Tag: Ramzan

  • Over Rs6.4 billion allocated for Ramzan subsidies: Essential items to be available at reduced rates

    Over Rs6.4 billion allocated for Ramzan subsidies: Essential items to be available at reduced rates

    The government has earmarked Rs6.484 billion to provide essential food items at subsidised rates through the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) during the holy month of Ramzan.

    A substantial portion of the allocation, Rs3.474 billion, will go towards subsidising flour, followed by Rs1.610 billion for sugar and Rs1.4 billion for ghee.

    Additionally, subsidies of Rs25 million for channa daal, Rs12 million for masoor daal, Rs37.50 million for white gramme, and Rs62.5 million for basmati rice are planned. Further, Rs20 million and Rs62.5 million are allocated for Sehlla rice and broken rice, respectively.

    The implementation of the Ramzan relief package is set to commence on March 4th.

    Further breakdown reveals Rs200 million for cooking oil, Rs20 million for washed moong daal, Rs6.25 million for washed maash daal, Rs100 million for chakki baisen, Rs50 million for dates, Rs22.50 million for carbonated drinks (1,500 ml), Rs30 million for squash and syrup (800 ml), Rs150 million for black tea, Rs15 million for UHT milk, and Rs50 million for spices.

    Moreover, an allocation of Rs145 million is designated for an awareness campaign through electronic and print media regarding the Ramzan Package, set to kick off on March 4th, 2024.

    The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has greenlit the Ministry of Industries and Production’s proposal for a Rs7.492 billion Ramzan Relief Package. This package aims to provide 19 essential items at subsidised rates through the USC.

    In response to IMF restrictions on untargeted subsidies, the government has opted to provide subsidies exclusively to beneficiaries registered under the PMT-40 of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for the fiscal year 2023–24.

  • World’s third biggest mosque opens to public ahead of Ramzan

    World’s third biggest mosque opens to public ahead of Ramzan

    Algeria has finally opened the third-biggest mosque in the world and the largest in Africa, ahead of the holy month of Ramzan, according to Al Jazeera.

    The inauguration of the mosque has taken several days due to unrest in the country. The Grand Mosque of Algiers was formally opened on Monday by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

    Djamaa El-Djazair is how the locals refer to it, and it can house up to 120,000 worshippers at once. With a height of 265 meters (869 feet), it has the highest minaret in the world.

    After seven years of construction, a vast modernist building spanning approximately 70 acres was completed, with marble and wood elements along with Arabic and North African architectural elements.

    It even has a library large enough to house a million volumes and a helipad. The massive structure was built by a Chinese firm, reportedly costing around $900 million.

    It is being marketed as the third-biggest mosque worldwide, following the holy mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s mosque in Madina, both located in Saudi Arabia.

  • Biden hopes for ceasefire in Gaza by next week, lasting through Ramadan

    Biden hopes for ceasefire in Gaza by next week, lasting through Ramadan

    US President Joe Biden said Monday he hoped a ceasefire in Gaza could start by the beginning of next week, adding that Israel was ready to halt operations during the Muslim month of Ramadan as part of any deal.

    Amid a spiraling humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory, representatives from Egypt, Qatar, the United States, France and others have acted as go-betweens for Israel and Hamas, seeking a halt to the fighting and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

    Asked during an election campaign trip to New York when such an agreement might start, Biden replied: “I hope by the end of the weekend.”

    “My national security advisor tells me that we’re close, we’re close, we’re not done yet. My hope is by next Monday we’ll have a ceasefire,” Biden told reporters.

    Biden, 81, gave more details of what a deal could look like when he spoke on the issue in an interview with late-night US television show host Seth Meyers.

    “There is a path forward, with difficulty,” he told Meyers when asked about how to end the conflict.

    Mediators have been hoping to get a deal in place before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in about two weeks.

    “Ramadan’s coming up and there’s been an agreement by the Israelis that they would not engage in activities during Ramadan as well, in order to give us time to get all the hostages out,” Biden said.

    Biden has previously spoken of a six-week ceasefire.

    ‘Temporary ceasefire’

    The US president said such a deal “gives us time to begin to move in directions that a lot of Arab countries are prepared to move” in terms of normalizing relations with Israel.

    “I think that if we get that temporary ceasefire, we’re going to be able to move in a direction where we can change the dynamic,” he said.

    Biden has firmly supported Israel despite the soaring death toll in its offensive in Gaza following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.

    But he has been increasing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to limit civilian casualties, particularly in Israel’s planned offensive in Rafah.

    Israel had “made a commitment” to evacuate significant parts of Rafah before they “go and take out the remainder of Hamas,” Biden added.

    But overall Biden warned that the “only way Israel ultimately survives” was to reach a deal that gives “peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.”

    Amid mounting tensions with Netanyahu, Biden told Meyers that if Israel continued with its “incredibly conservative government they have… they’re going to lose support from around the world.”

    Biden’s comments come after his National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Sunday that representatives from several parties — although not Gaza’s rulers Hamas — met in Paris over the weekend and reached an understanding about the “basic contours” of a temporary ceasefire.

