Author: Shahnila Butt
In a gesture of compassion and religious inclusivity, the Sindh Governor has unveiled a special initiative offering free Hajj and Umrah facilities for senior citizens across Pakistan. During a visit to the Sindh Government Hospital Liaquatabad (SGHL), Kamran Khan Tessori announced the groundbreaking offer, specifically targeting individuals aged 75 and above. Tessori emphasized that the government would cover all expenses associated with the sacred journeys, providing an opportunity for those who have not yet embarked on the pilgrimage in their lifetime. To ensure fair distribution, Tessori disclosed that a transparent balloting process would be implemented to select the fortunate beneficiaries.…
In a significant move towards strengthening economic ties, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has urged for closer cooperation with Saudi Arabia to foster increased investment in Pakistan. The call came during a pivotal meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who arrived in Islamabad to engage in discussions on various fronts, including strategies to navigate Pakistan’s economic challenges. Sharif’s appeal for strengthened collaboration follows his recent meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia, a longstanding ally of Pakistan and a crucial supplier of oil. During this encounter, Prince Mohammed reportedly pledged a substantial investment…
Sales of urea, a vital ingredient for farming, are set to jump by 21% in March 2024, according to a report by JS Global released on Monday. If the estimates hold true, it means a significant increase compared to last year, with total urea sales reaching around 590,000 tons. In February 2024, sales were 543,000 tons, showing a month-on-month increase of 9%. Similarly, sales of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) are expected to rise substantially, with a 132% increase compared to last year, reaching approximately 119,000 tons in March. However, the surge in sales comes with concerns for farmers. The prices of…
In a bid to modernize the criminal justice system and tackle rising crime rates, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has announced a series of comprehensive reforms. The reforms, aimed at leveraging technology to reduce crime, expedite trials, and enhance police performance, mark a significant step towards ensuring swift and efficient justice delivery. Key measures outlined in the reform package include categorizing crimes involving sexual assaults on children and women as non-bailable offenses, signaling the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable segments of society. In a proactive move against narcotics and organized crime, the government…
Residents of Rawalpindi and its surrounding regions are advised to brace themselves for turbulent weather conditions this week, as forecasts indicate a mix of rain, windstorms, thunderstorms, and hailstorms. According to meteorological reports, a strong westerly wave is currently sweeping through western regions of Pakistan. This weather system, which has persisted throughout mid-April, has the potential to cause flash floods in various areas, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Lasbela, and Khuzdar. Furthermore, heavy rainfall is anticipated to trigger flash floods in Dir, Swat, Chitral, and Gilgit-Baltistan, posing additional risks to residents in these areas. Authorities have issued a warning urging residents…
As Eid festivities approach, Rawalpindi’s bustling shopping scene is experiencing a noticeable slowdown attributed to decreased purchasing power among consumers. While traditional stalls and small shops witness a surge in activity, major shopping hubs such as Zarkoon Plaza and Ghakar Plaza are grappling with dwindling sales. The shift in shopping patterns is evident as budget-conscious consumers opt for street vendors over larger malls, seeking affordability in their Eid purchases. The rise of online shopping platforms further diverts foot traffic away from brick-and-mortar establishments, contributing to the subdued atmosphere in main shopping centers. Late-night visits to markets have seen a surge…
Dr. Tayyab Afghani, a prominent figure at Al-Shifa Trust, has issued a stark warning regarding the prevalence of pollen allergies in the twin cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. With the onset of spring, many residents are experiencing symptoms such as eye irritation and burning, attributed to heightened levels of pollen in the air. According to Dr. Afghani, these allergies can cause significant discomfort, particularly for individuals with sensitive eyes. The symptoms, characterized by redness and itching, are indicative of the body’s exaggerated response to allergens like pollen. While such seasonal allergies are common during spring and fall, stemming from airborne particles…
In a bid to harness the untapped potential of Pakistan’s tourism sector, Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, convened a crucial meeting with the managing director of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) in Islamabad. The meeting aimed to chart out comprehensive strategies for advancing the country’s tourism industry. Central to the discussions was the exploration of avenues to elevate Pakistan’s tourism profile through the establishment of camping sites, tourism facilitation centers, and the promotion of the Salam Pakistan portal. These initiatives are envisioned to not only attract domestic tourists but also entice international travelers seeking…
In a significant move aimed at bolstering bilateral relations, Pakistan and Iran have agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on livestock quarantine and plant protection. This pivotal decision was reached during a high-level meeting between Minister for Industry and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Iranian Ambassador Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam. During the meeting, Dr. Moghaddam expressed Iran’s keen interest in expanding its imports from Pakistan, particularly in key agricultural products such as meat, rice, mangoes, and kinnoo. He underscored the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations across various sectors and extended an invitation to Minister Tanveer…
As the cherished occasion of Eidul Fitr draws near, Pakistanis are gearing up for what could potentially be an extended holiday period, with six days earmarked for festivities and celebrations. Scheduled to coincide around April 10, preparations for the festival are already underway across the country, with individuals and communities eagerly anticipating the joyous occasion. In a bid to address concerns related to moon sightings and ensure uniformity in Eid celebrations, the Ministry of Information Technology introduced the lunar calendar in 2019. Endorsed by the Meteorological Department, this calendar has since played a pivotal role in determining the dates of…