Get a Free Year of YouTube Music Premium by Giving Feedback on Discord’s New “Listening Room” Program

YouTube Music, the music streaming platform owned by Google, is launching a new program called “Listening Room” on the online communication platform Discord. The program will involve a group of selected users who will give regular feedback on specific features to the YouTube Music product team.

Participants in the program will receive a free year of YouTube Music Premium. To be considered for the program, users must be passionate about music, use YouTube Music as their primary streaming service, provide feedback through conversations and polls on Discord, and agree not to share any information, such as screenshots or recordings, outside of the Discord group.

Additionally, YouTube Music may soon allow users to create custom radio stations. Some users are already seeing the option to “Create a radio” in the main feed as part of a limited rollout. A setup process similar to YouTube Music’s initial setup will be provided to “tune your music”. This feature will allow users to customize their music based on familiarity, genre, mood, energy level and more, directly from the Now Playing screen.

World Bank Delays $1.1 Billion Loans to Pakistan, Opposes Flood Levy

The World Bank has dealt a major blow to Pakistan by delaying the approval of two loans worth $1.1 billion until the next fiscal year, according to a media report. The Washington-based lender has also opposed the imposition of a flood levy on imports, creating a new hole in an already ambitious $32 billion annual financing plan.

The decision to withhold approval of the second Resilient Institutions for Sustainable Economy (RISE-II) loan worth $450 million and the second Programme for Affordable Energy (PACE-II) worth $600 million will be a major setback for the government.

The indicative date for the World Bank’s Board discussion of the RISE-II project is the fiscal year 2024, which will start on July 1, 2023, and end on June 30, 2024, a spokesperson said. The Bank’s documents also showed that the PACE-II loan might be approved in the next fiscal year.

The government had hoped to receive approval for at least the $450 million loan in January, which would have unlocked another $450 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) which had pegged a $450 million loan with the approval of the World Bank’s RISE-II.

The coalition government was already struggling to revive the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. The World Bank’s latest decision, however, has created a hole of $1.5 billion against the government’s annual financing plan.

The World Bank’s opposition to the flood levy on imports is also a significant setback for the government. The lender sees the imposition of further taxes on imports as a bad policy choice that is discriminatory, distortive, and leads to a reduction in the production capacity of the country.

As an alternative, the government has options like the withdrawal of custom duty exemptions that have been made available to certain groups, which are protected under the 5th schedule of the Customs Act.

Also, see:

With Pakistan’s runner-up finish at the T20 World Cup 2022, the PCB will receive $800,000 (PKR 17.75 Crore)

Punjab Implements Advanced Security Measures to Curb Car Registration and Token Tax Fraud

Punjab, a province in Pakistan, is taking steps to curb car registration and token tax fraud with the implementation of advanced security measures.

The new system, which is set to roll out in the coming weeks, will use a combination of biometric data, vehicle identification numbers (VINs), and other identifying information to ensure that cars are properly registered and that token taxes are paid.

One of the key features of the new system is the use of biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, to verify the identity of car owners and ensure that they are the rightful registered owners of the vehicle. This will help to prevent fraud and ensure that only legitimate car owners are able to register their vehicles and pay token taxes.

In addition to biometric data, the new system will also use VINs to ensure that cars are properly registered and to track the history of a vehicle. This will make it more difficult for fraudsters to register stolen vehicles or vehicles that have been tampered with.

The implementation of these advanced security measures is a welcome development for law-abiding citizens in Punjab, as it will help to improve road safety and reduce the number of unregistered and uninsured vehicles on the road. It will also help to increase government revenues by ensuring that token taxes are paid on all registered vehicles.

Overall, the implementation of these advanced security measures is a positive step towards curbing car registration and token tax fraud in Punjab. It will not only benefit citizens, but also the government by increasing revenue and ensuring that only legitimate car owners are able to register their vehicles and pay token taxes.

Pakistan’s University Students to Benefit from Revamped Laptop Scheme

The Federal Government of Pakistan recently announced its decision to relaunch the laptop scheme for university students with a budget of Rs 10 billion. The announcement was made by the Minister of Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, during a ceremony in Islamabad. The scheme aims to provide laptops to 100,000 students to uplift the technology sector in the country.

Laptop Leasing Program:

To ensure that every university student has access to an affordable laptop, the National Bank of Pakistan has been asked to develop a laptop leasing program. This move will not only make laptops more accessible for students but also help in promoting education and technology in the country.

