The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to postpone the decision regarding Shaheen Afridi’s future as the T20 captain until after the conclusion of the national camp. Shaheen Afridi was appointed as the T20 captain for the series against Australia, marking a significant step in his career. However, the PCB has opted to reassess his leadership role following discussions and observations during the national camp. This decision underscores the PCB’s commitment to thorough evaluation processes and strategic decision-making when it comes to leadership appointments within the national team. It also reflects the board’s focus on performance, team dynamics, and long-term planning in shaping the future of Pakistan’s T20 cricket. By delaying the decision until after the national camp, the PCB aims to gather more insights and information to make an informed choice that aligns with the team’s goals and objectives. Ultimately, this approach demonstrates the PCB’s dedication to optimizing the team’s leadership structure for success in T20 cricket.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has raised the prospect of restarting trade with India, a significant move given the strained relations between the two countries since August 2019 when India revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. Speaking at the Pakistan High Commission in London following his attendance at the Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels, Dar disclosed that Pakistani businessmen are keen to see trade with India resume. This statement suggests a potential shift in diplomatic approach, indicating a willingness to explore avenues for restoring trade ties despite the lingering tensions. The decision to consider resuming trade comes amid ongoing disputes and hostilities between India and Pakistan, particularly in the aftermath of India’s 2019 decision, which Pakistan has vigorously opposed. Despite the challenges and complexities, Dar’s remarks reflect a pragmatic acknowledgment of the importance of economic cooperation and trade relations, signaling a potential thaw in bilateral relations and a willingness to engage in dialogue to address longstanding issues.

On Pakistan Day, Turkey’s iconic Bosphorus Bridge was adorned with a stunning display of vibrant green lights, serving as a powerful symbol of solidarity and friendship between the two nations. This remarkable gesture not only underscores the strong and enduring bonds that exist between Pakistan and Turkey but also signifies a profound sense of mutual respect and support. The illumination of the Bosphorus Bridge in green, a color often associated with harmony and growth, serves as a visual representation of the warm and cordial relations shared between the peoples of both countries. It highlights the depth of the historical, cultural, and strategic ties that have long characterized the relationship between Pakistan and Turkey. Beyond mere symbolism, this act of solidarity further strengthens the bridge of friendship between the two nations, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie that transcends geographical boundaries. It is a testament to the shared values and aspirations of the Pakistani and Turkish people, as well as a reaffirmation of their commitment to standing together in times of celebration and adversity alike. Overall, the green illumination of the Bosphorus Bridge on Pakistan Day serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring friendship and unwavering support that defines the relationship between Pakistan and Turkey, marking this historic occasion with pride and unity.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken the decision to reinstate the central contract of Haris Rauf, the talented fast bowler, after he acknowledged his error in declining to make himself available for the Test tour of Australia. Rauf’s central contract was terminated by the PCB following Pakistan’s tour to New Zealand, just before the commencement of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in early February, citing disciplinary reasons. The termination stemmed from Rauf’s decision to prioritize his commitments with the Big Bash League over the Test tour, citing a heavy workload. However, after reviewing Rauf’s written response addressing the matter, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the reinstatement of his contract, citing a misunderstanding in Rauf’s stance. In his response, Rauf reiterated his commitment to playing for Pakistan and clarified that his previous statements had been misinterpreted, although he acknowledged his mistake. Naqvi emphasized the importance of ensuring Rauf’s fitness, particularly in light of his injury during the PSL, highlighting the PCB’s commitment to providing proper care for the player. This decision reflects the PCB’s willingness to address issues amicably while prioritizing the welfare of its players and the national team’s interests.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has taken a significant humanitarian initiative by announcing a substantial aid package of Rs. 100 million for G@z@, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the oppressed people in times of crisis. This announcement, confirmed by the Chief Minister’s information and public relations aide, reflects the government’s proactive approach towards addressing the escalating humanitarian situation in G@*z@. In a further demonstration of solidarity, Chief Minister Gandapur’s special assistant, Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif, has emphasized the urgent need for assistance in G@z@ and announced the allocation of funds to procure essential items for the affected population. The allocation of Rs. 100 million underscores the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s dedication to alleviating the suffering of the people of G@z@ and providing them with much-needed support during these challenging times. Dr. Saif’s call for Muslim nations and the international community to extend their support to P@le-stine highlights the importance of collective action in addressing humanitarian crises and promoting peace and stability in the region. Through these efforts, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government aims to play a constructive role in providing assistance to those in need and advocating for the rights and well-being of the oppressed communities in G@*z@.

