The government has announced a budget of Rs 2.12 trillion for the armed forces For the fiscal year 2024 25, a 17.6% increase over the previous year. This amount represents 12.33% of total current expenses and 1.7% of GDP. After a 15% increase the previous year, this is the second year that the budget has increased significantly. Nevertheless, this amount does not represent the entire amount spent on the military because the government, not the defense budget, pays the Rs. 662 billion for retired military members. Major military projects and nuclear programs receive funding that is managed differently and is…
Author: Iqra Khan
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s Finance Minister, included Rs. 2 billion for energy-saving enthusiasts and Rs. 4 billion to promote electric bikes, or e-bikes, in this year’s budget. It remains to be seen, though, if this e-bike marketing is successful. This is because there weren’t many e-bikes available in Pakistan when the government last launched an e-bike program, therefore half of the bikes were standard motorcycles. Either way, the goal of these programs is to cut down on transportation-related carbon emissions while also reducing overall energy use. The Minister also emphasized Pakistan’s susceptibility to climate change and the government’s will to…
The Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) information for the federal budget for 2024–2025 have been made public. For the year 2024–2025, the Ministry of IT and Telecom has proposed spending Rs. 23.53 billion for 16 current projects under the PSDP. For the purpose of executing the e-office project in federal ministries and departments, the federal government intends to set aside Rs. 300 million. Furthermore, proposals have been made for the IT professional certification project to receive Rs. 100 million and the Crime Analysis and Smart Policing project under PITB to receive Rs. 80 million. The Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan…
The Punjab government has suggested increasing the province’s minimum wage to Rs. 37,000 from Rs. 5,000.The declaration was made by Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman at the presentation of the financial plans for the 2024 2025 fiscal year. The province’s minimum wage is currently Rs. 32,000. The federal government had earlier in the day suggested raising the minimum salary in the federal budget from Rs. 32,000 to Rs. 37,000. The Punjab administration has proposed a 15 percent hike in pensions and a 25 percent increase in salaries, following the lead set by the center. All three of the…
Islamabad: The “Future of Women in Energy” Scholars Program, an initiative of the U.S. Pakistan Women’s Council (USPWC) in support of the U.S. – Pakistan “Green Alliance” Framework concluded its third consecutive year this summer. This year, the program hosted a group of 18 brilliant and diverse young women pursuing bachelor’s degrees in science or engineering in Pakistan. At Texas A&M University (TAMU) Qatar campus, these 18 scholars completed rigorous academic coursework on topics such as fossil energy, wind energy, solar energy, and nuclear energy, conducted laboratory experiments, and engaged in open discussion with leaders and alumnae in the energy…
The Federal Government has approved a series of significant projects to enhance Pakistan’s sports infrastructure, focusing on the South Asian Games and the Pakistan Sports Complex (PSC), along with various facilities nationwide. A budgetary document revealed an allocation of Rs 3,100 million under the Public Service Development Programme (PSDP) for the Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Division for the fiscal year 2024-25. Of this, Rs 2,433 million is allocated for ongoing schemes, while Rs 667 million is for new schemes in PSDP 2024-25. Key ongoing projects include installing electronic displays and scoring systems at Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad, and PSB Coaching…
Muhammad Yasir is set to represent Pakistan in the 2nd Asian Throwing Championship in Korea from June 14-15, accompanied by coach Syed Fiaz Hussain Bukhari. AFP President Brig (R) Wajahat Hussain expressed optimism for Yasir’s performance, highlighting the opportunity to shine and bring honor to the nation. Yasir’s participation underscores AFP’s dedication to promoting Pakistani athletes, aiming to inspire a new generation of talent in the country.
Babar Azam’s interaction with his young fan before the Pakistan-India T20 World Cup clash is indeed heartwarming. It reflects the special bond between sports stars and their fans, particularly the younger ones who often idolize them. Azam’s willingness to go beyond just acknowledging the fan’s excitement and instead making the moment unforgettable speaks volumes about his character and understanding of his influence as a role model. In giving his gloves to the young fan and then autographing them, Azam not only made the fan’s day but also created a lasting memory that the child will likely cherish for a lifetime.…
The ongoing discussions between cricket officials from Pakistan and India regarding the Champions Trophy 2025 shed light on the complexities surrounding cricket diplomacy between the two nations. The historical context of bilateral cricketing relations, coupled with geopolitical tensions, adds layers of challenge to finding common ground. India’s stance of deferring decisions to its government reflects the intertwined nature of sports and politics in the region. Pakistan’s determination to host the Indian team despite past challenges underscores its commitment to promoting cricketing ties and fostering goodwill. The hybrid model employed for the Asia Cup last year exemplifies pragmatic solutions amid diplomatic…
Lawyer Manzoor Qadir Bhinder has filed a petition in a Gujranwala court following Pakistan’s defeat against India in the 2024 T20 World Cup, seeking extreme measures like banning the team and dissolving the selection committee. Bhinder argues that the significant government funds allocated to cricket are unjustified given the team’s poor performance, sparking debates about accountability within the PCB. The petition, filed under Sections 22A and 22B of the Penal Code, questions Pakistani cricketers’ priorities and alleges they prioritize ego and money over the honor of Pakistan. Despite public disappointment and outcry the court has yet to respond to the…