Young Population’s Potential:

With a majority of the population being in the age bracket of 15-29, Pakistan has the potential to turn Information Technology into one of its competitive advantages. The youth of Pakistan has shown immense interest and growth in the IT field in the last few years, and the local industry has seen an ever-increasing growth as well.

Previous Announcement:

In December 2022, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs announced the government’s decision to restore the Prime Minister Laptop Scheme and other programs under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP).

Distribution Details:

As per the announcement, 100,000 laptops will be distributed among deserving students this year under the Prime Minister Laptop Scheme. The scheme aims to provide equal opportunities to all students, with a 50% share for women and accommodation for transgender students. The scheme will be launched soon by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Skills Development Program:

Along with the laptop scheme, the government also plans to provide training to over 100,000 youth in different fields, with a special focus on IT. The Skills Development Program aims to equip young individuals with the necessary skills to excel in their field of study and career.

Conclusion:

The Federal Government’s decision to revamp the laptop scheme for university students with a budget of Rs 10 billion is a step towards promoting education and technology in the country. The laptop leasing program and the Skills Development Program will provide students with the tools and skills they need to excel in their studies and future careers.

The government’s efforts to revive various youth programs is a positive step towards the development of Pakistan’s human capital and economic growth. This move will not only enhance the education level but also bring a change in the economy as well.

Also, see:

World Bank explains reason for delay in releasing $1.1 billion loan to Pakistan

Textile Exports Drop 16 Percent in December

Pakistan’s economy is in a turmoil for the last few months and almost every sector seems to be a victim of it. The recent data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has revealed that in December, the textile exports fell 16.47% compared to the same month last year. The exports stood at $1.35 billion in December 2022 while it was $1.62 billion in the last year.

Pakistan’s exports have been down for the last four months hinting that the government may find it difficult to achieve their fiscal targets.

It is said that there are several reasons responsible for the dip in clothing and textile including circular debts, increased energy costs, and the rupee depreciation. However, according to exporters, instability of exchange rate is the biggest contributor behind this fall.

The readymade garments showed 7.92% negative growth but increased by 50.5% in quantity in December. Similarly, knitwear fell to 19.54% but increased 24% in quantity. Towel exports also fell by 14.05% in value and cotton cloth was dropped to 13.97% in the same duration.

The commerce ministry has not yet issued any official statement explaining the reasons for the dip.

Simple tips and tricks to enhance your natural beauty

Naturally tinted cheeks, grown-up lashes, a well-toned body, even-toned skin – isn’t this what we all desire? Since makeup palettes are proven to damage your skin, you should be more focused on what you were born with. Instead, you should opt for natural mediums to escalate your looks. There are several ways you can try to feel confident about yourself with what you already have.

Nevertheless, enhancing natural beauty might not be everyone’s art, which is why you should keep reading this article to end to find out the ways to bloom your natural looks.

Ways to enhance natural beauty

Ditch nicotine and alcohol:

Consuming alcohol and nicotine is hazardous for your mental health and has adverse effects on your physique. The harmful substances in cigarettes and wine are prone to dry your skin. It can also make your eyes red and puffy. You do not want that. Right? If you cannot quit smoking or alcohol straightaway, you may consider limiting your consumption.

Exfoliate once a week:

Beauty experts recommend exfoliating at least once a week since your skin exposures sunlight and dust outside. It can make your skin look dull and flakey. Hence, you need to scrub them off. Exfoliating all the dead skin produces new cells and regulates blood flow, thus making your skin smoother and shinier.

Drink Water:

As recommended by the experts, drinking at least eight glasses of water a day is directly proportional to your mental and physical health. It will allow you to excrete the toxins out of your body and stay hydrated, therefore increasing your skin’s elasticity. A study shows that people who drink more water are less likely to suffer from scars, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing, as compared to those who drink less water.

Eating healthy:

Unhealthy food items such as chips, fried items, and similar junk foods increase the risk of acne. Research shows that refined carbohydrates and fats often trigger human skin. Although less frequently consuming these items won’t have a substantial impact on your skin, eating more often can wreak havoc on your complexion.

In contrast, developing healthy eating habits, such as adding fruits and vegetables to the diet, is essential for intrinsically beautiful skin. Healthy foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats, which add an extra glow to your skin, providing inner sustenance for that diva look.

