- Lahore police arrested nine suspects, including two women, for honey trapping, abducting, and robbing renowned playwright Khalilur Rehman Qamar after he was lured to a house under the pretense of discussing a drama project.
- The suspects held Qamar at gunpoint, stole his belongings, forcibly obtained his ATM PIN, withdrew Rs267,000, and subjected him to emotional and physical torture before abandoning him.
- Despite facing criticism and public disputes throughout his career, Qamar remains a prominent figure in Pakistani television and film, with a loyal fan base that admires his work.
Ayesal A
In the ever-evolving world of social media, diversity and authenticity have become paramount. Enter Kimunji (Zubaira), a unique and captivating influencer who seamlessly blends her Korean and Pakistani heritage into a vibrant and compelling online persona.
With her Instagram handle, @zubidubi_desi, Kimunji has amassed a growing following, captivated by her cultural fusion, engaging content, and genuine personality.
This unique blend of cultures is evident in her online presence. From her fashion choices to her adventures, she effortlessly combines elements from both her Korean and Pakistani backgrounds, creating content that is both relatable and exotic.
Zubaira is more than just a fashion and food (lifestyle) influencer; she is also a vocal advocate for breaking stereotypes and promoting cultural understanding.
Her posts and stories address many issues related to identity, heritage, and the challenges of growing up with a mixed background. Her openness and honesty resonate deeply with her followers, many of whom share similar experiences.
Check out some of her amazing videos below:
Have you seen her videos yet?
Check them out and stay tuned to WOW360.
As the summer heat ramps up, turning to refreshing and cool ingredients becomes essential. Yogurt, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, is an excellent choice to help you stay cool.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with probiotics and nutrients. Here are five mouth-watering yogurt-based recipes to help you stay cool and satisfied all summer.
5 Food Recipes Using Yogurt to Beat the Heat
1. Greek Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped dill.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Serve with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or as a sauce for grilled meats.
2. Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts, coating them thoroughly with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-
- 8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- Serve hot with a side salad or grilled vegetables.
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3. Yogurt and Herb Potato Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the baby potatoes until tender, then drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl and gently mix until they are evenly coated with the yogurt mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Serve as a refreshing side dish for barbecues or picnics.
4. Yogurt and Cucumber Raita
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cucumber, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, diced cucumber, ground cumin, ground coriander, fresh mint, and salt.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve as a cooling side dish with spicy curries or grilled meats.
5. Yogurt and Berry Parfait
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/4 cup granola
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and granola.
- Drizzle with honey between layers.
- Repeat the layers until the glass or bowl is full.
- Top with a final drizzle of honey and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing breakfast or dessert.
These yogurt-based recipes are perfect for staying cool and enjoying delicious, healthy meals during the hot summer months. Whether you’re looking for a savory dish or a sweet treat, yogurt can be the star ingredient that keeps you refreshed and satisfied.
Stay tuned to WOW360.
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- The Sindh Food Authority (SFA) ordered a private company to recall 11 of its packaged snack products from the market after laboratory tests deemed them unfit for human consumption.
- The company has been given three days to comply with the recall order, failing which legal action will be taken; the SFA has also asked other provincial food authorities to investigate the issue.
- The company submitted 24 products for registration, and tests conducted at the University of Karachi identified 11 products as not meeting safety and quality standards, posing significant health risks.
The Sindh Food Authority (SFA) has mandated a private company to promptly recall 11 of its packaged snack products from the market after laboratory tests deemed them “unfit” for consumption, as reported on Monday.
“SFA Director General Muzamil Hussain Halepoto announced that the following products—Slanty Vegetable, Snackers Hot Masala, Snackers Pizza, Twitch Classic, Potato Sticks, Cheese Ball Masala, Cheese Balls Cheese, Kai Korean Hot, Kai Spicy Mala, Kai Mala Wok, and Kai Korean Kimchi—have been tested and found unsuitable for human consumption.
