Unlocking the Galaxy Treats: A Culinary Journey Beyond the Stars

Published

1 month ago

October 31, 2023

The Galactic Recipe You’ve Been Waiting For

To truly appreciate the magnificence of Galaxy Treats, let’s dive into a recipe that encapsulates the essence of these otherworldly confections. We invite you to try your hand at creating your very own Galaxy Treats, right in the comfort of your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To embark on this celestial culinary adventure, you’ll require a few key ingredients:

Stardust-infused sugar
Cosmic cocoa beans
Star-shaped marshmallows
Galactic food coloring (vibrant shades of blue, purple, and pink)
Edible silver and gold glitter
Dark chocolate chips
Cream

The Cosmic Creation Process

Galaxy Treats Cosmic Krispies Delta 8

Stardust Sugar Preparation: Begin by infusing your granulated sugar with edible, stardust-like glitter. This step will add a subtle shimmer to your treats, mimicking the sparkle of the stars.

Creating Cosmic Cocoa: Melt dark chocolate chips and mix them with cream. This will form the core of your Galaxy Treats, giving them their distinct, rich flavor.

Nebula Coloration: Separate your cosmic creation into three separate bowls. Add vibrant food coloring to each bowl, creating the blue, purple, and pink hues that make your treats look like pieces of the galaxy.

Marble and Swirl: To achieve the mesmerizing galaxy effect, pour spoonfuls of each colored mixture onto a tray. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors together, creating the characteristic cosmic pattern.

Shape and Set: While your mixture is still soft, cut it into small, irregular shapes that resemble stars, planets, and galaxies. Place star-shaped marshmallows on top of each treat, and sprinkle them with edible glitter for a celestial touch.

Chill and Serve: Allow your Galaxy Treats to cool and harden in the refrigerator. Once they’ve set, they’re ready to be served. Plate them artistically to capture the cosmic vibe and dazzle your guests.

Galaxy Treats: A Taste of the Universe

The moment you take your first bite of a homemade Galaxy Treat, you’ll be transported to the cosmos. The interplay of flavors and the visual spectacle will make you appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into these extraordinary delights.

Where to Experience Galaxy Treats

Galaxy Treats | Shop Cosmically Delicious Edibles and Vapes

While making Galaxy Treats at home can be a delightful adventure, there are also many renowned eateries and bakeries around the world where you can savor these cosmic creations. If you’re looking to explore the galaxy of tastes without getting your hands messy in the kitchen, consider these options:

Cosmic Bakeries

Across the globe, there are bakeries that specialize in crafting Galaxy Treats and other cosmic confections. From the United States to Europe and beyond, you’ll find these delightful creations in establishments that are passionate about blending art and taste.

Celestial Dessert Cafés

Dessert cafés that offer Galaxy Treats have sprung up in many cities. They provide a space for you to indulge in the visual and culinary marvel of these treats while enjoying a cup of your favorite beverage.

Online Orders

In today’s interconnected world, you can also order Galaxy Treats online from specialized confectioners. They’ll ship these heavenly delights straight to your doorstep, allowing you to experience the wonders of the galaxy without leaving your home.

Embrace the Cosmos on Your Plate

As we conclude our journey into the universe of Galaxy Treats, we hope you’ve been inspired to explore this culinary frontier. These treats are not just food; they are an expression of art, a celebration of science, and a journey to the stars on your plate.

So, whether you choose to make your own Galaxy Treats or seek them out at a cosmic bakery near you, let your taste buds embark on an interstellar adventure. Revel in the flavors, the colors, and the experience that Galaxy Treats offer, and relish a truly unique culinary journey beyond the stars.

Unveiling the Cosmic Pairings

To truly appreciate the grandeur of Galaxy Treats, it’s essential to explore the perfect pairings that complement these celestial creations. Just like the cosmos itself, these treats are best enjoyed in the company of the right cosmic companions.

