More than 2 million pilgrims gather in Makkah for Haj rituals starting tomorrow

Courtesy: Saudi Gazette

MAKKAH — More than two million pilgrims from abroad and inside have assembled in Makkah to start their Haj rituals from tomorrow (Wednesday) with the grand ascent to Mina where they will stay for five days during which they will throw pebbles at the three Jamarat (huge pillars symbolizing the devil), slaughter their sacrificial animals and proceed to the Grand Mosque to do Tawaf Al-Ifadah. The pilgrims will early Thursday proceed to Arafat, a valley which is about nine km away from Makkah. They will stay there from morning to sunset at the Haj climax.

From Arafat, the pilgrims will proceed to Muzdalifah where they will pray Maghreb and Isha together and leave for Mina after midnight or early morning Friday, which is the Eid Al-Adha day.

According to health authorities, there are no epidemics or contagious diseases among the guests of God so far.

The authorities said as many as 357 pilgrims from various nationalities have been admitted to hospitals in Makkah.

They said, on improvement and recovery, the pilgrims will be discharged to do their Haj rituals but those who are still sick will be taken by ambulances to the holy sites to complete their pilgrimage.

The Health Ministry said so far 318 heart catheter operations were conducted in addition to 19 open-heart surgeries, 402 various surgeries and 1,155 kidney dialysis.

The ministry has prepared 48 beds in Mina Al-Wadi Hospital for the sunstroke and heat exhaustion. Meanwhile, the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has provided about 15,000 electric cars and wheelchairs for the old and pilgrims with special needs to use free of charge in the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.

The presidency said the cars could be obtained at the western and eastern plazas of the Grand Mosque. This is in addition to a number of other cars and wheelchairs offered for rent.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah announced that a total of 865,800 pilgrims have visited Madinah before the Haj to pay homage to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and pray in his mosque.

All the pilgrims have left Madinah for Makkah for the performance of the pilgrimage.

Many pilgrims prefer to visit Madinah before Haj especially those who arrive early in the Kingdom while others do this after the Haj is over.

According to a statistical report by the branch of the ministry until Sunday, there were 51,277 pilgrims still remaining in Madinah consisting of 16,478 pilgrims from Nigeria.

About 8,000 Saudi boy scouts are volunteering to serve the pilgrims providing them with direction and guidance. They are stationed in Makkah, Madinah, the holy sites, the Haj air terminals and the land and sea inlets.

Education Minister, Ahmed Al-Issa, who is the chairman of the society of the Saudi boy scouts, on Monday inspected their camps in the holy sites. He was accompanied by the chairman of the State Security Abdulaziz Al-Huwarini.

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Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN) unveils Pakistan Microfinance Review 2016

The Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN) in an event unveiled the “Pakistan Microfinance Review (PMR) 2016” at a local hotel in Karachi. PMR is an annual state of the microfinance sector report based on financial and social performance analysis of microfinance providers. The initiative is supported by UKAID’s Department for International Development (DFID).

The outreach of microfinance continued to grow at a double-digit rate during 2016 with notable expansion in deposit base, the report said. Due to this sustained growth, the sector is now viewed a key pillar in furthering the financial inclusion agenda in the country.

The event was well-attended by representatives from the State Bank of Pakistan, DFID, Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC), Commercial Banks, Digital Finance players, PMN members (Microfinance Banks, Microfinance Institutions, Rural Support Program) and other stakeholders.

Syed Mohsin Ahmed, CEO PMN, gave an overview of the microfinance landscape in the country highlighting key developments of the sector and outlined the current and future challenges facing the industry.

Syed Nadeem Hussain, Chairman PMN & Coach Planet N, emphasized on the importance of leveraging digital tech to realize Microfinance sector growth objectives.

With the incremental capital that PMIC has lined up, it can finance the sector up to PKR 200 Billion, over 50% of projected sectoral requirements, Mr. Zubyr Soomro, Chairman PMIC said.

During a panel discussion chaired by Mr. Ghalib Nishtar, CEO Khushhali Bank, the participants deliberated on key developments such as enabling policy environment to realize growth objectives, growing international investors’ interest in the sector, impact of digitization, and responsible finance initiatives.

Dr. Euan MacMillan, Team leader Finance, Markets and Jobs at DFID while delivering closing remarks reaffirmed DFID’s commitment to strengthening the microfinance industry. “Today’s report highlights the success story of microfinance in Pakistan. By providing poor men and women with the finance they need to start, sustain and grow their businesses, microfinance is supporting the growth and job creation that Pakistan needs. That is why microfinance will continue to be an important part of DFID’s Economic Development Strategy”

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Samsung Launches the All New J7 Core in Pakistan - Fakhar Zaman becomes brand ambassador of Samsung Galaxy J7 Core

Cricket Star Fakhar Zaman, the brand ambassador of Samsung attends the Launch event of Galaxy J7 Core 

Samsung Electronics has now launched its revolutionary device – Samsung Galaxy J7 Core in Pakistan. This prestigious launch event was held on 28th August 2017 at local Hotel in Lahore and was attended by Fakhar Zaman, the cricket star along with numerous famous celebrities and Samsung dealers.

