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Pakistan Considers Importing Cheaper Oil and Gas From Iran to Ease Energy Costs
OGDCL Begins Oil Production From Newly Discovered Bobi Deep-1 Well in Sindh
Maize Prices Drop Nearly 20% Across Punjab as Demand Weakens and New Crop Boosts Supply
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Pakistan Considers Importing Cheaper Oil and Gas From Iran to Ease Energy Costs

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OGDCL Begins Oil Production From Newly Discovered Bobi Deep-1 Well in Sindh

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Maize Prices Drop Nearly 20% Across Punjab as Demand Weakens and New Crop Boosts Supply

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Chinese Exchange Praises SECP Reforms, Signals Stronger Investment Interest in Pakistan

Pakistani Nationals Evacuated Safely Amidst Sudan’s Political Unrest

Pakistani Nationals Evacuated Safely Amidst Sudan's Political Unrest

As political tensions continue to escalate in Sudan, the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan has announced that 427 Pakistani nationals have been safely evacuated from the country and arrived at the port. This comes as the FO spokesperson revealed that the Foreign Ministry is working closely with foreign missions to provide relief to Pakistani citizens who are currently stuck in Sudan.

In collaboration with the Pakistani embassy in Sudan, arrangements are being made to ensure the safe return of Pakistani nationals who are currently present at the Sudan port. The embassy is also in constant contact with the approximately 1,500 Pakistani citizens residing in Sudan, providing them with all necessary facilities and support.

Despite the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has disrupted the internationally-backed plan for a transition to a civilian democracy four years after the fall of Omar al-Bashir, the Pakistani government remains committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its citizens in Sudan. To this end, the embassy has even created a WhatsApp group to stay in touch with Pakistani nationals who were advised to stay at home.

In these difficult times, it is essential that governments and foreign missions work together to provide support and assistance to those who need it most. As Pakistan continues to monitor the situation in Sudan, we hope that all Pakistani nationals in the country will remain safe and well.

Pakistan Ranks Third in Crypto Adoption Index

Pakistan Ranks Third in Crypto Adoption Index
Image: techjuice

Cryptocurrency is gaining popularity in Pakistan as an increasing number of individuals and businesses are turning to it for investments and transactions. According to the 2021 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index, Pakistan ranks third among the top ten countries with the highest number of crypto and bitcoin users.

One of the reasons for the growing popularity of cryptocurrency in Pakistan is its ability to enable real-time, safe, and faster money transfers at a low transaction fee, as there is no intermediary involved. Another factor is the ongoing economic crisis in the country, leading to inflation and devaluation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar, making Bitcoin an alternative investment option.

Bitcoin has also shown potential in cross-border transactions, providing a faster, cheaper, and more secure option for sending money across borders. Moreover, blockchain technology underlying Bitcoin has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and logistics, among others. In Pakistan, several blockchain-based startups aim to disrupt traditional industry practices by leveraging this technology’s efficiency and transparency.

According to a report by the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the country recorded $20 billion of crypto value in the fiscal year 2020-2021, which was an unusual hike of 711%. The biggest crypto exchange that Pakistani investors use is Binance, followed by other platforms like Localbitcoins.com and Binomo.

While 67% of crypto-investors in Pakistan are using centralized services, just 33% are using decentralized financing platforms to make crypto-related transactions. Pakistan-based social media groups and YouTube videos in Urdu explaining how to trade and mine cryptocurrency have thousands of followers and views.

Cryptocurrency provides a new avenue for the unbanked or underbanked population to access financial services, such as remittances, loans, and savings. Bitcoin’s decentralized nature means that anyone with an internet connection can participate in the network, irrespective of their geographical location.

Overall, Pakistan’s interest in cryptocurrency is increasing, with the government and businesses exploring its potential in various sectors. However, there are still concerns about its regulation and security, and the need for more education and awareness among the general public.

7th Housing and Population Census Operations Temporarily Halted for Eid Holidays in Pakistan

7th Housing and Population Census Operations Temporarily Halted for Eid Holidays in Pakistan

Muhammad Sarwar Gondal from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has announced that field operations for the 7th Housing and Population Census have been temporarily suspended for the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. The pause in field operations will last from April 21 to April 25, and the decision to extend the census will be made by the Census Monitoring Committee. The census activities are set to resume on April 26, after the conclusion of the Eid holidays. According to Gondal, more than 235 million people have already been counted in the country.

