Tag: travel

  • Affordable bus service between Islamabad and China to start soon

    Affordable bus service between Islamabad and China to start soon

    A bus company in Pakistan has announced its decision to launch a private bus service between Islamabad and Tashkurgan, a city in China, following Eid-ul-Fitr.

    According to a spokesperson for the company who spoke to Gwadar Pro, the service will commence on 13th May 2023, with the first phase involving the deployment of a mini-Utong bus capable of accommodating 28 passengers.

    The journey, including the immigration process, is expected to take approximately 38 hours, with passengers staying overnight at the Sost border. The fare for the journey is estimated at Rs60,000.

    To travel, individuals must have an original passport and copy, a valid original visa with its copy, and an invitation to China (visa category).

    The service is available to all, including tourists and those travelling for business and official purposes. Given the service’s popularity, the company plans to expand it to cater to the needs of the people of both countries.

  • 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.

  • Khunjerab Pass reopens to boost bilateral trade between Pakistan and China

    Khunjerab Pass reopens to boost bilateral trade between Pakistan and China

    In a press release issued by the PM Office Media Wing, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed his pleasure over the reopening of the Khunjerab Pass on Sunday. He stated that this development would help to increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and China, and described it as a welcome occasion for boosting trade with “Iron brother China.”

    The prime minister emphasised that the reopening of the Pass had removed a hurdle that would further expedite the pace of work on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He added that the restoration of the trade route between the two countries, after a span of three years, was a matter of great rejoicing.

    Furthermore, the prime minister noted that the journey towards CPEC had started way back in November 2019 and recommenced in the year 2023. He expressed his resolve to move ahead on CPEC with dual speed in comparison to 2018.

    He said that CPEC is a gift of progress and prosperity given by Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the Chinese leadership for the region and the people. The prime minister also mentioned the affection and cooperation from the Chinese leadership for the people of Pakistan, which he described as unforgettable.

    The prime minister expressed his disappointment over a “foreign funded person” who had created controversy over CPEC. However, he appreciated the relevant authorities of the two countries and the team members over the restoration of trade and travel facilities.

  • Azad Jammu and Kashmir gets its first-ever commercial airline

    Azad Jammu and Kashmir gets its first-ever commercial airline

    In an attempt to promote tourism in the area, President Dr Arif Alvi has announced commercial helicopter flying operations of Kashmir Air in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

    The president stated that AJK is gifted with enormous natural beauty and tourist potential and that the business sector should step forward to enhance AJK’s tourism industry in order to realise its full potential. The president was speaking at the inauguration ceremony for Kashmir Air on Tuesday in Bagh.

    According to Samaa, a private firm called Kashmir Air will launch regular commercial helicopter flights to the AJK and other parts of northern Pakistan to transport visitors.

    The president spent a full day in AJK, where he opened the helicopter flight service, paid a visit to the flagship facility of a healthcare IT business in Bagh, inaugurated a high-end private school, and learned about plans to build a hospital in Abbaspur.

    Along with developing tourism-friendly regulations to encourage private-sector investment, President Alvi asked the AJK government to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism.

    He stated that tourism was now a major industry in many developing nations and was seen as a key driver of foreign exchange earnings, employment creation, and the elimination of economic inequalities.

    The president claimed that the UN had failed to settle the Jammu and Kashmir conflict in a manner that satisfied the demands of the Kashmiri people.

    He claimed that the UN resolutions serve as the foundation for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJK) resistance. He said that although the UN was established to prevent conflicts and wars, since its founding it has mostly served to advance the interests of western nations.

    “Genocide Watch has warned that Muslims and other minorities in India are insecure but nobody is coming forwards to listen to the minorities and Muslims of India who are under constant threat,” the president added.

    He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to resolve all of its disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir, through dialogue. Pakistan desires a peaceful resolution to the IIOJK, but the president has cautioned India not to see Pakistan’s peace efforts as a sign of weakness.

    He claimed that the IIOJK people had made immeasurable sacrifices and that Pakistan will continue to stand with them morally, politically, and diplomatically until they were granted the right to self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions.

  • Maryam Nawaz wants her passport back

    Maryam Nawaz wants her passport back

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice- President, Maryam Nawaz, once again approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) on September 7 for the return of her passport.

