Thailand Offering Visa-Free Entry to 93 Countries But Not to Pakistan
On a poignant day for Pakistan, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced a significant expansion of Thailand’s visa-free scheme, now encompassing 93 countries. This initiative, set to be signed into effect on Monday, allows visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, promising seamless integration thanks to robust measures by immigration and security authorities. While this move brings joy to many, the absence of Pakistan from the list is deeply felt. The anticipation and hope of Pakistani travelers remain unfulfilled, stirring a sense of longing and disappointment. Countries Previously in the Visa-Free Scheme Country Country Country Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Bahrain Brazil Brunei Canada Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Japan Kuwait Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malaysia Maldives Mauritius Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Oman Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain South Africa South Korea Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Peru Hong Kong Vietnam Saudi Arabia Newly Added Countries Country Country Country Bhutan Bulgaria Cyprus Fiji Georgia India Kazakhstan Malta Mexico Papua New Guinea Romania Uzbekistan Taiwan China Laos Macau Mongolia Russia Cambodia Albania Colombia Croatia Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Guatemala Jamaica Jordan Kosovo Morocco Panama Sri Lanka Trinidad and Tobago Tonga Uruguay This expansion, though a testament to Thailand’s embrace of global diversity, leaves Pakistani hearts yearning for inclusion. The dream of exploring Thailand’s rich culture and landscapes remains just that — a dream, waiting for the day it will become a reality.
Elon Musk to Spend $45 Million to Support Donald Trump in Elections
Recently Wall Street Journal posted a news that famous Billionaire is aiming to spend $45 million each month to support Donald Trump in President Elections of United States of America. The news spread like a wild fire and there were discussions almost on every media channel about this bold step by Elon Musk. Later Tesla CEO Elon Musk has sarcastically denied a report that he plans to give $45 million a month to support former US President Donald Trump’s presidential run, calling it “fake.” In a sarcastic post on X, Musk shared a picture of two gnus (wildebeest) with human limbs, captioning it “Fake GNUS.” He shared The Wall Street Journal’s report and sarcastically dismissed it. The Wall Street Journal had claimed Musk was planning to donate $45 million monthly to a new super political-action committee (PAC) backing Trump. This PAC, called America PAC, was formed in June and aims to boost voter registration and encourage early voting in key swing states.Musk, the world’s richest person with a fortune over $250 billion, made it clear that he has no intention of donating to Trump or President Biden’s campaigns. Despite this, The Wall Street Journal suggested that Musk has gotten closer to Trump recently.America PAC has been busy, hiring staff, registering voters, and urging people in swing states to request mail-in ballots. The PAC raised $8.75 million in contributions for the three months ending June 30, according to The Wall Street Journal.In March, Musk had stated on X that he did not plan to donate to the campaigns of Trump or Biden, reinforcing his stance against the recent rumors.
iPhone 16 Launch Date, Features and Full Specifications Revealed
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA – Apple unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 16 lineup today, sending shockwaves through the tech world. The new devices boast a suite of groundbreaking features and design enhancements, solidifying Apple’s position as a leader in smartphone innovation. Pre-orders begin on September 8th, with the official launch slated for September 15th. A Glimpse into the Future: The iPhone 16 series pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in a smartphone. Here are some of the highlights: A17 Bionic Chip: Experience unparalleled speed and efficiency with Apple’s latest processor, designed for seamless multitasking, lightning-fast gaming, and advanced AI capabilities. ProMotion XDR Display: Immerse yourself in a vibrant, super-retina XDR display with a dynamic refresh rate up to 144Hz, delivering incredibly smooth scrolling and stunning visuals. Tri-Camera System with LiDAR Scanner: Capture professional-grade photos and videos with an advanced triple-camera system. The LiDAR scanner enhances augmented reality experiences and delivers faster, more accurate autofocus, even in low light. Enhanced Battery Life: Power through your day with a significantly improved battery life, thanks to optimizations in both hardware and software. iOS 17: The iPhone 16 series comes equipped with the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS 17. Expect a refined user interface, enhanced privacy features, and exciting new app experiences. iPhone 16 Lineup and Specifications: The iPhone 16 series comes in two sizes for both the standard and Pro models: Feature iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max Display 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR, 120Hz ProMotion 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR, 120Hz ProMotion 6.1-inch ProMotion XDR, up to 144Hz 6.7-inch ProMotion XDR, up to 144Hz Processor A17 Bionic A17 Bionic A17 Pro Bionic A17 Pro Bionic Camera Dual 12MP Camera System Dual 12MP Camera System Triple 48MP Camera System with LiDAR Scanner Triple 48MP Camera System with LiDAR Scanner Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Battery Life Up to 20 hours video playback Up to 26 hours video playback Up to 24 hours video playback Up to 30 hours video playback Colors Midnight, Starlight, Product (RED), Blue Midnight, Starlight, Product (RED), Blue Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple Pricing and Availability: Pricing for the iPhone 16 starts at $799, while the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999. With its impressive new features and powerful performance enhancements, the iPhone 16 lineup is poised to redefine the smartphone experience. Mark your calendars for September 15th – the future of mobile technology awaits.