Stay active:

Apart from sipping plenty of water and maintaining healthy eating habits, you should also be active for at least 30 minutes a day. Brisk walking and exercising will not only lead to a well-balanced body but also have buoyant outcomes on your skin. A blush-on will only give you rosy cheeks, but a daily dose of exercise can help in giving you the natural glow you have always craved for.

Moisturizing:

Apart from scrubbing, you should focus on moisturizing your skin thoroughly for a gentle touch instead of dry skin. Flare-free skin has always been the goal for many. Moisturizing is a one-stop-shop for all who are looking to treat acne, give a soft touch, get rid of dullness and dryness, soothe sensitive skin, and even slow the signs of ageing. Not only this but using a daily moisturizer ensures that your skin’s blemishes are concealed.

Alongside moisturizing your skin, you may also need to focus on what you need to cope with while exposing yourself to daylight. The sun is the primary contributor to damage to your skin. Hence, sunscreen can be the best option to get rid of lifeless skin trauma.

Be a sleeping beauty:

Just eating right and consuming a lot of water won’t help alone, but you also have to take that sleeping beauty sleep. You might not consider sleeping to be an essential part of your beauty routine, but guess what? A night of proper sleep helps in maintaining healthy skin and eyes. Those who do not get at least eight hours of sleep a day visibly look tired with puffy eyes and dark circles. You are not looking to develop ones.

Your hair needs protein:

How your hair looks incorporates increasing or decreasing your natural beauty. Make sure you are doing your hair right. Keratin, a protein treatment, is a structural and fundamental component of your hair. Consuming protein-rich foods, such as fish, eggs, lean meat, and lentils, might help in getting relevant nutrients to keep your hair healthier, stronger, and shinier.

Shape up your eyebrows:

There are not enough ready-made features sometimes; you need to enhance them to enrich the femme fatale. A few features, such as maintained eyebrows, can directly contribute to your looks. While grown-up and bushy brows compel off the attraction, the right brow shape can frame up your face. You probably don’t want to go over pluck or tint too dark.

Make sure you are opting for the right and most-suited shape according to your face. Alongside working on browns, curling the lashes might be a good idea to add an extra spark to your natural beauty.

Look after your teeth:

Dental care is as much essential as taking care of your skin to add an extra pinch of effort to enhancing natural beauty. With a lovely face and sharpened features, you do not want to show chipped or broken teeth. Ensure that you are brushing your teeth twice a day, as recommended, with fluoride toothpaste.

Also, it is advised to use floss and a mouth away to keep the foul odour away, which might have a terrible effect on your self-esteem. Do not forget to clean your tongue and remember that monthly visits to the dentist may help you examine if anything needs to be focused on for improvement.

Final Verdict:

We all anticipate glowing and bright skin despite spending extra hours outdoors in the sunshine and coming across other environmental factors damaging our skin. But eating right, drinking plenty of water, maintaining good sleep, and taking care of your skin might let you witness that glass skin with the gentle touch you have always wanted.

Zameen.com Holds Another Successful PSE in Lahore, Pulls Large Crowd

Zameen.com recently organized another successful Property Sales Event (PSE) in Lahore. More than 45 investment projects were also presented at the event, including Gulberg City Center, 102 by Icon, Beach Resort by Icon, and Jinnah Square Residential Apartments.

The marketing campaign launch of Gulberg City Center was also organized. CEO Gulberg City Center Islam Khan took special part in the marketing campaign launch event.

It is pertinent to mention that all projects on display are exclusively marketed and sold by Zameen.com.

Moreover, to make the event even more lucrative, special deals and discounts were offered for on-spot bookings.

Zameen.com’s high-ranking officials were present for this grand one-day property affair, including Senior Director Sales (Lahore) Chaudhry Laeeque Iftikhar, Directors Project Sales Basil Hafeez and Ali Rehan, along with other relevant stakeholders.

On the occasion, Zameen.com Senior Director Sales (Lahore) Chaudhry Laeeque Iftikhar stated that the main objective of property sales events is to provide the public with all the guidance related to buying and selling property under one roof.

He added that Zameen.com had introduced innovative property trends in Pakistan’s real estate market, which had resulted in the overall progress of the sector.

World Bank explains reason for delay in releasing $1.1 billion loan to Pakistan

The World Bank recently announced a delay in the release of a $1.1 billion loan to Pakistan. The loan, which was intended to support economic reforms and development projects in the country, has been put on hold due to a number of issues that have arisen. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the reasons for the delay and what it means for Pakistan’s economy.

