Islamabad, Sep 18: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has announced a major educational reform initiative involving the outsourcing of approximately 6,000 government schools. The move, intended to address challenges in the education sector, will be implemented in phases, with the first phase involving 5,800 schools. In her address during the Lahore ceremony, CM Sharif emphasized her commitment to understanding public concerns and countered misinformation about the initiative. She clarified that the outsourcing is not influenced by contractors or external pressures and addressed misleading claims about contractors taking over schools. The reform aims to improve school…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Sep 18: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved Rs1.5 billion for the repair of roads damaged by rainfall in Karachi this year. During a recent meeting, CM Shah instructed the Local Government Department to investigate the quality of roads constructed or repaired since 2022 that have been washed away, emphasizing that substandard work must be addressed with strict action. The damage includes: District South: 909,500 square feet District East: 795,000 square feet District Central: 832,000 square feet District West: 13,750,000 square feet District Korangi: 5,555,000 square feet District Malir: 625,000 square feet Flyovers and bridges: 395,000…
Islamabad, Sep 18: On Wednesday, the price of 24 karat gold per tola decreased by Rs.300 to Rs.267,700, down from Rs.268,000 on the last trading day. The price for 10 grams of 24 karat gold dropped by Rs.257 to Rs.229,510, while 10 grams of 22 karat gold decreased to Rs.210,384 from Rs.210,620. Silver prices remained unchanged with per tola silver at Rs.2,950 and 10-gram silver at Rs.2,529.14. Internationally, gold prices fell by $18 to $2,569 from $2,587. On September 16, gold prices in Pakistan had previously risen, aligning with the international market increase, with per tola gold reaching Rs.268,000 and…
Islamabad, Sep 18: Gross foreign exchange inflows through Roshan Digital Accounts (RDAs) reached $165 million in August 2024, up from $161 million in July 2024 and $130 million in August 2023. Net inflows, after deducting repatriated funds, totaled $143 million, slightly lower than the six-month average of $169 million. As of the end of August 2024, total RDA funds have accumulated to $8.581 billion, with $1.646 billion repatriated and $5.441 billion used domestically. The net repatriable liability stands at $1.494 billion. Since RDA’s launch in September 2020, net investments reached $1.036 billion, with $370 million in Conventional NPC investments, $638…
Islamabad, Sep 18: Pakistan’s exports experienced a notable 14.42% increase during the first two months of the fiscal year, surpassing $5 billion, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. Key Contributing Sectors: Food Products: Exports surged by 42.39%, generating over $1 billion, driven by rice, fruits, vegetables, tobacco, sugar, and meat. Textiles: This key sector saw a 5.37% increase, with exports exceeding $2.91 billion. Items such as cotton fabrics, ready-made garments, knitwear, and bed linens showed significant growth. Other Sectors: Exports of petroleum products, leather gloves, footwear, chemicals, and medicines also saw positive trends, contributing to the overall rise. This…
Islamabad, Sep 18: Pakistan’s under-12 tennis team achieved a thrilling 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia in their opening match at the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) Under-12 Team Competition Final 2024 in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. Match Highlights: Rashid Ali vs. Elyas Al Ghafi: Rashid Ali started strong, winning the first set 6-0. Although Al Ghafi won the second set 6-4, Rashid secured the match with a 6-1 win in the third set. Muhammad Shayan Afridi vs. Hamza El Mansoury: Afridi won the first set 6-4, but El Mansoury came back to win the next two sets 6-3, 6-2, leveling the tie at…
Islamabad, Sep 18: The Exchange Rates Committee of Financial Markets Association of Pakistan issued the following Exchange rates bulletin, here on Wednesday. CONVERSION RATES FOR SEPTEMBER 18, 2024, FOR FOREIGN CURRENCY FOR FORWARD COVER FOR DEPOSITS (EXCLUDING FE-25 DEPOSITS) SBP SETTLEMENT VALUE DATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 USD 278.0540 GBP 366.4752 EUR 309.1960 JPY 1.9874
Islamabad, Sep 18: Pakistan Customs seizes 15,465 smuggled mobile phones, valued at Rs. 446 million, at the Sost Dry Port. This action follows a tip-off about a truck transporting smuggled goods, which had entered Pakistan from China via the Khunjerab Pass. Key Points: Seizure Details: The operation uncovered 15,465 mobile phones, including 8,365 smartphones (iPhone, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus) and 7,100 bar phones. Market Value: The total estimated value of the seized goods is Rs. 446 million. Discovery Process: The truck, left by an individual claiming a mechanical issue, was secured at the Sost Dry Port. A public notice was issued…
Islamabad, Sep 18: The city of Peshawar will enforce a targeted mobile phone service suspension on September 22 during the Medical and Dental College Entrance Test (MDCAT) 2024. This measure, announced by the Commissioner of Peshawar, aims to maintain the integrity of the examination by preventing cheating and other illicit activities. Key Details: Service Suspension: Mobile phone services will be suspended in areas surrounding all examination centers in Peshawar. Duration: The blackout will last for four hours, aligning with the MDCAT’s testing period. Coordination: The Commissioner’s office has coordinated with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to implement the network shutdown.…
Islamabad. Sep 18: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has announced the new prices for re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) for September 2024, effective from September 1. Pricing Details: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) Transmission Price: $12.92 per MMBtu (down by 1.1% from last month) Distribution Price: $13.85 per MMBtu (down by 1.1% from last month) Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) Transmission Price: $11.75 per MMBtu (up by 1.2% from August 2024) Distribution Price: $13.42 per MMBtu (up by 1.2% from August 2024) These adjustments reflect OGRA’s ongoing efforts to regulate RLNG pricing in response to market…