Cosmic Beverages

When indulging in the magnificence of Galaxy Treats, consider pairing them with beverages that enhance the experience. Here are some cosmic beverage options that will elevate your gastronomic journey:

Galactic Coffee: The rich and robust flavors of a well-brewed coffee can harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of Galaxy Treats. The dark, roasted notes of coffee complement the creamy, sweet elements of the treats.

Stellar Hot Chocolate: A velvety, dark hot chocolate is another ideal companion. It not only complements the chocolatey goodness of the treats but also adds warmth to the cosmic experience.

Space-Themed Cocktails: For a more adult-oriented cosmic culinary adventure, explore space-themed cocktails that mirror the colors and wonder of the galaxy. These unique drinks can add a touch of sophistication to your celestial feast.

Cosmic Connoisseur Tips

When pairing beverages with Galaxy Treats, consider the following tips to create the perfect cosmic dining experience:

Choose beverages that either contrast or complement the sweetness of the treats. For example, a slightly bitter coffee can contrast beautifully with sweet Galaxy Treats, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Experiment with different cosmic cocktails to find the one that resonates with your personal taste. The right combination can elevate your dining experience to cosmic heights.
Consider the visual aesthetics of the beverages. The colors and presentation should align with the cosmic theme, creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Galaxy Treats: A Cosmic Experience for All

Galaxy Treats

One of the most remarkable aspects of Galaxy Treats is their versatility. They are not limited to a specific occasion or a particular demographic. These treats are designed to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or background.

A Sweet Delight for All Ages

Galaxy Treats are the perfect indulgence for children and adults alike. Their enchanting appearance, combined with the scrumptious flavors, can turn any moment into a celestial celebration. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a family gathering, or a cozy evening at home, Galaxy Treats will never fail to captivate your audience.

Gift from the Stars

Another delightful aspect of Galaxy Treats is that they make for exceptional gifts. Imagine presenting a loved one with a box of these cosmic confections. The combination of beauty, flavor, and the sheer thoughtfulness of the gift will leave a lasting impression. It’s a gift from the stars, quite literally.

Galaxy Treats: A Culinary Revolution

As we near the end of our cosmic culinary journey, it’s clear that Galaxy Treats are not just a passing trend. They represent a culinary revolution, a fusion of art and science, and a testament to the limitless possibilities of human creativity.

A New Frontier of Flavor

Galaxy Treats have paved the way for culinary innovation in a world where presentation is as important as taste. They’ve shown us that food can be an art form, and the dining experience can be an adventure that transcends the ordinary.

Beyond the Kitchen

The impact of Galaxy extends beyond the realm of the kitchen. They have inspired a generation of bakers and chefs to explore new horizons in culinary creation. This, in turn, has sparked a renaissance in the world of confectionery arts.

Join the Cosmic Culinary Adventure

In conclusion, Galaxy are not just desserts; they are a testament to human creativity and the unending wonders of the universe. They are an invitation to embark on a cosmic culinary adventure, exploring flavors, aesthetics, and the limitless possibilities of human innovation.

The Genesis of Galaxy Treats

To truly appreciate the essence of Galaxy , we must first understand their origin. These ethereal delights were conceived by culinary visionaries who sought to fuse the art of gastronomy with the boundless wonders of the cosmos.

Ingredients that Defy Gravity

Galaxy Treats boast a unique and enticing blend of ingredients that invoke an otherworldly experience. From shimmering stardust-infused sugar to cosmic cocoa beans, every element used is carefully selected to recreate the mystique of the galaxy. As we venture further into the realms of these ingredients, we unveil a blend of science and artistry that defines the very essence of these treats.

The Art of Crafting Galaxy Treats

Galaxy Treats - Streamline Group

In the world of culinary delights, crafting Galaxy is a meticulous process that requires both skill and creativity. Let us guide you through the steps that bring these delicacies to life.

Captivating Colors

The mesmerizing colors of Galaxy Treats are a testament to the artistry involved. Shades of deep indigo, vibrant violet, and celestial blue blend seamlessly to create a visual spectacle that mirrors the grandeur of the cosmos itself.