With the objective of expanding the Galaxy J7 family, the J7 Core is the perfect mid-ranging smartphone for the consumers. The value of the Galaxy J7 Core lies in its stunning design, its advanced features, and functions that offer more convenience than ever before. With its 5.5″ display and crisp HD resolution (1,280 x 720 HD), the Galaxy J7 Core brings out every last detail and offers an incredible viewing experience.

The President Samsung Pakistan and Afghanistan – Mr. Y.J.Kim said:  “I am proud to say that the J series is one of the best-selling smartphone series in this era of technology. Not only will J Core deliver superior durability, amazing visual appeal, enhanced functionality, high quality visuals, but will simultaneously redefine the smartphone experience.”

The Galaxy J7 Core makes it easy to take gorgeous, bright photos under all sorts of conditions. Equipped with a 13MP rear camera you can capture spectacular, true-to-life images in magnificent detail. When you’re in a low light condition, the F1.9 lens lets in more light so you’ll still get bright, clear photos. The 5MP front camera in the J7 Core lets you take brighter selfies with the front LED flash, whereby enhancing your photo’s with the smart selfie features and the beauty mode.

The elegant design of the J7 Core reflects close attention to every detail. The large display brings immersive entertainment to a whole new level. The phone’s new time-saving and life-enhancing features will become an essential part of your daily routine. The Galaxy J7 Core truly makes one’s life easier and more fun, by adding all features on ones finger tips.

Samsung is a truly global award-winning innovator in telecommunications, electronics and convergence technologies. Samsung is also playing a key role in strengthening the digital infrastructure and creating a sophisticated cellular eco-system in Pakistan.

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Telenor Pakistan Set to Galvanize Agricultural Growth in #GilgitBaltistan via Digital Innovation

Expanding its digital footprint to the far-flung and underserved areas of the country, Pakistan’s premier telecom and digital services provider, Telenor Pakistan has launched its mobile agriculture advisory service ‘Khushaal Zamindaar’ in Gilgit – Baltistan. Launched in collaboration with Market Development Facility (MDF), the innovative service will provide localized and customized advisory services to facilitate local farmers in increasing their agricultural yield. Telenor Pakistan Set to Galvanize Agricultural Growth in Gilgit Baltistan via Digital Innovation.

The high-spirited launch event was held in a local hotel in the provincial capital, Gilgit. The honorable guests include MDF, members from Agha Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP), Japan Inter Cooperation Agency (JICA), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), media persons, community leaders, female farmers of Gilgit and Telenor Pakistan officials.

Telenor Pakistan Set to Galvanize Agricultural Growth in Gilgit Baltistan via Digital Innovation

‘Khushaal Zamindaar’ is Telenor Pakistan’s innovative and industry-first initiative, initially launched in Punjab to help small scale farmers into adopting modern and best practices in agriculture.  It provides localized, contextualized and customized information including weather forecasts, timely agronomic & livestock advisory through SMS and robo calls to help increase crop yield,  reduce post-harvest losses, safeguard nutrition and better manage adverse climatic effects and natural resources. Currently, more than 04 million small scale farmers subscribe to this free of cost service covering a range of cash crops, fruits and vegetables, fodders and livestock and 20 percent of them are women farmers.

The mobile agriculture service in Gilgit – Baltistan will provide location based weather forecast and information about value chains like Apricots, apple, potato and other crops cultivated in the region. The service shall also benefit the farmers who rear livestock, potentially transforming the domestic use to commercial benefits in the long run.

Speaking at the event, Head of Mobile Agriculture, Telenor Pakistan, Habib Saqib said: “Telenor Pakistan is bringing its innovative mobile agriculture solution to Gilgit – Baltistan to supplement the socio – economic progress of the region. Khushaal Zamindaar will enable and empower the local farmers to make calculated and informed decisions to increase their agricultural yield. They will also be able to adopt best practices used around the world to get better yields in terms of quality and quantity. The initiative comes in line with Telenor Pakistan’s commitment to empower the societies and we believe that true empowerment comes with financial liberty. We will continue to contribute to the socio – economic progress and wellbeing of the region.”

Sharing his thoughts, Osman Anwar, Coordinator Pakistan Country Team, MDF said:  “Telenor’s 7272 service is very relevant for smallholder farmers in Gilgit-Baltistan. The MDF would like to congratulate Telenor for launching a service which has been designed by including feedback from a multitude of farmers. Weather alerts, forecasts and crop advisory are core to a successful farming system particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan where providing physical extension is difficult in hard to reach valleys and accurate weather information is seldom available. We hope that Telenor builds on the exciting suite of services and continues to add value in the lives of smallholder farmers by providing practical solutions to problems around information, market access and credit.”

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Nestle start stay healthy: Significance of nutrition during first 1000 days, from pregnancy

The First 1000 Days, from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, are the most crucial period in a mom’s and baby’s life. Increasing evidence shows that meeting the age specific nutritional needs during the First 1000 Days of life will positively influence short and long-term health outcomes. To this end, NESTLÉ introduces a powerful, public and socially responsible initiative in Pakistan to inform and educate about the importance of nutrition in the First 1000 Days of life through its NESTLÉ Start Healthy Stay Healthy (NSHSH) platform.

