Saudi Arabia bans Hajj entry for pilgrims under 15 years old

By

-

May 2, 2026

Saudi Arabia bans Hajj entry for pilgrims under 15 years old

KARACHI: Saudi Arabia has announced a new restriction barring pilgrims under the age of 15 from entering the Kingdom for Hajj 2026, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Pakistan Airports Authority said on Saturday.

The restriction will take effect from May 3, and from then onwards, as pilgrims below 15 years of age will not be allowed to travel on Hajj flights. Hajj visas of all under-15 pilgrims have been revoked.

“Government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has restrained the entry of under 15 years pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and instructed that no flight departing from any country to Saudi Arabia shall be permitted to carry any pilgrim who will be under 15 years of age on 27th May 2026 (corresponding to 9th Zulhijjah 1447 — Day of Arafat),” the ministry said in a statement.

The Saudi government has assured that all affected pilgrims will receive a full refund of the deposited amount, it added.

All Hajj Directorates, the Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan and airlines have been directed to implement age restrictions immediately.

Hajj flight operations from Pakistan began on April 18, with the first batch carrying 160 pilgrims departing from Karachi via a private airline.

It is to be noted here that under the official Hajj scheme, around 119,000 pilgrims from Pakistan will be transported to Madinah and Makkah. Of these, 67,230 male pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia under the government programme, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.

Under the government Hajj scheme, 51,846 female pilgrims from Pakistan will travel to the holy sites of Madinah and Makkah.

US awards $488m F-16 radar support contract for Pakistan, other countries

By

admin

-

May 2, 2026

US awards $488m F-16 radar support contract for Pakistan, other countries

WASHINGTON, MAY 2: The United States Air Force has contracted Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in a $488 million deal to provide engineering and technical support for F-16 radar systems under its Foreign Military Sales programme, with Pakistan among the beneficiary countries.

According to an official award notice issued by the US Department of War, the firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract covers support for F-16 System Programme Office Foreign Military Sales (FMS) as well as Air Force and Navy requirements.

The contract includes engineering and technical support for APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems. The work will be carried out at Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2036.

The contract involves foreign military sales to multiple countries, including Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Thailand and Türkiye.

The US Air Force said the contract was awarded on a sole-source basis. Fiscal 2026 non-appropriated, Air Force and Navy funds amounting to $2,644,922 have been obligated at the time of the award.

The Air Force Lifecycle Management Centre at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting authority for the agreement, which was awarded on April 27, 2026.

The development comes months after the United States, in December 2025, approved the sale of advanced technology and support services worth $686 million for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter aircraft fleet.

According to a letter from the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress dated December 8, the package covers Link-16 data link systems, cryptographic gear, avionics upgrades, training, and wide-ranging logistical support.

The DSCA says the decision aligns with Washington’s broader strategic aims, stating the sale “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.”

The letter notes that the upgrades are intended to modernise Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16s and address operational safety requirements. According to the letter, the sale will “maintain Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block-52 and Mid Life Upgrade F-16 fleet.”

PM felicitates Zaidi on his appointment as new Iraqi PM

By

admin

-

May 2, 2026

PM felicitates Zaidi on his appointment as new Iraqi PM

ISLAMABAD, May 2: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Saturday, congratulated Ali al-Zaidi on his appointment as Prime Minister of Iraq.

“I extend my warm wishes to him as he assumes this important responsibility,” the prime minister posted a felicitation message on his X handle.

He further said Pakistan looked forward to working closely with the new Iraqi government to further strengthen their bilateral ties and advance shared aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Governor Kundi terms youth as key asset for political parties

By

admin

-

May 2, 2026

Governor Kundi terms youth as key asset for political parties

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, May 2: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that youth are a valuable asset for any political party and play a central role in strengthening organizational structure and highlighting public issues.

He expressed these views during a meeting with provincial leader of Pakistan Peoples Party Youth Organization Zafar Ali Khan here at Kundi Model Farm.
During the meeting, both leaders discussed party affairs in detail, with a particular focus on the role and importance of youth in political activities.

Governor Kundi noted that the PPP has always given central importance to its youth wing, adding that active participation of young members is crucial for enhancing the party’s outreach.

He stressed the need to further mobilize youth at the organizational level to effectively raise public concerns.
The matters related to federal departments and the challenges faced at that level were also discussed. On which, they said these issues would be resolved through mutual cooperation and serious efforts. The governor assured that all possible steps would be taken to address public concerns, especially those affecting the youth.

