8 Advantages of Repentance as Mentioned in the Holy Quran through Astaghfar

Repentance, or seeking forgiveness from Allah, is a central aspect of Islam and is encouraged repeatedly in the Holy Quran. The act of seeking forgiveness through Astaghfar helps purify the soul, bring peace to the mind, and bring a person closer to Allah. Here are 8 advantages of repentance as mentioned in the Holy Quran:

Atonement for sins

The Holy Quran states that seeking forgiveness through Astaghfar will atone for past sins and lead to a life free from guilt and shame.

Protection from Hellfire

Repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah through Astaghfar protects a person from the punishment of Hellfire in the afterlife.

Increase in good deeds

Astaghfar leads to an increase in good deeds and blessings in this life and the next.

Mercy from Allah

The Holy Quran states that Allah is Merciful and Forgiving, and seeking forgiveness through Astaghfar invites His mercy and compassion.

Cleansing of the soul

Repentance through Astaghfar helps purify the soul and bring peace to the mind.

Closer relationship with Allah

By seeking forgiveness and repenting regularly, a person can establish a closer relationship with Allah.

Removal of obstacles

Astaghfar removes obstacles in life and helps a person overcome difficulties.

Increased humility

Seeking forgiveness through Astaghfar instills humility and a sense of humility, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

In conclusion, Astaghfar is a powerful act of worship that provides numerous benefits to the individual seeking forgiveness. Through regular repentance, a person can lead a life free from guilt, closer to Allah, and filled with peace, compassion, and blessings.

Steel Industry Warns Closure If LC Crisis Not Resolved

The Steel Industry fears closure of businesses and major job cuts in the wake of recent failure to open LCs (letters if Credit) by banks.

The Industry is already facing shortage of raw material due to the import ban. Consequently, the production is delayed and the companies are suffering from financial losses, according to the Pakistan Association of Large Steel Producers (PALSP).

Wajid Bukhari, PALSP Secretary General said “Steel is a vital sector for Pakistan’s economy, contributing over 5% to the country’s GDP and providing jobs for over 200,000 people with annual production capacity of over 5 million tons.”

He further said “If there is no steel, approximately 7.5 million jobs will be at stake and there is a possibility of closure of cement and all industries associated with the construction sector within a few weeks.”

Bukhari further said, “If there is no steel, approximately 7.5 million jobs will be at stake and there is a possibility of closure of cement and all industries associated with the construction sector within a few weeks.”

Waqas Ghani, JS Global steel sector analyst said, “The construction industry, as a whole, will be impacted by lower steel production, which will reduce demand for cement, glass, tiles, PVC, etc.”

Want to add anything to this story? Let us know in the comments section.

Peshawar Mosque Death Toll Rises to 88

The deadly attack on a mosque in Peshawar on Friday has shaken the whole country. Sadly, more dead bodies have recovered from the attack site on Tuesday, after which the death toll has increased to 88.

The attack at a mosque in Peshawar’s Police Lines area took lives of 59 people, most of whom here police officials. Around 150 people were also injured in the same attack who were immediately rushed to the hospitals.

Right after the attack, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) accepted its responsibility. However, later they negated it.

An official statement by the spokesperson of Leady Reading Hospital said that all the martyrs have been identified. He further added that 57 injured people are still getting the medical treatment at the hospital. Out of 150 injured people brought to the hospital on Monday have been sent to home after giving them medical assistance.

Spokesman of Rescue 1122, Mr. Bilal Faizi said, “This morning we are going to remove the last part of the collapsed roof so we can recover more bodies, but we are not hopeful of reaching any survivors.”

No Hike in Fee of Passport, Interior Ministry Rubbishes Rumours

The social media was abuzz with rumours for the last few weeks that the fee for machine readable passports is going to be increased in the days to come. However, the Interior Ministry has squashed all those rumors and have stated that there will be no change in fee for those passports.

The Spokesperson of Interior Ministry has clarified that all those posts on social media announcing the increase fee were unfounded and baseless.

They said, ‘The federal government has approved the issuance of e-passport but there has been no increase in the fee for machine-readable passports.’