The census data collected so far reveals that Karachi is the most populous city in Pakistan, with over 16.5 million people, followed by Lahore with over 11.5 million people. Additionally, Punjab has a population of over 116 million, Sindh has over 52.8 million, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has over 39.2 million, and Balochistan has over 19.2 million people.

Census is an important tool for policymakers and planners to make informed decisions on matters related to population, housing, and socioeconomic development. The data collected through the census will help policymakers design and implement policies that can effectively address the needs of the population.

Pakistani Rupee Gains Ground Against US Dollar, All Major Currencies

Pakistani Rupee Gains Ground Against US Dollar, All Major Currencies

Today, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) saw gains against the US dollar, rising by 0.15 percent to close at 283.47 after gaining 42 paisas throughout the day. The interbank rate remained largely stable, gaining around Rs. 5 to reach 279.17 by 11 AM before dropping to 283-284 by 1:25 PM, where it remained until the market closed.

Currency dealers attributed the recent stability of the PKR to quick inflows of greenbacks from overseas Pakistanis during the last few days of the Holy Month of Ramazan. While political noise and economic shortfalls have put pressure on the rupee, some traders predict that the PKR may reach 300 against the USD before stabilizing around 290 for at least three months.

Market participants are also waiting for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to resume operations after being stalled since last year. The decline in import payments and increase in remittances from workers have also reduced demand for US dollars, contributing to the PKR’s recent strength.

Globally, the US dollar has suffered a decline in recent weeks due to exceptional actions taken by Russia, India, China, and other nations to push their own currencies instead of the greenback. The PKR is down nearly Rs. 53 since January 2023 and over Rs. 101 since April 2022 against the USD. Despite this, today the PKR gained against all major currencies in the interbank market, including the Saudi Riyal, UAE Dirham, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Euro, and Pound Sterling.

Interfaith Iftaar for Peace and Harmony Organized in Karachi

Interfaith Iftaar for Peace and Harmony Organized in Karachi

The holy month of Ramadan is a significant time for Muslims globally. It is a time for fasting and spiritual reflection, where families and friends come together to break their fast with a meal known as iftaar. Recently, Sagar Samy and Sunita Oad with the support of the Shaoor Foundation for Education and Awareness organized an Interfaith Iftaar for Peace and Harmony at SubhanAllah Hall in Karachi. The event aimed to promote diversity and convey a message of peace to the wider community by bringing people from different backgrounds, religions, communities, sects, and cultures together at one table.

The event received media coverage, and over 50 youths participated in the gathering. The guest speakers representing the Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities shared their teachings about peace, love, and harmony. They emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting each other’s differences and learning to coexist in peace and harmony. The speakers also highlighted the common values shared among their respective religions.

Prof Manoj Chohan discussed the significance of tolerance and respect for other religions, stressing the need for religions to coexist and learn from each other.

Mr Ali Gul Malah spoke about the importance of diversity and connected peace and interfaith harmony with art and culture. He also discussed the importance of fasting, prayer, and charity in Islam, along with treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of their cultural or religious background.

Sardar Amar Singh and Sardar Maghan Singh discussed the principles of Sikhism, such as compassion, selfless service, and the pursuit of justice for all. They emphasized the need for interfaith dialogue and understanding to bridge the divide between different communities and foster peace and harmony.

The Interfaith Iftaar was a success, and attendees expressed their gratitude for the event. They recommended that more events like this should be organized frequently to promote interfaith harmony and understanding. The media coverage of the event helped spread the message of peace and harmony, which is essential in today’s world.

Five Best Platforms for Freelancers to Earn

Five Best Platforms for Freelancers to Earn

Freelancing is becoming increasingly popular as it provides more flexibility and independence to those looking for a side hustle or a full-time job. With the right platform, freelancers can find the perfect job and make money from the comfort of their own homes.

This article will cover five of the best platforms for freelancers to earn money.

Here are five popular freelancing platforms:

1. Upwork

2. Fiverr

3. Freelancer

4. Guru

5. PeoplePerHour

These platforms provide a marketplace for clients to hire freelancers for a variety of services, including copywriting, graphic design, web development, and more. Each platform has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to research and compares them to find the best fit for your specific needs.