In Pakistan, the celebration of Eidul Fitr holds profound cultural and religious significance, serving as a joyous culmination of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan. This auspicious occasion marks not only the end of fasting but also a time for spiritual reflection, communal prayers, and joyful gatherings with family and friends. Traditionally, the determination of Eid’s date relies on the sighting of the Shawwal moon, which signifies the beginning of the month following Ramadan. However, concerns over moon sighting inconsistencies and the need for a more reliable method of determining religious events prompted the introduction of the Lunar calendar in 2019 by the then federal minister of Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhary. This innovative calendar relies on astronomical calculations to predict the occurrence of religious events, offering a more accurate and predictable schedule compared to traditional visual moon sighting. According to the Lunar calendar, Ramadan is projected to last 29 days, culminating in Eidul Fitr on April 10 this year. As anticipation for Eid builds up across the nation, preparations and arrangements begin well in advance, with families shopping for new clothes, preparing festive meals, and engaging in acts of charity and goodwill. Additionally, the customary practice of initiating holidays a day before the expected celebration date ensures that citizens have ample time to observe religious rituals, spend quality time with loved ones, and partake in festive activities. Consequently, if the government declares a four-day holiday from April 9 to April 12, it effectively provides six consecutive days off for citizens, inclusive of the weekend. However, the final decision regarding the holiday schedule rests with the government, which consults with relevant departments, including the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), before making an official announcement. This collaborative approach ensures that the holiday plan aligns with religious observations, logistical considerations, and national interests, thereby facilitating a smooth and harmonious celebration of Eidul Fitr across the country.

In a remarkable display of extravagance, a renowned ice cream parlor has unveiled the world’s most expensive ice cream scoop, priced at a staggering Rs. 1.9 million per serving. This culinary marvel caters to a niche clientele seeking unparalleled luxury experiences and is willing to spare no expense for them. Crafted with the utmost attention to detail, each scoop of this exclusive ice cream is a symphony of decadent flavors and opulent ingredients. From saffron-infused vanilla to edible gold flakes, truffles, and even caviar, every element is carefully selected to tantalize the taste buds and elevate the sensory experience to new heights of indulgence. However, it’s not just the ingredients that contribute to its astronomical price tag. The ice cream is served in a specially designed bowl encrusted with diamonds, adding another layer of extravagance to an already lavish offering. While most of us may only dream of savoring such a luxurious treat, the existence of this ultra-premium ice cream scoop serves as a testament to the lengths some individuals are willing to go to experience the epitome of luxury. Beyond its exorbitant cost, it symbolizes the allure of exclusivity and the insatiable desire for unique and extravagant experiences in today’s world of luxury consumption.

Luxembourg, a small European nation with a population of approximately 614,000, has made history by pioneering the world’s first countrywide free public transport system, effective March 1, 2020. This landmark initiative encompasses buses, trams, and trains, allowing residents and visitors alike to commute without the need for tickets, with the exception of first-class train passengers. While the service is labeled as “free transport,” it comes with substantial costs, totaling over €500 million. Taxpayers will bear the burden of the €41 million lost in ticket fares, while transport staff will continue their roles, albeit with reduced time spent on ticket inspection, signifying a paradigm shift in transportation financing and accessibility. The rationale behind this ambitious endeavor spans multifaceted objectives. Firstly, it serves as a social measure to redistribute wealth, leveraging higher taxpayer contributions. Additionally, it addresses Luxembourg’s burgeoning traffic congestion, boasting the highest car ownership per capita among EU countries. By eliminating financial barriers, the initiative aims to foster a 20% surge in public transport ridership over five years, promoting environmental consciousness and reducing carbon emissions. Nonetheless, Luxembourg’s commitment to sustainable mobility through free public transport underscores a bold step toward mitigating environmental impact and enhancing societal welfare, albeit amidst operational and infrastructural hurdles.

On Pakistan Day, celebrated annually on March 23rd, journalist Gharida Farooqi was bestowed with the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in recognition of her notable contributions to the field of journalism. This esteemed award, presented by the President of Pakistan, serves as a testament to Farooqi’s dedication, professionalism, and impact within the media landscape. Farooqi’s exemplary work, spanning various platforms and covering diverse topics of national and international significance, has earned her widespread respect and admiration within the journalistic community and among the public.

