Author: Muhammad Usman

LAHORE — The Punjab Planning & Development Board has approved Rs3.433 billion for the model bazaars’ expansion plan into 13 cities in the province. The matter is awaiting cabinet approval by the provincial government. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed for the submission of the proposal before the cabinet to expedite funds release and align with the proposed construction timeline. Pun-jab Model Bazaars Management Company PMBMC CEO Naveed Rafat Ahmad said this ini-tiative would enable the company to offer vital commodities several thousand rupees below the mar-ket rates while creating a safe and accessi-ble roof to facilitate small business operations.…

In a recent achievement, 43 researchers of Pakistan’s National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) have been ranked within the top 2% of scientists in the world. A Stanford University and Elsevier report has documented this ranking, further evidencing the growing influence that NUST is making through its various research fields, from artificial intelligence to cyber security and engineering. The university is ranked 353rd in the QS University Rankings and 64th in Asia, according to QS, having been gradually increasing its presence on this list in the past few years, having reached 9 in 2021, 23 in 2022, and 31…

LAHORE – President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is considering launching a new airline. “Maryam has asked me why not we should launch a new airline and give it the name of Air Punjab,” former prime minister said. “I have told her that we can also buy PIA,” he said as the government is making efforts to sell stake of the loss-making national carrier.He said the new airline will operate direct flights from Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar to New York, Tokyo and other cities of the world. The president of PML-N…

J. (Junaid Jamshed) recently ran a “Savasci Winner J.” campaign, which focused on the much-liked “Savasci Pour Homme” fragrance. Savasci Pour Homme has a very unique perfume mix, with plum, peach, cinnamon, coconut, sandalwood, musk, and vanilla, blending musky and fruity characteristics into a very appealing one for the masses. In its offers and promotions included in the campaign, one would assume that it intended to increase the market for Savasci, local as well as international. Savasci Pour Homme is sold at $60 for 100ml, and has been available for purchase at times with special promotions. If you are interested…

ISLAMABAD – In a bid to make Hajj cheaper for Pakistani citizens, the government has introduced a new initiative that will allow pilgrims to pay for the cost of pilgrimage through a flexible installment plan. A proposal submitted to the federal cabinet outlines a three-part payment option to ease the financial burden on those planning for the 2025 Hajj. Under this proposal, application fee would be paid by pilgrims in the form of Rs2 lakh. And after being selected in lottery, they would pay another Rs4 lakh. Balance would be collected before embarkation. The total estimate cost of Hajj would…

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s economic links with the Middle East witnessed a significant growth as Qatar agreed to make an investment of three billion dollars into Pakistan’s economy. Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar briefed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had returned after visiting Saudi Arabia and Qatar on successful sojourns. Speaking at a news conference in Islamabad, Tarar said that the broad-based cooperation agreement between Qatar and Pakistan includes sectors such as trade, investment, culture, and economic collaboration. This financial pledge from Qatar is most likely to boost the economic stability of Pakistan and open new avenues for growth.…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Saudi visit culminated in major investment agreements worth $2.2 billion. Co-operation is said to be increasing; the number of agreements from 27 now stands at 34 that would include agriculture, textile manufacturing, and technology. These agreements were signed in a signing ceremony where some important guests were present, including Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih. PM Shehbaz said that such investments can strengthen economic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and it is a positive omen for the leadership of the kingdom to invest in Pakistan​.It is the most important development step taken on the…

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the much-awaited Khelta Punjab Games 2024 will start in the province tomorrow. The main aim is to bring grass root sports to life by giving a basic ground to sportspersons who are below 22 years of age for their exhibition of skills in a designed competition framework. The events will be held in three tiers: Inter-club events from October 2 to 11Inter-district events from October 16 to 29Inter-divisional finals between November 2 and 7With over 15,000 clubs and over a million male and female athletes, the event is expected to be…

Recently, Pakistan resolved to exempt Sikh pilgrims from the payment of visa fees. The decision falls within the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s plan to ease traveling restrictions and religious tourism in the country. In specific, it targets Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan to pay homage to sacred religious shrines, including the holy Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur. For easier facilitation, the policy will waive standard visa fees for these pilgrims in line with Pakistan’s overall hospitality measures for religious tourists. This is part of a larger visa relaxation framework, which also includes waiving fees for 126 other countries and…

It was a thrilling sixes show at Hong Kong International as Pakistan chased a target of 120 runs and defeated India in the match. The batting of Pakistan was electrifying, particularly with power hitters Asif Ali and Muhammad Akhlaq as they completed the match in style within six balls remaining. There was more to what met the eye as that was Asif Ali whose aggressive 14-ball 55 with seven sixes and three fours stunned everybody but had to retire early due to tournament regulations, for Akhlaq whose 40 came from as few as 12 deliveries and Faheem Ashraf, whose quick…