    Israel’s military campaign has killed at least 29,782 people in Gaza since October 7, mostly women and children, according to the ministry.

    dk/ssy

    © Agence France-Presse

  • NTDC assures uninterrupted power supply during holy month of Ramzan

    NTDC assures uninterrupted power supply during holy month of Ramzan

    The National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) has announced its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply throughout the country during the forthcoming holy month of Ramzan, scheduled to commence in mid-March. 

    Directed by Managing Director Engr. Dr Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan, the government-supported power transmission entity is diligently executing its comprehensive maintenance programme for NTDC transmission lines and grid stations to ensure continuous electricity provision to the populace.

    In a statement to the media on Wednesday, an NTDC spokesperson outlined the ongoing maintenance regimen, which includes washing, cleaning, and the replacement of disc insulation, among other essential tasks undertaken by respective NTDC formations.

    These efforts, the spokesperson emphasised, aim to bolster the reliability of transmission lines and grid stations, thereby guaranteeing uninterrupted power supply during Ramzan.

    As part of the programme, planned shutdowns have been scheduled for 500 kV and 220 kV transmission line circuits in the southern region. During these shutdowns, activities such as insulator cleaning, washing, tightening of nuts and bolts, and replacement of disc insulators with RTV-coated disc insulators on the red, yellow, and blue phases are being carried out.

    The spokesperson provided detailed statistics, noting that a total of 73,493 disc insulators were washed and cleaned at 459 locations, while 9,804 disc insulators were replaced at 55 locations. 

    Additionally, over 688 braces and 570 nuts and bolts were installed. Notably, at the 220 kV grid station Jhampir-1, two damaged disc insulator strings were replaced alongside the installation of two healthy EMCO-Make disc insulator strings.

    Supervising the maintenance programme is the General Manager (Asset Management-South), who ensures adherence to the schedule. The NTDC managing director has expressed appreciation for the performance of the involved transmission line divisions and urged the timely completion of maintenance work.

    The proactive measures undertaken by NTDC underscore its dedication to providing essential services, particularly during significant periods such as Ramzan, when uninterrupted power supply is paramount for communities across the nation.

  • Judges mein bol chaal khatam, ghar se iftariyaan waapis kardi, claims journalist

    Senior court reporter Hasnaat Malik has claimed that the differences between the Supreme Court (SC) judges have reached the point of no return.

    Speaking to Journalist Absa Komal on Dawn News programme ‘News Eye’, the journalist said, “Bol chaal khatam ho gai hai, iftariyaan bheji judges ne aik dosry ke ghar woh wapis kardi gai “(They aren’t on talking terms, the judges even returned iftaris which they sent to each other’s homes).

    Malik also revealed that arguments have also taken place in person between the senior judges and that consensus is impossible at the moment.

    Hasnaat Malik said that seven judges are on one side while the other eight are on another, pointing out that the fight is about absolute power given to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial as one side wants to regulate his authority.

    He said that as of yet CJP has unquestionable power in the SC and he can do whatever he wants in cases or matters related to benches.

    It is pertinent to mention that questions related to the supreme power given to CJP Bandial were raised when election suo moto was taken by him despite the opposition by many senior judges including the next CJP Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Since then it has been widely speculated that judges aren’t happy with CJP Bandial.

  • Fact check: Did passengers refuse to travel with Nawaz Sharif in a plane?

    Fact check: Did passengers refuse to travel with Nawaz Sharif in a plane?

    Claim: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has reached Saudi Arabia from London to perform Umrah.

    A fake screenshot was shared by multiple Twitter accounts that passengers have refused to travel with Nawaz in the same airplane.

    The screenshot was taken from 7News and it has the name of the reporter Rana Waheed.

    Fact: However, the news turned out to be old and the reporter himself clarified that this has nothing to do with Nawaz’s recent visit to the Kingdom.

    In a tweet, he said, “This news and screenshot are old. I left 7news three years ago, and now I am working in PNN as a special correspondent.”

    Political Secretary to Maryam Nawaz, Zeeshan Malik, also retweeted the clarification of the reporter.

    Sharif is expected to spend the last 10 days of Ramzan as well as celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in Saudi Arabia on the invitation of the royal family.

  • Gold price soars to an all-time high of Rs217,700 per tola amid economic tensions

    Gold price soars to an all-time high of Rs217,700 per tola amid economic tensions

    The price of gold has soared to an all-time high following a significant slump in the rupee against the dollar, with the country struggling to secure external financing. The data released by the All-Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA) shows that the price of gold (24 carats) has spiked by Rs3,100 per tola and Rs2,656 per 10 grammes, settling at Rs217,700 and Rs186,643 respectively.

    The gold rush is in line with the movement of the rupee, which has fallen 2.44 or 0.85 per cent against the US dollar in the interbank market, and an increase in weekly inflation. Inflation has shot up 0.92 per cent week-on-week and 44.49 per cent year-on-year during the seven-day period that ended on April 6th. Prices of sugar and chicken have surged due to Ramzan, and hoarding has caused a likely uptick in inflation.