The official also said that as of now there is no facility for getting an e-passport.

Recently, Directorate General Immigration & Passports has announced a certain fee for obtaining an e-passport. The news was misquoted by some people on social media where they said that the increase in fee is for all types of passports, which is not true.

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Rupee Becomes Worst Performing Currency in Asia – Hits Rs 270 Against Dollar

Pakistani rupee has hit a new all-time low when it was trading at Rs 270/$ today. This makes the Rupee worst ever performing currency in Asia. The government recently announced to lift cap on currency exchange and let the market determine the value of the Rupee. Since then, the Rupee has been depriciating. Pakistan has been trying to get the IMF loan to refuel its economy and the removal of exchange rate cap was a prerequisite of the said loan.

Director Research of Topline Securities told Express Tribune, “In wake of the latest adjustments in the past three-day (rupee down 14.36%/Rs38.74/$) … the Pakistani rupee has become the worst performing currency on the index.”

He added, “A further delay in the revival of the programme will lead towards default “

“All the political parties in the country have to agree on a charter of economy that will separate the economy from politics to resolve the current economic crisis. Otherwise, default will come – if not today, then in the months to come,” he further said.

Horror in the Heart of Peshawar: Mosque Blast Claims 28 Lives

Horror in the Heart of Peshawar: Mosque Attack Claims 28 Lives — Image: AFP

A deadly blast took place in a mosque located in Peshawar’s Police Lines area on Monday, killing at least 28 people and injuring 150 others, according to officials. The police, army and bomb disposal squad personnel were present inside the mosque as Zuhr prayers were being offered.

A portion of the building has collapsed and rescuers are trying to pull out those who are believed to be trapped under the rubble. The smell of explosives has been detected but it is too early to say what caused the blast. The police have closed the roads leading to the Red Zone and it is unclear whether the incident was a bomb attack or a suicide attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and paid tribute to the martyrs. He promised that their sacrifices would not be in vain and said that the entire nation is united against the menace of terrorism. He also mentioned that a comprehensive strategy will be adopted to counter the deteriorating law and order situation in the region and the federal government will help the provinces in increasing their anti-terrorism capacity.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also condemned the attack and said that it was meaningful given the upcoming local and general elections. He stressed that the National Action Plan was the only solution to the issue of terrorism and promised to implement it strictly. He also called for party workers and position-holders to donate blood to help save the lives of the injured.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan also condemned the attack and expressed sympathy with the families of the victims. He emphasized the need to improve intelligence gathering and to properly equip the police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism.

Former human rights minister Shireen Mazari criticized the bomber’s access to a central area of the provincial capital and said that the police need better resources, including equipment, to be effective in their role as the front line defenders against terrorism.

In light of the attack, the Islamabad Inspector General issued a security high-alert in the capital. The police have increased security at all entry and exit points of the city and are monitoring it through the Safe City system. Snipers have been placed at important points and buildings and the police have been provided with thermal imaging facilities.

The attack on the mosque in Peshawar’s Police Lines area has left the city in mourning, with at least 28 people killed and 150 injured. The authorities have declared an emergency at the local hospitals, with a number of the injured being in critical condition. The cause of the blast is still under investigation, with early reports suggesting a security lapse occurred.

The political leaders have condemned the attack, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promising to adopt a comprehensive strategy to counter the deteriorating law and order situation. The incident serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing fight against terrorism in Pakistan and the need for better intelligence gathering and improved resources for the police forces.

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PSL 2022 is set to begin on January 27

Lucky Motor Corporation Temporarily Suspends KIA Vehicle Reservations Due to Decline in Pakistani Rupee

Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC) issued a statement on Friday announcing that due to the sharp decline in the Pakistani Rupee, they will no longer be accepting any new reservations for KIA vehicles.

The statement noted that the corporation values treating consumers fairly and openly, but the situation with the Rupee has made it impossible for them to continue taking bookings until the currency stabilizes.

On January 27, 2023, the Rupee took a 14% hit against the US dollar, falling 31.71 points in just two days.

The news release also sought to reassure consumers that they will continue to honor all existing reservations and will resume taking new bookings as soon as the Rupee value becomes stable.

