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Karachi: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has completed the e-balloting process for Hajj 2025, announcing the names of two successful employees and three alternates.

According to the Pakistan Airports Authority, the Hajj e-balloting ceremony was held at PAA Headquarters in Karachi, with the participation of Director General Zeeshan Saeed and members of the management committee. After the draw, the Director of Human Resources announced the names of the successful candidates.

Islamabad: Federal Minister and Chairman of IPP, Abdul Aleem Khan, has decided to resign from two out of three ministries. He will step down from the Privatization and Investment Board and retain only the Ministry of Communications.

According to sources, Abdul Aleem Khan made this decision to focus entirely on one ministry. He has informed the Prime Minister about his decision.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the country's economy is on the right track, with a significant reduction in interest rates and inflation. He emphasized that the development of agriculture and industry is a top priority for the government. He also mentioned that if investment is made in the country, foreign investors will also be attracted.

A delegation of prominent business figures met with the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister's House, where the business community expressed confidence in the government's policies and praised the government for providing a conducive environment for investment.

"The Business Community is Our Valuable Asset"

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the business figures and said that an honest and dedicated business community is the country's most valuable asset. He highlighted that even in difficult times, the business sector invested in the country’s industrial and economic development, which helped drive the economy and provided jobs to the people.

"The Investment Journey Starts with Local Investors"

The Prime Minister added that the government is working to promote business activities and create a better environment for investment in the country. He mentioned that the investment journey always starts with local investors, and if investment is made locally, foreign investors will also be attracted.

"Rice Exports Have Reached 4 Billion Dollars"

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that agriculture and industrial development are key government goals, and that rice exports have reached 4 billion dollars. He also pointed out that China had provided a free lab grant, which was wasted in Karachi, and stressed that those responsible for this destruction should be held accountable.

"Sector-Wise Meetings Twice a Week"

The Prime Minister announced that sector-wise meetings will be held twice a week starting next week, where both business leaders and government members will participate, and only decisions will be made—there will be no casual discussions.

PTI Leadership Appears Before JIT Over Allegations of Anti-State Propaganda on Social Media

Islamabad: PTI leaders, accused of anti-state social media posts, appeared before the Joint Investigation Team (JIT).

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar stated, "We respect all institutions and do not want any rift with any institution."

Barrister Gohar further mentioned that the questions raised by the JIT will be discussed on the party platform, and regarding social media-related questions, they will also be discussed with the founder of PTI.

It is noteworthy that the central leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its social media team appeared before the JIT in relation to allegations of anti-state propaganda on social media.

System for Transparent Distribution of Ramadan Package to Beneficiaries to be Foolproof

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has stated that she will not tolerate complaints regarding the quality of food items in the Ramadan package.

Maryam Nawaz directed that the quality of food items, including flour, ghee, sugar, and others, be ensured at the highest level, emphasizing that no complaints will be tolerated regarding their quality.

Karachi: The Federal Anti-Corruption Court has acquitted former Prime Minister and Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani in all three cases related to the TDAP (Trade Development Authority of Pakistan) scandal, delivering the verdict after 16 years.

The hearing of the alleged corruption case in TDAP was held in the Federal Anti-Corruption Court in Karachi, where Yousaf Raza Gillani appeared. His lawyer, Farooq H. Naek, completed his arguments, after which the court delivered the verdict, acquitting him of all charges.

Yousaf Raza Gillani was accused of allegedly supporting other accused individuals in the freight subsidy, causing a loss of over 6 billion rupees to the national exchequer during his tenure as Prime Minister. However, the court declared him innocent.

"There’s no benefit in making false cases" – Lawyer Farooq H. Naek

Speaking to the media after the verdict, Farooq H. Naek stated that in the FIR registered in 2009, Yousaf Raza Gillani was accused of taking a 5 million rupee bribe through his PS (personal secretary), but this allegation led to the filing of 26 cases. This case had been under trial since 2013, and today, after 12 years, the court announced its decision. He also mentioned that no witness had testified against Yousaf Raza Gillani.

Yousaf Raza Gillani's Reaction: "The case was filed by my own allies"

Speaking to the media, Yousaf Raza Gillani stated that the case against him was filed by the current allied government, but he had no complaints about it. He further mentioned that he always worked according to the constitution, and when production orders for parliament members were issued, there was an uproar against him. He hinted that if another member is arrested, he would also issue their production orders and demand their presence in parliament from the federal and Punjab governments.

