Author: Mawadat Fatima

Islamabad, Jan 15: H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, on Wednesday,  inaugurated a project for installation of solar powered irrigation system in Tehsil Shakar Garh, District Narowal being managed by Rural Aid Pakistan, a non-governmental organization, working at grassroots level in rural areas of Pakistan to fight against poverty and empowering the vulnerable rural communities for sustainable development. The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program, had provided financial assistance of 65,617 USD under this project, for provision of seven(7) solar powered irrigation pumps and facilities to enhance agricultural productivity…

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Islamabad, Jan 15: Ghandhara Automobiles Limited (GAL) has introduced a game-changer to Pakistan’s pickup truck market with the launch of the JAC T9 Hunter on January 8, 2025. This new addition has caught the attention of automotive enthusiasts and practical truck buyers alike, combining an aggressive exterior design with an impressive array of features. After the launch, the company quickly suspended bookings, citing a massive surge in demand that surpassed initial projections. Stunning Design and Durability The JAC T9 Hunter’s exterior makes an immediate statement. Featuring a large, piano-black grille framed with chrome accents, this vehicle exudes a powerful presence…

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Islamabad, Jan 15: The Punjab Education Department has recently unveiled its updated schedule for educational activities, annual examinations, and admissions for the Rawalpindi division. This schedule, effective from January 15 to May 31, marks a significant step forward in preparing both public and private schools for the upcoming academic year. The 2025-26 academic year will officially begin on April 1, with the department introducing a streamlined admission process. For younger grades such as Junior Class Prep and Nursery Class I, admissions will open on February 3. Meanwhile, The schedule for annual exams across various grade levels has been announced. Matriculation…

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Islamabad, Jan 15: United Bank Limited (UBL) has made a significant move towards embracing Islamic banking by converting all of its branches in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan into fully Shariah-compliant branches. This step is part of the bank’s commitment to align with the recently passed legislation, which mandates a transition of the entire banking sector towards Islamic banking by 2027. The legal framework was established following a ruling by Pakistan’s Federal Shariat Court, which called for the elimination of riba (interest) from the financial system.

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Islamabad, Jan 15: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a strategy under the National Transformation Plan to boost Pakistan’s tax collection system. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently approved the plan. However, The plan, focused on stringent measures, seeks to tackle the issue of tax defaulters and short-filers, ensuring that no one escapes scrutiny, including corrupt officials within the FBR. The FBR, as part of this initiative, will be equipping key personnel with 1,010 newly-approved vehicles, which will be used for enforcement purposes. These vehicles, intended for officers in various tax-related services like Customs, Sales Tax, Federal Excise Duty,…

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Islamabad, Jan 15: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast further drop in Karachi temperatures in the coming days. The city of Karachi continues to experience a cold wave, with weather experts predicting a further drop in temperatures this week. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), nighttime temperatures are expected to hover between 10°C and 12°C until January 19. Strong winds are forecast for January 17, which may intensify the chilly conditions in Karachi. The current temperature in the city is recorded at 12°C, with a maximum daytime temperature of 26°C anticipated. Humidity levels stand at 70% in Karachi, while…

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Islamabad, Jan 15: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken significant strides in combatting online child exploitation by blocking over 5,000 websites identified by Interpol as hosting harmful content. This is part of the PTA’s broader initiative to protect children from online risks. The PTA has enhanced its Complaint Management System (CMS) by introducing a dedicated ‘Child Abuse’ category, allowing individuals to report incidents swiftly. However, Complaints are tracked through automated IDs, and a specialized team works to remove or block illegal content, collaborating with social media platforms and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to ensure prompt action.

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Islamabad, Jan 15: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has successfully auctioned all 236 residential plots in Islamabad’s Sector C-14, with a significant emphasis on attracting overseas Pakistanis. Each plot, valued at approximately The price of 60 million per kanal is expected to bring in Rs. 14. in revenue over the next ten months. The CDA initiated the auction to both local and international investors but prioritized expatriates, recognizing their advantage in paying through foreign currency. The auction attracted over 1,700 applications, including approximately 550 from overseas Pakistanis, underscoring the demand and interest in Islamabad’s prime residential real estate.

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Islamabad, Jan 15: Karachi has successfully regained its place in the prestigious “C40 Cities” network after a three-year suspension, marking a significant milestone for the city’s climate action efforts. Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced on Tuesday Karachi’s renewed commitment to addressing climate change and environmental sustainability. The C40 Cities network, a global coalition of cities striving to combat climate change, had suspended Karachi’s membership in 2022 due to concerns over its environmental strategies. However, following substantial efforts, the city’s membership has now been reinstated, highlighting the progress Karachi has made toward creating a greener and more sustainable urban environment.

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Islamabad, Jan 15: Sindh Minister for Energy, Syed Nasser Hussain Shah, commended the exceptional talent and determination displayed by special children during a recent Sports Gala. In his address, Minister Shah emphasized the children’s role as “guests of honor” and lauded the significant contributions of their educators, trainers, and staff. He recognized their commitment to a noble cause, noting that these professionals could have pursued other career paths but chose to dedicate themselves to supporting special children. In his speech, Minister Shah also praised the parents of special children, acknowledging their tireless efforts to provide their children with education and…

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