Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: The Punjab government has decided to continue and expand a school initiative that was first introduced during the tenure of former Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, albeit under a different name. The authorities have now renamed the “Insaf Afternoon School Programme” to the “Afternoon Schools Programme,” removing the word “Insaf” from the title and school signage. As part of the expansion, the education department has elevated 200 additional middle schools, including several in the Rawalpindi Division, to high schools. These institutions will operate as middle schools in the morning and high schools in the afternoon, with…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: The General Directorate of Passports in Saudi Arabia has introduced a new policy that permits residents to renew their Iqama (residency permit) even if some of their dependents or companions are currently outside the country, as long as the head of the household remains in Saudi Arabia. This important update is designed to alleviate challenges faced by expatriates who were previously unable to renew their residency due to a family member being abroad. Now, the head of the household’s presence in Saudi Arabia is sufficient to complete the renewal process. This change is viewed as both…
Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: Looking for a cost-effective way to get behind the wheel of your dream car without the hefty upfront payment? Meezan Bank presents a convenient solution with exclusive rental plans for the stylish Kia Stonic and compact Kia Picanto, allowing you to enjoy affordable monthly payments. Whether you’re after a compact SUV or a dependable city car, Meezan Bank’s rental options are designed to suit all your needs. Kia Stonic Rental Plan The Kia Stonic is a versatile compact SUV that seamlessly blends luxury, comfort, and high performance. With Meezan Bank’s tailored rental plan, you can drive…
Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: Mobile data usage in Pakistan has surged, with the average user consuming 8.5 gigabytes per month. This growth underscores the country’s increasing dependence on mobile broadband. With the number of mobile subscribers reaching 193.4 million, the government is preparing for a crucial spectrum auction aimed at boosting broadband capacity and paving the way for next-generation mobile technologies. In a recent statement to the National Assembly, Information Technology and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja shared that the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has released an additional 567 MHz of spectrum across six bands—700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and…
Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: In a welcome development for residents of Karachi, electricity prices are likely to drop by Rs6.62 per unit, offering substantial financial relief to K-Electric users. The request details are advertised in the national dailies. According to sources, K-Electric has submitted a formal application to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), requesting a tariff cut through a Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) for the month of February. NEPRA has scheduled a public hearing for April 16 to evaluate K-Electric’s proposal. If the authority grants approval, this move is projected to bring a cumulative relief of Rs6.66 billion…
Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: In a recent announcement, Pakistan Railways has introduced changes to the departure and arrival schedules of several mail, express, and local passenger trains. These adjustments, effective from April 15, 2025, are aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring timely arrivals. Travelers planning to use the railway service are advised to check the revised timings before booking their journeys. Read More: Pakistan Railways to Restore Karachi-Peshawar Train Service Below is a detailed overview of the new schedule: Train Name Train No. Departure Station Departure Time Arrival Station Arrival Time Khyber Mail 2Dn Peshawar Cantt 10:00 PM Karachi…
Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: The long-anticipated consolidation of Telenor Pakistan with Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) is close to receiving the green light from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), although the approval will be conditional. Much like the Jazz-Warid merger, regulators plan to impose updated terms to maintain fair competition within the telecom industry. Sources reveal that the approval process was reinvigorated after PTCL sought assistance from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), urging the body to intervene and resolve ongoing delays. The merger proposal had been under review for nearly a year due to incomplete submissions and inadequate…
Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: Pakistan and Turkiye have reached a major agreement to collaborate on oil and gas exploration, marking a significant milestone during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025. Both countries signed a joint bidding agreement, enabling them to jointly compete in an offshore bidding round hosted by Islamabad. In February 2025, Pakistan’s government introduced an offshore bidding process offering 40 exploration blocks in the Makran and Indus basins. This initiative presents a key opportunity to attract foreign investment in the country’s energy sector. A statement issued on Tuesday highlighted that renowned Pakistani energy companies, including Mari Energies, Oil…
Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: The government on Tuesday announced a revised minimum sugar price for sales tax collection, which is expected to increase the per kilogram price by Rs10 to Rs15, generating an additional Rs90 billion in tax revenue to address the significant budget deficit. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued a new statutory regulatory order (SRO) to adjust the per kilogram sugar price for applying the 18% sales tax. The authorities replaced the previous price of Rs72.22 per kilogram with the updated rate. The authorities will adjust the new price bi-weekly, based on the weekly retail sugar price…
Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: In the first quarter of 2025, over 172,000 Pakistanis left the country to seek employment in various regions, primarily in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) reported that from January to March 2025, a total of 172,144 Pakistani migrant workers relocated to over 50 countries, averaging 57,381 departures each month. Saudi Arabia emerged as the top destination, accounting for more than 121,940 workers, which made up approximately 70% of the total workforce exports. Other GCC countries, including Qatar (12,998), Bahrain (9,139), and Oman (8,331), also saw significant numbers…
