Islamabad, Jan 18:The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) in Pakistan has finalized the arrangements for mandatory training sessions for pilgrims intending to participate in the Hajj 2025 program. The government has announced that these training sessions will be conducted at 147 locations across the country, ensuring that every participant is well-prepared for their spiritual journey. The first session will commence tomorrow in Peshawar, with subsequent sessions scheduled nationwide. To streamline the process and ensure accurate tracking, pilgrims will register their attendance via QR codes using the Pak Haj mobile app. For overseas Pakistanis, the training will take place at designated…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Jan 18: The highly anticipated tri-nation One-Day International (ODI) series in Karachi has been reshuffled, with the final match now scheduled for February 15, a day later than initially planned. Additionally, the crucial league-stage clash between Pakistan and South Africa has been moved to February 13, sources confirmed. These changes align with Pakistan’s final preparations for the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin just a few days later on February 19. Revised Schedule to Optimize Preparation for ICC Champions Trophy Originally, Pakistan and South Africa were slated to meet on February 12, with the final match to follow…
Islamabad, Jan 18: Sindh is making a remarkable stride towards inclusivity and equality by introducing the province’s pioneering transgender education policy. Under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Sindh, the education department has been tasked with formulating and implementing this groundbreaking policy, marking a historic step towards transforming the lives of transgender individuals in the province. This initiative not only reflects Sindh’s commitment to advancing the rights of the transgender community but also sets a vital precedent for other provinces and the country as a whole. As the first province in Pakistan to actively work on a dedicated education…
Islamabad, Jan 18: The first Test match between Pakistan and West Indies at Multan began on a historic note when West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie became the first Caribbean spinner to open the bowling in the first innings of a Test. This groundbreaking achievement unfolded as Motie bowled the very first delivery to Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood, marking an unprecedented moment in West Indies cricket history. Before Motie’s feat, only four instances of West Indies spinners opening the bowling in any Test innings had occurred, and none of those were in the first innings. Motie’s effort is now etched in…
Islamabad, Jan 18: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, chaired a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet today. Mr. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Mr. Ahad Khan Cheema, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, the FBR Chairman, ED SECP, federal secretaries, and senior officers attended the meeting. ECC considered and approved the Ministry of National Food Security and Research’s proposal to allocate additional funds as a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) of Rs. 910 million for the establishment of the National Food Safety, Animal, and Plant Health Regulatory Authority (NFSAPHRA).
Islamabad, Jan 18: Federal Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb presided over a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs) at the Finance Division. The committee examined strategic business plans proposed by the Ministry of Information for the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV). These plans aim to address critical challenges while paving the way for sustainable growth, financial stability, and enhanced public services. The proposed business plan for PBC outlined innovative strategies to boost income generation. Key measures include improving program quality, enhancing signal reach, and leveraging untapped assets such as unused concrete structures…
Islamabad, Jan 17: Ibrahim Hasan Murad, President of the University of Management and Technology (UMT) and former Minister, will attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20 in Washington, D.C. Sharing his best wishes for President Trump and the American people, Mr. Murad expressed optimism about the new administration’s potential to bring progress and prosperity to the United States. He emphasized the importance of such events in fostering discussions on global peace, international relations, and collaborative development with global leaders. Highlighting the strategic importance of U.S.-Pakistan relations, Mr. Murad stressed the need to strengthen bilateral ties. “This…
Islamabad, Jan 17: Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, visited the Serena Interchange project to inspect ongoing construction progress. Accompanied by senior officers, the Chairman emphasized the importance of timely and high-quality project delivery. During the briefing, officials informed Chairman Randhawa that cleaning work at the Serena Underpass on Khayaban-e-Soharwardy is advancing rapidly. Additionally, structural work on both underpasses at Srinagar Highway is nearing completion. Construction activities across all sections of the project are proceeding at a fast pace. The Chairman directed that the beautification and horticulture around the interchange underpasses be completed swiftly and instructed the finishing…
Islamabad, Jan 17: Pakistan recorded the highest-ever monthly IT exports of US$ 348 million, up by 15 percent YoY while also up by 12 percent MoM in December 2024. These monthly IT exports in December 2024 are higher than the last 12-month average of US$ 299 million. This is the 15th consecutive month of YoY IT export growth, starting from October 2023, according to Topline Securities. This takes 1HFY25 IT exports to US$ 1.86 billion, up by 28 percent YoY. Export proceeds per day were recorded at US$ 16.6 million for December 2024 vs. US$ 14.8 million in November 2024.
Islamabad, Jan 17: The illegal occupation of Punjab University’s land, which had persisted for 50 years, has been brought to an end, and unlawfully constructed houses have been demolished. On the directives of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Ali, the university successfully reclaimed its land after half a century of illegal occupation. The 12-kanal government land, adjacent to the Punjab University Health Center, had been occupied by 37 families for decades. Officials revealed that influential employees and unrelated individuals had illegally built homes on the land. Some employees had even sold portions of the land under fraudulent agreements, granting possession to unrelated…