NSHSH’s First 1000 Days journey aims to educate women and men on the significance of nutrition during the most crucial time period of life, dividing the awareness initiative into 3 stages i.e. pregnancy, weaning and toddler stage. Globally launched and lauded across the last 3 years, the First 1000 DAYS nutrition initiative is particularly significant in Pakistan where there is little formal/informal education and awareness on the early stages of a child’s life and on women’s health in general. The NSHSH platform endeavors to build more of such awareness.

The FIRST 1000 DAYS are centered on the following three stages:

1. Pregnancy: Educating mothers about the importance of nutrition at the very beginning of a new life (conception), how their body and baby changes during pregnancy and how they may maintain a nutritionally balanced diet. 
2. Weaning/Common Problems: The process of introducing a child to semi–solid food at 6 months of age to complement his/her growing nutritional needs. NSHSH educates mothers from when to wean a baby along with the importance of weaning and the good choices of weaning foods. 
3. Toddler: Once the child enters the most exciting time of his/her life i.e. toddler stage, his/her nutritional needs also vary. Every part of his/her body is developing, including the motor, verbal and cognitive skills. NSHSH reflects on all the changes from toys to diapers and of course nutritional needs.

Individual nutritional needs for each stage of growth have to be met through a rich, varied and balanced diet. By the time First 1000 Days are over, a healthy child is all set for the world out of his warm nest. Giving him/her the best nutrition to ensure the finest mental development is crucial during the #First1000Days.

To learn more about #First1000Days, please visit https://www.starthealthystayhealthy.pk/

About START HEALTHY STAY HEALTHY

NESTLÉ START HEALTHY STAY HEALTHY focuses on the First 1000 Days of a baby’s life – from conception till his second birthday. This initiative by NESTLÉ aims to create awareness and to educate mothers about the importance of the right kind of nutrition during this period. The nutrition that babies receive in their First 1000 Days affects their mental and physical growth for the rest of their lives – not just during this stage. It is thus important to lay a foundation that can ensure healthier and happier lives.

NESTLÉ START HEALTHY STAY HEALTHY helps you take care of your concerns about mother and baby’s nutrition along with offering tips on how to deal with the various changes that one goes through.

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Saudi Arabia Launches Digital Platforms To Give the Entire World a Window to View the Hajj

Saudi Arabia Launches Digital Platforms To Give the Entire World a Window to View the Hajj 

Hajj2017.org and SaudiWelcomesTheWorld.org to provide updates to pilgrims, worldwide audiences and media 

Visit:  Live

Visit 2:  Live

Karachi / Jeddah:  The Ministry of Culture and Information (MOCI) of Saudi Arabia has launched two digital platforms in the lead-up to the Hajj, which will provide information and insights to pilgrims in Makkah, worldwide audiences and local and international media.

SaudiWelcomesTheWorld.org conveys a message of compassion and inclusion to the entire world, both near and far. It tells the stories of the millions of pilgrims of every ethnicity, race, colour, and culture, who undertake what is for many the height of their spiritual lives. The platform provides an open window onto their journeys and invites the world to learn and share in the true values of Islam. 

It complements the media portal www.Hajj2017.org which provides information, updates and news about Hajj 2017. Through this portal, journalists will be able to access and download media materials such as images, infographics and press releases. The portal will also allow users access to all official live stream channels. 

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and comprises a journey to Makkah to perform religious rituals described in the Koran. Every adult Muslim is obligated to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lives provided that they are physically and financially able.

More than 1.5 million pilgrims have already arrived - in Saudi Arabia and some 500,000 more pilgrims are expected to come to perform Hajj, which starts on August 30 and ends on September 4. 

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Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) disburses Rs 9.2 bln microfinance loans

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) has disbursed Rs 9.2 billion microfinance loans during a period from July to March (2016-17) through its partner organisations, official sources said on Sunday. 

PPAF extended 246,142 new micro credit loans to the borrowers, including 60 per cent to women, sources said, adding that under the Prime Minister Interest-Free Loans (PMIFL) scheme, PPAF administered 93,427 interest-free loans, and 62 per cent women were facilitated in this scheme.

PPAF has adopted a poverty graduation approach for the poorest households in over 1,600 union councils out of 6000 in the country and has helped the very poor household to assist them out of poverty on a sustainable basis.

During the period under review, a total of 646 community organisations (COs) were formed and 5,488 community and PO staff members were trained, out of which 32 per cent were women.

These initiatives were taken under Institutional Development and Social Mobilization component of the fund.

Similarly, under Livelihood, Employment and Enterprise Development (LEED) component, 6,951 individuals received skills or entrepreneurial training, including 43 per cent women, and 3,212 productive assets were transferred to vulnerable poor, including 39 per cent women.

In recent years, Pakistan’s microfinance sector has witnessed phenomenal growth and rose considerably in last five years. Within microcredit, number of active borrowers stood at 4.6 million at end of December 2016, recording a 22 per cent growth during the year 2016.

Gross loan portfolio registered 47 per cent growth to reach at Rs 140 billion by end of December 2016 compared to Rs 93 billion at the end of 2015.

PPAF aims to promote an effective approach to poverty alleviation, which is aligned closely with Pakistan’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The fund promotes overall holistic and multi-sectoral strategy to generate broad and deep impacts at the community level.

It is pertinent to mention here that the goal one of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), “No Poverty”, calls for an end to poverty in all its manifestations everywhere by 2030.