Eight Soldiers Martyred in Bannu Cantonment Terrorist Attack
In a heartbreaking attack early Monday, ten terrorists targeted Bannu Cantonment in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, leading to the tragic loss of eight brave soldiers. The military reported that the attackers tried to enter the cantonment but were stopped. They then detonated an explosive-laden vehicle, causing part of the wall to collapse and damaging nearby structures. The fallen heroes include Naib Subedar Muhammad Shehzad, Havildar Zil-e-Hussain, Havildar Shahzad Ahmed, Sepoy Ashfaq Hussain Khan, Sepoy Sobhan Majeed, Sepoy Imtiaz Khan, Sepoy Arsalan Aslam, and Lance Naik Sabz Ali. The military’s swift response resulted in all ten terrorists being killed, preventing a larger tragedy and saving many innocent lives. The attack was carried out by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, which operates from Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan government to stop terrorists from using their soil. Despite a rise in terrorist activities, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the Pakistan armed forces remain committed to defending the nation. Recent reports show a decline in violence and casualties, but the regions continue to face significant security challenges.
Shahbaz Govt Seeking Ban on PTI and charging Imran Khan with High Treason
Just days after the Supreme Court declared PTI a parliamentary party, the government announced plans to ban it and charge its founder with treason. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar revealed that the government will file a case to outlaw PTI and initiate high treason proceedings against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other top leaders. The Supreme Court’s decision, which granted PTI reserved seats for women and minorities, has sparked government outrage. Tarar stated that the ruling coalition would seek a review of this decision and take strict legal action against those conspiring from abroad and sabotaging the IMF bailout program. The government accuses PTI of anti-state activities, including obtaining prohibited funding and sabotaging previous IMF deals. They allege Imran Khan used a diplomatic cable for personal gain and pushed the country towards economic default. The government plans to send a reference to the Supreme Court to invoke high treason charges related to the 2022 National Assembly dissolution. Tarar also blamed PTI for the May 9 riots and for bringing back the Taliban to Pakistan, undermining the National Action Plan against terrorism. He played a leaked audio where Imran allegedly discussed manipulating the diplomatic cable, further accusing PTI of pressuring the National Accountability Bureau over corruption cases. Meanwhile, PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain urged a thorough review of the government’s decision to ban PTI, warning of significant political consequences. He emphasized the need for political forces to focus on the country’s economy and the common man’s hardships.
Pakistan Stock Exchange Hits All-Time-High 81000 Points
Pakistani Investors celebrated on Monday as the benchmark KSE 100 index soared to an all-time high above 81,000, following the announcement of a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $7 billion credit line. This came despite the rising political noise after the landmark apex court ruling on reserve seats. Market optimism was further fueled by an anticipated softening of monetary policy, which drew significant buying interest, particularly from foreign investors. Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corporation noted that stocks closed at a record high, attributing the surge to the SLA’s boost to investor confidence. He also mentioned that the expected ease in the State Bank of Pakistan’s policy rate, resolution of the energy sector’s circular debt crisis, increased remittances, and rupee stability were key factors in the market’s performance. Topline Securities Ltd highlighted that the new Extended Fund Facility for 37 months significantly bolstered investor sentiment. Major contributions to the index’s rise came from Systems Ltd, MCB Bank, Fauji Fertiliser, Pakistan Oilfield, Hub Power, and Engro Corporation, which collectively added 599 points. The benchmark index achieved an intraday record high of 81,428.43 points and a low of 80,743.46. It ultimately settled at 79,992.35, after a remarkable rally of 1,211.51 points or 1.52% on a day-on-day basis. The overall trading volume remained stable at 441.33 million shares, marking a slight increase of 0.91%. However, the traded value improved by 15.93% to Rs27.22 billion day-on-day. Significant contributors to the trading volume included PIA Holding Company (35.75 million shares), Pak Elektron (25.83 million shares), WorldCall Telecom (24.92 million shares), Air Link Communication (21.33 million shares), and Avanceon Ltd (19.88 million shares). The shares with the most significant price increases in absolute terms were Nestle Pakistan (Rs105.00), Exide Pakistan (Rs93.45), PIA Holding Ltd (B) (Rs82.98), Sapphire Fibres (Rs72.69), and Reliance Cotton (Rs49.13). Conversely, the companies with notable price decreases in absolute terms were Rafhan Maize (Rs99.27), Pakistan Tobacco (Rs50.45), Data Agro Ltd (Rs38.57), Ismail Industries (Rs32.60), and Mehmood Textile (Rs28.92). Foreign investors were active in value-hunting, purchasing shares worth $2.76 million.
