Islamabad, Nov 16: Chairman CDA Urges 24/7 Efforts to Expedite Serena Chowk and Jinnah Avenue Interchanges Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, visited the construction sites of the Serena Chowk and Jinnah Avenue interchanges to assess the progress of these pivotal infrastructure projects. Accompanied by contractors, consultants, and relevant officers, he received detailed briefings on the ongoing work. Officials informed the Chairman that construction on various sections is advancing rapidly, with the relocation of service lines nearing completion. During his visit, Randhawa emphasized removing all barriers to ensure uninterrupted 24/7 construction at the sites. He instructed teams to…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Nov 16: Pakistani citizens working in Dubai, one of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) prominent emirates, can sponsor their families for residence visas, provided they meet specific criteria such as a minimum income threshold and required documentation. Both employers and employees with valid UAE residence visas are eligible to sponsor their family members. Unlike previous regulations, sponsorship is now open to all individuals who fulfill the criteria, regardless of their job titles. Documents Required for Sponsorship To sponsor a spouse and children, the following documents are mandatory: Completed visa application (online or through a typing office) Passport copies of…
Islamabad, Nov 16: Haris Rauf Sets New Record in Second T20I Against Australia Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s ace fast bowler, delivered a stellar performance against Australia in the second T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The pacer tore through Australia’s batting lineup with figures of 4/22 in his four overs, helping restrict the hosts to 147/9 and setting up a comfortable chase for Pakistan. Rauf’s performance not only played a pivotal role in the match but also earned him a significant milestone. With 107 wickets in T20Is, he is now the joint leading wicket-taker for Pakistan, sharing the top spot…
Islamabad, Nov 16: Boosting Trade & Investment Pakistan’s Envoy to US Meets Chamber Chief Mark Jaffe, the President and CEO of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, met with Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, to discuss ways to enhance trade and investment ties between New York and Pakistan. The conversation centered on key industries such as textiles, leather, surgical goods, and IT, with Jaffe expressing a strong desire to promote these sectors. Jaffe outlined the Chamber’s plans to foster trade with Pakistan and committed to sharing details about upcoming trade events with its vast network. In…
Islamabad, Nov 16: Pakistan digital economy is poised for a significant boost, with experts forecasting an additional $6 billion in annual exports by 2030. As the country’ digital infrastructure continues to evolve, sectors like tech startups, freelancers, and service-based industries are playing a crucial role in driving this growth. Despite recent regulatory challenges, including internet disruptions and social media platform bans, the nation’s digital sector is poised to unlock immense economic potential, drive job creation, increase foreign exchange earnings, and enhance global competitiveness. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, technology exports surged by an impressive 143% from $1 billion…
Islamabad, Nov 16: Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), similar to mutual funds, are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). These investment options allow both individual and institutional investors to directly participate in infrastructure projects and earn a share of the generated income. Recently, SEBI proposed allowing Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs), and InvITs to use interest rate derivatives for risk hedging. Additionally, SEBI suggested permitting the transfer of locked-in units between sponsors and their groups for REITs and InvITs, in a manner similar to how promoters in listed companies can manage…
Islamabad, Nov 16: Muslim leaders who supported Donald Trump in the 2016 election are now expressing disappointment over his recent Cabinet appointments, particularly his selections for key foreign policy positions. They feel betrayed by his choices, such as Marco Rubio for Secretary of State and Mike Huckabee as the ambassador to Israel, both of whom are known for their strong pro-Israel views. Figures like Rabiul Chowdhury, co-founder of “Muslims for Trump,” and Rexhinaldo Nazarko from the American Muslim Engagement and Empowerment Network (AMEEN) argue that these appointments suggest a shift away from peace efforts, alienating the Muslim and Arab American…
Islamabad, Nov 16: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently concluded discussions with Pakistani authorities, describing the talks as constructive. These discussions, led by IMF Mission Chief Nathan Porter, took place from November 12 to 15 and centered on reviewing the government’s economic strategies and performance to ensure sustainable development. Porter praised the collaborative nature of the talks and commended the Pakistani authorities for their positive approach. He highlighted that the discussions covered important aspects of economic policy and reform aimed at reducing risks and fostering long-term growth. The talks involved both federal and provincial governments, officials from the State…
Islamabad, Nov 16: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has instructed universities and colleges in Lahore and Multan to close down due to the severe smog affecting the region. An official notification announced that classes would be conducted online to protect students and staff from hazardous air quality. Additionally, all schools across Punjab, except for Murree, will remain closed until November 24 as part of the government’s efforts to minimize public exposure to worsening pollution. The Punjab government has also imposed restrictions on outdoor activities, urging citizens to wear masks and limit unnecessary outings. In Lahore and Multan, a three-day lockdown…
Islamabad, Nov 16: Punjab Considers Outsourcing Middle and High Schools to Private Sector for Improved Efficiency The Punjab School Education Department has finalized plans to privatize 500 public middle and high schools by the end of November, following the earlier privatization of 4,500 primary schools. This decision has sparked strong opposition from educators, who have organized a major sit-in protest in Lahore. This month, the department will announce the privatization of middle and high schools. Additionally, 4,500 primary schools have already been transferred to private ownership, and applications for the sale of another 7,500 primary schools are being accepted until…