    Gold is often seen as a hedge against inflation, increasing in value as the purchasing power of the dollar declines. Plus, it’s the season of Ramzan, which brings with it a surge in demand for the precious metal. Investors’ attention has shifted towards gold as economic tensions continue to rise, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reviewing external financing commitments from friendly countries before it releases bailout funds. The delay in the revival of the program has negatively impacted the currency market, which is boosting demand for gold.

    The APSGJA also noted that the price of gold in Pakistan is Rs5,000 per tola “undercost” compared to the Dubai market. Thus, the Pakistani gold market is cheaper than the global market. Meanwhile, silver prices in the domestic market have also jumped to historic highs, increasing by Rs30 per tola and Rs25.72 per 10 grams to settle at Rs2,480 and Rs2,126.20, respectively.

    In the international market, the price of gold dropped $6 per ounce, settling at $2,002. Nevertheless, gold’s rise in Pakistan is set to bring a lot of excitement to the local market.

  • Israeli police attack worshippers in Ramzan during Al-Aqsa Mosque raid

    Israeli police attack worshippers in Ramzan during Al-Aqsa Mosque raid

    Israeli police have attacked and arrested Palestinian worshippers in a violent raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Ramzan.

    In a statement, police said they had “arrested and removed over 350 individuals that violently barricaded” themselves inside the mosque in the Old City of annexed East Jerusalem.

    According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, injuries were reported as a result of the raid but it was not clear how many were hurt. It was also said that medics were prevented from reaching the mosque by the Israeli forces. 

    “I was sitting on a chair reciting (Qur’an),” an elderly woman told Reuters while sitting outside the mosque. “They hurled stun grenades, one of them hit my chest,” she said as she began to cry.

    The Israeli police claimed in a statement that they had to enter the mosque after “masked agitators” locked themselves inside with fireworks, sticks and stones.

    “When the police entered, stones were thrown at them and fireworks were fired from inside the mosque by a large group of agitators,” the statement said, adding that one of the police officers was wounded in the leg.

  • Championing working women, condemning dowry: ‘Chand Tara’ is winning hearts for providing a refreshing and wholesome Ramzan drama

    Ramzan dramas have long had the habit of reusing the same stories about marriage-obsessed women chasing after the bad boy, then add some slaps and misogynist behavior, a tarka of badtameez in-laws, the extra masala that is divorce, fights, crying, breakdown and then all’s well that ends well as the battered and bruised woman decides to forgive her husband and move back in with him.

    However, in the last few days, ‘Chand Tara’ has been receiving accolades for taking the same tropes and re-writing them to provide audiences with a hilarious rom-com about wedding season. The drama stars Ayeza Khan and Danish Taimoor as lovers from different backgrounds who try to convince their families to agree to their marriage. Sarim Chand is a software engineer who comes from an extroverted, loud family and is used to catering to the whims of his sassy siblings, and Nain Tara is a doctor who lives with her strict mother and longs for a loud home filled with love and laughter.

    Written by powerhouse drama writer Saima Akram Chaudhry, who was previously responsible for the iconic ‘Suno Chanda’ and then ‘Chupke Chupke’, it was obviously a guarantee that this drama will quickly win the hearts of fans all over Pakistan because of how cleverly it debunks sexist stereotypes and brings forward a refreshing male lead who loves and supports the women in his life and is not afraid to stand up for her. In several episodes, the show has championed the rights for women to include the ‘right to divorce’ clause in the nikkahnama, encouraged brides to be cheerful and FINALLY, no cousin marriage shenanigans.

    What’s also notable here is how Danish Taimoor has decided to pick a male lead who contradicts his past roles, to be more supportive and loving towards the female lead in the drama. Fans have praised Taimoor for getting them to fall in love with the character’s kindness and dedication. One scene that is making audiences swoon depicts Chand carefully removing Tara’s shoes after she’s exhausted from their wedding.

    Fans have appreciated how the drama refuses to follow the same road of woman giving up everything for the man, Tara loves her work and will keep practicing after her marriage while Chand is nothing but incredibly supportive of her ambitions.

    More dramas that champion working woman! Are you listening, entertainment industry? This is the kind of content we need!

  • Taliban shut down women-run radio station for ‘playing music’ during Ramzan

    Taliban shut down women-run radio station for ‘playing music’ during Ramzan

    Taliban have shut down a women-run radio station in Afghanistan for playing music in the month of Ramzan.

    The radio station named ‘Sadai Banowan’ employed eight staff members, six of them female.

    The women-run radio station was started 10 years ago.

    According to Moezuddin Ahmadi, the director for Information and Culture in Badakhshan province, the station was shut down for repeatedly violating “laws and regulations of the Islamic Emirate”.

    “If this radio station accepts the policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and gives a guarantee that it will not repeat such a thing again, we will allow it to operate again,” he added.

    However, station head Najia Sorosh has denied any violation, calling it a ‘conspiracy’.
    The Taliban “told us that you have broadcast music. We have not broadcast any kind of music,” she said.