Halepoto informed Dawn that he had given the company’s management a three-day deadline to remove these products from the market. Failure to comply would result in legal action.
He also urged other provincial food authorities to investigate the matter within their jurisdictions to safeguard public health.
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Approximately two and a half months prior, the company had submitted 24 products for registration. The SFA sent samples to the Food Testing Laboratory at the University of Karachi’s Department of Food Science and Technology, identifying 11 products as unfit for consumption.
In a letter to the company on Monday, the SFA chief stated that the firm had applied for product registration on March 6 and provided samples for lab testing, inspection, and food safety audit.
“The test reports dated April 19 revealed that the products failed to meet the minimum safety and quality standards, posing a significant health hazard to the public and constituting a serious violation of the law,” the letter reviewed by Dawn noted.
Consequently, under the Sindh Food Authority Act 2016, the SFA chief ordered a “full food recall” due to the severity of health and safety violations, invoking Section S-24 of the Act to prevent a public health crisis.
The company must “immediately withdraw the affected products from the market, cease production and sale, and provide detailed information on the available stock, including location and quantity, to the SFA within three days,” the order stated.
The DG’s order also offers a ‘remedy’ to the company. “If aggrieved by this order, the company may appeal to the SFA Board within one week,” the letter stated.
Additionally, the SFA reserved the right to initiate “further proceedings for any violations and offenses committed under the Act, including penal actions and criminal legal proceedings under the Pakistan Penal Code.”
The company has not yet made any public statement regarding the SFA’s action.
Stay tuned to WOW360.
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Social Media Calls Out foodpanda for Allegedly Showing Different Prices to Consumers
foodpanda, a popular food delivery service in Pakistan, is facing accusations from customers who claim the platform displays different prices for the same items. These alleged discrepancies have sparked concerns about transparency and fair pricing on the app.
While foodpanda offers a convenient way to order food from a wide range of restaurants, customers have reportedly noticed variations in menu prices compared to what they see advertised by the restaurants themselves.
Additionally, some users allege that prices fluctuate based on individual profiles or order history.
These claims have created a sense of distrust among foodpanda users in Pakistan. Social media and online reviews are abuzz with complaints about price discrepancies.
Customers claim to see higher prices on foodpanda compared to the restaurant’s listed menu or what other users see.
Read More: Pakistani Banks Impose New Taxes on Netflix Subscriptions!
The alleged lack of transparency regarding pricing algorithms and potential dynamic pricing has left many users feeling frustrated.
Moreover, this issue has been going on for a while now.
While consumers are sharing their experiences online, we have yet to hear from foodpanda. However, as a business, this alleged news comes with alarm as these allegations against Foodpanda also bring up legal and ethical considerations.
Differential pricing based on customer segmentation can be seen as discriminatory and deceptive if not properly disclosed. Regulators may need to step in to ensure fair practices and protect consumer rights.
While some customers have shared that for them brand loyalty is no longer there, we hope that the reputation platform can turn this situation around and clear all doubts and confusions, leading to customer satisfaction.
What are your thoughts about it? Share them with us in the comments below.
Stay tuned to WOW360.
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- Six remarkable Pakistanis were honored by UN Women Asia’s “30 for 2030” initiative for their contributions to gender equality, each driving significant dialogue, action, and positive change across various fields.
Six remarkable Pakistanis have been honored by being selected for UN Women Asia’s prestigious “30 for 2030” initiative.
This initiative recognizes young leaders driving dialogue, action, and positive change in gender equality across Asia. Here’s a closer look at their outstanding contributions:
6 Pakistanis Under UN Women Asia’s 30 for 2030 Initiative
Aisha Lareb Memon
Aisha Lareb Memon, a doctor, writer, and women’s rights activist, founded “Conversation For Change.” Her work focuses on promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in her community, breaking taboos, and providing essential resources. Her initiatives have positively impacted thousands of lives, earning her accolades such as the 50 Leading Light and Young Emerging Leaders Award. Aisha is committed to empowering women to express their sexual identity without fear or shame.