A Flavor Odyssey<

Galaxy Treats are not just a feast for the eyes; they are a symphony of flavors that transports you to the far reaches of the galaxy. Each bite is an adventure in itself, where flavors collide and harmonize in a way that is both surprising and delightful.

Interstellar Tasting Notes

As you embark on this cosmic culinary journey, you’ll encounter flavors like no other. The sweetness of stardust sugar is balanced by the earthiness of cosmic cocoa, creating a delicate yet intense flavor profile that leaves a lasting impression.

The Universe on Your Plate

In the world of gastronomy, presentation is paramount. Galaxy are not just food; they are art on a plate. These delicacies are served with an aesthetic that is simply celestial.

Plates That Resemble Nebulas

Galaxy Treats are often plated to resemble nebulae, galaxies, or even planets. The attention to detail in their presentation is astounding, making every dish not only a pleasure to the palate but also a feast for the eyes.

A Culinary Adventure Beyond the Stars

Galaxy Treats have taken the culinary world by storm, and their popularity continues to soar. Their allure is not limited to their exquisite taste but also to the immersive experience they provide.</p>

Dining in Cosmic Splendor

Galaxy Treats are often served in settings that transport you to the heart of the universe. Imagine dining under a celestial canopy filled with shimmering stars, all while savoring these extraordinary creations. It’s an experience that transcends the boundaries of the ordinary.

The Future of Galaxy Treats

As we journey through the galaxy of culinary innovation, it’s evident that Galaxy Treats are here to stay. Their popularity is not a mere trend; it’s a culinary revolution that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide.

A Cosmic Culinary Evolution

The future holds the promise of even more astonishing Galaxy Treats. Culinary visionaries are constantly pushing the boundaries, exploring new flavors, and crafting celestial experiences that will leave you in awe.

Embark on Your Cosmic Culinary Adventure

In conclusion, Galaxy Treats are a fusion of art and science, an exploration of flavors and aesthetics, and an experience that’s truly out of this world. Join us on this culinary journey, and prepare to be captivated by the wonders of the galaxy on your plate.

Conclusion:

In our journey through the enchanting world of Galaxy Treats, we’ve discovered a culinary marvel that transcends the ordinary and ventures into the extraordinary. These celestial confections have taken the art of food to a whole new dimension, blending the beauty of the cosmos with the delight of taste.

German software giant SAP steps up efforts to cut down

Published

19 hours ago

December 8, 2023

HABIB ABBASI

KARACHI: German software giant German software, SAP, is introducing green solutions, including green ledgers, to cut down carbon footprint in the Middle East and Pakistan region to ensure and foster sustainability, the SAP regional chief said on Thursday.

Based in Walldorf, SAP develops enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations. It ranks among one of the world’s leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) software vendors and publicly traded software companies by revenue.

The German firm collaborates with organizations, governments, and non-government organizations (NGOs) on a global scale to drive sustainability initiatives aimed at raising awareness, sharing best practices, and developing innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges.

German software

“SAP is doing its due role especially into the sustainability sector. When we talk about the Middle East region and the Pakistan region, we are coming up with clear green solutions, we are coming up with green ledgers, and climate-friendly solutions,” Saquib Ahmad, the SAP managing-director for Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan, told Arab News, on the sidelines of a media roundtable in Karachi.

Ahmad terming climate change was one of the major issues and his organization with global footprint was coming up with solutions that could help and improve lives of the people in Pakistan.

“I think it’s very important to understand that we are working with the Government of Pakistan, we are working with the private sector and trying to make and ensure that such solutions are getting implemented which can help the current climate target that we are looking at currently,” he added.

About the ongoing UN climate conference, COP28, in Dubai, the SAP regional chief said it was a very important factor that the conference was taking place in the region and making it visible “because climate change is hitting this region in a very, very important way.”

“I think we can already see the impacts that has floods, that has bang in Pakistan. We are also seeing overall forest fires. We are talking about overall quality index of the air and all this is impacting Pakistan,” Ahmad said, adding the top SAP leadership was also attending the ongoing COP28.