Saeeda Imtiaz Rubbishes Death Rumours, Says She Is Fine and Accounts Were Hacked

Image: Geo.Tv

Social media went crazy yesterday when the news of model and actor Saeeda Imtiaz’s death was posted from her official Facebook and verified Instagram accounts.

The posts said that the actor was “found dead in her room.” However, the actor has come back and posted a video to clear the air. She said, “My official statement. After all that I went through, I’ am drained out at the moment.”

The actor explained everything in the video and told her followers that how this fake news has impacted her family as they do not live here. The Tamasha Ghar actor introduced herself in the video and said that she is completely fine.

“I have to state with a lot of disappointment that when I woke up today, I received many messages,” she said. “I, myself, did not understand what had happened to me. It was very shocking. It was a very worrying situation for my family because they do not live here. My siblings, and mother panicked and I started receiving calls. I didn’t know what I should say.”

Imtiaz further elaborated, “My Facebook and Instagram accounts were hacked as they were linked. I don’t understand – I understand to the extent where people tease you, and bully you – but to hurt someone to this extent, where their family is affected, and the person is mentally affected – this is not right. You never know what the other person is going through already in their life and to mentally torture someone – I was just crying. My family was visited by people to see if I was fine or not because no one knew what was happening.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrLpjhjJwLt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

She also said, “I will find out who hacked my account and I’ll make sure I take action against them. May God do better for you and give you guidance.”

NADRA Launches New Fingerprint Identification System With 99.5% Accuracy

Image: NADRA

NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) has come up with a new fingerprint identification system with 99.5% accuracy. The system, named as “NADIR” is based on Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) technology, which is a major breakthrough in biometrics.

The newly launched system will assist public with automatic fingerprint identification.

NADRA has also launched a new service “Ijazat Aap Ki,” which allows people to easily complete verification process.

NADRA spokesperson told the media that this service will make verification process a hassle-free experience for users.

Both the newly launched services, NADIR and “Ijazat Aap Ki” are aimed at enhancing the efficiency and security of NADRA services.

Malala to Launch a New Book With Her “Most Personal” Story

Image: The Current

Malala Yousufzai is a survival of Taliban’s assassination attempt and an advocate of girls’education. She is currently working on her new book in which she plans to share her most personal story. The name of the book and its title is not announced yet.

Previously, Yousufzai has launched the bestselling “I Am Mala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban,” which received great response from across the globe.

Malala Yousufzai was awarded a Nobel Prize in 2014, after that launch of her book, when she was only 17 year old. She graduated from Oxford University and then later married Asser Malik, a manager with the Pakistan Cricket Board. She also owns a production company named “Extracurricular.”

“The last few years of my life have been marked by extraordinary transformation and all the anguish and joy that accompanies growth. This is my most personal book yet and I hope that readers will find recognition, reassurance, and insight in my story,” she said.

Atria claims that the new book will be a “breathtaking story of recovery and search for identity, a candid exploration of her coming-of-age in the public spotlight, and an intimate look at her life today.”

Malala Yousufzai was shot in 2012 by Taliban when she was returning home from school in Swat, Pakistan because she disagreed with the opinion of the group that Islam does not allow girls to get education.

PTI May Launch Another Long March If Elections Are Not Held on Time

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) may announce another march toward Islamabad if elections are not announced on time. PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry told this to the media outside Lahore High Court. While answering a question related to the elections, Chaudhry said that the government is liable to implement Supreme Court’s decision. However, if this does not happen, they would have to come on the roads again.

Chaudhry also criticized the current situation and said that in this atmosphere, there are no chances of negotiations with the “non serious” people.

He also said that his party leaders are being imprisoned for no reason. He further said that Pakistan People’s Party announces to negotiate one day and the very next day, the Sindh government arrests PTI leader, Ali Zaidi.

Scholarship Program for Non-Muslim Students

Scholarship Program for Non-Muslim Students

The Government of Punjab has recently launched a scholarship program for deserving non-Muslim students studying in government institutions in Punjab. The initiative aims to empower regular students to pursue their academic goals and contribute positively to society. The program is open to applicants who have a Punjab domicile, belong to minority communities such as Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, or other, and are enrolled in matric to Ph.D. level programs with a minimum of 40% marks in their most recent annual examination.