Tanks Roll in La Paz: Bolivian Army Chief Staged Coup Attempt, Arrested by Loyal Forces
President Arce Vows to Defend Democracy After Military Uprising Chaos erupted in the heart of Bolivia’s capital La Paz on Wednesday as army chief General Juan Jose Zuniga deployed troops and tanks in a brazen attempt to seize power. The dramatic scene unfolded in Plaza Murillo, the city’s central square, where soldiers surrounded government buildings, sending shockwaves through the nation. In a scene reminiscent of a bygone era, a tank lumbered towards the presidential palace, its cannon pointed ominously at the door. President Luis Arce, defiant in the face of the attempted coup, addressed the nation from a balcony overlooking the tense scene. Hundreds of supporters gathered below, chanting slogans in defense of democracy. Despite Zuniga’s claims, surrounded by his rebellious troops, that the armed forces aimed to “restructure democracy,” the world watched in condemnation. International leaders swiftly denounced the uprising, recognizing it as a clear power grab. Arce, refusing to yield, vowed to defend the democratically elected government. “No one can take away the democracy we have won,” he declared, his voice ringing out over the crowd. The drama reached a climax when Zuniga, stripped of his command, was captured and arrested while attempting to justify his actions to reporters. This decisive move by loyal forces effectively quelled the uprising within hours, leaving Bolivia to grapple with the aftermath of a dramatic day.
World Bank Giving 150 Million Dollars to Improve Primary Schools in Punjab
The World Bank is giving Pakistan $150 million to help more kids go to school in Punjab. This will help boys and girls learn to read better and stay in school longer. This project will help 5 million children, many teachers and principals, and even build new classrooms! There are a lot of kids who don’t go to school in Punjab, and this project will try to change that. It will also fix schools that got damaged in the floods and make sure schools are accessible for children with disabilities. The World Bank is like a giant piggy bank for good ideas around the world. They’re giving Pakistan a big gift of $150 million to help more kids in Punjab get a head start in life by going to school! This project, with a long name like “Getting Results: Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services in Punjab” (we can call it GRADES for short), has a super important mission: to get more boys and girls in pre-school and primary school, and to help them learn to read really well. Think about it like this: school is like a big jungle gym for your brain. The more you climb and play on it, the stronger and smarter you get. But if you don’t get to go on the jungle gym at all, you miss out on all that fun and learning. GRADES is here to make sure all the kids in Punjab get a chance to climb on the school jungle gym! Here’s the coolest part: this project will help a whopping 5 million children! That’s like all the kids in a giant city! It will also help teachers and principals learn new ways to make learning fun and exciting. And to top it all off, GRADES will even build brand new classrooms – imagine shiny new schools with comfy chairs and bright pictures on the walls! But wait, there’s more! There are lots of kids in Punjab who don’t go to school because they might live far away or because their family might not have enough money. GRADES is going to try and change that too. They’ll also fix schools that got broken in the floods, and make sure schools have special features to help children with disabilities so everyone can learn together. So, this GRADES project is a super cool way to give all the kids in Punjab a fair shot at a great education. It’s like giving them a key to unlock a whole world of learning and possibilities!
100 Days of Progress: Majority of Punjabis Satisfied with Maryam Nawaz’s Government
After Maryam Nawaz became Chief Minister of Punjab for 100 days, a survey company called IPOR asked people in Punjab how they felt about the government. Most people (55%) said they were happy with the job the government was doing, while some (35%) said they weren’t happy. A small number (10%) didn’t say how they felt. The survey also asked about people’s opinions of CM Maryam Nawaz herself. More people (60%) had a positive view of her than those who had a negative view (37%). Finally, the survey asked about the government’s decision to lower the prices of everyday items. Most people (53%) liked this decision, while some (34%) didn’t. A small number (13%) didn’t have an opinion.
Salary Boost and Minimum Wage Hike: Sindh Unveils Mega-Budget Today!
The Sindh government is gearing up for a momentous day as they prepare to unveil their annual budget for the 2024-25 financial year. Today, Friday, June 14th, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who also carries the finance portfolio, will present the highly anticipated budget to the Sindh Assembly at 3:00 PM. Adding to the intrigue, sources reveal an early morning cabinet meeting scheduled for 9:00 AM at the CM House. This pre-budget huddle is expected to be a critical decision-making forum where the proposed budget will be meticulously reviewed and approved before its official presentation. Speculation is rife about the budget’s contents, with whispers of a potential 15% to 20% salary increase for government employees and a significant boost to the minimum wage, possibly reaching Rs. 35,000. Will these rumors materialize? Tune in today at 3:00 PM to witness the unveiling of the Sindh budget and its potential impact on the province’s economy and citizens’ lives!