Omicron-fuelled fifth wave: Pakistan announces new travel advisory

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

As a looming fifth wave of the coronavirus epidemic, this time fuelled by the Omicron variant, sends alarm bells ringing, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has made PCR testing mandatory for everyone flying in from overseas. The test has to have been conducted a maximum 48 hours before every traveller’s flight.

The CAA has said all travelers aged 15 and up will be required to present a negative coronavirus test report upon arrival in Pakistan.

All travelers flying from European countries will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival, while half of the flights from Saudi Arabia and UAE will also have to take Rapid Antigen Test.

Following are the new guidelines as announced by the CAA:

  • Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and possession of proof of COVID-19 vaccination. This is applicable for all passengers above 15 years of age.
  • Valid negative PCR test result conducted within the 48 hours prior to commencement of travel to Pakistan. This is applicable for all passengers above 06 years of age.
  • Rapid Antigen Testing upon arrival for all direct flights from Europe
  • Rapid Antigen Testing upon arrival of a minimum of 50% inbound flights from KSA, UAE and Qatar
  • Selective Rapid Antigen Testing for all inbound flights other than flights mentioned at (c) and (d) above.

According to the CAA, passengers will be required to be quarantined for 10 days if they test positive.

Passengers will have the option of isolating themselves at their own expense in hotels or other locations. The CAA stated that travellers will not be charged for expenses incurred at quarantine centres set up by the health department.

The new travel advisory will take effect on January 5 at the direction of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), according to CAA.

The fifth wave of COVID-19, which is driven by the Omicron variant, is spreading at a rapid pace in the country, the National Command and Operation Centre said Monday as Pakistan reported its highest number of daily infections in over two months.

While addressing the epidemic curve chart data, the national immunisation plan and disease prevalence across the country in a morning session on Monday, the NCOC confirmed that the positivity rate in Karachi has risen from 2% to 6% in the last three days, with the highest number of positive instances.

 

Apple becomes 1st US company to reach $3 tn valuation

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Apple became the first US company to hit $3 trillion in market value, briefly reaching the landmark on Monday in the latest demonstration of the tech industry’s pandemic surge.

The iPhone maker scaled the record level near 1845 GMT, reaching $182.88 a share before slipping back slightly.

The tech giant also was the first US company to hit $2 trillion in August 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic that stoked demand for personal electronics and digital services, such as Apple’s streaming and smartphone app store.

And it likewise was the first American firm to overtake $1 trillion in August 2018.

The surge marks the latest accomplishment for Tim Cook, who became chief executive of the Cupertino, California giant in 2011 shortly before the death of the company’s visionary co-founder, Steve Jobs.

While the top tier of US stock markets are dominated by Silicon Valley companies, Microsoft is the only other American company worth more than $2 trillion.

In October, Apple reported net income of $20.5 billion on revenue of $83.4 billion, a record high for the quarter ending in September.

But as with many other tech giants, Apple has seen pressures in recent months due to supply chain problems, including a global shortage of semiconductors and Covid-related manufacturing disruptions in Southeast Asia.

Apple shares tumbled following that October earnings report, but rallied thereafter, winning nearly 20 percent in the final two months of 2021.

Near 1930 GMT, Apple shares were up 2.4 percent to $181.91.

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Areeba Habib looks regal in ivory wedding outfit at her ‘shendi’ event

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Model and actress Areeba Habib’s wedding festivities have taken the internet by storm. The starlet had all the eyes on her as she turned out to be the prettiest bride on her wedding day.

The Jalan famed actress, who tied the knot on December 31, rang in the New Year with a grand wedding festive event, shendi – a combination of mehndi and shaadi ceremony.

The star-studded affair took place on January 2nd and was attended by a number of prominent stars from showbiz industry including Iqra Aziz, Yasir Hussain, Aiman Khan and Mansha Pasha.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYPBj7Kg99u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

For her big day, Areeba opted for a beautiful, heavily-embellished silver and maroon bridal outfit, designed by Shehla Chatoor. The dress featured a longline shirt, paired with a floor-sweeping lehenga, decorated with ruffles.

