Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Renowned literary icon Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi was commemorated on his 20th death anniversary as speakers paid homage to his exceptional contributions to Urdu poetry, fiction and journalism.

While Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi is no longer among us, his words continue to speak across generations. His poetry, fiction, and essays remain as relevant today as ever, reflecting a vision of humanity, justice and hope that has stood the test of time.

According to media reports , Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi was born on November 20, 1916, in the village of Anga in present-day Khushab District. He went on to become one of the most celebrated voices in Urdu literature, earning recognition for his remarkable contributions as a poet, fiction writer, journalist, literary critic, and broadcaster.

Throughout his distinguished literary career, Qasmi authored around 50 books spanning poetry, fiction, journalism, literary criticism and the arts. His writings, rooted in humanism and social consciousness, earned him a lasting place among the leading literary figures of Pakistan.

A master of both ghazal and nazm, he produced several acclaimed poetry collections, including Jalal-o-Jamal, Shola-i-Gul, and Kisht-i-Wafa. His short stories, celebrated for their realistic portrayal of rural life and human emotions, were compiled in collections such as Chopaal, Sannata, Kapaas Ka Phool, Bagolay, Tal-o-Gharoob, Sailab-o-Gardab, Anchal, and Ghar Se Ghar Tak.

Beyond his literary achievements, Qasmi also served as a scriptwriter for Radio Pakistan, where he contributed significantly to the country’s cultural and literary programming. His lifelong dedication to literature was recognized with several prestigious honors, including the Pride of Performance, the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, and the Pakistan Academy of Letters’ Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi passed away in Lahore on July 10, 2006, at the age of 89. Two decades after his death, his poetry, fiction, and essays continue to inspire readers and writers alike, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest literary icons of the Urdu language.

Islamabad: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi on Friday visited the entry point of Police Lines Headquarters to review security arrangements and inspect the entry management system.

An official told reporter that AIG Logistics Abdul Haq Umrani briefed the IGP Rizvi on the security measures in place, access control procedures and the functioning of the entry management system at the headquarters.

Rizvi conducted a detailed inspection of the security arrangements and reviewed the effectiveness of the entry management mechanism to ensure enhanced protection of the police headquarters.

The IGP Rizvi directed the officers concerned to further strengthen security measures, improve the entry management system and maintain the highest level of vigilance at all times.

He emphasized that robust security and an efficient access control system were essential for safeguarding key police installations and instructed officers to perform their duties with professionalism, alertness and dedication, the official added.

Islamabad: The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed on a bullish note on Friday, gaining 982.10 points, a positive change of 0.54 percent, to settle at 182,241.78 points against 181,259.68 points on the previous trading day.

During the session, the ready market recorded a trading volume of 948.776 million shares with a traded value of Rs38.413 billion, compared to 982.121 million shares valuing Rs41.860 billion in the previous session. The market capitalization increased to Rs20.503 trillion from Rs20.382 trillion a day earlier.

Out of 495 active companies in the ready market, 292 advanced, 169 declined, and 34 remained unchanged.

Cnergyico PK led the volume chart with 151.748 million shares, followed by K-Electric Ltd. with 67.530 million shares and WorldCall Telecom with 51.758 million shares.

The top gainers included Khairpur Sugar Mills Limited, which surged by Rs189.23 to close at Rs2,081.55, and Ghandhara Industries Limited, which gained Rs70.34 to settle at Rs1,168.32.

On the losing side, Blessed Textiles Limited declined by Rs63.29 to close at Rs1,008.26, while The Premier Sugar Mills fell by Rs49.29 to settle at Rs589.43.

In the futures (DFC) market, turnover stood at 186.207 million shares with a traded value of Rs8.065 billion, compared to 220.304 million shares worth Rs9.635 billion in the previous session.

Out of 302 futures-market companies, 205 advanced, 91 declined, and six remained unchanged.

Islamabad: The Secretary for Religious Affairs chaired a review meeting to assess the implementation of the government’s new Ziyarat Management Policy.

According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Communications, the Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant departments.

Participants reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring maximum facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq for religious visits.

The Civil Aviation Authority and airlines were directed to provide every possible facility to facilitate the air travel of pilgrims.

