Day: May 3, 2024

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted on Thursday that Karachi's temperature would decrease starting from Friday due to sea breezes, lowering the mercury to 34°C to 36°C. Karachi residents endured sweltering weather today, with temperatures peaking at 38.2°C, while daytime humidity hovered around 30%. However, the weather is expected to remain hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 34°C to 36°C. According to the daily forecast, continental air prevails over most parts of the country. A shallow westerly wave is anticipated to enter western Balochistan tonight and affect upper regions of the country by May 3rd. Most areas of the country are expected to experience dry weather, although Sindh and southern Balochistan may see gusty winds or windstorms. The westerly wave is likely to bring rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), northern Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Kashmir, and the Pothohar region. Gusty winds and windstorms are also forecasted for sout hern Punjab and northern Sindh during Friday evening and night. Today's highest maximum temperature was recorded in Mithi at 42°C, and 41°C in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Dadu, and Lasbella. Source: Pro Pakistani

In a report submitted by Punjab Advocate General (AG) to the Supreme Court, it was revealed that more than 1,100 housing schemes in residential areas across Punjab's 11 districts are illegal. In a report submitted by Punjab Advocate General (AG) to the Supreme Court, it was revealed that more than 1,100 housing schemes in residential areas across Punjab's 11 districts are illegal. According to a study conducted by the Project Management Unit of Punjab's Planning and Development (PandD) Department, 839 housing schemes have been developed on agricultural land in the province. Of these, only 173 have obtained official approvals, leaving 666 schemes entirely unapproved or illegal. Out of the total 2,031 schemes in residential areas in these 11 districts, only 900 have received proper approval. The report was submitted by Punjab AG Khalid Ishaq to a three-judge Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The bench was hearing complaints from customers who invested in plots in the Revenue Employee s Cooperative Housing Ltd (RECHS) in Rawalpindi. According to them, they were deprived of their land after the scheme merged with Bahria Town in 2004. The Punjab government's report admitted to a regulatory and enforcement gap regarding private housing schemes in the province, despite sufficient legal provisions. As per the report, political uncertainty and economic instability significantly affect investment in the housing sector. Source: Pro Pakistani

Zameen.com recently marked a significant milestone with 6-marla commercial plots in Lahore's prominent Q High Street project, located near Lake City Interchange on Lahore Ring Road. The ceremony witnessed key figures from Zameen.com and Q-Links, including Q-Links Director Operations Anjum Wattoo and Zameen.com's Senior Director Sales Chaudhry Laeeque Iftikhar. Q High Street offers an enticing investment prospect, boasting LDA approval and a prime location at the heart of Lahore's commercial landscape. With its modern infrastructure, spacious outlets, flexible payment plans, and early possession options, Q High Street presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking commercial assets in Lahore. Exclusive marketing by Zameen.com adds an extra layer of assurance to potential investors, ensuring thorough due diligence. This venture is not just a commercial project; it is a pathway to unparalleled business success. Interested parties are encouraged to seize this exclusive opportunity through the provide d channels. Speaking to the media, Zameen.com's Sales Director Chaudhry Laeeque Iftikhar reiterated the organisation's commitment to community-centric projects, emphasising their dedication to trust and quality assurance. Esteemed directors including Usman Talat, Ali Rehan, Farogh Muhammad Khan, and Basil Hafeez, contributed their perspectives during the event, highlighting their collective vision for the project's future. The ground-breaking ceremony symbolised the initiation of a journey towards architectural excellence and community enrichment, setting a benchmark for future endeavours in the region. Lastly, gratitude was extended to all participants, with anticipation for the realisation of this visionary project, poised to redefine urban living standards in Lahore. Source: Pro Pakistani