Although, this is in complete consonance with a slogan of Pakistan Vision 2025 “No one left behind”, but at the same time, it poses the challenge of eradicating poverty in all its dimensions and from all parts of Pakistan,” the sources said. APP

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Ufone Launches ‘Super Internet’ for data usage - 1 GB data in Rs 100 for 7 days -

Ufone enables incredible people achieve remarkable tasks

Karachi (PR  - August 28, 2017) Ufone is devoted to provide customers with products that fulfill their communication needs and a seamless service that ensures they go about their lives without disruptions. Ufone is launching ‘Super Internet’ package, which is a unique product positioned for convenience of data usage. 

Super Internet, which can be subscribed on a recharge of Rs.100 (inclusive of all taxes) will provide customers with 1GB Data for 7 days without any additional charges. Super Internet will be available at Retail and ‘My Ufone’ App. The product was piloted in Peshawar, Quetta, Sheikhupura, Kasur from 1st July – August 7th and is now available countrywide. 

Continuing its tradition of highlighting the incredible people of Pakistan, Ms. Rabya Faisal, a Ufone customer and the genius behind the very successful Redolence Cakes based in Lahore was introduced at a bloggers’ meet-up held recently in Karachi on Monday, August 28, 2017 to launch Ufone’s ‘Super Internet’ campaign. 

Rabya learned baking from her mother and says it was mostly a way to keep her busy when she was younger. “It wasn’t in my wildest imagination that my penchant for baking would turn into my establishing a popular baking brand.” Rabya doesn’t take the sole credit of her success and attributes it to her extremely supportive husband, Faisal, saying that he has played a pivotal role in the success of Redolence, making it the brand that is today, not only for its great taste but also decorative designs. Rabya and Faisal have worked like a team and have gone strength to strength since the beginning of their business.

Rabya, a Ufone customer, shares that Ufone’s reliable service and convenient packages has made life easier for her. “When you are setting up your business and trying to create a name for yourself, it’s extremely important to provide great service to your clients. Word of mouth are important for a start-up. And that’s why I’ve paid special attention to being available to my customers, to communicate with them as and when needed. And Ufone has helped me with doing that.” 

Understanding that sometimes all our customers want is to get things done as quickly and easily as possible, without hassles, Ufone focuses on increasing convenience for customers to reduce the efforts they have to make to go about their businesses. 

Super Internet provides Ufone customers with a product that fulfills their internet data needs, and improves customer experience with a better quality data on Ufone’s network. It gives more convenience for data subscriber as it has no daily charges, no tax or additional charges calculation. Additionally, Super Card users who were fully consuming their free data well before expiry, can continue to use data for more days than they used to.

Rabya Faisal shares “By no means has my journey been an easy ride. Me and my husband have worked extremely hard to make a name for our business. In the beginning I didn’t have utensils and proper moulds for and didn’t have enough money to buy them either. But now I have a big kitchen with number of assistants and we bake hundreds of pounds of cakes every day.” 

She and her husband have launched their own café in the centre of Lahore and have bigger plans for Redolence Cakes in the future. Ufone will continue to support and promote exceptional people like Rabya who leave their mark in the society by demonstrating unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship and attaining success through aptitude and sheer hard work. 

Ufone as a brand has always recognized and paid homage to every Pakistani – the common men and women of Pakistan who practice thoughtfulness and consideration for others. Ufone is all about the people of Pakistan – the common, but not ordinary, Pakistanis

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بہت ہی زبردست اردو لطیفے: ہر قسم لے لطیفوں کے لئے ہمارا پیج لائیک اور ویب سائیٹ وزٹ کرتے رہیں

بہت ہی زبردست اردو لطیفے: ہر قسم لے لطیفوں کے لئے ہمارا پیج لائیک اور ویب سائیٹ وزٹ کرتے رہیں

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Habib Bank Limited (HBL) to withdraw from New York

HBL has been operating a small branch in New York since 1978, which mainly offers US Dollar clearing services. 

In 2015, the New York branch was subject to a Consent Order and a Cease and Desist Order by the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York respectively. HBL had notified the Pakistan Stock Exchange of this in December 2015. 

Despite HBL’s sincere and extensive remediation measures over the last two years, DFS is still not appreciating or recognizing the significant progress that HBL has made at its New York branch and HBL has received a notice of departmental hearing by DFS, in terms of which DFS seeks to propose a civil monetary penalty of up to an outrageous amount of USD 629,625,000. The actual penalty has not yet been imposed and only a maximum amount of potential penalty has been proposed. HBL shall vigorously contest this in the scheduled administrative hearing and the courts of law in the United States, as being unjustified, capricious, unreasonable, not supported by facts or law and as being time barred.

HBL has further voluntarily decided to close its business in New York in an orderly manner and DFS has allowed HBL to submit a voluntary application for orderly winding down of its New York business. Steps to formalize this will commence shortly.

There will be no material impact on HBL’s business outside of the United States and HBL will continue to service the requirements of its domestic and international customers including for their US Dollar business.