Alishba Tayyab
Alishba Tayyab is the CEO and Founder of Green HRS and a lecturer at FAST NUCES, Lahore. She also serves as the Head of HR Operations at HYFATech. Passionate about youth activism and breaking the glass ceiling, Alishba founded WSHR, advocating for women’s leadership in Pakistan. A Global UGRAD alumna, she has studied leadership at California State University and focuses on fostering entrepreneurship among youth and women. Her diverse achievements span climate change advocacy, gender-based violence prevention, and promoting mental health.
Faazla Iqbal
Faazla Iqbal, a trailblazing Electrical Engineer, is renowned for breaking gender barriers and championing sustainability through agri-innovation. She revolutionized Pakistan’s food, water, and energy sectors with her solar-powered auto-irrigation system, reinforcing water conservation, food security, and renewable energy efficiency. Her work earned her the “Inspiring Woman in Clean Energy” award. Faazla’s efforts in sustainable development empower Pakistani women to excel in STEM fields.
Read More:
Aleena Nadeem, Bushra Sultan Named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia 2024
Joshua Dilawar
Joshua Dilawar is a feminist advocate and social entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in human rights, SRHR, and gender equality. As the founder of ISYD and National Coordinator of YPEER Pakistan, he has led impactful projects and campaigns such as “AbOrNahi” and “Theatre for Social Change.” Joshua uses art to drive behavior change and has performed over 1500 theatre pieces. His dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including the Prime Minister’s Youth Excellence Award and the Gates Institute’s Leadership Award.
Nida Yousaf Sheikh
Nida Yousaf Sheikh is a social innovator driven by her life purpose of empowering marginalized women. Recognized by the Pakistani Government for her social contributions, she is also the first Pakistani to win the One Young World’s LEAD 2030 SDG6 Challenge. As CEO of Tayaba, Nida utilizes blockchain technology and unique products to provide vital water and sanitation access, positively impacting over half a million people, including rural women.
Maria Iqbal Shah
Maria Iqbal Shah, a nursing student at Aga Khan University, advocates for sustainable development and the UN SDGs. She actively engages in health and well-being research and initiatives. As a core member of Y-PEER Asia Pacific and a youth content creator at UNICEF South Asia, Maria contributes to climate resilience and excels in business consulting. Her work emphasizes SRHR, mental health, climate action, and quality healthcare.
Stay tuned to WOW360.
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- In total, 7 Pakistanis made it to Forbers’ 30 under 30 Asia list, two of which include Aleena Nadeem and Bushra Sultan.
- Aleena Nadeem founded EduFi, a Lahore-based startup with the motto “Study Now Pay Later,” which partners with 27 Pakistani colleges to provide monthly tuition payment plans for students from paycheck-to-paycheck families.
- Bushra Sultan, a prominent Pakistani filmmaker, creative director, and production designer, is known for her bold fashion and beauty campaigns. Her notable works include “Guria,” a critique of the wedding industry’s pressures on brides, and “Chimera,” featuring headless women.
Aleena Nadeem – Founder, EduFi
Aleena Nadeem, founder of EduFi, a Lahore-based startup with the motto “Study Now Pay Later” just might be the answer to millions of Pakistani students’ prayers.
Nadeem’s concept is straightforward. She noticed that some families living paycheck-to-paycheck struggled with lump sum tuition payments at the beginning of each semester but could manage monthly payments. EduFi has partnered with 27 Pakistani colleges, a figure that has doubled in the last six months, to direct potential customers to them.
EduFi handles its credit-vetting process and pays the tuition for approved students, who then repay the loan every month while studying. Nadeem, an MIT graduate with experience interning at McKinsey and working in London for Goldman Sachs and Ventura Capital, has been passionate about educational issues since high school.