The company encouraged customers to stay informed of the situation and thanked them for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Also, see:

Best Global Universities in Pakistan

You Won’t Believe What Coca-Cola is Launching Next

Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most popular and recognizable brands, is said to be making a big move into the mobile phone market. According to recent rumors, Coca-Cola is launching its own phone, believed to be named the “Cola Phone.”

While little is known about the device at this time, it is believed that the Cola Phone is being manufactured in partnership with an as-yet-unnamed established mobile phone brand. Leaked images of the phone have surfaced on social media, showing a sleek device with a classic red and white Coca-Cola logo on the back. The phone is also rumored to contain two cameras and an Android operating system, with a focus on photography.

Adding fuel to the fire, a Twitter account under the name of “Colaphone Global” has recently appeared and has begun following several established mobile phone brands, leading many to believe that the Cola Phone will be a collaboration with one of these companies.

Some sources suggest that the Cola Phone may be a revamped version of the Realme 10 series, a popular mobile phone series. As the rumors continue to circulate, fans of Coca-Cola and mobile phone enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting more information about this potential new release. The Cola Phone is rumored to be first released in India and then expand to other markets.

Overall, this move by Coca-Cola into the mobile phone market is sure to generate a lot of excitement and interest. As more information about the Cola Phone comes to light, we’ll be sure to keep you updated.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar Announced an Increase in the Price of Petrol and Diesel by Rs 35

Following the devaluation of the rupee against the dollar, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar Sunday announced that the price of petrol and diesel will go up by Rs35 from 11am today.

Meanwhile, the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil have been increased by Rs18 in Pakistan.

The increase comes after the rupee hit a historic low against the dollar following the removal of the unofficial cap on the greenback.

Commodity	Existing prices w.e.f 16.01.2023	New prices w.e.f 29.1.2023 (11am)	Increase/Decrease (in rupees)
Petrol	Rs214.80	Rs249.80	+35
Diesel	Rs227.80	Rs262.80	+35
Kerosene oil	Rs171.83	Rs189.83	+18
Light diesel oil	Rs169	Rs187	+18

Best Global Universities in Pakistan

Pakistan is home to some of the best universities in the world, offering a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities. These universities are known for their high-quality education, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. Here are some of the best global universities in Pakistan:

University of Punjab

Established in 1882, the University of Punjab is the oldest and one of the most prestigious universities in Pakistan. It offers a wide range of academic programs in various fields, including arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, and law. The university is known for its excellent research facilities and highly qualified faculty members.

National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)

NUST is a leading research-based university in Pakistan, known for its strong emphasis on science and technology. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in various fields, including engineering, computer science, and management. The university is also home to some of the best research centers in Pakistan.

Quaid-i-Azam University

Quaid-i-Azam University is a leading research-based university in Pakistan, known for its strong emphasis on social sciences and humanities. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in various fields, including economics, political science, and history. The university is also home to some of the best research centers in Pakistan.

Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)

LUMS is one of the leading business schools in Pakistan, known for its high-quality education and state-of-the-art facilities. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in various fields, including business, finance, and economics. LUMS is also home to some of the best research centers in Pakistan.

University of Karachi

The University of Karachi is the largest university in Pakistan and one of the most prestigious universities in the country. It offers a wide range of academic programs in various fields, including arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, and law. The university is known for its excellent research facilities and highly qualified faculty members.

These universities are not only the best in Pakistan but also have global recognition, due to their high-quality education, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. They offer a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities, making them an excellent choice for students looking to pursue higher education in Pakistan.

Exploring the rich culinary heritage of Pakistan: From traditional dishes to fusion cuisine

Pakistan is a country with a rich culinary heritage that showcases a diverse blend of flavors and influences. From traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations to fusion cuisine that combines traditional ingredients with modern techniques, there is something for every palate in Pakistan.

Traditional Dishes:

One of the most popular traditional dishes in Pakistan is biryani. This fragrant rice dish is made with a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, and lamb, and is flavored with a mix of spices including saffron, cinnamon, and cloves. It is often served with raita, a yogurt-based condiment, and is a staple at special occasions and festivals.