39 More Cases Pending in the TDAP Corruption Scandal

In the Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad, an extension has been granted for the interim bail of Bushra Bibi in three cases related to PTI's November 26 protest.

Cases have been filed against Bushra Bibi at the Ramna Police Station, Margalla Police Station, and Karachi Company Police Station. The case was heard by the duty judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court, Tahir Abbas Supra.

In Pakistan, there is a possibility of a 6-day holiday for the public on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr in 2025.

With the expected date for the sighting of the Eid-ul-Fitr moon, Pakistanis may enjoy a long 9-day holiday from March 29 to April 6, 2025.

According to the prediction by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to be on March 31 in Pakistan.

Astronomers suggest that if the fasting period completes 30 days, Eid will fall on April 1 (Tuesday), although the final announcement on the sighting of the moon will be made by the central Ruet-e-Hilal committee.

U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to shut down several diplomatic missions in various countries, including the closure of U.S. consulates in Western Europe and other regions.

According to foreign news agencies, under this decision, the U.S. consulates in Brazil and Portugal, as well as in Gaziantep, Turkey, are among those set to be closed.

Diplomatic Bureau Mergers, Consulate List Prepared

The report further states that several diplomatic bureaus in Washington will also be merged. With 270 U.S. diplomatic missions around the world, employing nearly 70,000 staff members, these decisions could directly impact many personnel.

Bollywood's legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan has admitted that with increasing age, he is finding it difficult to remember his lines, and is making mistakes during work.

According to reports from Indian media, Amitabh Bachchan mentioned the challenges he faces due to his age in his recent blog. He wrote that he struggles to remember dialogues on film or program sets and often asks the director for extra time to improve his performance.

"Many decisions become difficult"

The actor stated that meetings related to work feel like an exam to him, as it becomes difficult to decide what to accept and what to reject.

"Am I doing justice to my work?"

Amitabh Bachchan further wrote that his biggest concern is whether he is doing justice to the role he has taken on. Upcoming projects, production, and marketing now seem like an unknown and incomprehensible aspect to him.

"I ask the director for more chances"

He acknowledged that when he returns home after a shoot, he feels that he made several mistakes that need to be corrected. Many times, he even calls the director at midnight to request another opportunity.

Crude oil prices recorded an increase on Friday, but they are heading toward their largest weekly decline since October. This is due to uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariff policies, which are raising concerns about demand while major oil-producing countries are preparing to increase production.

According to the report, Brent futures rose by 17 cents, or 0.24%, to $69.63 per barrel.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures increased by 12 cents, or 0.18%, to $66.48 per barrel. However, for the week, Brent saw a 4.9% decline, marking its largest weekly drop since the week of October 14, while WTI is on track for a 4.8% decrease.

In the world's largest oil consumer, the U.S., changing trade policies have caused significant market volatility, affecting oil and other markets.

Oil market analyst Vandana Hari stated that it seems financial markets are in full panic mode and are no longer easily satisfied by Trump's one-month delay and the exemptions on import tariffs.

She further added that as a result, crude oil is stuck at its lowest level in nearly four months and could experience further declines.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump suspended a 25% tariff on most goods imported from Canada and Mexico until April 2. However, tariffs on steel and aluminum will be implemented as scheduled from March 12.

Fitch's research unit, BMI, noted in a report that the risks to oil prices are still heading downward, as new supplies from OPEC+ and non-OPEC producers are expected, which could push the market into a severe oversupply.

Lahore: Patients and their relatives raised numerous complaints against the hospital administration during Maryam Nawaz's visit to Mayo Hospital, which led her to express severe displeasure with the authorities. She reprimanded the Mayo Hospital management harshly and ordered the removal of the Medical Superintendent (MS) from their position.

Maryam Nawaz said, "People are suffering, and no one is asking about them. Don't we have to answer to Allah? The conditions at Mayo Hospital are very bad. People come here with hopes of treatment, but they find nothing."

She expressed anger over the lack of knowledge within the hospital administration about the conditions in various wards, saying, "Why should the public bear the consequences of poor management? If the responsible individuals faced the same, they would understand."

The patients and their relatives complained about not receiving syringes, burnol, and other necessary items, while some even reported seeing insects in the cardiology ward. Maryam Nawaz was further angered by these reports.

During her visit, she also listened to the complaints of patients and their families waiting in the corridors and waiting areas. One innocent girl mentioned how she had been running around all night trying to get medicine for her sick mother. Hearing this, Maryam Nawaz expressed severe displeasure and immediately called for an emergency meeting at Mayo Hospital.