Zong 4G, Pakistan's top telecom operator, has joined hands with D3 Communications to eliminate the digital divide in Pakistan and empower the public through high-speed internet connectivity. D3 Communications stands at the forefront of the industry as a premier supplier of IT infrastructure and network deployment services, specializing in comprehensive support and implementation of voice, data, video, and wireless solutions. This joint effort will ensure the provision of dependable, high-speed, and secure internet connectivity throughout Pakistan, thereby fostering limitless opportunities for economic expansion, educational advancement, and social development. This strategic partnership, named 'Powered by Zong' will ensure easy and seamless access to quality content. The acknowledgment of the importance of connectivity reflects a deep understanding of the contemporary landscape, where access to digital resources is increasingly vital for various aspects of life, from education to business and beyond. Thro ugh this initiative, Zong 4G aims at improving digital inclusion and bridging the gap for underserved communities. This involves ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equitable access to the digital tools and resources necessary to participate fully in today's interconnected world. Supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs in their online endeavors is essential for fostering economic growth and resilience within communities, and promoting a connected and informed society entails facilitating access to information and opportunities for all members of society. Commenting on this, the official spokesperson for Zong 4G stated: 'Zong 4G and D3 Communications' collaboration is an integral step in bridging the digital divide in Pakistan. By prioritizing digital inclusion, supporting local businesses, and promoting connectivity and information access, we can create a more equitable and interconnected world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.' Source: Pro Pakist ani

The cabinet has given approval to post Syed Junaid Akhlaq as chairman Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE). Qaiser Alam, Director General Protocol BS-20. Protocol Wing. Administration Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was initially appointed on deputation as Chairman, Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) with the approval of the Federal Government for a period of three (03) years as per Section-11(1) of FBISE Act, 1975 (Annex-1), through competitive process with effect from 13th September, 2020. His services on deputation were extended for a further period of three (03) years from 14th September 2023 to 13th September, 2026 (Annex-II) as per Section-11 (2) of FBISE Act, 1975. Now, the Establishment Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has asked for repatriation of the officer concerned, which has been conveyed by Establishment Division vide Office Memorandum F.No.1/51/2020-E-6, dated 26.04.2024 (Annex-III). However, in the meantime, Qai ser Alam has resigned from the post of Chairman, FBISE. Approval of the Federal Cabinet is solicited for termination of the deputation period of Qaiser Alam, Chairman, FBISE, and his repatriation to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. To run affairs of FBISE, Syed Junaid Akhlaq, Senior Joint Secretary (BS-21), an officer of Secretariat Group, may be allowed to work as Chairman, FBISE for a period of three (03) months or till the appointment of regular Chairman whichever is earlier in addition to his existing assignment in the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Islamabad. The Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training has seen and authorized the submission of this summary to the Federal Cabinet in terms of Rule-18 (1) of the Rules of Business, 1973. Qaiser Alam, Director General Protocol BS-20. Protocol Wing Administration Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was initially appointed on deputation as Chairman, FBISE with the approval of the Federal Government fo r a period of three (03) years as per Section-11(1) of FBISE Act, 1975, through a competitive process with effect from 13th September, 2020. His services on deputation were extended for a further period of three years from 14th September 2023 to 13th September 2026, as per Section 11 (2) of FBISE Act, 1975. Now, the Establishment Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has asked for repatriation of the officer concerned, which has been conveyed by Establishment Division vide Office Memorandum F.No.1/51/2020-E-6, dated 26.04.2024 However, in the meanwhile, Qaiser Alam has resigned from the post of Chairman, FBISE. Approval of the Federal Cabinet is solicited for termination of deputation period of Qaiser Alam, Chairman, FBISE, and his repatriation to Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa To run affairs of FBISE, Syed Junaid Akhlaq, Senior Joint Secretary (BS-21), an officer of Secretariat Group, may be allowed to work as Chairman, FBISE for a period of three months or till the appointment of regular Chairm an whichever is earlier in addition to his existing assignment in the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Islamabad. Source: Pro Pakistani

The Finance Ministry has allocated funds to clear the existing backlog of over 800,000 passports across the country. According to reports, quoting passport office sources, international tenders have been issued for the procurement of printing and e-passport machines, along with ongoing advertisements for the procurement of lamination papers required for printing. The sources, according to the reports, added that once the acquisition of passport machinery and lamination paper is finalized, the backlog is expected to be swiftly addressed. As per passport and immigration officials, 20 to 25 thousand passports are being printed daily. Furthermore, the officials stated that they are receiving 40 to 45 thousand applications for passport issuance daily. Recently, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi suspended two senior officials of the Lahore Passport Office over the rampant corrupt practices in the office. Applicants informed the minister that getting a passport without a bribe was not possible. Source: Pro Pakis tani