'Trying to sendas many pilgrims for Hajj'
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yusuf gives away the 'peace award' to MPA Masroor Nawaz Jhangvi during a ceremony in Islamabad. PHOTO: twitter.com/zalmayzia
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Sunday said the government was trying to send as many pilgrims as it could for Hajj, adding that 10,000 more Pakistanis have been permitted to perform the pilgrimage privately.
"We are trying to enable as many of the 179,210 pilgrims to travel for Hajj," the minister said while talking to a private TV channel. "Of that number, 50 per cent are going under the government scheme, and their arrangements are complete.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Religious Affairs will start provision of vaccine to intending Hajj pilgrims from Monday (today).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
13 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Governor Sindh, Turkish CG discuss joint projects
KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori met with Turkish Consul General Jamal Sangho at Governor House on Sunday. The Governor also met with participants of the 42nd and 43rd Mid-Career Management Courses at Governor House Karachi. Governor Sindh strongly condemned the terrorist attack on security personnel in North Waziristan, attributing responsibility to India. He declared the martyred soldiers as national heroes and paid tribute to the security forces for killing 14 terrorists. Tessori termed the attack a cowardly act and a direct assault on Pakistan's national security. He said that the bravery of the Pakistan Army foiled the enemy's nefarious designs. The Governor also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured children and woman. He reiterated full support to the armed forces in the fight against terrorism and expressed his commitment to protecting national security. In other engagements, Tessori welcomed Turkish Consul General Jamal Sangho at Governor House. Sangho congratulated the Governor on his recent Hajj pilgrimage and presented him with a bouquet and gifts. The two discussed bilateral relations and joint projects. Separately, addressing the participants of the 42nd and 43rd Mid-Career Management Courses at Governor House Karachi, the Governor highlighted the success of Governor Initiatives. He explained that these programs are run through public support and private partnerships rather than government funds. Tessori informed that over 50,000 youth have benefited from the modern IT training provided at Governor House. Highlighting various social and development projects, he emphasized transforming Governor House into a true 'People's Governor House,' accessible to the public. Despite constitutional limitations, he stressed his commitment to social welfare through personal interest and community engagement. Tessori stated that 6,000 children in various government schools are provided daily breakfast, and 25,000 individuals receive meals from Governor House. He mentioned that 14 Governor Initiatives are actively underway, including climate change initiatives and a tree planting campaign, under which over 16,000 saplings have been planted. Terming the youth as the nation's most valuable asset, he said they represent 62% of Pakistan's population and are the real hope for national development. The Governor further added that the IT curriculum is being extended from Karachi to Hyderabad, and incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) education into professional training is crucial.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
PM hails arbitration court's supplemental award over IWT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on Hajj arrangements for the upcoming year in Islamabad on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Photo courtesy: Radio Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday welcomed Permanent Court of Arbitration's Supplemental Award regarding Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The prime minister said that the judicial ruling strengthened Pakistan's stance, asserting that India has no authority to suspend the agreement unilaterally. "We are working upon water resources as the water is the lifeline for the people of the country, PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the prime minister as saying. Bloomberg report Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over Bloomberg report on stability in Pakistani economy. He said, "The report acknowledges important institutional reforms in various sectors, successful agreement with the International Monetary Fund and timely loan repayments, which are definitely evidence of improvement in the government's economic situation." "Pakistan is among the few countries that, according to Bloomberg report, showed the most improvement in the economy in the last 12 months," he said adding, "Pakistan is moving fast towards its strong economic future." Rain situation Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif telephoned National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik and discussed with him aspects related to disaster management. The chairman NDMA briefed the prime minister on the recent rainfall situation in the country.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Heavier gas burden
Listen to article As Pakistan's economic managers scramble to plug widening fiscal gaps and meet IMF benchmarks, the weight of their decisions continues to fall squarely on those least able to bear it. The latest move — a 50% increase in fixed charges on residential gas bills — is yet another blow to already struggling households. Without changing the per-unit gas tariff, the state has quietly increased the mandatory monthly cost of gas, turning an essential utility into a luxury for many. The decision, approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, will push fixed charges for protected domestic consumers from Rs400 to Rs600, regardless of how little gas they actually consume. This disproportionately penalises low-income households — the very segment these "protected" categories are meant to shield. Even those who use minimal gas to conserve energy will now see their bills swell, simply for staying connected to the grid. The timing of the decision — just days before the start of the new fiscal year — is also telling. It reflects the Finance Ministry's growing reliance on regressive measures to meet revenue targets in the face of mounting debt obligations. Furthermore, gas tariffs for non-residential consumers — including industries and power plants — have been increased by an average of 10%. While this may be aimed at rationalising subsidies and improving circular debt recovery, it risks compounding inflationary pressures and stifling industrial competitiveness. Yet, no clear roadmap has been presented for energy sector diversification or investment in sustainable alternatives. The lack of a progressive taxation model and repeated reliance on indirect levies do not show fiscal prudence and are making survival harder for ordinary Pakistanis. Austerity without accountability is not reform. And unless the state starts prioritising equity in its fiscal decisions, public trust will continue to deteriorate.
