Islamabad, Feb 20: Pakistan Railways is set to launch an international freight train service to Russia by March 15, aiming to enhance trade with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The initiative, announced by Pakistan Railways Freight CEO Sufiyan Sarfaraz Dogar, is expected to provide a cost-effective and efficient trade corridor between South Asia and Central Asia. The new service will operate from Qasim International Container Terminal and Pakistan International Container Terminal, offering container capacity options of 22 tons and 44 tons. Taftan station in Pakistan has been designated as a key entry point, with authorities addressing customs-related issues to ensure…
Author: Iqra Khan
Islamabad, Feb 20: In a major step towards digital governance and public service efficiency, the Commissioner Office and Metropolitan Corporation Quetta Division have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, to digitize key administrative functions in Quetta, Balochistan. This strategic partnership aims to modernize land record management, streamline employee attendance and payroll systems, and enhance transparency in government operations. In addition to these core administrative improvements, the collaboration will also support social initiatives such as the Polio Eradication Program, reflecting a broader commitment to public welfare.
Islamabad, Feb 20: In a major step towards digital governance and public service efficiency, the Commissioner Office and Metropolitan Corporation Quetta Division have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, to digitize key administrative functions in Quetta, Balochistan. This strategic partnership aims to modernize land record management, streamline employee attendance and payroll systems, and enhance transparency in government operations. In addition to these core administrative improvements, the collaboration will also support social initiatives such as the Polio Eradication Program, reflecting a broader commitment to public welfare. Zindigi’s involvement extends beyond digitization, as the company will…
Islamabad, Feb 20: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), successfully concluded a four-day Masterclass titled “5G and Beyond: Shaping the Future of Connectivity” in Islamabad from February 17 to 20, 2025. The event brought together over 60 industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, fostering discussions on 5G deployment strategies, spectrum management, and emerging applications. Led by experts from the MCMC Academy, the Masterclass featured technical sessions, panel discussions, and knowledge-sharing activities, providing valuable insights into next-generation telecommunications technologies. The collaboration aimed to strengthen Pakistan’s readiness for 5G and ensure a structured approach…
Islamabad, Feb 20: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met with a high-level delegation from Asyad Group on Thursday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to facilitating foreign investment in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors. The delegation included Ghassan Al Amoudi, CEO of Asyad Holdings KSA & Chairman of Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited; Zubair Shaikh, Managing Director & CEO of Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited; and Javaid Akhtar, CFO of Asyad Holdings KSA & Director of Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited. During the meeting, the minister welcomed Asyad Holdings’ and Wafi Energy Pakistan’s contributions to the country’s investment landscape, particularly in the downstream petroleum sector…
Islamabad, Feb 20: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has confirmed that a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will arrive in Pakistan on February 24 to negotiate the release of $1-1.5 billion in climate financing. The minister made the announcement while addressing the Retail Business Council, highlighting the government’s commitment to securing crucial funding for climate-related initiatives. In addition to the February visit, a second IMF mission is set to arrive in March for a six-month review of Pakistan’s ongoing program. Aurangzeb reassured that all matters related to the IMF program remain on track, signaling stability in Pakistan’s economic engagement…
Islamabad, Feb 20: Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, Chairman of the Islamic Ideological Council, has announced the official guidelines for Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr) and Roza Fidya (compensation for missed fasts) for this year, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling these religious obligations according to one’s financial means. The council has set the minimum Fitrana amount per person at Rs. 220, based on the prevailing wheat prices. However, those wishing to contribute using other staple foods such as dates, raisins, or dried apricots will have to pay different rates. The Fitrana for dates has been set at Rs. 1,650, for raisins at Rs.…
Islamabad, Feb 20: The federal government is in the final stages of rolling out a Ramzan relief package worth over Rs. 20 billion, following the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The package aims to provide financial assistance and essential item discounts to millions of underprivileged families during the holy month. According to sources, the prime minister has instructed that the package be presented in the next cabinet meeting for approval, after which its immediate implementation will begin. The proposed package includes direct cash assistance of Rs. 5,000 per family, benefiting 4 million deserving households. The distribution of financial aid…
Islamabad, Feb 20: Lotte Chemical Pakistan Limited (PSX: LOTCHEM) has announced that Lotte Chemical Corporation (LCC Korea), its majority shareholder with 75.01% ownership, has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) with AsiaPak Investments Limited and Montage Oil DMCC for the sale of its entire stake in the company. The agreement, dated February 19, 2025, marks a strategic move by LCC Korea as part of its broader business portfolio transformation. According to the notification issued to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the transaction’s completion remains subject to regulatory and corporate approvals, along with the fulfillment of all necessary closing conditions.
Islamabad, Feb 20: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has described visa challenges faced by Pakistani nationals as a serious and significant issue, confirming that both Islamabad and Abu Dhabi are actively working toward a solution. In an interview with Arab News, Tirmizi acknowledged the growing difficulties in visa approvals, particularly over the past year. He attributed the rise in visa rejections to concerns surrounding document authenticity, legal violations, and political activities by certain applicants. The issue, he assured, has been raised at the highest levels with UAE authorities.