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Gham ki barish nay bhi tere naqsh ko dhoya nahi.. best of #MunirNiazi

غم کی بارش نے بھی تیرے نقش کو دھویا نہیں

تو نے مجھ کو کھو دیا، میں نے تجھے کھویا نہیں

نیند کا ہلکا گلابی سا خمار آنکھوں میں تھا

یوں لگا جیسے وہ شب کو دیر تک سویا نہیں

ہر طرف دیوار و در اور ان میں آنکھوں کے ہجوم

کہہ سکے جو دل کی حالت وہ لب گویا نہیں

جرم آدم نے کیا اور نسلِ آدم کو سزا

کاٹتا ہوں ذندگی بھر میں نے جو بویا نہیں

جانتا ہوں ایک ایسے شخص کو میں بھی منیر

غم سے پتھر ہو گیا لیکن کبھی رویا نہیں

(منیر نیازی)

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#CokeStudio Episode 3 blends our glorious past with the sounds of tomorrow

Karachi: Coke Studio continues to captivate audiences with its lineup of artists and songs in the milestone 10th Season. The upcoming Episode 3 will feature 4 songs, including ‘Laal Meri Pat’ by Quratulain Balouch, Arieb Azhar and Akbar Ali, ‘Ronay Na Diya’ by Sajjad Ali and Zaw Ali, ‘Baazi’ by Aima Baig and Sahir Ali Bagga and ‘Mujh Se Pehli Si Muhabbat’ by Humera Channa and Nabeel Shaukat as a humble tribute to Malika-e-Tarranum, Madam Noor Jehan. The Episode is set to be released digitally on Friday, August 25 and aired on all leading television channels on Saturday, August 26.

Quratulain Balouch, who returns with her second song of Season 10, shares “It’s always a great experience to be part of Coke Studio and you get to learn a lot every season. Especially when you’re working with amazing producers and getting opportunities of singing classic numbers like ‘Laung Gawacha’ and ‘Sammi Meri Waar’.” 

Quratulain Balouch’s powerful vocals will captivate audiences once again when she performs ‘Laal Meri Pat’ with Arieb Azhar’s baritone voice juxtaposed over Akbar Ali’s evocative alaaps. Strings’ take on the rendition of the classic spiritual song is set to be a beautiful auditory experience with a multi-faceted and nuanced blend of devotional poetry, fervent chants of ‘Jhulelal’ intermingled with the sitar and a traditional groove creating a spiritually opulent environment.

Akbar Ali, making his Coke Studio debut in Season 10, has a formal training in qawaali and classical music and uses his crystalline, ethereal voice when he masterfully sings the complex thumri. Arieb Azhar joins Coke Studio for his third Season after his stellar performances with Husn-e-Haqiqi, ‘Na Rained Hai’ and his collaboration with Tina Sani on ‘Mori Araj Suno’ previously. 

Music director, composer and singer, Sahir Ali Bagga makes his debut on Coke Studio 10 as one of the 9 music directors on the show and as a featured artist. He remarked “Coke studio is a big platform for music in Pakistan and is well recognized not only in the country but also all over the world. Coke studio has become intertwined with Pakistan’s identity and it truly has become the Sound of the Nation. I have always admired the platform, and it was a dream to be part of the team. So I’m excited to finally be a part of Coke Studio, especially in the milestone Season 10. It’s been a very good experience for me to be a part of this phenomenon that is Coke Studio.”

Sahir Ali Bagga brings his keen ear and virtuosity with him to breathe life into his energetic melody as he collaborates with Aima Baig for ‘Baazi’ a playful, traditional folk song. The young Aima Baig, a fresh voice on Coke Studio brings to the table her strong, sultry and versatile vocals. ‘Baazi’ is a Siraiki classic, with Sahir Ali Bagga adding his own poetry to the original lyrics. The upbeat folk-song is set aflame by riveting vocals of Sahir Ali Bagga and Aima Baig. Complete with a grooving bass and a truly ethnic percussive section, Sahir Ali Bagga’s music direction brings the song into a delightfully high-spirited terrain that is an attempt to embody the true sounds of the soil.

Musical mastermind, Sajjad Ali makes a stunning directorial debut on Coke Studio with his poignant rendition of ‘Ronay Na Diya’. The reproachful lament conveys the overwhelming emotions of remorse and despair with musical inlays of a sorrowful clarinet and wistful vocals. Sajjad Ali’s classic, celebrated vocals find an interesting match asZaw Ali brings a wild brew of vibrant R&B vocal runs alongside her delicate but powerful classical chops. Film-maker and musician, Zaw Ali, is collaborating with Sajjad Ali for her musical debut in Coke Studio Season 10. 

Mekaal Hasan debuts as a music director on Coke Studio taking on a classic ghazal ‘Mujh Se Pehli Si Muhabbat’ written by Faiz Ahmed Faiz and originally performed by Madam Noor Jehan. Unleashing his signature sound, Mekaal Hasan creates a carefully constructed soundscape fitting for the themes of rapture and cruelty that Faiz touches upon in his poetry. The silvery vocals of Humera Channa paired with the honeyed tones of Nabeel Shaukat’s voice make for a fantastic combination to take on this humble tribute to the unmatched Noor Jehan.

After making her debut on Coke Studio Season 7, Humera Channa returns to Coke Studio to share more of her exquisite voice in Season 10. With his soul-stirring performance of ‘Bewaja’ coupled with his duet with Ali Sethi on ‘UmranLagiyaan’ in Season 8, Nabeel Shaukat returns to Coke Studio Season 10 set to steal hearts again with his heart-warming voice. 