She wore traditional kundan jewellery, carried a matching embellished mini handbag and wore minimal makeup that perfectly complimented her entire look. The groom, Saadain, simply opted for a classic black sherwani for the day.

The guest list for the event-included industry’s A-listers. Anoushey Ashraf, Sana Fakhar, Shahroz Sabzwari, Sadaf Kanwal, Sumbul Iqbal, Aagha Ali, comedian Shafqat Ali, Zubia Rana, Amna Malik, Nadia Hussain and politician Sharmila Faruqi were all spotted at the shendi.

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Aima Baig luckily saved from fire during ‘Item Number’ performance

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Aima Baig saved herself from a massive mishap amid concert this week.

The singer almost caught fire on stage while she sents waves amongst audience with her song Item Number from movie Teefa In Trouble.

Aima, who had donned a green jacket for the night and long boots of the night, was caught by surprise when she stepped a bit too close to a flare of fire in-between singing.

Last week, Aima Baig made headlines when she threatened to leave the concert after crowd went unruly. 

“If you guys misbehave, I’ll go back,” she said. “Because of one person like him, everything gets ruined for everybody else who’s here to enjoy,” added Aima.

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Hadiqa Kiani embarks on a new musical journey with VASL

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

The Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient and Pakistan’s most versatile and accomplished woman in music, Hadiqa Kiani embarks on a new musical journey with the launch of her latest music album, VASL.

With VASL, Kiani explores the roots of her music, reproducing her original compositions from the start of her career for the next generation of Pakistani listeners. The organic Eastern structure of the album aims to create an atmosphere of ease, comfort and, peace.

Showcasing her brilliant versatility and melodious voice, Kiani has released first single from VASL, “Humsafar”. Composed and produced by Kiani herself, the poetry for “Humsafar” is penned by Khawar Kiani with musical arrangement by Hassan Badshah.

Visually captured by ace director Abdullah Haris in the scenic hill station, Murree, the music video explores the stunning environment of the region. Kiani’s wardrobe has been designed by Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, distinguished as the pioneer of utilitarian avant-garde working mostly in natural fibers such as cotton, silks, jute, and linen. Every Yousuf Bashir Qureshi piece, like every song on the album, holds an individual narrative, it is carefully designed, self-aware, responsible, and offers protection. The perfect compliment to the raw connection that the ballads of VASL aim to create.

The music video for “Humsafar” can be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92xHCyAtL_o

Indeed, the versatility of Hadiqa Kiani is unparalleled. From pop-rock hits to folk classics, she does it all with an ease and grace unfamiliar to many. Earlier in 2021, Kiani also made her television acting debut to much acclaim.

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Usman Mukhtar pens down a heartfelt note as the blockbuster project ‘Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay’ comes to an end

Posted on by admin
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Multitalented actor Usman Mukhtar who played Aswad on the show ‘Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay’ took to his Instagram and penned down a heartfelt note to honour the end of the serial. 
Sharing a few BTS photos from the set, Usman said, “What a journey. So thankful to be a part of a drama which explored so many variables and nuances of human interaction.” 
Mukhtar also mentioned the director in his note and said, “Farooq Rind’s vision for all of us was flawless!”
The star went on to thank the entire team including his co-stars Mahira Khan and Kubra Khan. “It’s been an honor to work next to Mahira Khan and Kubra Khan, and of course my onscreen mother Huma Nawab who I’m in awe of!,” said Usman.
“Loved the acting of each and everyone in this drama,” he added.
He also thanked the writer Umera Ahmed for penning down such a powerful script, “Thank you to the writer Umera Ahmed for writing Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay.”
Talking about his character, Usman wrote, “Understandably Aswad was a relatively negative role to play, but as an actor I’m blessed to have been given such a challenge.”
Usman Mukhtar’s character in the drama Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay was the talk of the town and even though he played such a negative role, viewers praised his performance a lot.

