The government of Pakistan has officially announced the holiday schedule for Eid ul Fitr. The Cabinet Division released a notification on Thursday, declaring a three-day and four-day holiday for Eid ul Fitr, catering to offices with different working schedules. According to a notification released by the Cabinet Division, the holidays will be observed from Wednesday, April 10, to Friday, April 12, for offices following a five-day work week. For offices with a six-day work week, the holidays have been extended from Wednesday, April 10, to Saturday, April 13. Eid ul Fitr is an important religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It typically begins with the sighting of the new moon, which determines the exact date of the celebration. It is observed on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, immediately after the conclusion of Ramadan. Eid ul Fitr holds immense significance in the Islamic lunar calendar, marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramazan, during which Muslims worldwide engage in fasting and spiritual reflection. The festivities of Eid symbolize the conclusion of this period of devotion and self-discipline. This year, the exact date of Eid ul Fitr is anticipated to be either April 10 or April 11, contingent upon the sighting of the moon, which traditionally determines the beginning and end of Islamic months. As Muslims eagerly await the confirmation of the new moon, preparations for the joyous occasion of Eid are underway across the country. Source: Pro Pakistani
IT Ministry Directs PTA to Utilize Existing Policy for Mobile Phone Installment Program
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunications (MoITandT) has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to utilize existing policy frameworks for the upcoming mobile phone financing scheme. Sources within the ministry told ProPakistani that a formal letter has been issued to the PTA, urging the utilization of the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) already in place for the blocking of non-registered mobile phones, to also target defaulters under the proposed scheme. It has been communicated by the ministry that no new policy directives are necessary from the federal government, as the existing mechanisms are deemed sufficient for implementation. The ministry is currently awaiting a response from the PTA before proceeding further with the mobile phone financing scheme. The mobile phone financing policy, which was initially drafted in November last year during the tenure of the Caretaker government, has faced setbacks in its journey towards approval. The federal cabinet re turned the policy, instructing the IT ministry to consult with the Ministries of Law and Finance for further refinement before resubmission. The mobile phones on installment scheme seeks to empower citizens, particularly those with limited financial means, by providing them with an opportunity to own mobile phones through interest-free installment plans. The proposed policy also addresses the issue of defaulters who fail to meet their installment obligations. Individuals struggling with payments will face the blocking of their mobile phones. The Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) of the PTA will be instrumental in executing the blocking process. According to the IT Ministry, this mobile phone financing scheme emphasizes its dedication to assisting low-income individuals, ensuring they have access to essential technology. This move aligns with the vision of creating an inclusive digital landscape that caters to the diverse needs of the population. The government remains focused o n fostering accessibility and affordability in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Source: Pro Pakistani