The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been underway for almost two years but the political leadership has yet to take into consideration its societal and environmental impact. While the physical infrastructure and energy generation projects to be completed under the CPEC have the potential to boost economic activity, they will also result in degradation of the environment. Not too long ago, the Karakoram Highway had supported only a handful of trucks that traversed its narrow route to move goods between markets in Pakistan and China. The highway is expected to carry up to 100 trucks a day when CPEC reaches its full swing.
Mahira Khan apologises over pictures with Ranbir Kapoor
LAHORE – Pakistani stunning actress Mahira Khan has apologized over her smoking pictures with Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor during a chill break in New York City.Mahira said, “Im a very strong woman but when all of this happened, I was completely shattered and broken. I would think about posting a statement every day. Then I would stop myself because I just wouldnt know what to say,” the actor said.”To be honest, I understand where all the criticism came from and it didnt come from a place of hate. Im not talking about the trolls but those who were genuinely disappointed to see those pictures.
India in talks with Iran for sea route trade to Afghanistan
NEW DELHI: India is in talks with Iran to begin interim operations at a port in southeast Iran, officials say, proceeding cautiously on developing the facility at a time when the Trump administration has laid an aggressive new approach towards Tehran. India has committed $500 million (381.37 million pounds) to the Chabahar port that it is building as a way to bypass rival Pakistan and crack open a trade and transport route to landlocked Afghanistan, as well as the resource-rich countries of central Asia.
Head of U.S. government financial agency to resign
WASHINGTON, NOV 07 (DNA) – The head of a U.S. government agency created to monitor financial markets after the 2007-2009 financial crisis will resign from the post at the end of this year. Richard Berner, director of the Office of Financial Research (OFR), will be leaving that agency on Dec. 31, the Treasury Department announced on Monday. Berner helped create the agency as a Treasury official under President Barack Obama, and has led it since its creation in 2013.The Treasury did not say who would replace Berner, but his exit gives President Donald Trump another opportunity to shift government watchdogs in a more industry-friendly direction.
Nine Bollywood stars who actually born to Pakistani parents
There are many Pakistani aspirants artists seek to work in the Bollywood as we have already watched a number of Indian flicks featuring Ali Zafar, Mawra Hocane, and Fawad Khan. Interestingly, some of the Indian cinema legends either born or have roots deep seated in Pakistan. These are few names of legendary Indian cinema stars having Pakistani origins. Born as Sampooran Singh Kalra in 1934 in Jhelum district of Pakistan, he picked pen name Gulzar. He is a legendry writer, lyricist, poet and movie director. As a writer, Gulzar has penned some of the finest scripts and lyrics known to Bollywood, and he also wrote and directed the 1988 Serial Mirza Ghalib.
Shoaib Akhtar surprised fans by taking a round of city on a motorbike
KARACHI, NOV 04 (DNA) – Speedster Shoaib Akhtar, on Friday, surprised his fans in Karachi by taking a round of city on a motorbike. Akhar, 42, travelled from Karachi Press Club to SMCHS in Karachi via Electronics Market, Quaid’s Mazar and Tariq Road. Although, the journey was part of a promotional campaign for a ride-hailing company, it gave a pleasant surprise to Shoaib’s fan on the streets of Karachi. “I couldn’t believe when I first saw him riding a sports-bike near Tariq Road, I was so happy to see him among fans and letting people click selfies with him,” said Ashar who runs a shop in Tariq Road.
Income tax returns date extended till November 15
ISLAMABAD, NOV 01 (DNA) – As directed by Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday, the due date for filing of Income Tax Returns / Statements by Companies, salaried individuals, other individuals and AOPs, has been further extended till November 15th November, 2017. Earlier, the due date was extended from September 30 to October 31, 2017, said a statement issued by the Finance Ministry.
Gabriel Tiel Capote: US curbs impeding Cuba development
Ambassador of Cuba talks to Centreline and Diplomatic News Agency (DNA)
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
Please tell us about US embargoes on Cuba. What is the current situation? I think it is firstly necessary to explain how and when the blockade arises and the reasons why it was implemented.On January 1st, 1959, the revolutionary struggle against the Cuban dictatorial regime ended victoriously. The revolutionary movement led by Fidel Castro acceded to power.The measures adopted by the Revolutionary Government to recover the Cuban wealth and destine it to the people constituted a mortal blow to the interests of the biggest North American monopolies which had plundered Cuban resources for more than half a century, and dominated the country.
battop launches new foldable Bluetooth keyboard
OCT 30 (DNA) – Battop (via Amazon) has the Battop Foldable Keyboard for $18.62 when you apply promo code CW5JX9HF at checkout. It normally sells for $27, which is already a solid deal — but $18.62 is better. The keyboard is available in your choice of five colors: black, white, gold, black/gray, and white/gray. (The code should work with any of them.) Out of the five, I’d say the white/gray version wins the Snazzy Award. Weighing just over half a pound and able to operate for up to 40 hours on its rechargeable battery, the keyboard stows easily in just about any bag. When folded, it resembles a three-hole punch and measures just 9.4 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches.
Sacked Catalonia leader calls for opposition to Madrid’s rule
BARCELONA, OCT 29 (DNA) – Sacked Catalonian president Carles Puigdemont on Saturday called for peaceful “democratic opposition” to the central government’s takeover of the region following its unilateral declaration of independence from Spain. Puigdemont, whose regional government was dismissed by Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Friday, accused Madrid of “premeditated aggression” against the will of the Catalans. Rajoy removed Puigdemont, took over the administration of the autonomous region, and called a new election after Catalonia’s parliament declared itself an independent nation on Friday.