One of the main reasons for the delay is a lack of progress on economic reforms. The World Bank has stipulated that the loan will only be released once certain reforms are implemented, such as measures to increase transparency and accountability in government spending. Pakistan’s government has been slow to implement these reforms, which has led to the delay in the loan release.

Another issue that has contributed to the delay is the ongoing political instability in the country. Pakistan has been plagued by political turmoil in recent years, with frequent changes in government and a lack of stability. This has made it difficult for the World Bank to work with the government and implement the necessary reforms.

The delay in the loan release has also been attributed to concerns over the country’s debt levels. Pakistan’s government has been struggling with a large amount of debt, and the World Bank has expressed concerns that the loan may not be used effectively to address the country’s economic problems.

The delay in the loan release has caused concern among many in Pakistan, as the country’s economy is already facing a number of challenges. Many are worried that the delay will further slow down economic growth and make it more difficult for the government to address the country’s problems.

Despite the delay, the World Bank has emphasized that it remains committed to supporting Pakistan’s economic development. The bank has stated that it will continue to work with the government to address the issues that have led to the delay and to ensure that the loan is used effectively to support economic growth.

In conclusion, the delay in the release of the $1.1 billion loan from the World Bank to Pakistan is due to a lack of progress on economic reforms, ongoing political instability, and concerns over the country’s debt levels. While the delay has caused concern among many, the World Bank has emphasized that it remains committed to supporting Pakistan’s economic development. The bank will continue to work with the government to address the issues that have led to the delay and to ensure that the loan is used effectively to support economic growth.

World Bank Delays $1.1 Billion Loan Approval Due to Tariff Revision and Energy Sector Circular Debts

According to a source in the finance ministry, the World Bank has delayed the approval of $1.1. bn loan to Pakistan until the next financial year due to tariff revision and circular debts in the energy sector.

The source has told Reuters that the loan has been pending since June. They said, “The major issue is the circular debt management plan in the energy sector and tariff revision.” They further added, “These actions are pending on our side.”

The finance ministry and World Bank have not yet officially responded to the news.

Pakistan’s new fiscal year begins in April. The current foreign reserves are declining very fast and have fallen to $4.3 bn. Pakistan has also suffered huge losses in the recent devastating floods and is facing an economic crisis.

Saudi Arabia Seeking “More Creative Ways” to Provide Support to Pakistan

Mohammad Al-Jadaan, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, said that his country is discussing “more creative ways” to provide support to Pakistan. He added that we are talking to the World Bank and others in this regard. The Foreign Minister also said that Saudi Arabia is revisiting the ways it used to provide assistance to its allies in the past. Now we no longer intend to give direct grants and unconditional deposits.

Mohammad Al-Jadaan said while speaking at the World Economic Forum, “We used to give direct grants and deposits without strings attached and we are changing that. We are working with multilateral institutions to actually say we need to see reforms.”

He added, “We are taxing our people, we are expecting also others to do the same, to do their efforts. We want to help but we want you also to do your part.”

It is also anticipated that Saudi Arabia may increase its investments from $1 Billion to $10 Billion, as reported in August 2022.

Al-Jadaan said, “We are providing even oil and derivatives to support their energy needs. So, there is a lot of efforts, but we wanted this to be conducted.”

In an interview given to the Bloomberg TV, Al-Jadaan said that his country may consider trading in other currencies other than Dollar. He said, “There are no issues with discussing how we settle our trade arrangements, whether it is in the US dollar, whether it is the euro, whether it is the Saudi riyal.”

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest oil exporters in the world and wants to strengthen its ties with the rest of the world to improve trade.

Business Community to Boycott Elections If Charter of Economy Not Signed

At the International Chambers Summit 2023, the 54 business bodies from Pakistan’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry agreed to boycott the upcoming general elections if charter is not signed by all concerned political parties. The summit was organized by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry where the business community also conveyed their concerns to the President Arif Alvi.

They said, “Right now, the country needs a charter of economy more than ever. If all the political parties do not sign a charter of economy before the elections, the business community, which is also an economic party, is going to boycott the general elections.”

President Alvi replied, “We are going through hard times and all stakeholders, including the general public, business community and all segments of society, should play a positive role so that together we can come out of this time of difficulty.”