    In the petition, filed through Advocate Muhammad Amjad Pervaiz, Maryam maintained that “Retention of the passport for an indefinite period tantamounts to be violative of her fundamental rights of treatment in accordance with the law, life, liberty, right of movement and equal protection of the law.”

    Earlier, three judges had refused to hear the PML-N leader’s petition seeking her passport to travel to Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah. After much delay, the petition was withdrawn by the petitioner.

    Maryam in her petition further stated that she was unable to exercise her fundamental rights for the last four years despite the absence of any charge sheet or trial, as she had surrendered her passport in accordance with the court’s order, when she was arrested in 2019. Maryam’s physical custody was remanded to an investigating officer for 48 days after being sent to judicial lockup. She was later given pre-arrest bail by the LHC.

    “There may not be any apprehension of abscondance or otherwise in view of the track record of the petitioner who notwithstanding a conviction order against her, voluntarily came back to Pakistan to surrender to the process of law while leaving behind her ailing mother on death bed,” the petition added.

    On August 8, 2019, when Maryam was visiting her father, Nawaz Sharif at the Central Jail Lahore, she was arrested in an inquiry initiated by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and was barred from completing her visit.

  • Pakistan inflation hits highest level since 1973

    Pakistan inflation hits highest level since 1973

    According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Pakistan’s Consumer Price Index-based inflation (CPI) climbed by 27.3 per cent on a year-over-year basis in August 2022 as opposed to an increase of 24.9 per cent the previous month and 8.4 per cent in August 2021.

    Inflation has increased by an average of 26.1 per cent in the first two months of the current fiscal year 2023 compared to 8.36 per cent in 2022. August’s inflation rate was the highest since November 1973.

    According to brokerage house Arif Habib Limited (AHL) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month of Aug’22 clocked in at 27.26 per cent YoY (+2.45 per cent MoM). This takes 2MFY23 average inflation to 26.1 per cent compared to 8.36 per cent in 2MFY22.

    CPI inflation

    Urban

    In August 2022, urban CPI inflation was 26.2 per cent on an annual basis, up from 8.3 per cent in August 2021 and 23.6 per cent the month before.

    It climbed by 2.6 per cent month over month in 2022, compared to 4.5 per cent the month before and 0.5 per cent in August 2021.

    Rural

    In addition, rural CPI inflation reached 28.8 per cent on an annual basis in August 2022, up from 8.4 per cent in August 2021 and 26.9 per cent in the preceding month.

    In August 2022, it climbed by 2.2 per cent month over month, compared to 4.2 per cent the month before and 0.7 per cent in August 2021.

    Further increase expected

    Rising inflation has become a major worry for Pakistan’s economy, which is already experiencing a loss of foreign exchange reserves.

    In the midst of severe flash floods that have resulted in at least 1,100 fatalities, extensive destruction, and millions of displaced people, experts have cautioned that the country will experience additional increases in food costs.

  • Dubai retains its position as top FDI tourism destination in the world

    Dubai retains its position as top FDI tourism destination in the world

    Dubai has continued to lead the world in luring foreign direct investment (FDI) into the tourism industry in 2021.

    The emirate attracted Dh6.4 billion ($1.7 billion) in foreign direct investment (FDI) over 30 projects in the last year, placing it at the top of the list for FDI capital, projects, and job creation in the tourism sector, according to The Financial Times’ FDI Markets data.

    The Dubai FDI Monitor report, released by the Dubai Investment Development Agency, states that these new projects and investments resulted in the creation of 5,545 new jobs over the course of the year.

    “Dubai’s rank as the top FDI destination for tourism is a testament to the sector’s resilience and stability. It reaffirms the sector’s role as a key economic driver that offers international investors confidence and an exceptional opportunity for stable and sustainable returns,” Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said on Twitter.

    As the city strives to become the most popular travel destination in the world, Dubai attracted more than 7.28 million foreign overnight visitors in 2021, an increase of 32% from the previous year.

    The goal of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, which will be created with the merger of the tourism and economy departments, is to attract 25 million visitors to the city by the year 2025.

    To streamline government organisations, keep up with quick changes, and maintain Dubai’s business and tourism sectors’ competitiveness, the merger was achieved.

    “The newly-formed department seeks to support the economic and tourism transformations taking place in the emirate. It will adopt the same competitiveness and efficiency of the private sector and work together with it on various development projects,” said Sheikh Hamdan.

