ISLAMABAD: The government is deliberating on an installment plan to support low-income and middle-class citizens preparing for the Hajj pilgrimage. Under the proposed plan, pilgrims will have the option to pay their Hajj expenses in three installments instead of a lump sum. This initiative has been submitted for approval by the federal cabinet. Sources suggest that this installment option is part of the government’s comprehensive Hajj policy, which is anticipated to gain the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ endorsement. The new payment structure will allow prospective pilgrims to cover a total cost of Rs 1.1 million in three parts. Initially, applicants…
Author: Saifullah
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ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has greenlit two significant infrastructure projects aimed at addressing the ongoing traffic challenges in Islamabad. These initiatives are expected to enhance daily commutes for residents of both Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The foundation stones for the Serena Chowk Interchange and F-10 Exchange Chowk Interchange will be laid next week. The completion timelines for these projects have been significantly expedited; the Serena Chowk Interchange is set to be operational in just three months, incorporating two underpasses and connecting roads. Meanwhile, the F-10 project will take four months to complete and will feature a flyover, an underpass,…
During Imran Khan’s recent court appearance for the high-stakes £190 million Al-Qadir Trust scandal, his unexpected silence and absence of family support sparked intense speculation. Known for seizing any chance to address the media, Khan’s unusual quietness raised eyebrows. Bushra Bibi, his wife, and other close family members were nowhere to be seen—a fact that seemed to deepen the aura of isolation around him. In past proceedings, Khan had been vocal, even using the court rostrum to address grievances, often calling out perceived injustices and rallying his supporters. But this time, he stood in silence, not a word to the…
Pakistan’s finance minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for $1 billion from its Resilience and Sustainability Trust, aiming to counter climate risks and propel the country’s shift toward sustainable energy. Currently, Pakistan’s power sector grapples with a circular debt crisis that has ballooned to Rs2.66 trillion ($9.5 billion). This increase stems largely from inefficiencies in the power distribution system and costly contracts with independent power producers (IPPs). To mitigate these issues, the government plans comprehensive reforms focused on optimizing IPP costs, reassessing fiscal impacts on consumers, and fostering competition through electricity unbundling. This approach is expected…
PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a “Digital Democracy” workshop in Peshawar aimed at equipping Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly parliamentarians with tools to counter misinformation effectively. The workshop is part of a broader initiative to help lawmakers understand digital trends, enhance social media skills, and promote informed public engagement. Ms. Samer Awais, Director General at PIPS, emphasized the urgency of addressing misinformation, noting the role of emerging AI technologies in spreading inaccuracies, especially among the youth. “This workshop is essential for parliamentarians to stay ahead in countering digital misinformation,”…
MONG KOK: Pakistan secured a confident victory over India in the Hong Kong International Sixes tournament on Friday, chasing the target with an over to spare, thanks to a powerful half-century by Asif Ali. India’s innings started strong, with skipper Robin Uthappa scoring 31 runs, including three fours and three sixes, before Pakistan captain Faheem Ashraf bowled him out. Bharat Chipli was India’s standout player, hitting a half-century in just 16 balls with six fours and four sixes. Chipli was eventually forced to retire due to an injury. Soon after, Jedar Jadhav was dismissed, hitting Ashraf’s delivery into Shahab Khan’s…
ISLAMABAD: In a move to enhance border security, the government has announced the installation of biometric systems at all major airports across Pakistan. The Ministry of Interior has instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to expedite the process, focusing on the addition of biometric verification at international immigration counters. This biometric requirement aims to tighten control over passenger identification, making it more difficult for wanted criminals or fugitives to travel domestically or internationally. Read More: KP Govt Inks Rs 8 Billion Deal for Swat Power Transmission Line The Ministry has also highlighted the broader applications of biometrics in improving airport security…
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the ‘Kisan Green Tractor Scheme’ to support farmers across Punjab with a substantial subsidy on locally manufactured tractors. Under this initiative, 9,500 farmers will benefit from a Rs 1 million subsidy aimed at modernizing agricultural practices and boosting productivity across the province. The first draw, conducted personally by CM Maryam at a launch event, granted subsidies to selected applicants, with 339 farmers from Okara, 111 from Chakwal, and 276 from Rajanpur set to receive the Rs 1 million aid. In addition, 1,000 tractors will be awarded free of cost to farmers…
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has signed a construction agreement with a private company to develop a new power transmission line, with the signing ceremony held at the Chief Minister House in Peshawar. The project’s first phase involves building a 40-kilometer transmission line from Matiltan Valley in Kalam to Madyan in Swat. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced that the construction is set to finish within 18 months, with an estimated cost of Rs 8 billion. This transmission line will connect Swat’s hydropower-generated electricity to both local industries and the national grid. Once completed, the project is projected to generate…
KARACHI: A district and sessions court on Thursday acquitted a woman charged with the deaths of two people in a traffic accident on Karsaz Road after a reconciliation agreement was presented between her and the victims’ families. On August 19, the woman’s vehicle reportedly struck multiple cars near the Pakistan Maritime Museum, resulting in the deaths of 26-year-old Aamna Arif and her father, 60-year-old Imran Arif. Following the accident, the suspect was booked on charges of manslaughter and reckless driving. Last month, the families of the victims submitted an affidavit in court, expressing forgiveness and stating the accident was unintentional.…
