logo
Twin cities abuzzwith Ramazan prep

Twin cities abuzzwith Ramazan prep

Express Tribune25-02-2025
As the holy month of Ramazan nears, Islamabad and Rawalpindi are bustling with preparations. Markets, mosques, and community centres are witnessing increased activity as residents stock up on essentials for the 30-day fasting period.
Shopping centers in Islamabad are experiencing a surge in customers, with discounts and promotions on Ramazan-related items. In Rawalpindi, popular markets like Raja Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, and Saddar are packed with people purchasing dates, fruits, and other necessities for sehri and iftar.
The city administrations have also geared up to ensure smooth supply of essential commodities. The district administrations have set up price control committees to monitor prices of essential items. Meanwhile, mosques and community centers are being decorated and renovated to accommodate the large number of worshippers during Taraweeh prayers.
A resident of Islamabad, Maria Khan, while expressing her eagerness for Ramazan said residents are gearing up to welcome Ramazan with renewed faith, devotion, and a sense of community. "The city is taking on a festive look, and the excitement is palpable, and I am looking forward to spending quality time with my family and friends during iftar and Taraweeh prayers."
Another resident Qadir Rehman said "I have been shopping for new clothes and accessories for Ramazan and the markets are offering great deals. I am excited to try out some new recipes this Ramazan."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Infrastructure Development & Assets Management Authority Bill passed
Infrastructure Development & Assets Management Authority Bill passed

Business Recorder

time3 days ago

  • Business Recorder

Infrastructure Development & Assets Management Authority Bill passed

ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Housing and Works met in Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA-Foundation), Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat on Thursday, under the chairmanship of Moulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, MNA. The committee confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting held on May 2, 2025, and reviewed the implementation status of earlier recommendations. The committee passed the Pakistan Infrastructure Development and Assets Management Authority Bill, 2024, with amendments and reservations, including provisions to ensure proper adjustment of PWD employees without compromising their rights. The Standing Committee on Housing and Works took serious notice of the ministry's lack of seriousness and its failure to brief the committee on FGEHA-related issues. To address matters including pending payments for land acquisition, built-up property, and other concerns in FGEHA housing projects, the committee formed a sub-committee under the convenor-ship of Anjum Aqeel Khan, MNA, with Seema Mohiuddin Jamali, Ibrar Ahmad, and Mehboob Shah, MNAs, as members. The CEO of PHA-F provided a detailed update on the organisation's structure, staffing, mandate, and housing project progress. He highlighted PHA-F's role as a self-sustaining executing arm of the Ministry of Housing and Works, focused on delivering affordable housing nationwide without government grants. The committee appreciated his efforts and directed the CDA to prioritise development of 17th Avenue and other related projects to facilitate PHA-F's schemes. The meeting was attended by members, Anjum Aqeel Khan, Ibrar Ahmad, Nasir Iqbal Bosal, Anwarul Haq Chaudhary, Syed Samiul Hassan Gilani, Seema Mohiuddin, Dr Darshan, Haji Rasool Bux Chandio, Mehboob Shah, Saleem Rehman, Usman Ali, Muhammad Shabir Ali Qureshi, Shagufta Jumani (online via Zoom, mover on the agenda item No 5), and senior officers including secretary from the Ministry of Housing and Works and its attached department. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Asian currencies muted on tariff jitters
Asian currencies muted on tariff jitters

Business Recorder

time6 days ago

  • Business Recorder

Asian currencies muted on tariff jitters

BENGALURU: Stocks in Indonesia hit a near four-week high on Monday, driven by conglomerate Barito Pacific-related firms after index provider MSCI removed them from a watch list, while Singapore's benchmark touched an all-time high for a ninth straight session. Jakarta's equity benchmark index gained for the sixth consecutive session to touch its highest since June 18. Barito Pacific jumped 16% after MSCI said the conglomerate's associate companies - Barito Renewables, Petrindo Kreasi Jaya and Petrosea - would be eligible for future inclusions to its list. All the firms soared up to 19%. Investors in Indonesia are also focusing on the central bank policy decision due on Wednesday. Analysts widely expect Bank Indonesia to deliver a rate cut. Singapore's FTSE Straits Times index hit a record high for the ninth consecutive session, led by strong inflows into industrials, telecoms, and real-estate stocks. Data showed the city-state's economy grew 1.4% in the second quarter of 2025, rebounding from a 0.5% contraction in the previous quarter and narrowly avoiding a technical recession, ahead of a policy review by the Monetary Authority of Singapore later this month. 'The MAS monetary policy review due later this month may adopt a 'wait-and-see' mode barring downside core CPI risks...,' said analysts at OCBC. Technology-linked stocks led the decline on the Taiwan bourse. The benchmark index fell 0.6%, tracking a dip in US equity futures, as investors assessed latest developments on tariffs by US President Donald Trump.

Radio Pakistan buildings in Karachi: Senate body alarmed over illegal occupation, power theft
Radio Pakistan buildings in Karachi: Senate body alarmed over illegal occupation, power theft

Business Recorder

time10-07-2025

  • Business Recorder

Radio Pakistan buildings in Karachi: Senate body alarmed over illegal occupation, power theft

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has expressed serious concern over the illegal occupation of Radio Pakistan buildings in Karachi and electricity theft through unauthorized connections. Senator Waqar Mehdi raised the issue during the committee meeting on Tuesday, urging immediate inspections of Radio Pakistan properties across the country to assess conditions and prevent further encroachments. The meeting, chaired by Senator Ali Zafar, also advanced the Prohibition of Unethical Advertisements Act, 2025, as lawmakers pushed for stricter controls on content promoting gambling, alcohol, and inappropriate clothing while calling for a balanced approach that avoids excessive regulation and police overreach. The committee decided to proceed with voting on the bill, seeking the Information Minister's formal stance. Senator Afnan Ullah cited gambling ads during cricket matches and depictions of alcohol in TV dramas as examples of regulatory lapses, while Senator Sarmad Ali proposed oversight by PTA or religious advisory boards. Senator Pervaiz Rashid, however, warned against overregulation of cultural norms and urged a focus on enforcing existing PEMRA laws. Deliberations also included the Right of Access to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2023, where Senator Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur criticized the practice of government departments providing incomplete or selective data. She called for written justifications for denials of information, a move backed by Chairman Ali Zafar. The committee resolved to invite the Information Commissioner for further consultation. On the state of the cinema industry, concerns were raised over stagnant film production due to a lack of screening venues. Senator Pervaiz Rashid urged the government to invest in cinema infrastructure and suggested involving the Ministry of Finance to explore funding avenues. Addressing financial matters, the committee reviewed Pakistan Television's (PTV) exhausted Rs. 11 billion annual budget, with Rs. 8.5 billion consumed by salaries. Senator Zafar questioned inconsistencies between reported payments and on-ground realities, seeking employment data from the past five years and calling for a future briefing on potential reforms. The panel also discussed the chronic losses of PTV and raised the prospect of privatization. Lastly, the committee voiced frustration over the lack of data concerning PECA-related cases against journalists and social media activists. Chairman Zafar noted the Ministry of Information had failed to submit its report and the Ministry of Interior had not responded. The committee resolved to summon the Interior Secretary in the next session for clarification. The meeting was attended by Senators Pervaiz Rashid, Sarmad Ali, Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, Jan Muhammad, Syed Waqar Mehdi, and senior officials from the Ministry of Information and other concerned departments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store