Another traditional dish that is popular in Pakistan is kebabs. These grilled meats, typically made from beef or lamb, are marinated in a mixture of spices and yogurt and are often served with chutneys or mint sauce. The most famous kebabs in Pakistan are the seekh kebab and the chapli kebab, which are made from ground meat and have distinct flavors and textures.

Vegetarian Options:

For those who prefer a vegetarian option, Pakistan offers a variety of dishes that are made with lentils, vegetables, and legumes. One of the most popular vegetarian dishes is dal makhani, a creamy lentil stew that is flavored with a mix of spices and is often served with rice or naan. Another popular vegetarian dish is aloo gobi, a dish made with potatoes and cauliflower that is cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.

Fusion Cuisine:

In recent years, Pakistan has also seen a rise in fusion cuisine that combines traditional ingredients and flavors with modern cooking techniques. Restaurants in Pakistan are now offering dishes such as tikka pizzas, which feature the flavors of traditional tikka dishes on a pizza crust, and biryani burgers, which combine the flavors of biryani with the classic burger.

Conclusion:

Pakistan’s culinary heritage is diverse and delicious, with a variety of traditional dishes, fusion cuisine, and vegetarian options. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meat dish or a flavorful vegetarian option, Pakistan has something for everyone. The next time you’re in Pakistan, be sure to explore the local cuisine and discover the rich flavors that the country has to offer.

Pakistani population’s distribution as per income, lower, middle, and upper class

Pakistan is a country with a population of over 220 million people. The distribution of the population in terms of income can be divided into three main categories: lower, middle, and upper class.

Lower-Class Percentage in Pakistan

The lower class in Pakistan is made up of individuals who earn less than the national poverty line, which is currently set at around $1.90 per day. This class constitutes around 40% of the population and includes people who work in low-paying jobs such as manual labor, agriculture, and domestic work. They generally have limited access to education, healthcare, and other basic services.

Middle-Class Percentage in Pakistan

The middle class in Pakistan is made up of individuals who earn between the poverty line and the upper-middle class threshold, which is around $5 per day. This class constitutes around 30% of the population and includes people who work in white-collar jobs such as government officials, teachers, and small business owners. They generally have access to basic services such as education and healthcare, but may struggle to afford luxury items or save for retirement.

Upper-Class Percentage in Pakistan

The upper class in Pakistan is made up of individuals who earn more than the upper-middle class threshold. This class constitutes around 30% of the population and includes people who work in high-paying jobs such as corporate executives, doctors, and lawyers. They generally have access to all the services and amenities they need and can afford luxury items and save for retirement.

It’s worth noting that the income distribution in Pakistan is highly skewed, with a large portion of wealth concentrated in the hands of a small percentage of the population. This has led to a widening gap between the rich and the poor, with many lower and middle-class individuals struggling to meet their basic needs.

Overall, the population of Pakistan is distributed among lower, middle, and upper classes with a clear difference in income, access to services, and quality of life. Addressing the issue of income inequality in Pakistan will require a combination of policies aimed at creating jobs, increasing access to education and healthcare, and redistributing wealth. It will be crucial for the government and private sector to work together to create a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

Why Pakistan’s Education System is far behind other countries?

Pakistan’s education system is far behind other countries for a variety of reasons. One major issue is a lack of funding for education. The government of Pakistan allocates a very small portion of its budget to education, which means that schools and universities do not have the resources they need to provide quality education.

Another issue is a shortage of qualified teachers. Many teachers in Pakistan do not have the necessary qualifications to teach, and as a result, students are not receiving a proper education. This is especially true in rural areas, where many teachers are not properly trained.

The curriculum in Pakistan’s schools is also outdated and not in line with the needs of the modern world. Many students are not learning the skills they need to succeed in today’s globalized economy.

Another issue is the lack of emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Pakistan needs to focus more on STEM education in order to keep pace with the rest of the world and to develop a strong economy.

Additionally, there is a lack of infrastructure in many schools and universities, which makes it difficult for students to learn in a safe and comfortable environment. Many schools do not have basic facilities like electricity and running water, and classrooms are often overcrowded.