Aalia Neelum Becomes First Woman Chief Justice for Lahore High Court
After a successful pilot launch in 2021, EduFi began disbursing loans earlier this year. Investors were impressed: EduFi’s $6.1 million pre-seed round in November, led by Zayn VC, became the largest such round in Pakistani startup history.
Moreover, Aleena Nadeem spent her summers with Progressive Education Network, a nonprofit in Lahore that runs schools for underprivileged children.
“My EduFi is an extension of the work that I’ve been doing since I was a kid,” Nadeem says, “trying to bring education to the masses.” That’s a big need in Pakistan. According to a 2021 World Bank projection, only 13% of Pakistanis get a tertiary education.
Bushra Sultan – Pakistani Filmmaker, Creative Director and Production Designer
“Her most prominent work is in fashion and beauty,” stated the magazine. “One campaign for Demesne Couture, titled ‘Guria,’ showcased two lavishly dressed women being manipulated like puppets by giant hands pulling strings, commenting on the country’s wedding industry and the pressures placed on brides.”
“Sultan is also renowned for her bold ‘Chimera’ campaign, which features headless women,” it added.
In total, 7 Pakistanis made it to Forbers’ 30 under 30 Asia list, two of which include Nadeem and Sultan
Stay tuned to WOW360.
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- Pakistani banks are now charging new taxes on Netflix subscription fees due to recent Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) directives, including a 3 percent Sales Tax on IT Services and additional taxes for both tax filers and non-filers.
- The Sindh Sales Tax Special Procedure Rules, 2023, have designated certain banks as collecting agents for these taxes, which include a 3 percent tax on IT and advertisement services provided by non-resident companies like Netflix.
- The new Finance Bill 2024 introduces further taxes on tech companies operating in Pakistan, with Netflix recently receiving a notice from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for over Rs. 200 million in income tax, reflecting increased scrutiny on offshore digital service providers.
Pakistani banks are now levying new taxes on Netflix subscription fees due to recent directives from the Sindh Revenue Board (SRB).
The SRB, which last year imposed a 13 percent provincial sales tax on advertisement services, has now expanded its tax scope to include the streaming service.
Reports from various local media indicate that Netflix users in Pakistan must now pay a 3 percent Sales Tax on IT Services when using debit or credit cards.
Additionally, subscribers face a 5 percent Advance Tax on International Transactions (for tax filers) and a 4 percent Card Transaction Charge, which includes Federal Excise Duty. For non-filers, the advance tax on international transactions increases to 10 percent.
Banks have been appointed as withholding agents for the SRB to collect these taxes. This follows the implementation of the Sindh Sales Tax Special Procedure (Tax on Specified Services) Rules, 2023, which designates certain banks and entities authorized by the State Bank of Pakistan as collecting agents for sales tax on IT and advertisement services.
According to these rules, a 3 percent tax is imposed on services provided by software or IT-based system development consultants, including cloud-based content streaming services like Netflix, for payments made through a collection agent to any non-resident service provider.
Furthermore, the new Finance Bill 2024 introduces a tax on tech companies earning income in Pakistan through digital means. Consequently, Netflix, due to its business operations in Pakistan, is now required to pay taxes for charging customers in the region.
Recently, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued a notice to Netflix for the recovery of over Rs. 200 million in income tax under section 6 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
Offshore digital service providers, including Netflix, have been criticized for using Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) to avoid taxes. Section 6 was introduced by the government to ensure that non-resident entities receiving income from Pakistan pay the necessary taxes.
These tax changes are expected to have a direct impact on consumers, as the additional costs are likely to be transferred to Netflix subscribers.
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Share your thoughts about these taxes in the comments below.
Stay tuned to WOW360.
- The Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation (SIUT) acquired Regent Plaza in Karachi to convert it into a healthcare facility, expanding its free services for patients.
- Founded by Dr. Syed Adibul Hasan Rizvi, SIUT is Pakistan’s top center for kidney disease treatment, performing up to 12 transplants weekly and offering free dialysis and transplantation services.