“We are talking about how this COP28 can help the Pakistan government and the people of Pakistan in better maintaining climate change that is hitting our lives on a day-to-day basis.”

Pakistan last year witnessed one of the deadliest monsoon floods, blamed on climate change, which killed more than 1,700 people, affected nearly 33 million and caused over $30 million losses. In recent years, the South Asian country has also experienced frequent forest fires in its northwestern and southwestern regions.

SAP works with the concept of ‘intelligent enterprise,’ wherein advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and analytics are harnessed to create more sustainable business models, according to the official.

These tools enable the German software giant to improve resource efficiency, reduce energy consumption and make informed decisions that contribute to sustainability.

Ahmad said technology enabled organizations to address gaps in physical infrastructure.

“It connects globally and ensures timely decisions to be implemented across the landscape,” he said. “Pakistan, being a developing economy, stands to gain strong competitiveness in the region through technological prowess, fostering connections and collaboration for positive environmental impact.”

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s election regulator will issue a schedule for the upcoming national elections “in few days,” its top official said on Thursday, as the South Asian country gears up for the February 8 polls.

Elections were originally expected to take place in November after Pakistan’s national and two provincial assemblies were dissolved in August before reaching the end of their tenure. However, Pakistan’s election regulator decided to redraw hundreds of national and provincial constituencies based on a digital census carried out in April before arranging the electoral contest.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) later scheduled the voting process for the last week of January, before announcing Feb. 8 as the final date after consultations with the country’s President Dr. Arif Alvi on the Supreme Court’s instructions.

In his message on Voters Day, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja once again assured the masses that February 8 would be the polling day, dispelling speculation about further delay in the conduct of national elections.

“Election schedule will be issued in few days,” Raja said in a statement. “Polling [for the general election] will be held on February 8, 2024.”

As Pakistan gears up for the general elections, many analysts expect the polls to lead to the South Asian country to some stability after more than a year of political turmoil, following the ouster of ex-prime minister Imran Khan in a parliamentary no-trust vote in April 2022.

The CEC’s statement came a day after Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said the federal cabinet did not have any “second thoughts” about holding the polls on February 8.

“The thing is, problems of security and the weather will always remain,” Solangi said in an interview. “But in the federal cabinet, there is no doubt, neither is there any worry nor any second thoughts that we would not hold elections on Feb. 8.”

Pakistan has seen a surge in militant attacks in its western regions bordering Afghanistan ever since a fragile truce between Islamabad and the Pakistani Taliban broke down in November 2022.

The Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-F), a prominent religious party, last month urged the ECP to delay polls till the security situation in the country improved.

Solangi said Pakistan had held elections in the past despite the threat of militancy, when the security situation was far worse.

“Maybe our memories are a bit weak,” he said. “What was the security situation in 2008 and 2013? If we compare it [to now] then it is nothing.

This week, the ECP also issued a directive for satellite television channels, warning them against airing speculative news about a delay in elections.

Reports suggested Sirajuddin Haqqani was issued Pakistani passport which he used to travel abroad, particularly to Qatar
Foreign office spokesperson acknowledges Pakistan has received ‘updated list’ of Afghans who are to be repatriated to US

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office on Thursday exercised caution in its response to media reports about Afghanistan interim interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani’s use of the Pakistani passport for international travel in the past.

Haqqani was issued a Pakistani passport for five years which he used to travel abroad, particularly to Qatar for negotiations with the United States (US) for the Doha Agreement that resulted in the US exit from Afghanistan, Pakistan’s The News and Jang newspapers reported.

The reports, citing interior ministry officials, said these passports were issued from different cities of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh provinces, and Pakistani authorities had arrested two officials in connection with issuance of passport to Haqqani, one of whom had retired from service.

Asked about these reports, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a spokesperson for the Pakistani foreign office, said she did not have “facts” to respond to the query.