CM’s advisor Ali Mustafa Dar unveils AI governance plan

By

admin

-

May 2, 2026

CM’s advisor Ali Mustafa Dar unveils AI governance plan

AI & Economic Zones in Focus , CM’s Advisor Ali Mustafa Dar at RCCI

RAWALPINDI, MAY 2 /DNA/ – Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives, Ali Mustafa Dar, has announced that the establishment of a state-of-the-art AI Delivery Unit and the development of economic and industrial zones along the Rawalpindi Ring Road will be top priorities of the provincial government.

He shared these remarks during his visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), where he was warmly received by RCCI President Usman Shaukat, Vice President Fahad Barlas, and members of the Executive Committee.

Addressing the business community, Ali Mustafa Dar noted that this was his first visit to a chamber of commerce since assuming office. He stressed that Pakistan must capitalize on recent diplomatic gains to attract foreign direct investment and strengthen economic growth.

Highlighting the AI Delivery Unit, he stated that the Chief Minister has entrusted him with streamlining governance by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring a results-driven approach. The AI Delivery Unit, expected to be launched next month, is a globally unique initiative aimed at transforming governance and accelerating development. With an estimated investment potential of $5–6 billion, the unit will leverage Pakistan’s talent pool to transition Punjab towards an AI-driven governance model. He also announced the formation of a dedicated working group to ensure effective coordination and implementation.

In his welcome address, RCCI President Usman Shaukat emphasized that the Rawalpindi Ring Road is a mega development project and called for the urgent establishment of economic and industrial zones to transform the region into a hub of trade and economic activity. He appreciated the advisor’s support and urged the government to fast-track land acquisition and formally announce these zones during the upcoming inauguration of the Ring Road by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Chairman Ring Road Committee Syed Asad Mashhadi briefed participants on the project, highlighting that these zones would help reduce urban congestion by relocating wholesale markets, transport hubs, and warehouses, while unlocking growth in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, furniture, marble, footwear, and construction.

During the interactive session, business leaders presented key proposals and concerns. Shahid Ghafoor Paracha suggested revising business hours to 10:00 PM and extending restaurant timings.

Prominent participants included Chairman Ring Road Development Committee Syed Asad Mashhadi, Vice Chairman Saqib Rafiq, Saboor Malik, Vice President FPCCI Tariq Jadoon, Senior Vice President Small Chamber Dost Jan, and representatives of various trade bodies including Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, Arshad Awan, Munir Baig Mirza, and Chaudhry Iqbal, along with stakeholders from multiple sectors.

APNS honors ex-president Hameed Haroon for media contributions

By

admin

-

May 2, 2026

APNS honors ex-president Hameed Haroon for media contributions

KARACHI, MAY 2 /DNA/ – President of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Senator Sarmad Ali, presented a commemorative souvenir to veteran media professional and former APNS President Hameed Haroon during a session titled ‘APNS TALK with Hameed Haroon.’

The event, held in Karachi, brought together senior office-bearers of the APNS, who were also present in the picture, to honor Haroon’s contributions to the newspaper industry. The gathering served as a platform to reflect on his tenure and insights into the evolving landscape of Pakistani journalism.

The APNS TALK series aims to engage key stakeholders in dialogue regarding the challenges and future of the press in the country.

Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan leads Pakistan delegation at ECO conference in Shusha

By

admin

-

May 2, 2026

Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan leads Pakistan delegation at ECO conference in Shusha

In his keynote address, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan highlighted Pakistan’s vast investment potential in the tourism sector, inviting governments and the private sector from ECO member states to explore opportunities across infrastructure, hospitality, and destination development

DNA

Shusha, Azerbaijan – April 29, 2026: Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Tourism and National Coordinator, led the Pakistani delegation at the high-level ECO Conference in Shusha, commemorating its designation as the Tourism Capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) for 2026.

The multi-day engagements, held from April 27 to 29, brought together senior representatives from ECO member states including Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing regional tourism cooperation, connectivity, and sustainable development. The opening ceremony and official proceedings were attended by prominent Azerbaijani leadership, including Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Aydin Karimov, Mayor of Shusha.

In his keynote address, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan highlighted Pakistan’s vast investment potential in the tourism sector, inviting governments and the private sector from ECO member states to explore opportunities across infrastructure, hospitality, and destination development.

He noted that Pakistan’s tourism sector is currently experiencing annual growth of approximately 10%, employing 4.7 million people, and is poised for significant expansion under a comprehensive 5–10 year tourism plan and policy. This roadmap aims to increase employment to 8 million jobs and enhance tourism’s contribution to GDP to $40 billion.

Numerous package including adventure tourism, medical tourism and religious tourism are being introduced and special discounted packages will be launched for members States to encourage their citizens to visit Pakistan. He also highlighted the importance of establishing a unified visa policy for the region similar to the Schengen visa program.