Officials informed the meeting that, under the new Ziyarat Management Policy, 262 Ziyarat Group Organizers (ZGOs) have been registered by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The ministry advised intending pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq to make bookings only through ZGOs registered with the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Pilgrims have also been urged to verify the list of licensed ZGOs available on the Ministry’s official website before making any booking. The ministry will not be responsible for any bookings made through unauthorized individuals or companies.

Islamabad: The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has surpassed its annual target for Shariah-compliant investments by mobilising Rs61 billion during the fiscal year 2025-26, reflecting growing public confidence in Islamic financial products and the country’s expanding Islamic finance sector.

According to official sources, CDNS had set an annual mobilisation target of Rs55 billion for its Shariah-compliant investment portfolio but successfully achieved Rs61 billion by the end of the fiscal year spanning July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

The strong performance underscores the increasing demand for Islamic savings instruments as investors continue to shift towards interest-free financial products that comply with Shariah principles while offering secure and competitive returns.

The Senior official said the remarkable achievement demonstrates the growing role of Islamic finance in Pakistan’s financial system and highlights the public’s confidence in government-backed Shariah-compliant investment schemes.

“We intensified our efforts to promote Islamic finance during the outgoing fiscal year, and the overwhelming public response reflects the increasing trust of investors in these products,” a senior CDNS official said. “The continued expansion of Islamic savings schemes will play an important role in strengthening Pakistan’s Islamic economy and promoting sustainable financial growth.”

The official attributed the success to the increasing popularity of Islamic savings certificates and Sukuk-based investment instruments, which have attracted both individual and institutional investors seeking halal investment opportunities. Besides providing faith-based financial solutions, these products have also contributed significantly to national savings mobilisation and supported the government’s broader economic objectives.

The performance marks another milestone in CDNS’s sustained efforts to strengthen its Islamic finance portfolio. During fiscal year 2024-25, the directorate successfully achieved its Shariah-compliant investment target of Rs24 billion. Earlier, in FY2023-24, it mobilised nearly Rs75 billion through Islamic bonds, reflecting the growing acceptance and long-term potential of Islamic financial instruments in Pakistan.

The official noted that CDNS has been introducing reforms aimed at enhancing customer convenience and expanding financial inclusion. These include digital transformation initiatives, improved online services, and the development of innovative Shariah-compliant savings products designed to meet the evolving needs of investors across the country.

He expressed confidence that the continued expansion of Islamic finance, coupled with policy reforms and technological innovation, would further strengthen Pakistan’s savings culture while providing secure investment opportunities for citizens.

With the successful achievement of Rs61 billion in Shariah-compliant investments, CDNS has reinforced its position as a leading institution in promoting Islamic savings and mobilising domestic resources. Officials believe the momentum will enable the organisation to set even higher targets in the coming fiscal year and further contribute to the development of a resilient, inclusive, and Shariah-compliant financial system in Pakistan.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Friday said the Hajj Policy and Plan 2027-2030 will transform the Hajj system into a state-of-the-art digital framework, covering online complaints, secure payments and improved pilgrim services, while maintaining the first-come, first-served application policy.

Speaking exclusively to local media outlook, Minister for religious credited the present government for introducing Pakistan’s first comprehensive digital Hajj system and a new long-term hajj policy, describing the initiative as a historic step towards bringing greater transparency, efficiency and convenience for pilgrims.

The minister said the state-of-the-art digital framework will transform the Hajj process by providing secure data protection, easy payment facilities and an efficient complaint management system.

He added that the new system will make services more accessible and ensure a smoother experience for pilgrims.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the Hajj application process will continue under the first-come, first-served policy, ensuring a transparent and fair mechanism for applicants.

He said the new policy also includes short and long Hajj packages ranging from three to six years to provide better planning and flexibility for pilgrims.

The minister also appreciated the efforts of the Saudi Arabian government for continuously improving Hajj arrangements and providing world-class facilities to pilgrims from across the globe.

Yousaf said Saudi Arabia’s modern infrastructure, advanced management system and commitment to pilgrims’ comfort have played a vital role in making Hajj operations more efficient.

He said the cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, along with Pakistan’s new digital initiatives will further enhance the overall Hajj experience and strengthen facilities for Pakistani pilgrims.

Concluding his remarks, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that pilgrims will be able to register for Hajj for any year up to 2030. He added that a priority waiting list will be prepared for registered applicants, ensuring an organized and transparent process for future Hajj arrangements.

Minister added the initiative will provide pilgrims with greater planning flexibility and a more convenient Hajj registration experience.