He further added, “The businesspeople of the country must set goals and directions in order to achieve the financial objectives of enterprises for economic prosperity, in addition to playing their respective roles in ensuring that these businesses dispense their responsibilities towards society.”

Pakistan’s economy is in a grave condition right now and immediate measures need to be taken in order to keep the businesses running.

Getty Images announces legal action against AI Image Generator

Stock image agency Getty Images has announced it is taking legal action against the developers of an artificial intelligence (AI) image-creation tool. The company claims that Stability AI’s Stable Diffusion system has infringed on the rights of photographers and illustrators represented by Getty Images.

The system uses AI to create images based on simple text instructions, learning by analyzing human-made pictures found online. Many artists and photographers have complained that these AI generators use their work without permission. Some find the technology a valuable tool for creative expression, while others worry that it can convincingly imitate their style and produce images in seconds.

Getty Images is alleging that Stability AI unlawfully copied and processed millions of images protected by copyright, and ignored viable licensing options and legal protections. CEO Craig Peters said that Stability AI’s use of Getty Images’ work was not “supported by the law, and we believe content owners should have a say in how their work is used.” Stability AI’s founder, Emad Mostaque, has previously stated that Stable Diffusion is trained using a compressed file of “100,000GB of images” scraped from the internet, and has said he is working on tools to enable artists and creators to opt out.

This legal action follows a class-action lawsuit against Stability AI, and two other defendants, in California, where three artists are alleging that Stable Diffusion is “merely a complex collage tool”, trained using “countless copyrighted images” and they are trying to protect artists from “this blatant and enormous infringement of their rights, before their professions are eliminated by a computer program powered entirely by their hard work.”

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IMF calls for increase in electricity and gas prices to revive Pakistan’s IMF program

Google Clock now allows Recording Alarm and Timer sounds on Pixel Devices

Google has added a new feature to its Clock application on Pixel devices, allowing users to record their own alarm and timer sounds. Previously, users had to copy files over using a file manager application and then add them to the alarm sound settings. However, with the new update, users can now record sounds directly within the Clock application.

It seems that this feature is currently limited to Pixel devices, as it utilizes the Pixel-exclusive Recorder application. Additionally, Google Clock also includes a “Bedtime” feature which was introduced in June 2020, which allows users to assign routines, track their bedtime activity and even use sunset alarms to brighten a room before waking up. There is also a “Sleep” sound option that plays soft waves, space whooshes and relaxing sounds before users doze off.

In conclusion, Google’s new feature on its Clock application for Pixel devices allows users to record their own alarm and timer sounds directly within the app, eliminating the need to use a file manager application. This feature is currently limited to Pixel devices and utilizes the Pixel-exclusive Recorder application.

The Clock application also includes a variety of other features such as the “Bedtime” feature, which allows users to assign routines, track their bedtime activity and use sunset alarms. This new feature adds more convenience and customization options for Pixel users.

IMF calls for increase in electricity and gas prices to revive Pakistan’s IMF program

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently called for an increase in electricity and gas prices in Pakistan to revive the country’s IMF program. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, as increasing energy prices is likely to have a significant impact on the everyday lives of citizens, especially for those living in poverty.

The IMF program is designed to help countries in financial distress by providing them with loans and technical assistance. However, in order to qualify for these loans, the country must implement certain economic and financial reforms. In the case of Pakistan, one of the key reforms that the IMF is calling for is the increase in energy prices. The IMF argues that increasing energy prices will help to reduce the country’s budget deficit and improve the sustainability of its public finances.

While there may be some economic benefits to increasing energy prices, it is important to consider the social and political implications as well. The reality is that energy prices have a direct impact on the cost of living for citizens. An increase in electricity and gas prices is likely to lead to higher prices for goods and services, which will make it more difficult for people to make ends meet. This is particularly concerning for low-income households and those living in poverty, who will be disproportionately affected by the price increase.

The government of Pakistan must take into account the potential social and political consequences of increasing energy prices and consider alternative options to reduce the budget deficit and improve public finances. It is important to find a balance between addressing economic issues and protecting the welfare of citizens.

In conclusion, the IMF’s call for an increase in electricity and gas prices in Pakistan is a complex issue that must be carefully considered. While increasing energy prices may have some economic benefits, it is important to also consider the social and political implications and ensure that the welfare of citizens is protected. The government of Pakistan must explore alternative options and find a balance between addressing economic issues and protecting the welfare of its citizens.