She instructed a detailed inquiry into the hospital’s affairs and demanded answers from all responsible parties. She also ordered immediate action for the payment of outstanding medical dues and ensured the supply of medicines to the hospital.

Maryam Nawaz directed the Health Secretary to identify those responsible and take action against them. She also requested a comprehensive plan for the repair and construction of the hospital.

During the visit, she personally checked the supply of medicines, syringes, burnol, and other necessary items in the hospital’s store. She reviewed various departments, including the emergency block, TB & Chest, ICU, cardiology, and others. She visited the wards, met with the patients, and prayed for their quick recovery.

Federal Minister for Investment Board, Communications, and Privatization, Abdul Aleem Khan, has expressed hope that all stages of PIA's privatization will be completed within the next three months. He assured that all concerns raised by investors interested in the privatization process have been addressed.

Speaking about PIA's privatization, Minister Abdul Aleem Khan stated that the government has decided to make necessary changes to PIA according to the needs of potential investors to make the privatization process more attractive. He expects strong interest from investors in the privatization process.

Abdul Aleem Khan also mentioned that the resumption of flights to Europe would further improve the privatization environment, and recent measures have made the national airline profitable again.

Justice Chaudhry Abdul Aziz of the Lahore High Court has resigned.

Justice Chaudhry Abdul Aziz, who was hearing cases at the Rawalpindi bench, submitted his resignation citing personal reasons.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, former DG ISI Faiz Hameed, and PTI founder Imran Khan were responsible for resettling terrorists.

In a media talk in Islamabad, Khawaja Asif said that General Bajwa also played a role in bringing back the terrorists, describing it as a compromise of mutual interests. He mentioned that he was present in the assembly session when it was stated that they were doing a great job in this regard.

Khawaja Asif further commented that Faiz Hameed is now under arrest, and asked why General Bajwa resettled terrorists. He questioned why no one has asked him why he took such actions, adding that he was not speaking on behalf of the establishment.

Khawaja Asif also pointed out that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was not doing anything to combat terrorism. He said that earlier, terrorist activities were confined to Pakistan, but now they have gained international recognition. He stated that the fate of the terrorist activities would be the same as it was in the past.

He continued by emphasizing that everyone should take part in the fight against terrorism. He noted that Pakistan is on the front lines in the war against terrorism, and that the U.S. left behind high-tech weapons in Afghanistan. U.S. President Trump himself has said that these weapons should not have been left there. Following this, the chances of success in the war on terrorism have increased significantly.

Khawaja Asif criticized the U.S. for engaging in wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries to expand its influence. He pointed out that the U.S. has often shifted alliances during its wars, and Pakistan is directly impacted by terrorism. He mentioned that Pakistan had handed over a captured terrorist to the U.S., fulfilling its international responsibilities. He concluded that the war against terrorism is a joint effort, and Pakistan has done its part. If the international community praises Pakistan, it is a positive development.

The Meteorological Department has forecasted an increase in temperature in Karachi starting from next week.

Focal Person of the Meteorological Department, Anjum Nazir Zigham, stated that the intensity of the heat in Karachi will rise in the coming days.

He added that next week, the weather in the city will remain hot, with temperatures potentially reaching between 36 to 38 degrees Celsius. However, from March 12, the weather is expected to change again, with winds picking up, but there is no chance of rain in Karachi.

Earlier, the Meteorological Department had predicted that the weather would be moderate during the first ten days of Ramadan, but a heatwave was expected in Karachi during the last ten days of the month.

Anjum Nazir Zigham, the media focal person for the Meteorological Department, mentioned that Ramadan would begin with moderate weather, but by the end of Ramadan, temperatures could rise to 40 degrees Celsius.

Significant progress has been made in the tourism sector with the support of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SFIC). SFIC is playing a key role in the development of Pakistan’s tourism sector, which is considered one of its priority areas, contributing to the growth and prosperity of the national economy.

The world’s largest travel trade show, "ITB Berlin 2025," was held in Germany from March 4 to 6. Pakistan's participation in ITB Berlin 2025 has provided an important opportunity to highlight the tourism sector.

The trade show showcased modern trends, emphasizing environmentally sustainable and socially responsible tourism.

On this occasion, the Pakistani Ambassador inaugurated the "Pakistan Pavilion" in Berlin, with key stakeholders from Pakistan's tourism industry, including the Managing Director of Green Tourism Company, also present.

The Pakistani Pavilion featured a wonderful display of traditional food, music, and handicrafts, reflecting the country’s stunning natural beauty, vast cultural heritage, and hospitality.