“I have just seen the report in the Jang. I do not have the facts to respond to your question,” she said at a weekly press briefing. “Maybe I will be able to comment on some other occasion when I have more information.”

The name of Sirajuddin Haqqani, Afghanistan’s acting interior minister and the Taliban’s second-in-command, started echoing around the world in 2008 as a young commander of the most-feared Haqqani Network that was executing a series of deadly attacks on US-allied forces in Afghanistan.

The powerful Taliban commander made the headlines in March 2022 after he revealed his face in a rare public appearance in Kabul. He was attending the graduation ceremony of the first batch of police recruits at the National Defense Police Academy in Kabul since the Taliban took over the reins of Afghanistan in August 2021.

The reports about his travel on Pakistani passport come at a time of a series of visits to Pakistan by senior US officials, including Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes, Special Representative on Afghanistan Thomas West, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Horst.

These visits are part of ongoing dialogue with the US on a range of issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, according to the Pakistani foreign office.

The US has in the past accused Pakistan of backing the Afghan Taliban and not supporting Washington’s decades-long military campaign in Afghanistan the way the US wanted it to.

The allegations, denied by Islamabad, particularly soured ties between the two countries in 2021, following the hasty US exit from Afghanistan.

’Updated list’ of Afghan nationals to be repatriated to US

During the briefing, the foreign office spokesperson said Pakistan had received an “updated list” of Afghan nationals from the US and Islamabad was in touch with the US embassy for their repatriation to America.

“The meetings which are taking place today and have taken place in recent days are related to, yes, Afghanistan and Afghanistan related matters. There are some other bilateral aspects which may come up under discussion in coming days,” she said.

“With respect to the list that you have referred to, we have received an updated list from the US side and we are in contact with the American Embassy in developing the mechanics for the early repatriation of individuals on those lists to the United States.”

Pakistan has previously chosen to ignore individual calls from Western nations for the repatriation of Afghan nationals. This is the first time Islamabad has acknowledged having received a list of Afghans from a foreign country.

“We have already said that it is important that the process of verification and issuance of visas should be expedited and we hope that this process will be completed at the earliest,” Baloch said.

The development comes months after Islamabad asked all undocumented foreigners, mostly Afghans, to leave the country by Nov. 1, accusing that some of these Afghans had been involved in militant attacks and other offenses in Pakistan. Since the expiry of Nov. 1 deadline, Pakistan has launched a crackdown on all illegal foreigners and has been deporting them to their home countries.

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have since left the South Asian country as Islamabad brushed aside calls from the United Nations (UN), Western embassies and rights groups to halt the deportations.

Pakistan exercises caution over reports of Afghan minister using its passport for international travel

Published

20 hours ago

December 8, 2023

HABIB ABBASI

Repo Foreign office spokesperson acknowledges Pakistan exercises Pakistan has received ‘updated list’ of Afghans who are to be repatriated to US

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign Pakistan exercises office on Thursday exercised caution in its response to media reports about Afghanistan interim interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani’s use of the Pakistani passport for international travel in the past.

Asked about these reports, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a spokesperson for the Pakistani foreign office, said she did not have “facts” to respond to the query.

These visits are part of ongoing dialogue with the US on a range of issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, according to the Pakistani foreign office.

The US has in the past accused Pakistan of backing the Afghan Taliban and not supporting Washington’s decades-long military campaign in Afghanistan the way the US wanted it to.

The allegations, denied by Islamabad, particularly soured ties between the two countries in 2021, following the hasty US exit from Afghanistan.

’Updated list’ of Afghan nationals to be repatriated to US

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have since left the South Asian country as Islamabad brushed aside calls from the United Nations (UN), Western embassies and rights groups to halt the deportations.

Pakistan regulator to issue schedule for upcoming national elections ‘in few days’

“Election schedule will be issued in few days,” Raja said in a statement. “Polling [for the general election] will be held on February 8, 2024.”

The CEC’s statement came a day after Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said the federal cabinet did not have any “second thoughts” about holding the polls on February 8.