Lastly, the socio-economic disparity in Pakistan also plays a role in the education system being behind other countries. Many children from low-income families do not have access to education, which exacerbates the socio-economic divide.

All these factors combined contribute to the poor state of education in Pakistan and make it difficult for the country to compete with other nations in terms of education. However, with proper funding, qualified teachers, updated curriculum, emphasis on STEM education and addressing the socio-economic disparities, Pakistan can improve its education system.

Pakistan Seeks US Help for IMF Program Revival

Pakistan has asked for the US help to revive the IMF program to assist soft landing of its economy post devastating floods and economic crisis.

A meeting was held on Wednesday in which Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Finance Minister, requested a US Delegation to convince the multilateral lender in the Washington DC to be a little lenient towards Pakistan.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Treasury, Ropert Kaproth was leading the delegation.

The sources revealed that Dar has communicated to the visitors that Pakistan would fulfil all its international commitments and is also about to take some “very tough decisions.” The decisions will include a rise in the prices of electricity and gas amongst other measures “even beyond the call of IMF” to bring the country’s economy back on the track.

Dar added that Pakistan needs a breathing space after its agriculture and industry has faced the most challenging time post the natural calamities.

While telling about the current challenges Pakistan is facing, the Finance Minister said that in addition to the domestic issues, smuggling of foreign currencies also put a lot of pressure on Rupee.

Dar also said that his government was handed over a weak economy and they are still struggling with it.

“Despite challenging economic conditions, the government is focusing on fixing things in right direction and introducing reforms in all sectors, including energy sector and capital market, to achieve economic growth and development,” it said.

Senior officials from both the countries were present in the meeting.

Data Protection Bill 2021 Will Strengthen IT & Digital Economy Says Qamar

Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Commerce and Investment, said that promotion of data science and IT are very important to combat future challenges. He also said that Data Protection Bill 2021 will strengthen the IT and Digital economy of Pakistan.

Qamar was addressing to a conference “Accelerating Silicon Valley Technology Investment in Pakistan” organized by USAID where he assured his support to the business community and promised to facilitate trade and investment in the digital ecosystem.

The Minister further said that it is very crucial to invest in the IT sector of Pakistan to meet the country’s goals. According to him, the government is working on a strategy to increase Pakistan’s IT exports. He added that an incubation center and boot camp will be set up to utilize our digital manpower in the best possible way.

Qamar also said that the government encourages stakeholders to increase their investments in the IT sector. The government will also play its role by creating a suitable environment and providing fundings wherever needed.

Existing IT Policies Are a Hinderance in Attracting Foreign Investment

IT is one of the leading sectors of Pakistan in terms of revenue and is included in the top 5 export earning sectors. The IT moguls and leaders have requested the government to revisit policies as the existing ones are hurting foreign investment in the country.

The businessmen urged the government to take immediate action as the IT sector has a lot of potential and can help maintain a good balance in the international payment crisis.

SAP Pakistan Country Managing Director, Mr. Saquib Ahmad, said, “IT is still one of the top five export-earning sectors in Pakistan at present.”

Arif Habib Limited states that Pakistan’s IT export was recorded $1.33 billion in the first half of the financial year 2023, which shows an increase of 2% compared to the last year in the same period.

Ahmad was addressing at ‘Digital Transformation and Cloud Migration’ where he said, “IT exports hold high potential for notable growth going forward, but the existing policies remain a hindrance.”

The sources reveal that the government is not allowing IT firms to repatriate profits to their foreign head offices due to decrease in foreign exchange reserves.

“This is hurting foreign investors and blocking the flow of new foreign direct investment (FDIs) into the country,” added Ahmad.

It is speculated that the overall repatriated amount by all foreign firms is nearly $1 billion.

“Change management (mindset) is the biggest hurdle for digital transformation across the world, including Pakistan. Employees feel insecure about their jobs and, hence, are reluctant towards digital change,” said Ahmad.

He further added, “To address the issue, SAP is offering free-of-cost training programmes to students at schools and universities in Pakistan with effect from January 1, 2023.”

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You Won’t Believe What Coca-Cola is Launching Next

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