Successful applicants will be awarded annual scholarships of up to Rs. 50,000 if they are enrolled in professional-level programs such as MBBS, DVM, BDS, BSc (English), BSc (Nursing), Pharm-D, Ph.D., or equivalent. Those pursuing postgraduate programs or undergraduate programs will receive Rs. 35,000 or Rs. 30,000 per annum, respectively.

Interested applicants can obtain application forms from the office of the Section Officer or download them from the website of the Department of Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Punjab. Applicants must submit attested copies of their domicile, passport-size photos, Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC) of their father/guardian, educational certificates, and result cards attested by a Grade 17 officer or above. In addition, heads of the educational institutions where the applicants are currently enrolled have been instructed to verify the documents of the student’s guardian/parent.

The deadline for submission of applications is May 12, 2023, and qualified non-Muslim students studying in government institutions in Punjab are urged to take advantage of this chance.

Meet Naila Kiani, the First Pakistani Woman to Summit Annapurna Peak in Nepal

Naila Kiani becomes the first ever female Pakistani to summit Annapurna peak in Nepal. Earlier share has also reached the peaks of Gasherbrum-1, K2, and Gasherbrum-II.

Annapurna is the tenth highest peak in the world standing at 8,091 metres above sea level. Kiani climbed the peak on Monday morning becoming the first Pakistani woman to summit four peaks above 8,000 meters.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrH3SVdqqNc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Kiani went on this mission with 6 other members including a young Pakistani climber Shehroze Kashif and an Indian climber Arjun Vajpai.

Naila is also plans to summit Mount Everest and Lhotse peak later this year.

PIA Lost 2 ATR Aircrafts Due to Lack of Professionalism

Image: Dawn

A recent audit by the country’s top auditor revealed that the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) lost two of its aircrafts due to technical negligence. The investigation further revealed that PIA’s two Regional Transport Airline aircrafts met accidents on November 24th, 2018 and July 20, 2019, making the national carrier lose over Rs. 10.1398 million.

While discussing both the accidents, the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) mentioned in it’s 2021-22 report that the national carrier itself is responsible for both the losses.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) compiled a detailed report of the incidents and held PIA responsible for the loss.

According to the audit, the CAA noticed that several reasons for the accidents including lack of professionalism, malfunctioning technical equipment, non implementation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs), wrong decisions and first officer’s mistakes. Even the pilots made mistakes that lead to the deadly accidents.

Woman Set on Fire Following Minor Dispute in Islamabad

A young woman in the Mehrabadi area of Sector G-12, recently brought under the jurisdiction of Golra Police Station, was set on fire following a minor dispute in a horrific incident. The victim suffered serious burn injuries and was taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment, but has since been declared out of danger.

In response to the victim’s complaint, Islamabad Police acted quickly and registered an FIR, with charges including sections 336-B/324/34 PPC. The police have apprehended three individuals, including a woman who reportedly played a role in the crime, while two others are still being sought.

According to the details of the case, the assailant’s family lived in the victim’s home as tenants but had not paid rent. When the victim attempted to collect the rent, one of the tenants used abusive language and refused to pay. During the victim’s second visit to demand payment, the tenant’s family sprinkled petrol on her and set her on fire. The attackers fled the scene after witnessing the victim engulfed in flames.

The incident shocked the surrounding community, with volunteers and onlookers rushing to aid the victim and extinguish the flames. This gruesome attack underscores the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means and refraining from violence. Law enforcement must ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are held accountable and punished severely.

Pakistan may extend Eid holidays

Pakistan may extend Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, according to a national daily. The decision on the extension is expected to be announced soon. If approved, the extended holidays will run from Thursday, 20 April, to Tuesday, 25 April.

Earlier this week, the federal government had already announced the schedule for the Eid holidays, which will be observed from Friday, 21 April, to Tuesday, 25 April. The KP government will have a longer holiday period, from Friday, 21 April, to Wednesday, 26 April, while Punjab will follow the federal government’s schedule.

On Thursday, 20 April, the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee will hold its monthly meeting to sight the crescent of Shawaal, which marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid-ul-Fitr. The zonal committees will also meet on the same day to sight the moon in their respective zones.