Pakistan has seen a surge in militant attacks in its western regions bordering Afghanistan ever since a fragile truce between Islamabad and the Pakistani Taliban broke down in November 2022.

The Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-F), a prominent religious party, last month urged the ECP to delay polls till the security situation in the country improved.

Solangi said Pakistan had held elections in the past despite the threat of militancy, when the security situation was far worse.

“Maybe our memories are a bit weak,” he said. “What was the security situation in 2008 and 2013? If we compare it [to now] then it is nothing.

This week, the ECP also issued a directive for satellite television channels, warning them against airing speculative news about a delay in elections.

IMF board to meet on Jan. 11 for Pakistan loan program approval

Published

20 hours ago

December 8, 2023

HABIB ABBASI

The IMF last month said it had reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on the first review of a $3 billion bailout If approved by its board, the global lender will release IMF board a tranche of $700 million to the cash-strapped South Asian nation

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will meet on Jan. 11 to consider the final approval to hand out to Pakistan the next $700 million tranche of its loan program.

Last month, the IMF said it had reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on the first review of a $3 billion bailout, which will unlock $700 million in funding for the country.

The funds to be issued are a second tranche of the bailout, which is subject to an approval from the IMF’s executive board.

“We can confirm that the Board meeting for Pakistan will take place on January 11,” the IMF said in an emailed statement.

Pakistan has been facing an acute balance of payment crisis, with its foreign exchange reserves diminished, along with historically high inflation and an unprecedented currency devaluation.

Bloomberg News first reported on the IMF meeting.

Pakistani-Canadian horror flick ‘In Flames’ wins top award at Red Sea Film Festival

In Flames is Pakistan‘s submission to the Oscars‘ international feature category

Film has also played at festivals in Toronto, Busan, Sitges, Sao Paulo and Pingyao

ISLAMABAD: “In Flames,” Pakistan‘s submission to the Oscars‘ international feature category, has won the Golden Yusr for Best Feature Film at the 3rd edition of the Red Sea Film Festival, taking place in Jeddah from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9.

The gathering, which attracted Hollywood stars like Will Smith, Johnny Depp, Chris Hemsworth and Sharon Stone, on Thursday evening unveiled the winners of its Red Sea competition honors, the Yusr awards, as well as other prizes.

Pakistan-Canadian director and writer Zarrar Kahn said his indie movie was shot for “just $300,000 — the size of a Red Sea Fund production grant.”

“Everyone who gets a grant to go make a movie, because this was made for nothing,” he said.

Last month, In Flames won the International Newcomer Award at the 72nd International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg. Earlier this year in May, the horror-drama became the second Pakistani film in 43 years to make it to Directors’ Fortnight, an event that runs parallel to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. In October, the film was independently released at the Atrium Cinemas in Pakistan’s southern Karachi city for a 12-day run which was later extended until November 9. The film has also played at festivals in Toronto, Busan, Sitges, Sao Paulo and Pingyao.

In an interview to Arab News earlier this month, actor Bakhtawar Mazhar described In Flames as a psychological thriller that follows the struggle of a mother (Mazhar) and her daughter (Ramesha Nawal) after the loss of the patriarch of the family. The film has been produced by Anam Abbas.

“Even though this film was shot in Karachi, women around the world were crying [after watching the film] and they were like, we know the struggle this character went through, we know the struggle of Fariha and Mariam,” Nawal told Arab News.

“In Flames” is also Pakistan’s official submission under the Foreign Language Film category for the 96th Academy Awards next year.

‘Prudent decision,’ says Pakistan as Denmark passes law to ban Qur’an burnings

Foreign minister says hopeful other European countries follow suit, pass similar laws
Over 500 demonstrations that included Quran burnings registered since July in Denmark

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has said it was a “prudent decision” by Denmark’s parliament to pass a law this week making it illegal to burn the Qur’an in public places.

