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  • New app revolutionises Hajj experience: Pilgrims to benefit from enhanced guidance

    New app revolutionises Hajj experience: Pilgrims to benefit from enhanced guidance

    In a significant move aimed at enhancing the experience of Hajj pilgrims, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed, announced the launch of a dedicated mobile application during his visit to the New Haji Camp on Saturday.

    The app, unveiled to media representatives, is poised to streamline the journey for pilgrims, offering comprehensive guidance from their Hajj flight to their accommodation in Saudi Arabia.

    Minister Aneeq emphasised that the app will furnish essential information alongside instructional videos to aid pilgrims throughout their sacred journey.

    Among the innovative features, each pilgrim will receive a distinctive single-coloured QR code suitcase, easing the identification of personal belongings.

    Additionally, the government will provide a complimentary mobile SIM card from a Saudi company to every pilgrim, entailing 180 minutes for international calls.

    Notably, the caretaker government has also slashed the price of the official Hajj package by Rs 0.1 million, aiming to make the pilgrimage more accessible.

    Highlighting infrastructural enhancements, Minister Aneeq underscored the renovation of the New Haji Camp premises, coupled with the establishment of a vaccination centre tailored to cater to the needs of Hajj pilgrims.

    Furthermore, the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs organised the ‘Interfaith Harmony Conference’, extending invitations to ambassadors from 30 nations in a concerted effort to foster global understanding and cooperation.

    In a bid to promote interfaith dialogue and mutual respect, Minister Aneeq outlined various initiatives, including the ‘Interfaith Harmony Dialogue’ held across prominent universities and religious institutions.

    Notably, scholars from diverse religious backgrounds, including Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Hindu, Parsi, and Jain, convened at St. Patrick’s Church, echoing a message of universal humanity and tolerance.

    Concluding his address, Minister Aneeq unveiled plans for the establishment of schools and clinics within mosques, commencing with the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and slated for nationwide expansion, underscoring the government’s commitment to holistic community development.

    The collective efforts underscored by the Ministry reflect a comprehensive approach towards fostering harmony, facilitating pilgrimage, and promoting inclusivity, marking a pivotal stride towards a more cohesive and enlightened society.

  • If Nawaz wants PPP, Bilawal will be Prime Minister: Zardari

    If Nawaz wants PPP, Bilawal will be Prime Minister: Zardari

    In a surprising move, PPP’s Zardari has set his sights on the Prime Minister chair for his son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif told his party leaders that Zardari wants the PM slot and major ministries, if PMLN wants PPP’s support.


    According to The News’ sources, Shehbaz told party leaders that if they gave Zardari what he wanted, the PPP would support PML-N to make its government in Punjab.

    WHAT PML-N OFFERED PPP

    ARY sources claim that PML-N offered three positions to the PPP to gain its support. PPP has been offered the presidency, speaker of the National Assembly and Senate chairman, while PML-N also agreed to give the slot for chief minister Balochistan to the PPP.

    MQM AND PML-N JOIN HANDS

    After a meeting in Lahore Sunday morning, PML-N and MQM have reached a decision to work together on basic points for cooperation in the best “interest of the nation and country”.

    PMLN’s Marriyum Aurangzeb, while announcing the news, did not say what the two parties had agreed upon but said that an alliance between them was in affect.

    With the PPP, a decision on whether to give Bilawal Bhutto the Prime Minister chair is yet to be made.

    SHOCKING


    Party sources have told GEO News that, the PML-N leadership was in a shock as the election results did not meet their expectations at all. Sources said that Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and other PML-N leaders were overconfident, the party leadership didn’t pay much attention to public rallies, door-to-door campaigns, mass public campaigns and direct contact with voters.


    Sources claimed that if there was a fallout with the PPP, PML-N would make a coalition government with MQM, JUI-F and other smaller parties, including independents and electable. They further claimed that in this scenario, PML-N will make Shehbaz Sharif the prime minister and Maryam Nawaz the Chief Minister of Punjab.

    In the PML-N meeting when Maryam Nawaz’s name was finalised for Chief Minister punjab, according to ARY sources, all members agreed and said she had done a commendable job campaigning for the party. They also said that it would be a first for Pakistan to have a female chief minister for Punjab.

