Islamabad, Apr 15, 2025: As thousands of Pakistani students pursue higher education in the United States, a growing wave of concern is emerging over renewed visa restrictions targeting international students. In a recent statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that American visas are a privilege, not a guaranteed right—signaling tougher enforcement likely under former President Donald Trump’s potential return to office. Rubio reiterated the Trump administration’s firm approach to immigration, asserting that the United States reserves entry for individuals who “honor American laws and values” and contribute positively to the nation. His statements come amidst a nationwide crackdown…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Apr 15, 2025: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been pivotal in driving business transactions worth $148 million through mergers and acquisitions in key sectors during the first eight months of the fiscal year 2024-25, according to a recent report. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan surged by 41% in this period, totaling $1.618 billion. This remarkable growth is attributed to the SIFC’s role in enhancing coordination among government agencies, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and facilitating major deals in industries such as energy, agriculture, technology, and finance. Introduced as a “single window” service for investors, the SIFC has played…
Islamabad, Apr 15, 2025: In a significant step towards promoting girls’ education, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has introduced free transport facilities for female students, especially in far-flung regions. This forward-thinking program is designed to tackle one of the major challenges that hinder girls from attending school — the lack of safe and affordable transportation. Districts to Benefit from the Scheme As per the KP Education Department, this scheme will initially target the most isolated and underserved districts of the province. Areas including Kohistan, Torghar, Hangu, and Lakki Marwat are among the first to receive this benefit. Other districts such…
Islamabad, Apr 15, 2025: The much-anticipated Prize Bond Draw No. 102 for the Rs750 denomination is all set to be held on April 15, 2025, at the National Savings Office in Peshawar. This event offers a fantastic opportunity for bondholders to win substantial cash rewards, with a top prize of Rs1.5 million up for grabs. Win Big with the Rs750 Prize Bond Thousands of participants eagerly await this lucky draw, which gives everyone a fair shot at winning. The prize breakdown for Draw #102 is as follows: Prize Category Amount (PKR) Number of Winners First Prize 1,500,000 1 Winner Second…
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: Apple is preparing to launch its next-generation iPhone 17 series, including the much-anticipated iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. While the official announcement is still awaited, early leaks are already building major excitement among tech lovers. Insiders suggest that Apple’s top-tier iPhone 17 Pro Max will arrive with significant enhancements in design, performance, and battery life. Though Apple remains silent about the final specs, multiple leaks indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will introduce a tougher, scratch-resistant screen, improved power backup, and a lightning-fast A19 Pro chip. What’s Leaked So Far About the…
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: The Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme has been a game-changer for many small-scale entrepreneurs and micro-business owners across Pakistan. If you’ve already applied, you’re probably eager to know whether your application has been approved. Here’s a quick and easy guide on how to check the status of your Asaan Karobar application. Step-by-Step Process to Verify Your Application Progress Visit the Official Website or PortalBegin by going to the official site of the bank or financial institution where you submitted your loan application. Most banks participating in this initiative have a dedicated section on their websites for status…
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: Looking for a smartphone that combines great looks, powerful battery life, and affordability? The OPPO A5 is a top contender in the budget-friendly segment, offering remarkable features without burning a hole in your pocket. With its sleek design and massive battery capacity, this phone is perfect for daily use, entertainment, and multitasking. The OPPO A5 stands out with its eye-catching aesthetics, offering a premium feel at a low cost. Built for users who need performance and elegance on a budget, the A5 includes a vibrant display, a capable processor, and dependable cameras for everyday photography. Whether…
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: The government of Pakistan, under the leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has made a significant move to meet the long-awaited demand of the country’s expatriates by kickstarting plans for the construction of an airport in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). This decision comes after a formal request from British Members of Parliament with Kashmiri heritage, urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to back the project. In response, the Islamabad Airports Authority has released a public notice inviting consultancy firms to submit proposals for the tendering process. The objective is to ensure that qualified consultants can…
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) held steady against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in the open market, trading at Rs74.7. The selling price also remained unchanged at Rs75.25 as the new business week commenced. SAR to PKR Exchange Rate for Today 1 SAR = Rs74.7 (April 14, 2025) The Saudi Riyal (SAR), the official currency of Saudi Arabia, is subdivided into 100 halalas. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a long-standing relationship across diplomatic, cultural, and economic fields, bolstered by their common Islamic heritage and aligned strategic objectives. Saudi Arabia is a key economic partner for Pakistan, offering financial…
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: In 2025, approximately 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims will miss the opportunity to perform Hajj due to delays in agreements and payments with the Saudi government, as reported by Hajj organisers. The main reason behind the rejection of these applications was the failure to complete the necessary bookings and financial transactions on time with Saudi authorities. This year, Saudi Arabia allocated a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Pakistan, which included 89,605 spots each for both government and private tour operators. However, only 14,000 applications were approved under the private tour scheme. Hajj organisers claimed they had secured…
