The federal government has announced the schedule for winter vacations for educational institutes functioning under the administration.
Vacations in federal educational institutes will officially commence from December 25 to December 29. However, Federal Directorate of Education officials said that the institutes will close on December 22, which falls on Friday, and reopen on January 1, 2024, reports Geo.
In Sindh, holidays will start on December 22 and end on December 31.
In Punjab, vacations will start on December 18, 2023, in public and private schools across the province and continue till January 1, 2024.
As a result of the rise in political temperature in country, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is going to announce the schedule for upcoming general election on December 14, as per a report in The News.
Political parties are making political alliances with multiple stakeholders to win the polls on February 8.
ECP recently released the final list of delimitations, which was the only obstacle to the announcement of election. Now the final step is the appointment of district returning officers, returning officers and assistant officers according to the Elections Act 2017.
According to Sections 50 and 51 of the Elections Act, a district returning officer is appointed for each district or a specified area and a returning officer for each constituency for elections to an assembly.
The provincial election commissioner and election commission secretariat have designed lists of government officers for election duty. Their appointment will follow the election-related training.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja also confirmed that ECP is ready to provide voters with complete security, privacy, and transparency in the entire election process.
An uproar erupted on social media after an animated picture of Babar Azam shared by Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi hinted at his expected appearance in Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6.
Peshawar Zalmi’s introduction of former captain Babar Azam as a character in GTA 6 has left fans wondering about the virtual mixing of the world of cricket and gaming.
Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam is once again trending on social media but this time the reason is not his batting. Babar Azam has caught the attention of fans regarding his possible involvement in the upcoming GTA 6 game.
The 29-year-old batsman, known for his cricketing skills, was portrayed by Peshawar Zamli as a character of the well-known GTA 6.
The drama serial Zulm, written by Rehana Aftab and directed by Ilyas Kashmiri, is produced by Momina Duraid’s MD Productions. Zulm is a new 2023 Pakistani drama series on Hum TV. The drama story revolves around issues of injustice and resilience. Faisal Quraishi, known for versatility in portraying different characters, will be taking on the role of a cruel and notorious man, along with remaining cast members Sahar Hashmi and Shahzad Sheikh in the lead roles.The plot explores the dark side of human behavior, where cruelty and resilience intersect.
The drama revolves around a really menacing character who causes distress to everone around him. The story is a rollercoaster of emotions, and we hope that justice wins in the end!
At the core of “Zulm” lies a thrilling saga, a continuous battle between good and evil, with criminal supremacy casting dark clouds over society. The audience is invited to tune in to Hum TV at 8 pm to witness the unfolding saga, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn in the fight for life and justice.
Ahmed Shehzad took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday to share the news that he had become a father again.
The batsman wrote, “Allah has given me a daughter, now our family has five members, daughters are a blessing that fills life with happiness, I am extremely grateful to Allah, remember me in your prayers.”
I joyfully announce that Allah SWT has blessed me with a baby girl. We’re a family of five now Alhamdulillah ♥️ Daughters are rehmat and bring utmost pleasure, can’t thank Almighty Allah enough. Please remember us in your prayers
Ahmed Shehzad is playing domestic cricket and leaving his mark. Chief Selector and Sports Minister Wahab Riaz has said that he is keeping an eye on the batsman’s performance as he is performing well in domestic.
During the week ending December 1, 2023, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) witnessed a decline of $237 million in its foreign exchange reserves, bringing the total to $7,020.2 million. This reduction is attributed to debt repayments.
As of the same date, the country’s overall liquid foreign reserves amounted to $12.1 billion. Commercial banks held net foreign reserves totaling $5.08 billion.
Notably, the central bank’s reserves received a boost in July of the current year when Pakistan secured the initial tranche of approximately $1.2 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
This was part of a newly approved $3 billion stand-by arrangement (SBA). Additionally, inflows were received from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Despite these positive developments, the SBP’s reserves have been under pressure due to ongoing debt repayments, increased import payments following eased restrictions, and a lack of new inflows.
In a significant development, the IMF announced last month that a staff-level agreement (SLA) had been reached between its team and Pakistani authorities regarding the first review of the SBA.
However, the approval of the IMF Executive Board is required for this agreement to take effect.
Upon approval, approximately $700 million (SDR 528 million) will become available, bringing the total disbursements under the programme to almost $1.9 billion.
