Latest news with #AsifKhan
Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Commuters suffer as transporters hike fares
In the wake of a sustained and steep rise in petrol and diesel prices, transport operators across all routes in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad implemented significant fare hikes on Wednesday. The increases has affected all modes of transportation in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including local, intercity, and long-distance travel. A recent Rs11 per litre spike in diesel prices has also inflated the cost of transporting essential food supplies, raising concerns over an impending wave of inflation. Public transport fares have risen by Rs5 to Rs15 per passenger, sparking widespread frustration among commuters. Local rickshaws, taxis, and Qingqi rickshaws have followed suit, increasing per-passenger fares. Motorcycle ride-hailing services such as Bykea have raised their minimum fare to Rs100. Meanwhile, minibuses, wagons, and coasters have begun charging passengers additional fees for carrying luggage. Pakistan Railways has also announced plans to revise its fare structure. In parallel, goods transporters have collectively agreed on a 10% increase in freight charges for both intercity and long-route deliveries. Muhammad Faisal, the vice-president of the Goods Transport Union, explains that transporters refrained from raising fares following the previous fuel price hike on July 1. However, the latest diesel price increase — pushing rates to an all-time high of Rs. 284 per liter — has left them with no viable alternative but to adjust fares. Asif Khan, the vice-president of the Transport Federation, criticised the government's continued price hikes over the past six weeks. He noted that in the open market, the prices of tires, spare parts, and mechanical services have soared by 500% to 800%. Additionally, he highlighted rising traffic fines and penalties, all of which have pushed the transport sector to the verge of collapse. The impact of fare hikes is already visible, with a sharp decline in passenger numbers. "Where families once traveled together for weddings and funerals, now only one or two members make the journey due to rising costs," Khan said. He warned that if fuel prices, spare parts, motorway tolls, and vehicle costs continue to escalate, many small transport businesses will shut down, leading to increased unemployment. Faizan Ali, a Bykea motorcycle operator, echoed these concerns. "Our regular riders were those paying Rs50 to Rs100. With fares nearly doubling, many can no longer afford the service. Now, two passengers often share a single ride to split the cost." He further noted the disparity between international and domestic trends: "Global fuel prices are falling, yet locally, we continue to raise them." Citizens have criticised the government's decision, pointing out that global oil prices have dropped to a historic low of $65 per barrel, yet Pakistan has increased domestic prices. They termed it a cruel move and demanded immediate price reductions. Citizens noted that during the PTI government, global oil prices were around $120 per barrel while petrol in Pakistan was priced between Rs150-155 per litre.
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First Post
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
'Panchayat' actor Asif Khan suffers heart attack amid health issues, says 'Life is short and...'
The actor wrote- 'Realising after watching this for the past 36 hours. Life is short; don't take one day for granted.' read more 'Panchayat' actor Asif Khan suffered a heart attack at the age of 34 and the actor penned a note on Instagram and revealed how he's suffering from some health issues. The actor wrote- 'Realising after watching this for the past 36 hours. Life is short; don't take one day for granted. Everything can change in a moment; be grateful for all you have and all that you are. Remember who is more important to you and always cherish them. Life is a gift, and we are blessed.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added, 'Over the past few hours, I've been dealing with some health issues that required hospitalisation. I'm grateful to share that I'm now on the road to recovery and feeling much better. I truly appreciate all the love, concern, and well-wishes. Your support means the world to me. I'll be back very soon.' Panchayat season 4 There's something about recurring web series. Pankaj Tripathi's Criminal Justice has been renewed for four seasons with zero reasons. It can be called as the Golmaal or Housefull of the OTT platform. It's almost debatable to see the terrific and tenacious Panchayat coming back with season four as well. It all began in 2020 and now the lived-in characters of Phulera return. There was something refreshing about the world that we saw five years ago about an outsider who tries to make his own space and station in a world he's completely oblivious too. This could be Jitendra Kumar's Swades. At first, he's a complete headless chicken until he begins to absorb the stench and fragrance of the milieu he's been thrown in. Panchayat seems to have got too enamoured by the success and spotlight of the first two seasons that it came back for two more. In economics, there's a concept of law of diminishing marginal utility. There's a graph that goes right up and then comes crashing down to negative. Here, the line doesn't go to its absolute nadir fortunately. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Winnipeg Free Press
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
A seniors cricket league of their own
The first time Manitoba sent a senior cricket team to a tournament could not have gone better, as Manitoba's masters squad came away from the Ontario Masters Cricket League's Inter-Provincial Tournament last month with a championship — and inspiration to start a seniors league of their own. Asif Khan, who plays for the Manitoba Eagles in the Premier Division of the Manitoba Cricket Association and for Manitoba's newly formed seniors team, has been playing cricket in Canada since 2012 when he moved to Winnipeg from Pakistan. 'I was thinking to retire, because it was so challenging, I'm almost 50,' said Khan on playing cricket. 'And when you play with the youngsters, they are totally different.' SUPPLIED Asif Khan (right), holds his trophy for best wicketkeeper at the Ontario Masters Cricket League's Inter-Provincial Tournament in his left hand and the tourney trophy in his right, alongside his Team Manitoba teammate Rauf Mohammed. But when a member of the senior cricket league in Ontario approached clubs in various provinces to compete in the first Inter-Provincial Tournament, Khan showed interest. Sponsored by Mondetta Canada Inc. — a Winnipeg-based clothing company that is also supporting cricket field developments in Assiniboine Park — a senior team was put together to play in the tournament. 'We represent 40 nationalities and cultures at Mondetta, and we believe in supporting their pursuits, such as sports like cricket,' said Tony Lavilla, creative director at Mondetta. 