He further emphasized that under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, major reforms are being undertaken to strengthen tourism as a key pillar of economic growth. He also highlighted Pakistan’s strategic role as a regional stabilizer, acknowledging national leadership of the Prime Minister & Field Marshal for ensuring peace and stability critical for tourism development. Infrastructure & Connectivity Outlook

Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan underscored Pakistan’s strong tourism infrastructure and accessibility, including:

5 international airports and 15 domestic airports

Over 12,000 km of motorway network

7,700 km of railway connectivity

Presence of five of the world’s highest peaks

Expanding nationwide 5G connectivity

These factors position Pakistan as a well-connected, high-potential destination for international tourists and investors.

A key highlight of Pakistan’s participation was its cultural and culinary showcase, where authentic Pakistani cuisine was presented to international delegates. Signature dishes including Chicken Biryani, Nihari, Mutton Karahi and Seekh Kebabs along with traditional sweets and nan reflected the country’s rich heritage and diversity which was appreciated all the visitors.

During this segment, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan was accompanied by Fuad Naghiyev Chairman of the state tourism agency and Aydin Karimov Mayor of the city, symbolizing strong cultural ties and bilateral engagement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

On the sidelines of the conference, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan held one-on-one meetings with tourism leadership from Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to discuss:

Enhancement of bilateral tourism cooperation

Development of hospitality exchange programs

Strengthening of academia–industry linkages

Organization of joint tourism roadshows

He emphasized the importance of increasing inbound tourism to Pakistan, particularly from countries with existing direct flight connectivity, to balance current travel trends.

Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan was recognized as the youngest representative from Pakistan at the conference, reflecting the country’s commitment to empowering youth participation in international tourism platforms.

The forum holds added importance as Pakistan prepares to host ECO events in 2027 in Lahore and Islamabad. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan extended a formal invitation to all member states to participate, positioning Pakistan as a future hub for regional tourism dialogue and collaboration.

Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan’s leadership at the ECO Conference in Shusha underscores Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging tourism as a driver of economic growth, regional integration, and cultural diplomacy. His participation has opened new avenues for investment, partnerships, and enhanced connectivity across the ECO region, reinforcing Pakistan’s vision for a sustainable and globally competitive tourism sector.

Discussion on Pakistan’s Mediating Role as Genuine Reflection of Bandung Spirit

By

admin

-

May 2, 2026

Discussion on Pakistan’s Mediating Role as Genuine Reflection of Bandung Spirit

dna

Islamabad, 30 April 2026: The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in collaboration with the International Institute for Regional and International Studies (IIRIS), successfully convened a discussion on “Pakistan’s Current Mediating Role as a Genuine Reflection of the Bandung Spirit,” held in hybrid, 29 April 2026, at the Indonesian Corner, National Library of Pakistan (NLP).

The event brought together distinguished diplomats, scholars, strategic thinkers, and students from different universities including Quaid-e-Azam, NUST, Bahria, and NUML to reflect on Pakistan’s evolving role in fostering dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution in an increasingly dynamic global order.

In his welcoming remarks, Shafqat Rasool, President of IIRIS, underscored the enduring relevance of the Bandung Spirit as a guiding framework for inclusive diplomacy, mutual respect, and South-South cooperation.

The forum was enriched by the insightful perspectives of General Naeem Khalid Lodhi, Former Defence Secretary of Pakistan, who emphasized strategic balance and pragmatic diplomacy in contemporary conflicts. Abdullah Gul, Director General of MEASAC Research Center, offered a nuanced analysis of geopolitical dynamics, while Dr. Sarwat Rauf, Head of the Department of International Relations at NUML Islamabad, underscored the Bandung framework remained a living reference for Pakistan’s credible mediating role. In his turn, Professor Tahir Malik of NUML Islamabad further contributed by contextualizing these developments within evolving international relations paradigms.

Representatives of the Embassy of Indonesia connected Pakistan’s mediating role with the historical legacy of the Bandung Spirit, reaffirming the importance of solidarity, sovereignty, and non-alignment in today’s world. “One of the essences of the Bandung Spirit is the resolution of all international disputes through peaceful means,” commented Mr. Donny Ardiwidha, First Secretary of Political Affairs on Pakistan’s mediating role.

“Pakistan alongside Indonesia and other key co-sponsors played a foundational role in the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference which subsequently adopted the Bandung Spirit. For Indonesia and some other countries that uphold peace, Bandung Spirit has inspired their ‘fitrah or nature of foreign policy,” explained Minister Counsellor Rahmat Hindiarta, Coordinator for Information, Social and Cultural Affairs of the Indonesian Embassy.

Concluding his presentation, Mr. Rahmat Hindiarta conveyed high appreciation from Ambassador Chandra W. Sukotjo to distinguished speakers and all participants for their presence at the Indonesian Corner which has been dedicated as a hub for people-to-people relations. At the same time, Ambassador of Indonesia was in Lahore for ASEAN-Pakistan engagement along with other ASEAN Head of Missions.