Addressing the media after the SLA with the IMF, Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar expressed confidence that external financing would not be a concern.
The government anticipates inflows in December 2023, which are expected to contribute to an increase in foreign exchange reserves.
The Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bahador Bijani, acknowledged a positive trend in the economic landscape of Pakistan, highlighting the effective measures taken by the authorities.
The statement was made during an event hosted by Masood Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, bringing together representatives from key international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the IMF, International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank, and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) at Pakistan House.
Expressing optimism, Bijani highlighted Pakistan’s significance regionally and globally, asserting that the nation merits enhanced prospects.
This observation coincides with Pakistan’s current status under a caretaker government while participating in an ongoing IMF programme.
Nathan Porter, IMF Mission Chief to Pakistan, addressed the assembly of over 40 IFI representatives, expressing contentment with the recently concluded staff-level agreement.
Porter praised the interim government’s actions and policies, underscoring their dedication to steering the country towards stability. He expressed the hope that this foundation would enable the pursuit of reforms for a more robust, prosperous, and inclusive Pakistan.
Porter further commended the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for its cooperative efforts and policies aimed at ensuring fiscal stability in the country.
Athanasios Arvanitis, Deputy Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF expressed optimism that the upcoming elections in February would bring about the necessary reforms for Pakistan’s progress.
Syed Ali Abbas, Advisor Mission Chief UK, European Department at the IMF, echoed similar sentiments, anticipating a more enduring approach following the successful completion of the electoral process.
Ambassador Masood Khan underscored the transformative impact of Pakistan’s economic digitization, emphasising the emergence of new opportunities for the youth and professionals in steering the nation towards a promising future.
Khan asserted that Pakistan, as a nation of talented individuals, has the potential for significant accomplishments.
The statement aligns with earlier commendations from Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, who lauded the Pakistani government for its adept handling of economic stability and timely implementation of reforms earlier this month.
On the occasion of International Volunteer Day, a Factor VII patient, Aniqa, was made an honorary in-charge for a day in Sargodha city.
Factor VII deficiency is a rare disorder that is born due to lack of protein. Lack of production of factor VII leads to inability to form blood clots that can result in excessive wound bleeding.
As an aspiring police officer, she was given the opportunity to administer the Police Protection Center for the day.
While she was on duty, Aniqa gave a lady constable a two-day leave, met DPO Faisal Kamran along with other office matters, and also expressed her desire to become SHO for a day.
The District Police Officer (DPO) issued an order to depute Anika as an honorary SHO for a day
عالمی رضاکارانہ دن کے موقعہ پر فیکٹر 7 کی مریض بچی کو ایک دن کے لئے انچارج پولیس تحفظ مرکز سرگودھا بنا دیا گیا انیقہ پولیس افسر بننا چاہتی تھی ڈی پی او محمد فیصل کامران نے بچی کی خواہش پر اس کو ایک دن کے لئے اعزازی انچارج پولیس تحفظ مرکز سرگودھا تعینات کیا@MFKpsp@OfficialDPRPPpic.twitter.com/0k6eKWbYoR
Caretaker Punjab government has announced the new fee for the learner’s driving licence, as part of the decisions taken in the 33rd meeting of the provincial cabinet, reports The News.
After the cabinet’s approval, the fee for the learner’s driving licence in Punjab has been increased from Rs60 to Rs1,000.
The cabinet decided that the increase in the licence fee would come into effect from January 1, 2024.
However, citizens of the United States and Pakistani citizens living in the US, Canada and any other foreign country can get a driving licence by paying $100 online, the provincial cabinet’s official press release stated.
Last month, the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered the authorities to arrest motorists driving without a licence and expressed displeasure over the violation of traffic rules. Justice Ali Zia Bajwa passed the remarks while hearing an appeal filed by the suspect challenging the insertion of Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Muhammad Bilal Pasha came under the spotlight as a candidate who cleared CSS examination, securing 85th position in the prestigious test having come from a humble background. In an old video that emerged after the result, he was seen standing next to his father against the backdrop of a brick wall, advocating about keeping the field open for those who work hard for it. He credited his father for his hard work.
He then got interviewed by TV Channels to share his struggle of being a son of a mason, yet reaching for the stars.
I still remember the day when he passed his CSS, he were called on the morning show at “Hum News “and I was having breakfast at that time and Bilal’s story was heart touching, a boy that came from lower middle class family. I don’t know where Bilal was posted 1/2#BilalPashapic.twitter.com/8MioaNifeJ
On November 27, the sad news of his demise surfaced online. #BilalPasha is trending on Twitter since the news broke out. He allegedly committed suicide.
