Author: Faiza Liaquat
The Finance Division has issued a notification regarding salary increases for government employees in the fiscal year 2024-25. According to an office memorandum, the President has approved an Adhoc Relief Allowance 2024 for all federal government personnel, including armed forces, civil armed forces, and civilians paid from defence estimates. This allowance applies to contingent paid staff and contract employees under standard contract terms. Under this allowance, salaries for Grade 1 to 16 employees will rise by 25% of their current basic pay, while Grade 17 to 22 employees will receive a 20% increase in their current basic pay. The allowance…
In a proactive move aimed at uplifting the labor force, the Punjab government has issued a significant notification to raise the minimum monthly wage for workers and laborers to 37,000 rupees. This decision, directed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, marks a substantial increase from the previous minimum of 32,000 rupees for unskilled laborers. The government’s directive underscores its commitment to ensuring fair compensation and improving the livelihoods of daily wage workers across the province. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of implementing this wage increase in alignment with the current budgetary provisions. She stressed that it is the…
Four Pakistani students clinched gold and bronze medals at an international chef competition held in Malaysia. Aisha Ali, Sehrish Ayub, and Irum Sheikh, students of the Pakistan Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (PITHAM), participated in the Battle of Chefs 2024, where they excelled. Aisha Ali achieved gold in the seafood category, while Sehrish Ayub secured gold in the Chicken Main Course. Irum Sheikh earned a bronze medal in the Roasted Chicken Free Style category, alongside Fatima Sistan, who also won bronze. During their visit, the students met with Sindh Minister for Tourism and Culture Zulfiqar Ali Shah, who commended…
The Pakistan government has officially notified an increase in salaries and pensions for employees in line with the Budget 2024-25. According to a statement from the Finance Division, adhoc relief allowances for government employees up to grade-16 will be raised by 25%. Employees in grades 17 to 22 will receive a 20% increase in their adhoc relief allowances. Additionally, pensions for federal employees will see a 15% hike as proposed in the budget. The Finance Division emphasized that these adjustments apply universally to all federal government personnel, including armed forces, civil armed forces, and civilian employees funded through defence estimates.…
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has announced plans to install electronic gates at various airports across the country to streamline immigration processes for travelers. According to a statement released, the PCCA spokesperson highlighted that these e-gates will expedite clearance procedures to meet international standards. Initially, the installation will commence at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, and Islamabad International Airport. Passengers will scan their passports at these e-gates, aiming to reduce waiting times and enhance overall travel convenience. The PCAA has invited bids from technology firms for the installation, with submissions due by August 13. Furthermore,…
Asadullah Bazai, a former national shooting champion and veteran hunter, has embarked on a mission to save the rare Sulaiman markhor, a straight-horned goat native to Pakistan that was once on the brink of extinction due to extensive hunting and poaching. Since 2002, Bazai, 55, and his team have dedicated significant time and resources to preserving this rare species in Balochistan. The Sulaiman markhor, a sub-species of Pakistan’s national animal, is endemic to Asia. In Balochistan, its major habitats include the mountainous regions of Torghar and Takatu, with smaller populations in Ziarat, Sherani, and Zhob districts. Bazai, a father of…
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif Launches Roshan Gharana Program for Solar Power Systems Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the Roshan Gharana program, an initiative aimed at providing solar power systems to millions of residents in Punjab. Here are the key details about the program: Eligibility Criteria To qualify for the Roshan Gharana program, households must consume between 50 to 500 units of electricity per month. This range ensures that both low and moderate energy users can benefit from the solar power systems. Priority Recipients In the first phase of the project, priority will be given to the…
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has announced plans to establish an internationally recognized cybersecurity institute in Peshawar, aimed at advancing Information and Communication Technology within the province. The initiative aims to provide comprehensive cybersecurity education facilities to youth. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by the chief minister, attended by Provincial Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan Afridi, along with officials from the Higher Education and Science, Technology & Information Technology departments, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board, and National Center for Cybersecurity. The meeting concluded that the cybersecurity institute will be housed in an existing…
The first specialized hospital for child healthcare in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is scheduled to inaugurate in August after over a decade of construction delays due to insufficient federal funding. Rapid progress is underway on finishing the ground and first floors, where a specialized pediatric OPD will soon operate. The hospital administration has requested essential medical equipment like ultrasound and X-ray machines, along with staffing from the health department. Official sources revealed that the facility will be inaugurated by the chief minister in early August, addressing the province’s need for a dedicated children’s OPD currently absent in major hospitals. Efforts are also ongoing…
The National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) has successfully completed the construction of a 75-kilometer long 500 kV double-circuit transmission line for the Suki Kinari project. This project, situated along the Kunhar River in Mansehra district, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, will contribute 884 MW of hydropower to the national grid, according to an official statement from the NTDC. Despite facing harsh weather conditions and navigating through rugged mountainous terrain, all construction activities were completed on schedule. The HiPot testing, which ensures the reliability and safety of the transmission line, has been carried out successfully, yielding satisfactory results. This milestone marks a significant achievement…