ISLAMABAD, FEB 9: The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has announced the minimum rates for Fitrana and Fidyah for this year, setting the base amount at Rs300 per person while encouraging those who can afford more to contribute generously.

According to the council, the official syllabus for Fitrana and Fidyah has been issued ahead of Ramazan-related obligations. The announcement aims to guide the public on the correct and permissible amounts under Islamic principles.

The council emphasized that these rates are set to ensure ease for the general public while maintaining religious obligations.

Minimum amount fixed for wheat
Chairman of the council, Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, said the minimum amount of Fitrana and Fidyah has been fixed at Rs300 per person based on wheat.

He clarified that this is the minimum payable amount and applies equally to Fitrana and Fidyah.

Rates for other commodities
Dr Naeemi explained that those opting to pay according to other food items should follow the specified rates. The amount has been set at Rs1,100 for barley and Rs1,600 for dates.

He further stated that Rs3,800 should be paid for raisins, while another rate mentioned by the council includes Rs1,400 under Manqah. In a separate clarification, the amount for dates was also stated as Rs5,400, as per the issued syllabus.

The chairman stressed that individuals with better financial means should pay Fitrana according to their economic status rather than limiting themselves to the minimum amount.

He noted that higher contributions help support the underprivileged more effectively and align with the spirit of charity emphasized in Islam.

Purpose of syllabus
The council said the issuance of the syllabus is intended to remove confusion and ensure uniformity across the country. The guidance helps citizens fulfill their religious duties correctly while keeping affordability and social responsibility in balance.

The council reiterated that Fitrana and Fidyah play a vital role in supporting the poor and ensuring inclusivity during Ramazan and Eid.

KARACHI, FEB 9 /DNA/ – Thomas E. Schultze, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi, met with Nazir H. Siyal, Bureau Chief of the diplomatic newspaper Islamabad Post, on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the Consul General highlighted the longstanding humanitarian services of the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC), an institution that has been serving the people of Pakistan since 1956.

Mr. Schultze specifically paid tribute to the enduring legacy of the late Dr. Ruth Pfau, the German-born nun and physician whose pioneering work with MALC played a pivotal role in combating leprosy across the country. He emphasized the centre’s decades of dedicated service in healthcare and community support.

The discussion underscored the strong people-to-people ties and shared commitment to humanitarian causes between Germany and Pakistan. The Consul General’s recognition reaffirms the international esteem for MALC’s ongoing mission to provide care and eradicate disease, continuing the path set by Dr. Pfau.

Founded by Dr. Ruth Pfau, MALC has evolved from a leprosy clinic into a major healthcare provider addressing multiple diseases and disabilities, serving as a symbol of hope and resilience for countless Pakistanis.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 9 /DNA/ – The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Islamabad, hosted the launch of the Urdu translation of ‘Tragedy in Kashmir’, the seminal historical work by Abdul Haq Suharwardy, highlighting the continued relevance of the Kashmir dispute and the importance of preserving its authentic historical narrative.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President, IRS, described the book as a rigorously researched account of the events surrounding the 1947 Partition and the annexation of Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that the work’s credibility is reinforced by corroboration from Indian and British sources, making it a trusted reference for scholars, researchers, and diplomats.

Mr. Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, said the book serves as a powerful reminder of the historical injustices faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that its translation into Urdu would strengthen public awareness and national resolve on the Kashmir issue, particularly among younger generations.

Ms. Mushaal Hussein Mullick, Chairperson of the Peace and Culture Organization and former Advisor to the Prime Minister on Human Rights and Women Empowerment, emphasized that the Urdu translation is vital for highlighting the human dimension of the Kashmir dispute and for sustaining informed human rights advocacy.

Presenting an overview of the book, Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur highlighted its academic depth and documentary evidence, noting that the Urdu translation makes this authoritative work accessible to a wider audience in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar reflected on the legal and constitutional aspects of the Kashmir issue, stressing the need to ground contemporary discourse in verified historical facts.

Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi underscored the importance of historical accuracy in shaping sound policy and diplomacy, describing the book as a serious scholarly contribution that helps separate fact from myth.

In his address, Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, termed the Urdu translation an intellectual and national endeavour aimed at reconnecting people with the true historical context of Kashmir.

Ms. Nasim Zehra, author and senior journalist, highlighted the role of credible historical documentation in countering misinformation and historical distortion, particularly in the context of Kashmir.

Mr. Farhan Bokhari, seasoned multimedia journalist and columnist, discussed the relevance of the book for media narratives and public discourse, noting that such works help reconnect society with forgotten or overlooked historical realities.