  • Election 2024 Wrap-Up 

    Election 2024 Wrap-Up 

    No mobile signals on election day:

    The general election of 2024 took place on February 8, and there were no mobile signals on election day across the country. Caretaker prime minister Anwar Kakar said, “I don’t know what difficulties citizens are facing due to mobile suspension.”

    Polling started late:


    According to a report in The Express TRIBUNE, polling at most women polling stations started late on February 8 due to the late supply of election material in different areas of the country. 

    Blasts on election day:

    Two blasts happened on Election Day in Lajja town and the Kharan area of Balochistan. At least three people were killed in two blasts on February 8.

    Hot Seats:

    NA-122 Lahore was a hot seat as Khawja Saad Rafique of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and PTI-backed candidate Sardar Latif Khosa were in competition. However, Sardar Latif Khosa won this seat.

    NA-128 was also a hot seat as PTI-backed candidate Salman Akram Raja and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party’s (IPP) Aun Chaudhary were competing on it. However, Aun Chaudhary won this seat.

    NA-130 was also an important seat, as former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was in competition with PTI-supported Yasmeen Rashid. However, Nawaz Sharif won this seat.

    Long delay in election results:

    Election results took a long long time to be tabulated and released.

    ECP decides to announce results:

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) decided to announce results, beginning with three constituencies at 2am on February 9.

    Allegations of rigging:

    Multiple politicians claimed that the elections were rigged in different constituencies, and some politicians challenged their defeat in courts. 

    PTI Independents take the lead:

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed candidates took the lead and then maintained it.

    Nawaz’s victory speech:

    Former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif cancelled his victory speech on Thursday night due to a delay in results. The next day, February 9, Nawaz Sharif said in his speech that all politicians and political parties should work together.

    Shehbaz meetings:

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif met Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Asif Zardari, on Friday, and a delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Saturday to discuss the possibility of joining hands in a coalition government.

    Final Tally:

    According to results so far, PTI-backed candidates are 93, PML-N has 73 and PPP won 53 National Assembly seats.

  • Which Newly Elected Politician are you?

    Which Newly Elected Politician are you?

    [forminator_quiz id=”248793″]

  • Which Political Party Are You?

    Which Political Party Are You?

    [forminator_quiz id=”248786″]

  • Gold prices dip by $8 internationally, Rs1,200 locally

    Gold prices dip by $8 internationally, Rs1,200 locally

    In a significant development in the precious metals market, the per-tola price of 24 karat gold experienced a notable decline, dropping by Rs1,200 on Saturday.

    According to the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association, the precious metal was sold at Rs214,300, marking a decrease from its previous rate of Rs215,500 on the last trading day.

    Similarly, the price of 10 grammes of 24 karat gold exhibited a downward trend, declining by Rs1,028 to reach Rs183,728, as opposed to the earlier rate of Rs184,756. 

    Meanwhile, the prices of 10 grammes of 22 karat gold also saw a decrease, settling at Rs168,416 from Rs169,360, as reported by the Association.

    Notably, the per-tola and ten-gramme silver prices remained unchanged at Rs2,600 and Rs2,229.08, respectively, indicating stability in the silver market.

    The dip in local gold prices is mirrored on the international stage, as the global market reported a decrease of $8 in the price of gold.

    The international rate now stands at $2,045, down from the previous figure of $2,053, as outlined by the Association.

    This shift in prices is likely to have implications for investors, jewellers, and consumers alike, prompting a reassessment of investment strategies and purchase decisions in the coming days.

    Analysts are closely monitoring these fluctuations to gauge the market’s response and anticipate future trends in the precious metals sector.

  • Six-year-old Gaza girl found dead, family says, blaming Israel

    Six-year-old Gaza girl found dead, family says, blaming Israel

    Gaza Strip (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – A six-year-old Palestinian girl who went missing after the family’s car came under fire in war-ravaged Gaza was found dead Saturday, the health ministry and her relatives said, accusing Israel of killing her.

    The last time Hind Rajab had been seen was about two weeks ago when she was surrounded by dead relatives after becoming trapped in the vehicle as they tried to flee Gaza City as Israeli forces advanced.

    “Hind and everyone else in the car is martyred,” the girl’s grandfather, Baha Hamada told AFP.

    A number of family members made the grim discovery when they went to Gaza City’s Tel al-Hawa area looking for the car near a petrol station where it had last been spotted, he said.

    “They were able to reach the area because Israeli forces withdrew early at dawn today,” Hamada added.