'We're proud to support a growing sport like cricket that appeals and is a part of the culture of so many of our staff.' Manitoba went on to defeat Team Ontario White in the finals by three wickets in a tournament that ran from June 23-27 in Mississauga, Ont., and Brampton, Ont., where teams from Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario competed. 'It was good to see that the province has participated,' said Khan. 'It was so encouraging and now that we're back in Manitoba, we are supporting, we are working hard to get the senior league started.' The MCA currently runs a recreational cricket league on Wednesday evenings and hosts practice programs for senior players throughout the winter. But many senior players like Khan, although grouped by their cricket level, still play on teams with mixed age groups. 'There are a lot of senior players separately, playing in different clubs, but it's not as Ontario and other provinces where there is a particular senior league, where over 40, over 50, over 60, they have different leagues where different age groups can play in their own (league). The competition is on the same level, not like a mixed match,' said Khan. MCA president Paramjit Shahi says this is soon to change, and is planning to run a full-fledged senior league next year. 'The expansion we have discussed with a lot of seniors,' said Shahi. 'You know, cricket has been played in Manitoba since 1872. So when cricket started expanding in the last five, six years, those players who are playing cricket for a long time now, basically, they are close to their retirements, over 40 or over 50 years of age. So we want to make sure they are engaged in cricket and their experience, their vision is valued.' Enough interest has been shown that Shahi expects there will be enough players for at least four to five teams to participate in a senior league. The MCA is exploring different options for scheduling games and finding cricket pitches, which can be complicated since pitches are hard to find as the sport's popularity continues to grow in the province. SUPPLIED Team Manitoba poses with the tourney trophy after winning the Ontario Masters Cricket League's Inter-Provincial Tournament last month. Manitoba Cricket Association president Paramjit Shahi says the association plans to run a full-fledged senior league in Manitoba next year. However, the Assiniboine Park cricket field developments, where active play is expected to resume in 2026, could help. 'That's going to be a beautiful facility that will be of international competition quality,' said Lavilla. 'We believe in supporting passions, whether they're for sports or activities.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Playing on a senior team was a motivating experience for Khan, who was named best wicketkeeper of the Inter-Provincial Tournament. 'Oh, that was great joy to me,' said Khan, who missed the first match with a knee injury. 'I mean, I was not expecting that, but I am so happy, and that actually pushes me to do better, and hopefully with some fitness, I will do good in the regular league as well.' Khan says the Manitoba squad did not expect to come out on top but was happy to defeat some of the strongest senior teams in Canada, hoping the group will continue playing together in future tournaments. 'The best part of our team, it was working together, and we were just supporting everyone,' said Khan.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Taunton teacher completes charity bike ride in memory of late uncle
A Somerset teacher recently completed a charity bike ride in memory of his late uncle. Asif Khan, a teacher at Bishop Fox's School in Taunton, participated in the London to Brighton Bike Ride on Sunday, June 15, raising money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), a cause "deeply personal" to him. His uncle died of heart failure after stepping in to support Khan and his mother when they lost his father at a young age. Mr Khan said: "Losing him was incredibly painful. "He was my rock, my constant, and his passing left a deep void in my life." The funds raised from the bike ride will support life-saving research into heart and circulatory diseases, their causes, and prevention. Donations are still being welcomed at Mr Khan's fundraising efforts extended beyond the bike ride. He also engaged his students in related fitness activities, helping them appreciate the importance of physical fitness and community service. Mr Khan thanked his supporters for all donations raised so far, adding: "Every pound truly makes a difference."
Express Tribune
01-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Commuting costlier after fuel shock
In response to the sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices, transporters across the board on Tuesday raised fares on all long-route, inter-district, intra-city, and local routes, including the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Fares on all local routes in the twin cities were increased by Rs10 to Rs20. The sudden increase in fares led to frequent disputes between passengers and conductors throughout the day. Pakistan Railways has also decided to increase fares, with an official circular expected within 24 hours. Intra-city transport services such as wagons, taxis, Suzuki vans, Qingqi rickshaws, and motorcycle ride-hailing services (like Bykea) all significantly raised their rates. As a result of higher transportation costs, prices of essential goods, including food items, fruits, and vegetables, are also expected to rise. According to the Transport Federation, Intercity Transport Union, and Taxi Rickshaw Union, the fare hike was unavoidable due to the petrol price reaching Rs266.79 per litre and diesel Rs277.98 per litre. In addition, the new federal budget has increased the prices of vehicle spare parts, traffic challans (fines), and tyres by 35% to 40%, further straining the transport sector Asif Khan, Vice President of the Transport Federation, says the rising costs of fuel, spare parts, and tyres are severely damaging the transport business. Tariq Khan, President of the Rickshaw and Taxi Union, says fare hikes are inevitable with rising fuel prices and has urged the public not to be angry, noting that employee salaries have also been increased. Abdullah Khan, Secretary of the Suzuki Drivers Union, says Suzuki fares have gone up by Rs10 per passenger. Bykea drivers have increased their fares from Rs100 to Rs150, while rickshaw drivers are now charging Rs300 instead of Rs200, with the minimum rickshaw fare now set at Rs200. On routes such as Raja Bazaar to Kacheri, Rawat, Sihala, Adiala Jail, Adiala Village, Golra, Bari Imam, and Pirwadhai, fares have been increased by Rs20 per passenger. Stop-to-stop fares have risen from Rs20 to Rs30. Citizens like Basharat Iqbal Raja and Sharif Qureshi have criticised the government's decision, pointing out that global oil prices have dropped to a historic low of $65 per barrel, yet Pakistan has increased domestic prices. They termed it a cruel move and demanded immediate price reductions. Citizens noted that during the PTI government, global oil prices were around $120 per barrel while petrol in Pakistan was priced between Rs150155 per litre. Now, with global prices nearly halved, the government should provide relief by reducing petrol prices to Rs150 per litre.