Furthermore, on Pakistan’s Independence Day, which falls on August 14th, the President honored a total of 304 individuals, both from Pakistan and abroad, for their remarkable achievements and contributions across various fields. Among the distinguished honorees were 118 individuals awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, one of the highest civilian awards in Pakistan, recognizing their outstanding service and accomplishments. This diverse group of awardees encompassed individuals from different sectors, including defense, science, art, education, and journalism.

Notably, several prominent figures from the media industry were among those honored with the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. Alongside Gharida Farooqi, other esteemed journalists recognized for their exceptional contributions to the field included Amjad Aziz Malik, Shama Junejo, Waqar Satti, Farooq Adil, Fahad Hussain, Saleem Bukhari, and Juggan Kazim. Their dedication to upholding journalistic integrity, promoting freedom of expression, and informing the public on important issues has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the media landscape of Pakistan. These awards serve as a reminder of the invaluable role that journalists play in society and highlight the significance of their contributions to the nation’s progress and development.

Gulf News recently reported on an exciting development in the realm of space tourism, revealing that affluent Saudis and tourists alike now have the opportunity to embark on an extraordinary journey to the edge of space, courtesy of a sophisticated capsule tethered to an inflatable balloon. This groundbreaking initiative comes from the Madrid-based space tourism company, Halo, which has designated Saudi Arabia as the launching point for its sixth test flight scheduled for June. Established in 2021, Halo aims to transport passengers approximately 32 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, promising an unparalleled “out-of-this-world experience” for a ticket price exceeding Rs. 4 Crore. The spacious capsule, designed to accommodate eight passengers and one pilot, boasts 360-degree panoramic windows, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding cosmos. Halo anticipates that the entire journey will span four to six hours, with one to two hours spent at the highest altitude, affording passengers an unobstructed perspective of the Earth’s captivating curvature. This venture represents a significant leap forward in the realm of space tourism, providing an unprecedented opportunity for individuals to witness the Earth from a vantage point typically reserved for astronauts.

The Toyota Yaris has long been a significant player in the Pakistani auto market, demonstrating robust sales performance and surpassing other Toyota models in the previous year. However, recent data signals a minor decline in Yaris sales, coinciding with broader shifts in market dynamics. In response to this evolving landscape, Toyota has made the strategic decision to discontinue a popular variant of the Yaris that no longer resonates with local market demands. As per an official notification from the Indus Motor Company (IMC), production for the Toyota Yaris 1.3 CVT AERO model will cease effective mid-March. IMC’s announcement clarifies that the allocation for this specific variant has expired within the allocation system, prompting the decision to halt production. This move reflects Toyota’s commitment to adapting to changing market trends and ensuring its product lineup remains aligned with consumer preferences. It also underscores the importance of agility and responsiveness in navigating the dynamic automotive industry of Pakistan. Dealerships have been instructed to update their price lists and inform their sales teams accordingly, emphasizing the need for clear communication and seamless transition processes. While discontinuing a variant may be a strategic decision, Toyota’s commitment to the Pakistani market remains unwavering, and the company will likely continue to innovate and introduce products that cater to evolving consumer needs and preferences in the future.

In the recent ongoing trophy hunting program in Gilgit-Baltistan, an American citizen named Brian Douglas Williams has made headlines by successfully hunting the highest-rated Astore markhor in the Doyan Community Controlled Hunting Area (CCHA). According to wildlife officials in Gilgit-Baltistan, Williams achieved this feat by hunting an Astore markhor with 40-inch horns during his expedition in Doyan. To obtain the hunting permit for this prized trophy, Williams reportedly paid a substantial fee of PKR 5 Crore to the GB Wildlife Department (GBWD). This particular hunt now ranks as the fourth highest-rated Astore markhor hunt recorded in the ongoing trophy hunting program, showcasing the significance and rarity of this achievement. Notably, Williams is not the only American citizen to partake in such hunts recently. On February 13, another American named Colglazier John Michael hunted an Astore markhor in the Sai Damote CCHA in Gilgit, having paid PKR 4.7 Crore for the privilege. Prior to that, on January 27, Joseph Bradford Coors, also an American citizen, successfully hunted the highest-rated Astore markhor in the SKB community-controlled hunting area located in the Roundu area of Skardu. Coors, too, paid PKR 5 Crore to the GBWD for the hunting permit. These hunts have garnered attention not only for the substantial fees involved but also for the conservation efforts they support, as a portion of the proceeds from trophy hunting permits is often allocated to wildlife conservation and community development initiatives in the region.