Hajj 2027: New Payment System Finalized for Pilgrims
ISLAMABAD: The procedure for receiving Hajj 2027 applications and collecting pilgrimage expenses has been finalized, with applications under the government scheme expected to open in the third week of August, according to sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Under the finalized mechanism, pilgrims will be able to pay their
Over 140,000 Undocumented Afghans Sent Back to Afghanistan
LAHORE: The repatriation drive against undocumented Afghan nationals continues across Punjab, with more than 140,000 Afghan citizens sent back to Afghanistan so far, according to the Punjab Home Department. The department’s Foreign National Security Cell has been conducting operations against undocumented foreign nationals in different parts of the province, including
US Think Tank Exposes Corruption Scandal Under Afghan Taliban Rule
KABUL: A new report by the Jamestown Foundation has raised questions about how the Taliban government is managing Afghanistan’s large mineral resources. The report alleges that the mining sector is being used to earn money, increase political control and benefit people close to the Taliban. The analysis by the US-based
Pakistan Hockey Team Departs for World Cup
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national hockey team has left for Netherlands and Belgium, where the Green Shirts will begin their long-awaited campaign at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The World Cup is scheduled to take place from August 15 to 30, with matches being played across venues in the Netherlands and
15 Militants Killed, Arms Cache Recovered in Balochistan
QUETTA: At least 15 Khawarij were killed in a series of intelligence-based operations in Balochistan under the ongoing Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad 3, security sources said on Sunday. According to the sources, security forces conducted multiple operations against militants in Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Nushki. The operations resulted
Pakistan Could Be Bangladesh’s Next Medical Tourism Choice — Here’s Why
ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh is looking to Pakistan as an alternative healthcare destination to India for some of its nearly 800,000 patients who travel abroad each year and spend more than $6 billion on medical treatment, officials revealed. Dhaka is seeking easier visas, better air connectivity and access to Pakistani hospitals as
AJK IGP Exposes ‘Malicious Agenda’ of Banned JAAC
MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir Inspector General of Police Captain (retd) Liaquat Ali Malik has accused the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of trying to create unrest in the region and spreading what he described as anti-state propaganda. Speaking at a ceremony in Muzaffarabad on ‘Police Martyrs’ Day’, the
JI Welcomes Makkah Defence Pact, Calls for Iran to Join
PESHAWAR: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Amir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman on Sunday welcomed the defence agreement reached in Makkah, termed it a positive development and expressed hope that Iran and other Muslim countries also join the pact. Addressing a press conference at Al-Markazi Islami, he said greater cooperation among Muslim countries was needed
AJK Elections: Final Phase Tomorrow
MUZAFFARABAD: Amid tight security arrangements, polling in the third and final phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections will be held (tomorrow) August 10 at four constituencies in Bagh and Haveli districts. The election campaign for the final phase ended on Saturday late, with 72 candidates, including those representing
State bank introduces new settlement rules for premium prize bond sales
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced a new mechanism for the sale of Premium Prize Bonds and issued important instructions to commercial banks regarding the settlement and reporting of transactions. Under the new system, commercial banks have been directed to settle the proceeds from Premium Prize Bond sales
