Author: Faiza Liaquat

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has introduced a limited-time promotion to reduce Umrah fares, extending the opportunity for pilgrims traveling to Medina from various cities across Pakistan. The special offer, available until July 15th, features a two-way fare of Rs76,000 (excluding taxes) for flights from Karachi to Medina, and Rs86,000 (plus taxes) for journeys originating from Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, and Sialkot to Medina. This initiative is part of PIA’s commitment to supporting Umrah pilgrims with affordable and convenient travel options during this holy period. Pilgrims can take advantage of these discounted fares to fulfill their spiritual journey with ease and…

The Punjab government has unveiled a new tourism initiative: a glass train service connecting Rawalpindi and Murree. This decision was finalized during a five-hour meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb presented an extensive overview of the Murree Development Project during the session. Several significant resolutions emerged from the meeting. The government plans to collaborate with a foreign consultant to design the glass train service between Rawalpindi and Murree. Additionally, a policy was established to restore historical names for various regions, cities, and sites, including Murree. Urban planning and…

Hamza Khan of Pakistan shone brightly at the 31st Asian Junior Squash Championship in Islamabad, claiming the Boys’ Under-19 title. In a spectacular final on Saturday, Khan defeated Malaysia’s Harith Danial in straight sets, showcasing his dominance with scores of 11-5, 12-10, 11-9. Danial graciously embraced Khan after the match, highlighting sportsmanship at its best. Khan’s path to victory was marked by an undefeated run throughout the championship. He displayed exceptional form from the preliminaries, where he comfortably dispatched Hong Kong’s Lee Tin Hang, and continued his winning streak by overcoming compatriot Anas Ali Shah in the quarter-finals, both in…

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has issued directives to power distribution companies, including K-Electric, HESCO, and SEPCO, ensuring uninterrupted power supply from the 1st to the 12th of Muharram. This decision came during a joint meeting with administration officials and religious scholars to finalize arrangements for Muharram processions and gatherings. During the meeting, religious scholars highlighted concerns over previous instances of load-shedding during important religious events and requested Shah to ensure uninterrupted power supply, particularly during the holy month of Muharram. Shah responded by assuring that mosques and gatherings would receive continuous electricity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining…

Karachi Central Jail created a landmark by hosting Pakistan’s inaugural convocation for 248 inmates who successfully completed vocational courses in information technology, graphic design, and languages like Chinese and English. During the ceremony, outstanding inmates were honored with cash prizes of Rs25,000 each and received gifts. The rehabilitation initiative, overseen by the Alkhidmat Foundation, drew significant figures including Sindh Minister for Jail Ali Hassan Zardari, DIG Naveed Ali Baig, and Sindh IG Prisons Qazi Nazir Ahmed. Addressing the gathering, DIG Baig unveiled plans to establish a Skills Development and Vocational Training Institute within Karachi Central Jail to equip inmates with…

The Balochistan government has announced plans to enroll approximately 400 children of labourers in higher educational institutions across the country on a scholarship basis this year. The Labour and Manpower Department has already registered 200 children and aims to complete the registration of an additional 200 by July 15. This decision was made during a review meeting of the Labour and Manpower Department, chaired by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday. The meeting also assessed the progress of the Youth Skills Development Program. It was reported that the first group of skilled youth from Balochistan is scheduled to…

The Aga Khan University (AKU) has been ranked in the top 5% of higher education institutions globally for SDG 3 ‘Good Health and Well-Being’ by the Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 Impact Rankings, placing 55th out of 1,498 institutions. AKU excels in research, education, and health services, with a strong focus on SDG 3. Between 2017 and 2023, AKU faculty produced over 2,500 publications on SDG 3. The University also scored highly in the number of health-related graduates and collaborations with health services. Sustainable Development Goals are integrated into AKU’s curriculum through courses at the Institute for Global Health and…

In a captivating blend of football and culture, FIFA turned to Pakistani folk music to celebrate Lionel Messi’s birthday. On June 24, the legendary Argentine footballer turned 37, and FIFA marked the occasion by featuring Arif Lohar’s song “Aa” in a special tribute. Lohar’s “Aa,” which was released in 2023, has become a sensation in Pakistan, amassing millions of fans. Now, this vibrant piece of music has reached a global audience, thanks to FIFA. On its official Instagram account, FIFA posted a Reel showcasing some of Messi’s career highlights, all set to the energetic beats of “Aa.” The video was…

In a significant move to advance Pakistan’s transportation infrastructure, Master Motor Corporation and Yutong Bus Company have entered into a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a Joint Venture Company. This collaboration aims to locally manufacture and assemble Yutong’s innovative new energy city buses in Pakistan. The joint venture, Yutong Master, will establish a cutting-edge Greenfield plant, making it the first and only facility in Pakistan dedicated to producing city buses locally. These new energy city buses, which come in both hybrid and electric powertrain options, represent a major advancement in the country’s public transportation system. Designed to address…

Lahore has been suggested by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as the location for all of India’s Champions Trophy matches in February 2025.The proposed schedule will be discussed in the July meeting of the ICC Board, which will be held in Sri Lanka, after being submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for approval. Initially, Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi were offered as venues.According to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the board is dedicated to organizing a successful tournament and is in constant communication with the ICC regarding stadium improvements and security protocols. Since 2012–2013, political unrest has hindered bilateral series between…