Denmark and Sweden experienced a series of public protests this year where anti-Islam activists burned or otherwise damaged copies of the Qur’an, triggering demands that the Nordic governments ban the practice. Over 500 demonstrations that included burnings of the Qur’an or flags have been registered since July, according to Denmark’s justice ministry.

“A prudent decision on the part of the Danish Parliament. Hope other European countries follow suit and pass similar legislation,” Jilani said on X on Thursday night, commenting on the new law. “Desecration of holy books of any faith is against the tenets of all religions, even under the guise of freedom of speech.”

Thursday’s vote on the law followed a five hour debate in parliament and 94 members voted in favour, 77 against.

Breaking the new law will be punishable by fines or up to two years in prison.

Denmark has sought to strike a balance between constitutionally protected freedom of speech, including the right to criticize religion, and national security amid fears that Qur’an burnings would trigger attacks by militants. But domestic critics in Sweden and Denmark have argued that any limitations on criticizing religion, including by burning Qur’an, undermine hard-fought liberal freedoms in the region.

Sweden is also considering how to prevent burning of the Qur’an but is looking at whether police should factor in national security when deciding on protest applications rather than a ban.

In Flames is Pakistan‘s submission to the Oscars‘ international feature category

Film has also played at festivals in Toronto, Busan, Sitges, Sao Paulo and Pingyao

Pakistan-Canadian director and writer Zarrar Kahn said his indie movie was shot for “just $300,000 — the size of a Red Sea Fund production grant.”

“Everyone who gets a grant to go make a movie, because this was made for nothing,” he said.

“In Flames” is also Pakistan’s official submission under the Foreign Language Film category for the 96th Academy Awards next year.

In a first, Pakistan unlocks Islamic bond market for retail investors with Ijarah Sukuk launch

Sukuk is an Islamic financial certificate that represents ownership in a tangible asset or a pool of assets
Pakistan plans to raise Rs90 billion in total from the stock market through three Ijarah Sukuk bond auctions

KARACHI: In a groundbreaking development, the Pakistani government on Friday unlocked the Islamic bond market for retail investors through an auction of the country’s first-ever sovereign Ijarah Sukuk bond at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), aiming to raise Rs30 billion ($105.8 million).

Sukuk is an Islamic financial certificate that represents ownership in a tangible asset or a pool of assets. It is similar to a bond but is structured in a way that complies with Islamic law, which prohibits interest-based transactions.

In connection with the launch of the first Ijarah Sukuk a ‘gong ceremony’ was held at the PSX in Karachi, which was attended by Caretaker Prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Finace Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar.

“The auction gives PSX investors the chance to invest, contributing to a more diverse investor base,” said Shahid Ali Habib, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Karachi-based Arif Habib Limited brokerage house.

“The move also promises a substantial boost to the Islamic capital market in Pakistan.”

The tenure of the Ijarah Sukuk issued by Pakistan Domestic Sukuk Company Limited through the finance ministry is one year that will mature on December 09, 2024. The face value of a Sukuk is Rs5,000 ($17.6), according to a PSX document.

The bidding process for the auction of the Islamic bond will start at around 4pm today, on Friday, for which the process of registration had been completed. Joint financial and Shariah advisers for the issuance of the bond include Meezan Bank Limited, Dubai Islamic Bank (Pakistan) Limited, Bank Islami Pakistan Limited and Bank Alfalah Limited.

The federal government plans to raise an overall Rs90 billion ($315 million) with three Ijarah Sukuk auctions. The second auction is scheduled for January 23, 2024 and the third for February 20, 2024, according to the PSX auction calendar.

Habib said the issuance will help in developing Islamic capital market in the country and will encourage more investors to look for interest free avenues.

Experts also believe the auction has ended the monopoly of big banks who would earlier take part in the auctions.

“The Sukuk would now be in the access of common investor as compared to the past practice where only big banks or mutual fund would invest,” Ali Nawaz, CEO of Chase Securities, told Arab News.

Nawaz said investors now would be able to avail entire profit of their investment, without the involvement of any intermediaries.