The 40th death anniversary of legendary Urdu poet Munawwar Badayuni is being observed today. Manawwar Badayuni's real name was Saqlain Ahmed and he was born on December 2, 1908 in Badayun, India. Manawwar Badayuni got fame by his Hamdiya and Naatiya poetry. He died on this day in 1984 in Karachi. Source: Radio Pakistan
First Time Ever Govt Hides Decisions Made in ECC Meetings
In a first, The federal government has decided to keep secret the proceedings of one of the main economic decision-making forums, the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet. Normally, the Finance Division informs the public about the major decisions of the ECC after the meeting through a press release. However, sources told ProPakistani that the incumbent Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb ordered that there is no need to issue a press release after the first meeting of the ECC. This practice continued into the 2nd ECC Meeting as well, with the Ministry not making it public either. Sources revealed that during the ECC meeting held on April 4, 2024, approval was accorded for several supplementary grants totaling Rs. 24 billion. These grants aimed to settle liabilities and backlogs resulting from unrealistic annual allocations. The approved grants included an additional Rs. 7 billion subsidy for Gilgit-Baltistan residents, Rs. 4.1 billion to settle SME Bank employees' liabilities, and Rs. 5 billio n for subsidized wheat flour and cooking oil supply. Other allocations comprised Rs. 1.6 billion to clear outstanding dues of media houses, Rs. 3.8 billion for a foreign loan covering Higher Education Commission expenses, Rs. 1.7 billion for Passport Office employees abroad, Rs. 300 million for Pakistan Rangers' uniform procurement, and Rs. 433 million for a new battalion for Pakistan Coast Guards. Additionally, the ECC approved Rs. 103 million for the Frontier Corps Balochistan to repair a VVIP's helicopter. Recently, the government of Pakistan has committed to the IMF that it will not release any further supplementary grants. It is worth mentioning that the Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has also imposed a strict ban on all FBR officers/officials including Members for interacting with any media persons (print and electronic) on any issue. Source: ProPakistani
3rd cohort inaugurated at National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies under SIFC
The third cohort has formally been inaugurated at the National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies in Rawalpindi under Special Investment Facilitation Council. The incubation center has a capacity of one hundred start-ups who can start their business after one year of training. The center helps startups and early-stage companies turn their innovative ideas into reality and grow their businesses. The center provides access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities, mentoring, networking opportunities, access to manufacturing partners and investors, and a supportive environment for funding. Source: Radio Pakistan
Heatwave Alert: Temperatures to Exceed 30-Year Record in Punjab
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned that heatwaves are expected to hit Punjab during the ongoing month of April. The authority has urged the public to take necessary precautionary measures. Pakistan has been grappling with a variety of climate-related challenges and is considered one of the top 10 places in the world most vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns. According to the PDMA's statement, there is expected to be a significant rise in the intensity of heat during April, with temperatures expected to rise slightly higher than the average recorded over the last 30 years. 'There are chances of heatwaves in the plains of Punjab. The effects of heatwaves will be particularly high in major cities,' PDMA stated. Furthermore, the PDMA has warned that strong winds, dust storms, torrential rain, and hail are expected to affect the province. These downpours could potentially lead to flooding in rivers. The statement added that PDMA Punjab Director-General Irfan Ali Kathia has directed the local administration to remain vigilant regarding seasonal fluctuations. 'Rescue organizations and district administration should buckle up now. Citizens should also be made aware of weather changes and precautionary measures.' Source: ProPakistani
Azerbaijan, Pakistan to collaborate on climate change and disaster resilience
Azerbaijan has expressed desire to work jointly with Pakistan to boost action against global climate change and disaster resilience. This was stated by Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Khazar Farhadov during his meeting with Secretary Ministry of Climate Change Ezaz A. Dar in Islamabad. Speaking on the occasion, Ezaz A. Dar acknowledged the close ties between the people of the two countries and assured all-out support of Paksitan in holding of 29th session of the Conference on Climate Change starting November 11 at Baku. Source: Radio Pakistan
Punjab Announces Eid-ul-Fitr Holiday Schedule
Following the federal government's decision, the Punjab government has also announced Eid-ul-Fitr holidays across the province. According to the announcement, offices operating six days a week will enjoy four holidays, while offices functioning five days a week will receive a three-day holiday. The Punjab government's notification stated that offices with a five-day workweek will remain closed from April 10 to April 12. It added that those with a six-day workweek will have public holidays from April 10 to April 13. Previously, the federal government also announced Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. According to the notification from the Cabinet Division, offices with a five-day workweek will observe three public holidays from April 10 to April 12, while offices with a six-day workweek will observe four public holidays from April 10 to April 13. Furthermore, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that the central bank will be closed from April 10th to April 12th, 2024 (Wednesday to Friday) due to the public ho lidays for Eid ul Fitr. The Meteorological Office has predicted that the first day of Eid ul Fitr is likely to fall on April 10th as the Shawwal moon is expected to be sighted on April 9th. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the crescent moon will be born on April 8th at 11:21 pm, and it will be between 19 and 20 hours old the next day around the Maghrib prayer time. The crescent will be visible for over 50 minutes around sundown. The PMD stated that the sky is expected to be clear in most parts of the country on April 9th, although there might be cloudy conditions in northern areas. Source: ProPakistani