With 2 episodes out, Coke Studio Season 10 has stirred discussion among music lovers across the globe about the music featured on the platform. This Season, with 9 music directors, is set to embark on enthralling musical journeys and ventures further than any of the previous seasons. Coke Studio has showcased the potential of our music industry for a decade now and has undoubtedly played a very important role in highlighting local talent. 

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Indian burns - 32 Killed and more than 250 injured - read full >>>

بھارت ( ٹائمز آف چترال: نیوز ڈیسک) بھارت کے ہریانہ، پنجاپ اور چندریگڑ میں پرتشدد واقعات میں 32 افراد ہلاک جبکہ 300 کے قریب زخمی ہوئے ہیں۔ واقعات اس وقت شروع ہوئے جب سی بی آئی کی خصوصی عدالت نے سکھوں کے خود ساختہ گرو  کو خواتین مریدوں کو جنسی زیادتی کا نشانے بنانے پر سزا سنائی۔ 15 سال پہلے 2 خواتین کو جنسی درندگی کا نشانہ بنانے پر گرو ’رام رحیم سنگھ‘ کے خلاف مقدمہ درج کیا گیا تھا۔ فیصلے سنتے ہی گرو کے سپورٹر سڑکوں پر نکل آئے اور صحافیوں، پولیس پر حملے شروع کئے۔ کئی گاڑیاں اور سرکاری املاک جلائیں۔   بھارت کی ایک خصوصی  عدالت نے ملک کے معروف خود ساختہ مذہبی رہنما اور ریاست ہریانہ میں قائم ڈیرا سچا سودا آرگنائزیشن کے سربراہ گرومیت رام رحیم پر 2 خواتین کے ریپ کے الزام میں فرد جرم عائد کردی تھی۔

فرد جرم سنائے جانے کے بعد عدالت کے باہر موجود گرو رام رحیم کے ہزاروں عقیدت مند مشتعل ہوگئے جنہوں نے مختلف علاقوں میں جلاؤ گھیراؤ اور توڑ پھوڑ کی۔ کئی گاڑیاں اور سرکاری املاک جلائے۔ پولیس نے مختلف علاقوں میں مظاہرین کو منتشر کرنے کے لیے واٹر کینن کا استعمال کیا۔ ناخوشگوار وقعات سے نمٹنے کے لیے پولیس اور پیرا ملٹری افواج کے 15 ہزار اہلکار ضلع پنچکولا اور اطراف کے علاقوں میں تعینات کردیے گئے۔ مشتعل مظاہرین نے سرکاری عمارتوں کو آگ لگائی اور پولیس اور صحافیوں پر حملے کیے اور ان کا براڈکاسٹ سامان توڑ دیا۔ کیمرے توڑے اور انہیں تشدد کا نشانہ بنایا۔

تصاویر کرٹیسی ہندوستان ٹائمز

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At Least 20 Dead and 50 injured in Mosque Attack in Afghan Capital

(KABUL, Afghanistan) — Militants stormed a packed Shiite mosque in the Afghan capital during Friday prayers, in an attack that lasted for hours and ended with at least 20 worshippers killed and another 50 seriously wounded, many of them children, an official said.

Two of the assailants blew themselves up and another two were shot to death by Afghan security forces, according to police official Mohammed Sadique Muradi.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, the latest to target Afghanistan's minority Shiites. The Taliban condemned the violence, with a spokesman for the militants, Zabihullah Mujahid, telling The Associated Press in a telephone interview that the group had nothing to do with it.

President Ashraf Ghani condemned the violence and said the militants were turning to attacking places of worship because they were losing on the battlefield. He urged Islamic clerics everywhere to condemn the bloodshed.

The death toll of 20 was expected to rise because many of the victims were seriously wounded, said Mohammad Salim Rasouli, chief of Kabul's hospitals.

Terrified worshippers endured about four harrowing hours of gunfire and explosions during the afternoon before the four attackers were killed.

The Islamic State said in a statement on the website of its Aamaq news agency that it had deployed two attackers to the mosque. There was no immediate explanation for the contradictory number of attackers.

Security forces had surrounded the mosque in the northern Kabul neighborhood but did not initially enter to prevent further casualties to the many worshippers inside, police official Mohammed Jamil said. Later, as police tried to advance, one of the attackers set off an explosion that forced them to withdraw, Muradi said.

The cleric who was performing the prayers was among the dead, said Mir Hussain Nasiri, a member of Afghanistan's Shiite clerical council. The gunmen had taken over both the cavernous prayer hall for the men and the separate, second-floor prayer area for the women, he said.

The mosque could accommodate up to 1,000 people, Nasir added.

When police initially tried to get inside, they discovered the militants had blocked the door leading to the second floor, turning the women upstairs into hostages, Nasir said.

"I was trying to escape over the wall when I saw my daughter, who was wounded, also trying to climb the wall," one man who gave his name only as Bismillah told the AP.

"There was another girl who was shot in the head. I saw the body myself," he said. "Finally I managed to escape with my daughter and a police escorted us to safety from the back of the mosque."

Last month, the Sunni-dominated Islamic State group attacked the Iraqi Embassy in Kabul and then warned Shiites in Afghanistan that their mosques would be targeted. Sunni extremists consider Shiites to be heretics.

