scotland on June 14 in Munich. 24 teams, including the defending champion Italy, who are in the “Group of Death” with Spain, Croatia, and Albania, will compete … Read more

China: WHO needs data on pediatric “pneumonia clusters”

WHO needs data on pediatric

WHO needs data on pediatric “pneumonia clusters.” ProMed has highlighted a surge in flu-like illnesses among children. Chinese authorities attribute the increase in respiratory diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested additional information from China regarding reports of “clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia” spreading among children in the northern part of the country. Media reports … Read more

UAE Prepares for Flu Onslaught as Rainy Weather Sweeps In

UAE Prepares for Flu Onslaught as Rainy Weather Sweeps In

Dubai sees spike in cold and flu cases post-heavy rain. Doctors warn of higher respiratory infection risk due to limited outdoor activities. Children under five and those over 60 most affected. Doctors informed media that there has been a significant surge in cold and flu cases in Dubai, especially among children, attributed to the recent … Read more

Jailed former Malaysian PM Najib Razak in hospital with COVID-19

former Malaysian PM Najib Razak

Jailed former Malaysian PM Najib Razak in hospital with COVID-19. Over $1 billion was allegedly channeled into accounts associated with Najib. Najib has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for corruption related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state … Read more

President directs varsity to accommodate student who missed course due to COVID-19

President
  •  He expressed displeasure university did not timely process her case.
  • Alvi said there was no reason for university to deviate from HEC’s policy.
  • He said Air University did not follow  recommendations of HEC.

ISLAMABAD:  President Dr Arif Alvi has asked Air University to reconsider the case of granting one additional year to its female student for completing her degree as she was unable to complete the remaining courses of her BS degree due to suffering from COVID-19.

He expressed displeasure that the University did not timely process her case, despite the fact that Higher Education Commission (HEC)’s Policy and University Regulations provided for remedies to resolve such issues by granting extension.

He said that there was no reason for the University to deviate from HEC’s policy and recommendations, stating that instead of rectifying its maladministration, the University submitted a representation before the President without realizing its implications in respect of public exchequer and wastage of study timeline of its student. He advised the Air University to not let the female student’s devotion, hard work, and money go to waste and take measures to help and guide students, especially in the case of women.

President gave these directions while deciding upon a representation filed by Air University against the order of the Wafaqi Mohtasib directing it to place Ms Iqra Munir’s case before the University Functional Committee (UFC) and reconsider it for allowing her one more year to complete her BS degree.

As per details, Ms Iqra Munir (the complainant) had filed a complaint before the Wafaqi Mohtasib alleging that she was a student of Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology Programme in one of the colleges affiliated with the Air University. According to her, due to Covid pandemic, she could not complete her degree in 2020. She approached the University to allow her for completion of her degree but she was advised to contact HEC for grant of an additional year to complete her studies.

Later, HEC advised that the competent authority of the University may reconsider her case for extension keeping in view her medical history and the provisions already available in HEC Policy and University Regulations. However, after a lapse of one year she was not given the extension. Feeling aggrieved, she approached the Wafaqi Mohtasib, who passed the order in her favour. The University then filed a representation before the President against the order of the Mohtasib.

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