Author: Osama Tabasam

Zara designer head’s anti-Muslim & anti-Palestinian remarks set off a firestorm

A Zara designer head was recently reportedly spotted making racist remarks about Palestinians. Zara’s head designer, Vanessa Perilman, allegedly posted the controversial remarks in a message responding to pro-Palestine posts. Consequently, people immediately complained to Zara about this racist and Islamophobic statement. Several people are calling for a boycott of Zara because of its ‘generic’ gesture towards Islamophobia, racism, and discrimination.

Naftali Bennett swears in as Israel’s new prime minister, hailing ‘new days’

On Sunday, Naftali Bennett took office as Israel’s new prime minister, ending Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12-year reign as prime minister. Bennett told cabinet members that we are at the start of a new day. Moreover, he added that the rift between our people must be healed in order for the country to function again.

Saudi Arabia bars overseas pilgrims for hajj 2021 over ‌COVID-19

In an effort to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the kingdom, Saudi Arabia has banned international visitors from performing Hajj 2021. The authorities decided to limit registration for the Hajj pilgrimage this year to citizens and residents of the Kingdom due to the prevalent COVID-19 pandemic. The Hajj and health ministries announced that 60,000 people will perform Hajj this year.

Karachi still ranks among the world’s least liveable cities

Pakistan’s capital Karachi has been ranked in the list of the world’s least liveable cities. According to the ranking, Pakistan’s financial hub(Karachi) was listed at 7th place and Bangladesh’s capital was listed at 4th. However, Damascus is the world’s least liveable city, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU’s) Global Livability Ranking for 2021.

Budget 2021-22 offers relief for automobile sector

Budget 2021-22 outlined a number of measures aimed at curbing car prices in the automobile sector. Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin announced tax exemptions for vehicles with an engine size of 850cc during the launch of the federal budget on Friday. Moreover, the government also lowered its sales tax on these cars from 17% to 12.5%.

Pakistan aims to grow its GDP by 4.8% in 2021-22

On Friday, the government presented its third budget, aiming to strike a balance between GDP growth and expenditures. In addition to a crippling budget deficit, Pakistan faces pandemic-induced poverty as well as economic recovery challenges. Budget outlays of Rs8.49 trillion are 19% higher than the revised figure of last year. However, no new taxes will be imposed on the salaried class.

US Senate confirms Zahid Quraishi as first Muslim federal judge

The first Muslim American federal judge to be confirmed by the US Senate to the position of US District Judge for the District of New Jersey, Zahid Quraishi, makes history by becoming the first Muslim American federal judge. Previously, he served as a magistrate judge for the United States in New Jersey.

FATF’s grey listing cost Pakistan nearly $38 billion

According to a research paper published by an think-tank, Tabadlab, Pakistan has lost $38 billion in economic growth as a result of the FATF putting the country on its grey list three times since 2008. Pakistan may remain on the FATF list of countries whose anti-money laundering and anti-terror financing laws do not fully comply with international standards.

National Assembly approves the Right to Vote for Overseas Pakistanis

On Thursday, the Pakistani government announced that overseas Pakistanis now have the right to vote in the National Assembly. Zulfiqar Bukhari, former special assistant to the prime minister for overseas Pakistanis, confirmed the news via Twitter and praised the PTI-led government, especially Imran Khan. For the first time in 73 years, overseas Pakistanis can now vote in the National Assembly.

Government to award varsity students with marks for planting trees

Zartaj Gul, the Minister of State for Climate Change, said the government plans to reward students who plant at least 20 trees with an extra 20 marks. Parliament is considering legislation in this regard, which would involve youth in the plantation project. Prime Minister Imran Khan has emphasized the importance of youth involvement in the fight against climate change.