Within days of that, IS also took responsibility for a suicide attack on a Shiite mosque in western Herat province that left 32 people dead.

In southern Kandahar province Friday, Afghan security forces repulsed a Taliban attack on an outpost overnight, according to provincial police chief's spokesman, Zia Durrani. Four members of the security forces died in the exchange and another seven were wounded, he said.

Durrani said the Taliban sustained heavy casualties. There was no immediate comment from the militants.

Elsewhere, provincial deputy police chief Nisar Ahmad Abdul Rahimzai said Afghan security forces recaptured a district in eastern Paktia province from the insurgents.

The summer fighting season in Afghanistan has seen relentless Taliban attacks as the insurgents battle to expand their footprint.

On Thursday, Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. general in Afghanistan, and Hugo Llorens, the U.S. Embassy's special chargé d'affaires, told reporters in Kabul that the new U.S. strategy was a promise to Afghans that together they would defeat terrorism and prevent terrorist groups from establishing safe havens.

Nicholson vowed to defeat both the Islamic State group affiliate and the remnants of al-Qaida, and he had the following message to the Taliban: "Stop fighting against your countrymen. Stop killing innocent civilians. Stop bringing hardship and misery to the Afghan people. Lay down your arms and join Afghan society. Help build a better future for this country and your own children."President Donald Trump had announced the new plans for Afghanistan on Monday. While he did not give specifics, senior U.S. officials have said that he might send up to 3,900 more troops, with some deployments beginning almost immediately.

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Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation renews its commitment to Acumen Pakistan

Commitment renewal signing ceremony between Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation and Acumen was attended by Mr. Muhammad Ali Charanya (COO, MJSF), Mr. Naeem Zamindar (Director of Acumen Pakistan), Ms. Zoha Arshad (Business Development Associate, Acumen) & Mr. Zaid Haroon (Senior Vice President, Communication

Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation (MJSF) has announced a $1M commitment to support Acumen’s Pakistan Fellows program and it’s Pakistan Fund over the next five years. The partnership with Acumen, a non-profit social venture fund, will support Pakistan’s emerging leaders and catalyse social and economic development through business.

Acumen and MJSF have worked together to tackle the problems of poverty in Pakistan for more than a decade now. Over the last 15 years, Acumen has invested $16M in 16 companies in the country, impacting 4.8M lives. MJSF and JS Bank were one of the first to support Acumen‘s presence in Pakistan.

The Acumen Fellows program is a leadership development program that equips emerging social leaders around the world with the skills, knowledge and moral imagination to drive change in their communities. The Pakistan Fund, with the support of its anchor partner MJSF, will invest in early stage companies that improve the lives of the poor by developing and deploying innovative business models in education, energy, health care and agriculture.

“MJSF’s continued support allows Acumen to invest in dynamic leaders, companies and ideas that are helping to eradicate poverty and impacting lives across the country,” said Mr. Naeem Zamindar, Acumen’s Pakistan Director. “Mr. Ali Jehangir Siddiqui has played a pivotal role in establishing Acumen here in Pakistan. His support has been instrumental in helping Acumen grow and deepen its impact across the country.”

Mr. Muhammad Ali Charanya, COO MJSF, said “Sustainable development is one of the focus areas of MJSF and our partnership with Acumen has enabled us to work on several specialised projects including Jassar farm, PharmaGen, and low cost housing projects that otherwise would not have been possible. Moreover, collaboration has helped develop many young and dynamic entrepreneurs to enter into the social impact sector.”

The Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation is a non-profit organization that has been working towards healthcare, education and social enterprise through sustainable development to underprivileged members of society with a special focus on women, minorities, children and disabled individuals. Foundation’s goal is to promote economic development and to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential.

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Two funniest Urdu Lateefay - read and share to laugh your friends

Two funniest Urdu Lateefay - read and share to laugh your friends

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ﻭﮦ ﺍﯾﮏ ﺷﺐ ﺟﻮ ﺗﺮﯼ ﯾﺎﺩ ﻣﯿﮟ ﮔﺰﺍﺭﯼ ﮨﮯ: شمنم رومانی