OPPO Annual Film Memorializes the Moments that Matter

Posted on by admin

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Leading global smart device brand OPPO has always been at the forefront of celebrating its consumer base and adding value to their lives through technology.  As the year closes, OPPO asked its users to share moments that mattered the most to them in the year 2021. Using the hashtags #FlashBack2021 and #ShotonOPPO, OPPO users were able to share their favourite moments from the year and had the opportunity to be featured in OPPO’s Annual Film.  

Showcasing the photography and video capabilities of OPPO’s advanced smartphones, OPPO users utilized their filmmaking creativity and shared fun and joyful moments with their loved ones. These moments captured a range of activities such as architecture, food and travel.

The OPPO Annual Film aims to highlight the importance of enjoying the little moments in life and shows the emotional connection OPPO users have with their loved ones while also celebrating the strength of character and spirit that enables us to stay happy despite the challenges life throws at us. The participation of several online personalities helped create a greater buzz for the Annual Film and resulted in many clip submissions which collated into the final film.The Annual Film and other video and photography content from OPPO users can be viewed on OPPO Pakistan’s social media platforms.

Street interviews were also conducted asking people to summarize their year. The interviews, shot on the OPPO Reno6, covered their New Year resolutions and other personal moments. Influencers also carried out interviews on university campuses in Karachi and Lahore. Amusing stories were shared by the students on their most embarrassing moments in 2021 as well as heartwarming anecdotes of the most memorable moments of the year.

All the happy and hopeful moments shared from the year shows the strong connection OPPO users have with their loved ones and thus, is a call for celebration as we bid farewell to the year 2021.

The unmistakable common thread running through all these was the role OPPO devices played in enhancing those connections. OPPO believes in “Technology for mankind, kindness for the world”. As we enter into 2022, OPPO wishes you to create and capture even more memories shared with your loved ones. 

Mohammad Hafeez bids adieu to international cricket

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-Desk)

Former Pakistan Test captain Mohammad Hafeez has finally announced his retirement from international cricket, according to the media reports on Monday. Premiere Cricket Website ESPN also shared the news on its official Twitter Handle.

Hafeez, aka The Professor, had earlier bid farewell to Test cricket in 2018.

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FIA official speaks up on Alizeh Shah’s viral video

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) Sindh Cybercrime Department head Imran Riaz on Saturday told that reports about actor Alizeh Shah contacting the agency over a video made without her consent are false.

Speaking exclusively , Imran Riaz said that he recorded a video shedding light on the actor’s video after it went viral and informed the public that this act of filming someone without consent is a crime.

He added that if Alizeh Shah approaches the agency, due action will be taken against the culprits who filmed her and then posted the video on social media.

The FIA official can be seen in the video asking people to remain careful about what they post or share on social media platforms.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXkxRnUo-wq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In a tweet, Imran Riaz also elaborated that the act comes in the definition of ‘cyber stalking‘ and is punishable under Section 24 of PECA 2016.

It is pertinent to mention that actor Alizeh Shah came under severe criticism after a video of her smoking a cigarette made rounds on social media.

The actor is yet to comment on the incident and has kept mum since then.

Alizeh Shah, who is one of the most followed celebrities in Pakistan with at least 3.9 million Instagram followers, has proved her mettle in the drama industry by playing diverse roles.

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A.R. Rahman’s daughter Khatija Rahman gets engaged.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Famed Indian singer A. R. Rahman’s daughter Khatija Rahman got engaged to audio engineer Riyasdeen Shaik Mohamed in an intimate ceremony.

Taking to Instagram, Khatija shared the news with her followers while introducing her partner-to-be. She also penned down a lengthy note along with an adorable collage of the couple.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYOR58Clp6a/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

She wrote, “With the blessings of the Almighty I’m happy to announce to you all my engagement with Riyasdeen Shaik Mohamed @riyasdeenriyan,”

“ An aspiring entrepreneur and a wizkid audio engineer. The engagement happened on 29th December, my birthday in the presence of close family and loved ones,” she added.

Meanwhile, the well-acclaimed musician also shared the post on his IG Story.

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