The event concluded with a thoughtful vote of thanks by Dr. Munawar Hussain, Chairman of the IIRIS Board of Directors, who acknowledged the valuable contributions of all speakers and participants, reiterating IIRIS’s commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and diplomatic engagement.

This dialogue on April as the birth month of Bandung Spirit stands as a testament to the power of collaborative platforms in advancing meaningful conversations and reviving the Bandung Spirit not merely as a history, but as a living principle shaping pathways toward peace, cooperation, and shared global responsibility.

Hyderabad Kingsmen book PSL 11 final berth after beating Islamabad United

By

admin

-

May 1, 2026

Hyderabad Kingsmen book PSL 11 final berth after beating Islamabad United

LAHORE, MAY 1: Usman Khan’s blistering half-century, followed by Hunain Shah’s sensational death bowling, helped Hyderabad Kingsmen clinch a narrow two-run victory over three-time champions Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 Eliminator 2 here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

The victory propelled the debutants into the final, where they will lock horns with table-toppers Peshawar Zalmi at the same venue on Sunday, while it drew curtains on the United’s campaign at the eight-team tournament.

The United got off to an unwanted start to the pursuit as they lost Sameer Minhas (six) and Mohsin Riaz (five) inside three overs with just 15 runs on the board.

Skipper Shadab Khan then joined Devon Conway in the middle, and the duo batted cautiously to put together 42 runs for the second wicket until Saim Ayub dismissed the left-handed opener in the eighth over, who made a 25-ball 30 with the help of three fours and a six.

Shadab was then involved in a brief 11-run partnership for the fourth wicket until eventually falling victim to Hassan Khan on the first delivery of the 11th over and walked back after a cautious 22 off 24 deliveries.

Following his dismissal, Chapman took the reins of United’s pursuit and raised a crucial 64-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Haider Ali, who contributed with a 16-ball 31 until falling victim to Mohammad Ali in the 16th over.

Chapman, on the other hand, followed suit 10 deliveries later, falling victim to Hunain Shah in the 18th over. He remained the top-scorer for the United with a quickfire 43 off 26 deliveries, studded with five fours and two sixes.

But his dismissal did not bother the three-time champions as the all-rounder duo of Faheem Ashraf and Chris Green put them into the commanding position by smashing Ali for 22 runs in the penultimate over, and brought the required equation down to six runs off the last over.

Bowling the final over, with just six runs to defend, Hunain delivered impeccable death bowling as he gave just three runs to secure a thrilling two-run victory for the Kingsmen.

For the Kingsmen, Ali and Hunain bagged two wickets each, while Akif Javed, Hassan Khan and Saim Ayub chipped in with one scalp apiece.

Put into bat first, the Kingsmen piled up 186/5 in their 20 overs, courtesy of a sensational fifth-wicket partnership between Usman and Kusal Perera.

The Kingsmen got off to a dismal start to their innings as Richard Gleeson dismissed left-handed opener Maaz Sadaqat for a four-ball duck in the first over, with just one run on the board.

Following the early stutter, Saim Ayub joined captain Marnus Labuschagne in the middle, and the duo batted cautiously to put together 70 runs for the second wicket.

Chris Green eventually broke the budding partnership in the 10th over by getting rid of Saim, who walked back after scoring 38 off 27 deliveries with the help of seven fours.

Labuschagne was then involved in a brief 13-run partnership for the third wicket with Glenn Maxwell (three) until both Australians fell victim to Imad Wasim in the pulsating 12th over, resulting in Kingsmen slipping to 85/4.

The Kingsmen captain remained a notable run-getter for the tournament debutants, scoring 40 off 32 deliveries, featuring four fours and a six.

Following the back-to-back blows, in-form wicketkeeper batter Usman and Perera forced an astounding turnaround as they bolstered the Kingsmen’s total past the 180-run mark with a 101-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Usman, who dominated the crucial stand, remained their top-scorer with an unbeaten 61 off 30 deliveries, studded with 10 boundaries, while Perera chipped in with a 21-ball 37, comprising four fours and two sixes.

Imad was the standout bowler for the United, taking two wickets for just 16 runs in his two overs, while Faheem Ashraf, Gleeson and Green made one scalp apiece.

PSL 11: Hyderabad Kingsmen set fighting total against Islamabad United in Eliminator 2

By

admin

-

May 1, 2026

PSL 11: Hyderabad Kingsmen set fighting total against Islamabad United in Eliminator 2

LAHORE, MAY 1: Wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan struck an unbeaten half-century to guide Hyderabad Kingsmen to a strong total against Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 Eliminator 2 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.