Revolutionary AI Tool Deciphers Animal Languages, Unveils New Conservation Efforts

Scientists are developing a groundbreaking technology that could decipher animal languages and expand human conservation efforts. Known as the “Dr Doolittle device,” this AI tool aims to understand and decode animal communication, allowing us to form a closer bond with our furry friends and better understand the animal kingdom as a whole.

The Earth Species Project (ESP), a California-based organization, is at the forefront of this technology, using AI to learn and understand the signals and signs that animals use to communicate. According to ESP CEO Katie Zacarian, we are nearing a point where we can interact with other species in a new way.

Over the years, researchers have learned more about animal behavior and emotions, such as the fact that animals can laugh just like humans. However, there is still much to discover about animal body language and emotions. With the help of AI, we may be able to unlock the secrets of animal communication and better understand their behavior.

The possibilities of this technology are endless. From improving conservation efforts to better understanding our pets, the “Dr Doolittle device” has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with animals. Researchers working with organizations like ESP are dedicated to compiling information on animal communication and using AI systems to understand animal languages.

Also, see:

New Machine Readable Passports in Pakistan: Fees and Details Released

Islamabad’s Largest Park Now Features a Cycling Track

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is known for its natural beauty and scenic views. The city is home to many parks and recreational areas, but none compare to the size and grandeur of Fatima Jinnah Park. Recently, the park has undergone a major renovation and now features a state-of-the-art cycling track.

Fatima Jinnah Park, also known as F-9 Park, is the largest park in Islamabad. Spanning over 800 acres, the park has something for everyone. From playgrounds and picnic areas to hiking trails and lakes, the park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, peacocks, and a wide range of bird species.

The recent addition of the cycling track has made the park even more attractive to visitors. The track is a 2.5 km long and is suitable for both beginner and experienced cyclists. The track is made of asphalt and is well-maintained, providing a smooth and safe ride for all. The track is also surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it an ideal place to enjoy a leisurely ride.

The cycling track is open to the public and is free of charge. The park also provides bicycles for rent, making it easy for anyone to enjoy the track. The park also has a bike repair shop where visitors can get their bikes fixed or serviced. The park also has a bike rental station where visitors can rent a bike for a small fee.

In addition to the cycling track, the park also features a variety of other amenities to make your visit more enjoyable. There are several food vendors that sell refreshments and snacks, as well as several restrooms and changing rooms. The park also has a large parking lot for visitors who drive to the park.

The addition of the cycling track to Fatima Jinnah Park is a major step forward for the city of Islamabad. The track provides a healthy and fun activity for residents and visitors, and it helps promote a healthier lifestyle. The park is now an even more attractive destination for people of all ages and interests. The park is now an ideal place for family and friends to spend quality time together while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Overall, Fatima Jinnah Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who is looking for a fun and relaxing day out. The park’s new cycling track is a great addition, and it makes the park even more enjoyable for visitors. Whether you are a cycling enthusiast or just looking for a place to spend a nice day out, Fatima Jinnah Park is the perfect place for you. So, pack a picnic, grab your bike and head to Fatima Jinnah Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery and all the amenities the park has to offer.

New Machine Readable Passports in Pakistan: Fees and Details Released

The Pakistani government has recently announced the cost schedule for obtaining the new Machine Readable Passports (MRPs). The pricing plan for diplomatic, official, and regular citizens has been released. Regular citizens will be able to obtain MRPs when their current passport expires. Initially, MRPs will only be issued in Islamabad, with the schedule for the service’s introduction in other cities to be announced later.

Individuals can pay the fees through the Pakistan Passport e-Payment Service portal, utilizing the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), a mobile app, MobiCash, or EasyPaisa. The cost for regular registration is broken down by passport validity and number of pages. For a 36-page passport valid for 5 years, the fee is Rs. 3,000. The fee increases to Rs. 5,500 for a 72-page passport and Rs. 6,000 for a 100-page passport. For a 10-year validity, the fees are Rs. 4,500 for 36 pages, Rs. 8,250 for 72 pages, and Rs. 9,000 for 100 pages.

For expedited registration, the fees are higher. A 36-page passport valid for 5 years has a fee of Rs. 5,000, while a 72-page passport has a fee of Rs. 9,000 and a 100-page passport has a fee of Rs. 12,000. For a 10-year validity, the fees are Rs. 7,500 for 36 pages, Rs. 13,500 for 72 pages, and Rs. 18,000 for 100 pages.

