Author: Faiza Liaquat
The federal government has decided to roll back the recent increase in electricity tariffs for domestic consumers using up to 200 units per month. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a cabinet meeting where this decision was discussed and is likely to be implemented soon. Sources familiar with the matter mentioned that the government plans to subsidize approximately Rs 50 billion to ease the financial burden of high electricity bills. This relief package is proposed to benefit consumers using 200 units or less monthly, effective from July through September 2024. Earlier, on July 4, the federal cabinet approved a significant hike…
The Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) organized a three-day training session on disaster risk reduction for female community leaders from 18 villages in Thatta district. This initiative, in partnership with Pathfinder International under the Surmi project, addressed critical areas such as disaster risk reduction strategies, vulnerability assessment, risk mapping, and the development of preparedness plans through community engagement. The training culminated in a certification ceremony attended by Dr. Rehana, Coordinator for Mother and Child Care at the Thatta district health department, Muhammad Bux Khalsheli from Pathfinder International, and Javed Hussain, Executive Director, along with Humera Ali, Project Manager of SCF. Javed…
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather forecast indicating a welcome respite from the ongoing heatwave with anticipated rain and thundershowers across the country. From July 10 to July 15, significant rainfall is expected to occur in the upper and central parts of Pakistan, bringing relief to areas experiencing humid conditions despite scattered showers. The PMD’s latest update highlights an increase in monsoon activity originating from the Arabian Sea, which is set to penetrate northern Pakistan starting July 10. This influx of moisture is expected to lead to prolonged monsoon showers in Kashmir, including areas like Neelum Valley,…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched a significant initiative today in Balochistan, marking a milestone in the solarization of agricultural tube wells. The agreement, signed in Quetta between the Federal and Balochistan governments, aims to convert approximately 28,000 tube wells from electricity to solar power. This ambitious project, totaling 55 billion rupees, reflects a joint effort with the Federal Government funding seventy percent, and the remainder covered by Balochistan. Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has committed to completing the solarization within three months. This initiative is expected to bring substantial savings of around 90 billion rupees annually and ensure uninterrupted water…
Pakistani squash player Ashab Irfan secured victory over India’s Veer Chotrani in the Kanso Open Squash Championship final in Houston, marking his second international title of the year. Irfan, 20, displayed impressive form throughout the tournament, notably defeating Mexico’s Jorge Luis Gomez Dominguez and Canadian Liam Morrison in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. In the closely contested final on Sunday, Irfan triumphed over Chotrani in a thrilling match, winning 11-7, 8-11, 12-10, 8-11, and 11-8. His victory was met with jubilation, as he celebrated on the court amid cheers from spectators. This achievement follows his earlier success at the Rochester…
In a landmark initiative, Pakistan Railways (PR) has decided to operate 22 passenger trains through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, a move expected to significantly enhance passenger amenities and boost the railway’s revenue. The decision to adopt the PPP model for these 22 trains aims to leverage private sector expertise and efficiency in managing operations, thus providing passengers with improved travel experiences. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize Pakistan Railways and make it more competitive and passenger-friendly. The list of trains set to operate under this model includes some of the most popular and frequently traveled…
The government has allocated over Rs. 18.718 billion for the establishment of the Technology Park Development Project (TDP) in Islamabad and an IT Park in Karachi as part of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the financial year 2024-25. The Technology Park in Islamabad is envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and product development. It will serve as a hub, bridging the gap between academia, research, industry, and planners both within Pakistan and internationally. This park is expected to play a crucial role in knowledge and resource management, with a primary focus on the commercialization…
Dr. Mehmood Khan, a Pakistani scientist raised in England and educated at a medical university is among the first recipients of Saudi citizenship, according to a list published by the financial news portal Argaam. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to attract and retain exceptional global talent to boost the kingdom’s economic and social development, opened citizenship to highly skilled professionals. A royal decree issued in November 2021 allows individuals in specialized fields such as science, medicine, culture, sports, and technology to apply for citizenship. Dr. Mehmood Khan, who earned his medical degree from the University of Liverpool Medical…
Pakistan’s national airline has launched special flights to Najaf, Iraq, aimed at facilitating pilgrims during the Islamic month of Muharram. Najaf and Karbala hold deep significance for Shia Muslims worldwide, who travel to these cities during the first two months of the Islamic lunar calendar to commemorate the sacrifices of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). “Pakistan International Airlines has initiated special flights to Najaf to facilitate pilgrims during Muharram,” Radio Pakistan stated. Dubbed ‘Operation Ashura’, these flights are tailored to ensure pilgrims experience smooth travel during this important period of religious observance. Return flights…
The Ghilaf-e-Kaaba, known as the Kiswah, was replaced on the 1st of Muharram 1446, marking the beginning of the Islamic year. The ceremony involved the removal of the old Kiswah and the installation of a new one. Traditionally held during the Hajj pilgrimage on the day of Arafah, this annual event has recently been rescheduled. The Kiswah, a finely embroidered black silk cloth adorned with Quranic verses in gold thread, symbolizes the sanctity of the Kaaba. The replacement process is meticulously planned, reflecting profound respect for Islam’s holiest site. In recent years, the ceremony has been moved to the 1st…