The central meeting will take place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony building in Islamabad, chaired by Molana Abdul Khabeer Azad. The decision on whether to extend the Eid holidays may be based on the sighting of the moon and other factors.

18,000 Cattle Die in a Deadly Explosion in Texas

Image: AFP

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued an official statement stating, “this was the deadliest barn fire for cattle in Texas history and the investigation and cleanup may take some time.”

The horrific explosion and fire erupted in the Southfork Dairy Farms in the Texas Panhandle and killed over 18,000 cattle. The rescue teams including police and firefighters immediately reached the location. According to the Castro County Sheriff’s Office, the teams “determined that one person was trapped inside.” He further said that the person was later saved and rushed to a hospital.

The reason of explosion and fire is still unknown. Miller also declared it as a “horrific event.” and said that “Once we know the cause and the facts surrounding this tragedy, we will make sure the public is fully informed – so tragedies like this can be avoided in the future.”

The Animal Welfare Institute tweeted, “Farms must do more to protect animals by adopting commonsense fire safety measures.”

Here Is How You Can Get Discounted Tickets of PIA This Eid

Image: File

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) recently announced that passengers can now avail amazing discount on tickets this Eid-ul-Fitr from 22nd to 23rd April, 2023. The national carrier has announced up to 10% off on fares for domestic passengers.

The federal government on Thursday has announced a five-day holiday on Eid-ul-Fitr. According to a notification issued by the Interior Ministry, the holidays will start from April 21st and will continue till April 25th.

Pakistan railway has also issued a schedule for five special trains to facilitate passenger on this Eid.

Meera Jee to Play Role of Meena Kumari in Pakeezah

Image: Dunya News

Pakistan is all set to remake Bollywood’s classic movie “Pakeezah” and our very own Meera Jee is likely to portray the role of Meena Kumari in it.

The actress herself confirmed the news and told media that she has been working on this project for a long time. She also hinted that the shooting of this movie has started from March 2023.

She further said that a US-based production house, Red Lipstick will also be part of this project and that the cast of the movie is still under consideration.

This news has put rest to the earlier rumours quoting that Mahira Khan will play the lead role in the Bollywood remake.

The legendary Bollywood film was made by Kamal Amrohi and is one of the finest works of Meena Kumari. The movie was reportedly put on hold after a misunderstanding between the two and as later completed when Pakeezah was several ill. The actress died one month after the movie was released and charged only Rs 1 for her role.

Pakistan Meteorological Department Warns of Potential Severe Weather Across the Country

Pakistan Meteorological Department Warns of Potential Severe Weather Across the Country

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an advisory predicting the arrival of a westerly wave in the upper parts of the country on April 15th. The system is expected to bring rain, dust, thunderstorms, and hailstorms to several areas, including Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Islamabad, from April 15th to April 20th.

The PMD warns that dust-windstorms and hailstorms may cause damage to infrastructure and crops, especially wheat. Landslides and flash floods are also possible in some regions on April 18th and 19th, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, and Galliyat. The PMD advises all concerned authorities to stay alert and take precautionary measures during this period.

Tourists are also advised to be cautious while traveling during the forecast period. The predicted weather conditions could have an impact on travel plans and may cause disruptions.

Pakistan’s First Electric Bike with Swappable Battery

Pakistan's First Electric Bike with Swappable Battery
Image: ZYP

ZYP Technologies, a Pakistani startup, has introduced the country’s first electric bike with a swappable battery, called Magvus. The bike is based on the popular Chinese 150cc bike, Road Prince Wego, and boasts features such as an IP67 waterproof motor, a lithium battery designed to last for five years, and a range of 120km in economy mode. Magvus also has a top speed of 100km/h and can go from 0-60km/h in just 6 seconds.

The company is also working on developing battery swap stations that will allow users to swap batteries in under two minutes. This concept serves as a “fuel station” for bikes and has been practiced in India and other countries for a long time. The development of these stations will help to address the issue of limited charging infrastructure in Pakistan and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.

Although there is currently no information about the launch date and price of Magvus, the fact that the bike is almost production-ready suggests that the launch is imminent. The introduction of Magvus and the development of battery swap stations by ZYP Technologies represent significant steps towards the promotion of sustainable transportation and the reduction of carbon emissions in Pakistan.