The highest fee category is for fast-track registration. For a 36-page passport valid for 5 years, the fee is Rs. 10,000, while a 72-page passport has a fee of Rs. 14,000 and a 100-page passport has a fee of Rs. 17,000. For a 10-year validity, the fees are Rs. 12,500 for 36 pages, Rs. 18,500 for 72 pages, and Rs. 23,000 for 100 pages.

It’s important to keep in mind that these fees are subject to change and citizens should always check the official government website for updates before submitting payment. Additionally, there may be additional charges or fees that apply to specific situations.

The introduction of MRPs is a significant step in modernizing the passport system in Pakistan and ensuring the security and authenticity of passport holders. While the costs for obtaining an MRP may be higher than traditional passports, the added security and convenience of the new system may ultimately be worth the extra expense for many citizens. Overall, it’s a positive move towards digitization and making the process of obtaining a passport more efficient.

Pakistan’s Manpower Exports Reach 7-Year High in 2022

In 2022, Pakistan’s manpower exports reached a 7-year peak. This is a significant achievement for the country, as it demonstrates the strength of its workforce and the demand for Pakistani workers abroad.

The main drivers of this increase in exports are the construction, manufacturing, and service sectors. These industries have been in high demand in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, where there is a large demand for skilled and unskilled labor. The construction industry, in particular, has seen a significant increase in demand for Pakistani workers, as countries in the Gulf region are investing heavily in infrastructure projects.

In addition to the construction, manufacturing, and service sectors, the healthcare industry has also been a major contributor to the increase in manpower exports. There is a growing demand for Pakistani doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

The increase in manpower exports has also had a positive impact on the Pakistani economy. It has created jobs and increased income for workers, and has also helped to reduce the country’s trade deficit.

However, it is important to note that while the increase in manpower exports is a positive development, it also brings with it a number of challenges. One major challenge is the protection of the rights of Pakistani workers abroad. Many of these workers are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse by employers, and it is important that the government takes steps to protect their rights.

In conclusion, Pakistan’s manpower exports reaching a 7-year peak in 2022 is a positive development for the country. It demonstrates the strength of the country’s workforce and the demand for Pakistani workers abroad. However, it is important for the government to address the challenges that come with this increase in exports, such as protecting the rights of workers abroad.

First Consignment of High-Capacity Flat Wagons Arrives in Pakistan from China

Pakistan Railways (PR) is set to receive its first consignment of entirely built units (CBUs) of 70 high-capacity flat wagons from China on Monday, January 24th. The shipment, which was dispatched on December 25th by the Chinese firm, will reach Karachi port on Monday. These flat wagons will be used for the transportation of various goods to various parts of the country from Lahore, Karachi, and other major stations.

According to the contract, the Chinese firm is responsible for manufacturing 200 CBUs, including 70 flat, 70 open-top, and 40 covered wagons, as well as 20 brake vans. The PR is procuring 800 high-capacity wagons and 20 brake vans in total. A letter of credit was opened in March last year.

The contract stipulates that 600 wagons will be manufactured in Pakistan at various carriage factories of Pakistan Railways in association with the Chinese engineer. The arrival of 46 modern high-speed coaches from China on November 27th, 2022, paved the way for the provision of state-of-the-art travelling facilities for the masses. Arrangements have also been made to start manufacturing 184 similar coaches (passenger, luggage, and brake vans) under the technology-transfer component of the 230 coaches’ purchase contract.

Since the test run of these coaches has recently been completed, the PR has started using them in various express trains on the main-line reportedly. Modern train coaches and wagons can run at speeds of 160km and 80km per hour. In November 2021, the federal government signed an agreement with China Railway Construction Corporation Tangshan Locomotive and Rolling Stock Company for the supply of 230 high-speed coaches for PR.

Another contract was also signed with another company to provide 820 wagons, said an official source in the PR. A spokesman for the department says that the remaining 130 CBUs of wagons would be received by the end of March this year.

The manufacturing of the 620 wagons under the technology transfer component of the contract will help Pakistan save its foreign reserves. The new wagons would earn a revenue of Rs1.5 billion per annum. The new wagons can run at a speed of 80km and 100km per hour with 60-tonne and 70-tonne loads, respectively.

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