- The new facility will add 1,000 beds to SIUT, improving patient access and care, with plans to address potential traffic issues by establishing an alternate entrance.
The Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation (SIUT) has made a significant move by acquiring Regent Plaza, a four-star hotel in Karachi, Pakistan.
This acquisition aims to convert the hotel into a healthcare facility, expanding SIUT’s free services for patients.
Founded by the esteemed philanthropist and surgeon Dr. Syed Adibul Hasan Rizvi, SIUT is Pakistan’s leading center for kidney disease treatment.
The institute offers free services, including dialysis and transplantation, to patients nationwide. Established initially as the urology department of Karachi’s Civil Hospital in 1970, SIUT became autonomous in 1991.
Currently, SIUT performs up to 12 transplants weekly and marked a milestone by conducting Pakistan’s first liver transplant in 2003.
Strategic Location and Facility Expansion
The Regent Plaza, located on Karachi’s main thoroughfare Shahrah-e-Faisal, spans an area of 13,200 square yards with a total covered area of 47,034 square yards. Last October, SIUT’s offer of Rs14.5 billion for the hotel was accepted, and the hotel’s signage was replaced with SIUT’s on Saturday.
Increased Capacity for Patient Care
SIUT trustee Syed Shabbar Zaidi highlighted the benefits of acquiring Regent Plaza, stating that the new facility will add 1,000 beds to SIUT. This expansion will enable the institute to offer comprehensive services and improve patient access. The hotel, according to its official website, features 440 luxurious guest rooms, including various suites.
Addressing Traffic Concerns
Concerns about potential traffic disruptions on Shahrah-e-Faisal were addressed by Zaidi, who assured that an alternate entrance would be established to ensure smooth traffic flow. Shahrah-e-Faisal, a signal-free thoroughfare, connects Karachi Airport with the city’s main business hub and is heavily trafficked daily.
Stay tuned to WOW360.
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- EV Taxis Announcement: The Sindh government announced the launch of Pakistan’s first pink EV taxis (electric vehicles), including standard EVs, to tackle high air pollution in Karachi and offer a more affordable commute option amidst soaring fuel prices.
- Environmental and Economic Benefits: The introduction of EV taxis aims to reduce air pollution, provide cheaper transportation alternatives, and align with the global shift towards environmentally friendly vehicles, supporting Pakistan’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
- Expansion of Green Public Transport: Earlier this year, Karachi’s public transport fleet was expanded with 30 hybrid and 50 electric buses, reinforcing the government’s dedication to sustainable and green transportation solutions.
The Sindh government recently announced the upcoming launch of Pakistan’s first pink EV taxis (electric vehicles) in the province.
Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh Minister for Information, Excise, Narcotics, and Transport, shared this news on X, formerly known as Twitter. This initiative will include both standard EV taxis and Pink EV taxis.
Karachi, Sindh’s largest city, faces severe air pollution due to the dominance of gasoline-engine vehicles and an inadequate mass transit system.
The introduction of EV taxis aims to mitigate this issue by reducing the number of polluting vehicles on the road, thereby improving air quality and public health.
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Providing Affordable Commute Options
With soaring fuel prices leading to high fares for ride-hailing services and significant costs for private vehicle owners, EV taxis could offer a more affordable commuting alternative. This shift is expected to benefit the general public financially while promoting sustainable transportation.
Aligning with Global Environmental Trends
The global trend towards adopting environmentally friendly vehicles is another reason for this initiative. Many countries are moving away from fossil fuels to combat climate change. By introducing EV taxis, Pakistan aligns itself with these international efforts, demonstrating its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact.
Expansion of the Peoples Bus Service
Earlier this year, Karachi’s Peoples Bus Service fleet was expanded to include 30 hybrid and 50 electric buses, bringing the total number to 300 vehicles. This expansion supports the transition to greener public transportation and reinforces the government’s dedication to sustainable development.
Meet Kinza Bibi, Pakistan’s First Female Pink Bus Service Driver
Stay tuned to WOW360.