Bilal was serving as a Chief Executive Officer in the Bannu Cantonment Board. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Cantt Azmat Khan, Pasha was suffering from mental stress for several days which led to the suicide.
The police said that they found Pasha’s body covered in blood inside his residence where he shot himself. They added that his body has been moved to the District Headquarters Hospital, Bannu, reports Geo.
According to a media report, the police have launched an inquiry into the incident to find out whether Pasha committed suicide or was murdered. They also said that he had a bullet wound in his head.
His funeral prayers were offered in his home district of Khanewal. His father talked to BBC, stating that the last conversation he had with his son was on Saturday in which he told him that he is getting a transfer.
The old man who worked hard to raise his son was crying at the loss. Ahmed Yar told BBC that a week ago his son was telling him about the tiresome job and that he want to either quit or get time off so that he could just sleep and unwind.
Bilal’s father talked about how he was not able to reach him after the last call and that his friend broke the news to him.
Bilal separated from his wife a few months into the marriage about two to three years ago.
He pledged to be a guiding light for those who can not afford to join big academies for CSS preparation in his initial viral video and fulfilled the promise by becoming a mentor for many.
His unfortunate death has diverted people’s attention towards the importance of mental health.
Senior CSP Hamza Shafqaat tweeted about all those who have committed suicide in past years stressing how they are not mere numbers but people dealing with mental health issues.
Following CSS officers committed suicide in last few years .. 2 PAS , 2 PSP , 2 Audit and 1 MLCG. These are not mere numbers; they are not just a few faces #MentalHealthMatters#CSSpic.twitter.com/J0GksR1XQg
Many of his seniors and other colleagues are expressing grief in social media messages. Zoha Malik Sher wrote, “The passing of our colleague, Bilal Pasha, is a moment of grief, not a topic for discussion.”
In this difficult time, let’s prioritize empathy. The passing of our colleague, Bilal Pasha, is a moment of grief, not a topic for discussion. May Allah grant peace to the departed soul, strength to his family, and may we collectively honour his memory with sensitivity
“Politically incorrect, but amusingly ironic is the fact that many of the civil servants putting up hefty, poignant statuses/tweets about this would be really small people in their own offices, doing their best to make it a toxic environment for those working under them.”
They will copy-paste beautiful sentiments about mental health because it is apparently the correct thing to do, without ever stopping to think how their own demeanour and conduct is absolutely vitriolic for those around them. There is no introspection. https://t.co/nyvPBHqHjn
Another officer of 46th Common, Mirza Bilal Hassan tweeted, “I have never met Bilal Pasha and i can never feel the agony he went through. Civil service is rotten to its core and is frequently killing people. It is high time for the young civil servants to speak up and alter the old, rotten, corrupt, and inhumane values of civil service OR WAIT FOR THE NEXT/YOURS DEATH.”
For a person who is Fair , Just, intelligent, and Compassionate, civil service and our society are death beds. Its a Murder by Depression. Depression shoved down his throat by seniors, horrible working culture, continuous helplessness to do right, family and friends, and a mental… pic.twitter.com/mR0m9fTC5i
Bilal’s father and brother have been interviewed by different media outlets where they denied any knowledge of him being depressed. The two have also narrates stories of his hard work and commitment to the job while maintaining humility.
Bilal’s father clearly told Urdu Point that there was no work-related pressure on his son.
Bilal’s eldest brother talked about his last conversation with his sibling and said that he inquired about his son’s studies with Bilal and the latter told him that he is doing fine and will become a CSP in the future.
Many of Pasha’s students are demanding an investigation into his death, expressing dissatisfaction over the declaration of his demise as a suicide. To them, he was a happy-go-lucky person, patriotic and optimistic. There are an ample number of tweets with #JusticeforBilalPasha.
#JusticeForBilalPasha The authorities must thoroughly investigate the incident of his death so as to save the other civil servants and those having so much fame like Mr. Pasha from such a painful end. pic.twitter.com/VlXQKjItew
We demand an immidiate impartial judicial inquiry into this tragic inicident as we have seen biased behavior of @KP_Police1 So an independednt judicial investigation team must be comprised to probe into it and bring out the complete truth and #JusticeForBilalPasha
