Inflation in Pakistan continues its upward trajectory, with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reporting a 0.55% weekly increase and a 4.16% annual rise as of the latest figures. Price Changes in Key Commodities The PBS report highlights shifts in essential item prices: Significant Increases: Tomatoes (16.86%), eggs (5.01%), garlic (4.30%), LPG (4.10%), firewood (2.07%), and mustard oil (1.90%). Minor Reductions: Prices of bananas (-0.18%), gram lentils (-2.51%), mash lentils (-0.87%), chicken (-0.07%), and wheat flour (-0.01%). Impact Across Income Groups Inflation is affecting households differently based on income: Lowest Income Brackets: Households earning up to Rs17,732 saw a 0.83%…
Author: Saifullah
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LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has introduced revised rules for pardoning prisoners, focusing on good character, hard work, education, and contributions like blood donation. These regulations aim to reward reformation and positive behavior among inmates. Prisoners demonstrating good character after a year of hard labor will receive a 15-day sentence remission, with additional leniency granted for continued positive conduct over three years. Educational achievements, including Matric, Inter, BA, or MA degrees, can reduce sentences by six to ten months, while memorizing and translating the Quran may result in pardons of six months to two years. Skills training, such as electrician…
Train operations in Quetta resumed on Friday, four days after a devastating explosion at the Quetta Railway Station claimed at least 26 lives. Pakistan Railways had immediately suspended services following the November 9 blast to ensure passenger safety. Pakistan Railways CEO Aamir Baloch confirmed that services were restored after comprehensive security clearance. The Jaffer Express departed for Peshawar Friday morning, and the Bolan Mail is also expected to operate on schedule. However, the Chaman Passenger Train will remain suspended until further notice as authorities continue to assess the situation. The restoration of services marks a significant step toward normalcy as…
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) released the 2024 annual matriculation (Part I and II) supplementary exam results on Thursday at 12:00 pm. Students who appeared in these exams can now check their results on the official FBISE website, www.fbise.edu.pk, or by sending an SMS in the format ‘FB <space> Roll Number’ to 5050. Supplementary exams are conducted to give students an opportunity to improve their marks or complete their certification if they were unable to clear certain subjects during the regular annual exams.
LAHORE: In a move to address food insecurity and provide career pathways for graduates, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the Aqua Shrimp Farming Internship Program on Thursday, as reported by Radio Pakistan. The program targets graduates in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Zoology, offering hands-on training and opportunities in Pakistan’s growing aquaculture sector. Recognizing the urgent need for practical skills in response to climate challenges and food security concerns, the internship aims to equip young professionals with essential expertise. Read More: 12 Terrorists Killed in Separate Operations in KP and Balochistan The six-month training, hosted at the Fisheries Department’s Shrimp Farm…
Islamabad Police, from the Noon police station, have arrested two individuals linked to a notorious gang responsible for multiple robberies and violent incidents in Islamabad, Lahore, and Faisalabad. The gang primarily targeted passers-by, shopkeepers, ATM users, and even women, using firearms to intimidate and rob victims. If any victims resisted, the criminals resorted to firing shots. The police recovered significant evidence from the arrested individuals, including three stolen motorcycles, mobile phones, cash, and weapons. Several criminal cases have been filed against the suspects across various police stations. Islamabad’s DIG, Syed Ali Raza, confirmed that large-scale operations are underway to eliminate…
In Pakistan, the unregistered use of VPNs for accessing restricted content and engaging in unethical online activities has raised significant concerns. VPNs, while essential for legitimate activities such as ensuring online privacy and enabling secure business communications, are also increasingly used for circumventing restrictions imposed by the government, which has led to unethical practices. One of the primary issues with unregistered VPNs is their role in bypassing government-imposed restrictions on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and other social media channels. While these platforms have been banned in the past due to concerns over their content, users often resort to unregistered VPNs…
KARACHI: The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Sukkur has proposed December 1 as the date for a retake of the Medical & Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), following a Sindh High Court order for a fresh exam due to compromised procedures in the initial test. In its directive, the court asked the Sindh government to cover all retake expenses and engage IBA Karachi or IBA Sukkur to conduct the new MDCAT. Preparations are progressing, with a question database in development, and a report on the agreement with IBA Sukkur has been submitted by the health department. To oversee the…
ISLAMABAD: Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa is reportedly a top contender for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) position as the current CEC, Sikandar Sultan Raja, nears retirement. According to insider sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has started consultations on potential candidates, with Isa emerging as a strong choice due to his rapport with both the government and the establishment. Raja’s tenure is set to end in approximately two and a half months. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has vowed to oppose Isa’s potential appointment. A senior PTI representative, speaking anonymously, expressed strong objections, suggesting Isa’s alleged bias could…
GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government is advancing a contentious 30-year forest management plan for Diamer district’s private forests, relying on outdated data from the 1990s. The move has sparked significant opposition from environmentalists and the Forest and Wildlife Department, who warn of potential ecological harm from felling up to 700,000 trees. The plan aims to harvest around 40 million cubic feet of timber based on data collected between 1993 and 1998, which, according to former Forest Secretary Sumair Ahmed, contains over 18 identified flaws. Many recommendations for updating this data remain unaddressed. Forest assessments were reportedly conducted without employing modern scientific…