    The health ministry in the Gaza Strip confirmed Hind’s death.

    “She was killed by (Israeli) occupation forces with all those who were with her in the car outside the petrol station in Tel al-Hawa,” the ministry said in a statement.

    Earlier this week, family members had said the group found their way in the path of Israeli tanks and were fired on as they tried to flee.

    Contacted by AFP, the Israeli military did not comment on the incident.

  • Sajal Aly, Malala call for ‘respect’ for voters’ choice as election results come in

    Sajal Aly, Malala call for ‘respect’ for voters’ choice as election results come in

    Now that election mania is subsiding, another mania has taken over. People are closely following who will form the government. Actress Sajal Aly posted on Instagram about how things have been changing a lot recently in the political scene. “There have been many changes since the night till now”. In another story, she shared a song called “Laga Reh” by Shehzad Roy, which talks about Pakistan’s situation, its politicians and its people. Sajal praised Shehzad for being right about it all along and said, “Your concern was accurate. Sad,” tagging the singer.
    Moreover, the actor found something positive in the situation. She wrote in Urdu, “However, the good news is that today, the entire nation is concerned about the country. Keep at it!”


    But Sajal wasn’t the only one sharing her thoughts. Activist and Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai also spoke up about the elections. She wrote, “Pakistan needs elections that are fair and honest. This means counting votes openly and respecting the results.”

  • Party number game: what’s going on right now

    Party number game: what’s going on right now

    PTI will form a government in centre, says Barrister Gohar Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) acting chairman, Barrister Gohar Khan, has said that PTI will form the government in the centre. He also said that PTI-backed candidates are leading in the 2024 election, adding that according to Form 45 received by the party, PTI-supported candidates have won 170 National Assembly seats so far.

    He rejected the possibility of accepting PML-N head Nawaz Sharif’s offer to all parties to get together to form a government.

    MQM wants Shehbaz to come to Karachi to ‘manao’ them

    Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Khalid Maqbool Siddique has asked former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif to come to Karachi to discuss the post-election situation and the possibility of forming a coalition.
    According to the results of the 2024 elections, MQM-P has won 17 National Assembly (NA) seats, making it an important stakeholder in forming a government.

    Not in touch with the PTI Independents, waiting for all votes to be counted: Bilawal BhuttoPakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal avoided questions about forming an alliance with the PMLN or PTI-backed Independents, hinting that it isn’t going to be an easy process to make a PDM.

    The former Foreign Minister avoided questions about forming an alliance with the PMLN or PTI-backed Independents, hinting that it isn’t going to be an easy process to make a PDM version 2.0.

    Bilawal Bhutto said that the PPP is not in touch with the PTI-backed candidates but is waiting for all election results before it takes any decision, adding that PPP is not in the position right now to announce anything.

    The PPP chairman said that it is also important to see what independent candidates decide before making any major decision.

    PTI has not decided who will be its candidate for Prime Minister, although it should be Khan: Waleed IqbalPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Waleed Iqbal said, while talking to Geo News that PTI has not yet finalised its candidate for Prime Minister. He also said that, while he believes the candidate should be Imran Khan, the decision will be taken after consulting with the former prime minister.

    However, Khan cannot be a candidate for Prime Minister since he has been disqualified, did not run for election, and is currently serving a jail sentence in three cases.

    MQM heading to Lahore to meet NawazMuttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s (MQM-P) delegation is heading to Lahore on the invitation of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for a post-election meeting.

    The delegation includes Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Farooq Sattar.

    Earlier, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari also met Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore.

    On the other hand, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Mariam Aurangzeb said that PML-N has no intention to talk to PTI-backed candidates to form a government.

  • What has Imran Khan’s son said about the general elections?

    What has Imran Khan’s son said about the general elections?

    Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Suleiman Khan, had urged people to vote in the 2024 general elections in Pakistan, held on February 8. They shared their message on Twitter, asking everyone to vote and get their friends and family to do the same.
    The two posted a picture holding the PTI flag and said, “Tomorrow is a big day for Pakistan. Your vote is important because it is your future.” They asked people to make a video saying they voted for PTI and share it on social media with #votePTI.
    Their tweet quickly became popular online, showing how their message resonated with many. By encouraging people to support PTI, they hope to make a difference in the upcoming elections and remind everyone of the importance of voting in democracy.

    And after polling he took to X (formerly twitter) and said, “Thank You all for voting PTI”