Author: Amna Syed
A Tradition of Generosity Pakistanis have once again demonstrated their deep-rooted culture of charity by donating over $2 billion in Zakat in 2024. This staggering amount highlights the country’s commitment to supporting those in need through religious giving. Study Reveals Large-Scale Contributions A joint study conducted by the International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD) and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) found that nearly 50 million Pakistanis contributed a total of Rs619 billion in Zakat last year. On average, individual donors gave around Rs15,000, reflecting the widespread participation in this act of charity. Zakat Outpaces Government Welfare Spending The…
Punjab Police Officer SP Aisha Butt Receives Global Recognition SP Aisha Butt, a dedicated officer of Punjab Police, has brought pride to Pakistan by securing the prestigious Global Excellence Award. Her remarkable efforts in law enforcement and community service have earned her well-deserved international acclaim. Read more here. A Leader in Law Enforcement SP Aisha Butt has played a pivotal role in strengthening justice and public safety. Her relentless fight against crime, particularly crimes against women and children, has set new standards for police effectiveness in Pakistan. International Recognition for Dedication Winning the Global Excellence Award underscores her tireless dedication.…
Eid-ul-Fitr Celebrations in Full Swing Across Pakistan The second day of Eid-ul-Fitr brings continued festivities as people gather at parks, public spaces, and family homes. Major cities like Islamabad and Rawalpindi are seeing an influx of visitors, drawn by the festive spirit and pleasant weather. Many are also taking the opportunity to visit hill stations such as Murree, offering a unique experience to enjoy the holiday. These celebratory moments are enriched by prayers for peace, especially in regions like Kashmir and Palestine. In the midst of these celebrations, key leaders have shared messages of unity and harmony, reinforcing the importance…
Pakistan will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr tomorrow as the Shawwal moon has been officially sighted, marking the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal. Official Confirmation from Authorities The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee convened today to verify reports of moon sightings from different parts of the country. Observations, backed by data from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), confirmed the visibility of the Shawwal crescent. SUPARCO’s Scientific Findings As per SUPARCO’s confirmation, the Shawwal moon had already formed and was observable in multiple regions. This scientific assessment reinforced the testimonies submitted to the moon sighting committee. Read…
In a recent move, the government has announced a Rs1 per litre cut in petrol prices, providing slight relief to consumers. This adjustment, which takes effect immediately, comes amid fluctuating global oil prices and persistent economic challenges. Read more. Limited Impact on Consumers While the price reduction offers some relief, many believe a Rs1 decrease is too small to make a real difference, especially given the high cost of fuel. Experts argue that this minor cut is unlikely to significantly curb inflationary pressures. Global Oil Market Influence The price revision is linked to recent fluctuations in international crude oil rates.…
In a major step to support the agricultural sector, the Punjab government has announced a scheme to distribute 1,000 free tractors to wheat farmers. This initiative aims to enhance productivity and ease financial burdens on small-scale farmers. Maryam Nawaz’s Initiative for Farmers Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, introduced this program as part of her broader efforts to modernize agriculture. The scheme focuses on assisting farmers struggling with rising costs and outdated machinery. The Express Tribune. Who is Eligible and How to Apply? The tractors will be distributed through a transparent balloting system to ensure fair allocation. Farmers who meet specific…
Smart Traffic Management on the Horizon Islamabad is on track to become Pakistan’s first fully digital city, with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) spearheading initiatives to integrate modern technology into urban infrastructure. One of the key focus areas is traffic management, where advanced systems will be introduced to ease congestion and improve road safety. The CDA plans to implement: Initially, 11 major congestion points will be addressed, with long-term strategies in place for further improvements. Islamabad Moves Toward a Cashless Economy In a bid to modernize financial transactions, the city will introduce a cashless payment system. Businesses, restaurants, and service…
Recognizing a Visionary Leader Sultan Ali Allana, Chair HBL, a well-known banker and philanthropist, has been honored with the Nishan-e-Khidmat, one of Pakistan’s most prestigious civilian awards. This recognition highlights his exceptional contributions to financial inclusion, economic growth, and social development in the country. Transforming Microfinance in Pakistan Allana made a significant impact in 2002 by establishing the First Microfinance Bank. His efforts have enabled countless underserved communities to access banking services, paving the way for financial empowerment in Pakistan. Strengthening the National Economy With over 40 years of experience, Allana has played a key role in modernizing Pakistan’s financial…
Aiming for a Historic Qualification Pakistan’s national football team begins their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign against Syria. Head coach Stephen Constantine, leading the team for nearly 18 months, hopes to guide Pakistan to their first-ever Asian Cup appearance. Pakistan’s Road to Qualification Pakistan made headlines with a historic win against Cambodia, advancing to the third round. Now in Group ‘E’ with Myanmar and Afghanistan, they face a tough road ahead. Challenges on the Horizon Pakistan’s preparations have been hampered by the absence of a structured domestic league, limiting players’ competitive experience. Their second-round campaign was also disappointing, with…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for the implementation of the Ramazan relief package model in other government welfare initiatives. During a high-level meeting, he highlighted the success of the package in delivering subsidies efficiently and stressed the need for its adoption in broader social support programs. Read more. Focus on Transparency and Efficiency The prime minister emphasized the importance of a transparent and well-structured subsidy system, ensuring aid reaches the deserving without any irregularities. He praised the effectiveness of the Ramazan package in assisting millions and urged officials to leverage technology for seamless implementation. Expanding Welfare Initiatives To support…