ﺗﻤﺎﻡ ﻋﻤﺮ ﮐﯽ ﺁﻭﺍﺭﮔﯽ ﭘﮧ ﺑﮭﺎﺭﯼ ﮨﮯ

ﻭﮦ ﺍﯾﮏ ﺷﺐ ﺟﻮ ﺗﺮﯼ ﯾﺎﺩ ﻣﯿﮟ ﮔﺰﺍﺭﯼ ﮨﮯ

ﺳﻨﺎ ﺭﮨﺎ ﮨﻮﮞ ﺑﮍﯼ ﺳﺎﺩﮔﯽ ﺳﮯ ﭘﯿﺎﺭ ﮐﮯ ﮔﯿﺖ

ﻣﮕﺮ ﯾﮩﺎﮞ ﺗﻮ ﻋﺒﺎﺩﺕ ﺑﮭﯽ ﮐﺎﺭﻭﺑﺎﺭﯼ ﮨﮯ

ﻧﮕﺎﮦِ ﺷﻮﻕ ﻧﮯ ﻣﺠﮫ ﮐﻮ ﯾﮧ ﺭﺍﺯ ﺳﻤﺠﮭﺎﯾﺎ

ﺣﯿﺎ ﺑﮭﯽ ﺩﻝ ﮐﯽ ﻧﺰﺍﮐﺖ ﭘﮧ ﺿﺮﺏ ﮐﺎﺭﯼ ﮨﮯ

ﻣﺠﮭﮯ ﯾﮧ ﺯﻋﻢ ﮐﮧ ﻣﯿﮟ ﺣﺴﻦ ﮐﺎ ﻣﺼﻮﺭ ﮨﻮﮞ

ﺍﻧﮩﯿﮟ ﯾﮧ ﻧﺎﺯ، ﮐﮧ ﺗﺼﻮﯾﺮ ﺗﻮ ﮨﻤﺎﺭﯼ ﮨﮯ

ﯾﮧ ﮐﺲ ﻧﮯ ﭼﮭﯿﮍ ﺩﯾﺎ ﺭﺧﺼﺖِ ﺑﮩﺎﺭ ﮐﺎ ﮔﯿﺖ

ﺍﺑﮭﯽ ﺗﻮ ﺭﻗﺺِ ﻧﺴﯿﻢِ ﺑﮩﺎﺭ ﺟﺎﺭﯼ ﮨﮯ

ﺧﻔﺎ ﻧﮧ ﮨﻮ ﺗﻮ ﺩﮐﮭﺎ ﺩﯾﮟ ﮨﻢ ﺁﺋﯿﻨﮧ ﺗﻢ ﮐﻮ

ﮨﻤﯿﮟ ﻗﺒﻮﻝ ﮐﮧ ﺳﺎﺭﯼ ﺧﻄﺎ ﮨﻤﺎﺭﯼ ﮨﮯ

ﺟﮩﺎﮞ ﭘﻨﺎﮦِ ﻣﺤﺒﺖ ﺟﻨﺎﺏِ ﺷﺒﻨﻢؔ ﮨﯿﮟ

ﺯﺑﺎﻥِ ﺷﻌﺮ ﻣﯿﮟ ﻓﺮﻣﺎﻥِ ﺷﻮﻕ ﺟﺎﺭﯼ ﮨﮯ

ﺷﺒﻨﻢ ﺭﻭﻣﺎﻧﯽ

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LG Brings Perfect Gaming Monitors For Intense Action To IFA Berlin

LG To Bring Perfect Gaming Monitors For Intense Action To IFA Berlin  – Aug 24, 2017– Seoul, Korea (Techreleased) – LG Electronics (LG) will introduce two new gaming monitors at IFA 2017 in Berlin next week to even better meet the needs of the burgeoning gamer consumer base and to deliver some of the smoothest gaming experiences possible today. LG’s newest 32- and 27-inch GK monitors not only offer action enthusiasts a visually stunning experience but deliver a winning edge in competitive gaming as well.

LG’s GK gaming series implements the latest technological breakthroughs, namely high refresh rates of 144Hz (overclockable to 165Hz*) and 240Hz. LG’s new 32-inch gaming monitor (model 32GK850G) is the ideal display for game enthusiasts who want seamless, quick motion gameplay on large screens with high picture quality. Featuring fast refresh rate, LG 32GK850G delivers incredibly fluid graphic motion while its NVIDIA G-SyncTM graphic processing technology – which is taking the gaming community by storm – all but eliminates stuttering and screen tearing when in the heat of the action. This monitor will handily process all game genres without any afterimages while delivering rapid and fluid motion at a maximum brightness of 350 nits on its QHD (2,560 x 1,440) screen.

What’s more, the 32-inch monitor enhances the gaming experience in a distinct way with Sphere Lighting, which uses LEDs behind the monitor to create soft ambience lighting that increases the immersiveness of games and reduces eye fatigue while also adding a beautiful design element to the monitor. Unique features such as Black Stabilizer deliver clearer contrast to give gamers maximum visibility at all times while Dynamic Action Sync minimizes input lag so that players can react faster to the action. A friendly graphic user interface allows players to easily customize modes for different games and for maximum convenience, the monitor features a one-click stand which installs without the use of screws or tools and allows the monitor’s tilt, height, swivel and pivot angle to be adjusted with minimal effort.

The 27-inch GK monitor (model 27GK750F) also delivers incredibly smooth gameplay with the highest refresh rate and the fastest response time. The more compact monitor is designed to take on all gaming needs with enhancements to improve the player’s chances of willing, such as 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms Motion Blur Reduction and AMD FreeSync™ technology. Features such as Black Stabilizer, Dynamic Action Sync and Crosshair – which places a target in the center of the monitor in order to enhance accuracy in FPS games – are designed to make the gaming experience second to none.

At IFA 2017, LG will also showcase its stunning 34-inch UltraWide gaming monitor (model 34UC89G) with its expansive 21:9 aspect ratio display to maximize the gaming experience. The immersive effect is most evident in racing, RTS or AOS games which support 21:9 aspect ratio. This monitor also supports NVIDIA G-Sync and 144Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 166Hz* ) to maximize the experience for all gaming genres.

“Our efforts to deliver the best platform for gamers have resulted in these amazing new monitors which we’ll showcasing at IFA,” said Jang Ik-hwan, vice president of the IT Division at LG Electronics. “We are confident players will notice a difference in their gameplay and look forward to seeing their reactions once they’ve had a chance to test drive these fantastic new products.”

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