    In spite of the inflationary environment, business activity in the private sector grew steadily in June, expanding at the quickest rate in three years.

    Its highest reading since June 2019, the headline seasonally adjusted S&P Global Dubai Purchasing Managers’ Index increased to 56.1 in June from 55.7 in May.

    The main engine of growth in the emirate continued to be the travel and tourism industry.

    As travel restrictions around the world continued to loosen, businesses in Dubai, the commercial and touristic centre of the Middle East, reported a noticeable increase in tourism-related business activity. This solidified Dubai’s position as a major travel hub.

    Prior to that, Dubai became the first Middle Eastern location to receive the coveted Michelin star, further solidifying its position as a top culinary and travel destination. Eleven restaurants in total received awards for outstanding dining.

  • Pakistan Railways to reduce train fares by up to 10 per cent

    Pakistan Railways to reduce train fares by up to 10 per cent

    The Ministry of Railways has decided to lower fares by up to 5 to 10 per cent as a result of the recent drop in the cost of petroleum products.

    Samaa reports that Secretary of Railways Zafar Ranjha will preside over a meeting on Friday to review and announce the train fares.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif made an update to the discounted price schedule for petroleum products late on Thursday.

    The price of diesel is reduced by Rs40.54 and that of petrol by Rs18.50 per liter beginning on July 15.

    Khawaja Saad Rafique, the minister of railways, has given instructions to lower the train fare in light of the aforementioned discount.

    Earlier, to assist travellers on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, Pakistan Railways also offered a 30 per cent discount on train tickets. A notice posted before Eid noted that all customers travelling by train during the three days of Eid-ul-Azha would be eligible for the reduced tickets.

  • Nadia Jamil opens up about being sexually abused in childhood, reveals healing process

    Veteran actor Nadia Jamil recently opened up on battling sexual abuse in childhood. The ‘Damsa’ actor took to her Twitter handle to share picture collages of herself from different years of life. “1st time I was sexually abused I was 4 yrs old, then 9, then 17/18,” she wrote along with the snaps on the micro-blogging site.

    “Its taken me years 2 fight deep depression, sadness, fear & a shame I had,” she revealed further. “No business feeling,2b where I am now. Healed.”

    The Damsa star took to her Instagram handle and wrote, “Off to beautiful @hunza_valley.pk. Stopped en route for a karak chai and met up with the amazing @venturer.pk team. My next adventure will have to be on a motorbike.”

    Additionally, the actor announced that she is just not ‘surviving’ anymore, but is ‘thriving’ in life, before concluding the tweet with “There is a way from the pain 2 peace. You are never alone.” In the end, Jamil extended her love to fans and followers.

    It is pertinent to mention that Nadia Jamil was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 as announced by the actor on her social media handles. She had developed stage one breast cancer with a grade three tumour.

    In 2021, Nadia Jamil confirmed that she is ‘officially cancer-free after a year-long battle with the illness. With a smiling picture of herself, she shared the happy news with her followers in a lengthy caption. “Officially cancer-free. All tests are cancer clear. Shukar Alhamdolillah,” she penned, before acknowledging all the love, prayers, and support.

    The Mere Aas Paas star also assured her fans that she will be regularly updating them about her trip. “Will keep sharing the many amazing people, foods and places I’m about to visit!” she said.

    Earlier in June, Nadia announced that she’s officially cancer-free, taking to Instagram to announce the happy news. “Officially cancer-free, all tests are cancer clear. Shukar Alhamdolillah,” she said, before thanking her fans and followers for their love, prayers, and support.

  • People’s Bus Service to be launched in Karachi and Larkana

    The People’s Bus Service will be launched in Karachi and Larkana today. Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will inaugurate the bus service in both cities today (June 21). The bus service is being launched by the Sindh government.

    In the initial phase, around 140 buses have been purchased for the service out of which 130 will be used in Karachi and 10 in Larkana.

    The bus will operate on the following routes in Karachi:

    Seats are also reserved for persons with disabilities and women on these buses. The ticket prices have yet to be announced by the Sindh government. However, according to unofficial reports, the government would establish a minimum and maximum tariff of Rs 25 and Rs55.

    The Peoples’ Bus Service is a separate project from the network of Bus Rapid Transit lines.