Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is poised to embark on a significant journey to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, graciously extended through an invitation from Riyadh. Reports from local media outlets indicate that the Kingdom has warmly welcomed the Pakistani premier for this spiritual pilgrimage, during which PM Sharif will engage in crucial discussions with Saudi officials, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. These deliberations are anticipated to encompass a wide array of development projects aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation between the two esteemed Islamic nations, with a particular emphasis on initiatives geared towards enhancing economic and strategic ties. Furthermore, PM Shehbaz Sharif is expected to extend a formal invitation to the Saudi Crown Prince to visit Pakistan, underscoring the paramount importance of nurturing diplomatic relations and fostering mutual collaboration. Reports hint at the finalization of several pivotal projects during the Prime Minister’s visit, further emphasizing the significance of this diplomatic endeavor in strengthening the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

In the realm of the Saudi Pro League (SPL), Cristiano Ronaldo, the illustrious football maestro, continues to etch his name in history with yet another monumental achievement. During a captivating match for Al-Nassr against Abha, Ronaldo orchestrated a stunning display of skill and prowess, securing his second hattrick in the league. With two remarkable free kicks and a mesmerizing solo goal, Ronaldo’s virtuosity on the field was unmatched, propelling his team to a commanding 8-0 victory. This exceptional performance not only solidified Ronaldo’s status as a footballing legend but also reaffirmed his relentless pursuit of excellence. Currently leading the SPL’s top scorers with an impressive tally of 29 goals, Ronaldo’s influence transcends borders, captivating fans worldwide with his unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication to the beautiful game. As the season unfolds, Ronaldo’s remarkable contributions serve as a testament to his enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to footballing greatness.

Juan Vicente Perez Mora, a venerable figure from Venezuela, recently passed away just two months before his 115th birthday. Despite living through two World Wars and the challenging Covid-19 pandemic, Juan peacefully “transitioned to eternity” on the previous night. His remarkable longevity was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records (GBWR) in May 2022, cementing his status as the oldest living man. Juan leaves behind a large and loving family, comprising 11 children, 41 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. His passing was confirmed by Freddy Bernal, the governor of Juan’s home state of Tachira, Venezuela, who expressed profound sorrow at the loss. Throughout his life, Juan witnessed significant technological advancements, from the invention of television to the proliferation of mobile phones and the internet. Despite these changes, his enduring spirit and rich life experiences will be cherished and remembered by his family and community.

During the first 15 days of Ramadan, the Department of Social and Voluntary Services, overseen by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, disclosed that a collaborative effort involving 28 organizations and 3,355 volunteers resulted in an impressive total of 358,071 service hours dedicated to the Prophet’s Mosque. These volunteers undertook a wide range of responsibilities, including offering guidance to worshippers, managing crowds effectively, distributing meals and Zamzam water bottles, and attending to various inquiries from worshippers in multiple languages. Their selfless dedication and tireless efforts played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and fulfilling Ramadan experience for all visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque, highlighting the spirit of community and service that defines this holy month.

The White House has decided to cancel a planned Ramadan iftar gathering following a significant number of Muslim Americans declining the invitation in protest of President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that the cancellation occurred on Tuesday after leaders were cautioned against attending the event by members of the Muslim community. Edward Ahmed Mitchell, deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), stated that the decision to cancel the event was due to the widespread refusal of many individuals to participate, including those who had initially accepted the invitation. Mitchell emphasized that the American Muslim community found it unacceptable to dine with the White House amidst its support for Israel’s actions against Palestinians in Gaza. Initially, reports from CNN and NPR had suggested that the White House planned a small community iftar, but a change in plans was announced on Tuesday, with the White House opting to host a meal exclusively for Muslim government staffers and arranging a separate meeting with a select few Muslim American community representatives.

Tapal Tea has a rich history that dates back to its humble beginnings in 1947 when Adam Ali Tapal founded a small retail outlet in Karachi’s Jodia Bazaar. Initially, the company introduced the Tapal Family Mixture brand, primarily catering to tea stalls and local eateries. Over time, Tapal Tea experienced significant growth and expansion, evolving into one of Pakistan’s foremost tea companies. Through a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Tapal Tea has solidified its position in the market, offering a diverse range of tea products that resonate with consumers across the country. With a legacy built on tradition and excellence, Tapal Tea continues to uphold its reputation as a trusted name in the tea industry, symbolizing the essence of Pakistani tea culture.

Climate change poses significant challenges to global agriculture, impacting food security, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and shifting pest and disease dynamics are among the key factors affecting agricultural productivity. Heat stress, drought, flooding, and salinization threaten crop yields, particularly in vulnerable regions with limited adaptive capacity. Smallholder farmers, already marginalized, face disproportionate risks, exacerbating poverty and inequality. Climate-resilient agricultural practices, including drought-tolerant crop varieties, agroforestry, water management techniques, and conservation agriculture, offer potential solutions. However, effective adaptation requires coordinated efforts across sectors, investments in research and development, policy support, and international cooperation to build resilience and ensure sustainable food systems in a changing climate.

Saudi Arabia’s Haramain train service has set a new passenger record, transporting over 41,000 travelers in a single day, announced Saleh Al Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services. This milestone was achieved last Friday, marking the highest number of passengers served in a day since the train’s inception. With 120 journeys planned for the upcoming Friday, which is the last in the current month of Ramadan, authorities anticipate another surge in ridership, possibly setting a new record. Launched in 2018, the Haramain train connects the holy cities of Mecca and Medina with Jeddah, spanning 450 kilometers. Designed to enhance transportation between these significant locations, the service aims to accommodate around 60 million passengers annually. As Ramadan, a period of increased travel, nears its conclusion on April 9, the train service plans to operate over 2,700 journeys, providing approximately 1.3 million seats to meet the rising demand for travel between Mecca and Medina during this auspicious time.

The Miss Universe Organization addressed ongoing speculation regarding Saudi Arabia’s participation in this year’s pageant, asserting that no selection process has taken place in the kingdom. This statement comes in response to claims made by Saudi model Rumy Alqahtani, who suggested on social media that she would represent Saudi Arabia in the competition. However, the organization clarified that Alqahtani’s assertion was inaccurate, emphasizing that no official selection or nomination process has occurred in Saudi Arabia. Alqahtani’s post, which featured images of her holding the Saudi flag and wearing a Miss Universe sash, had garnered significant attention, sparking discussions about Saudi representation in the pageant. Nevertheless, the Miss Universe Organization reiterated its commitment to fairness and transparency in the contestant selection process, emphasizing that countries must adhere to strict criteria and regulations to participate in the pageant. Additionally, the organization confirmed that Saudi Arabia is not among the 100-plus countries scheduled to participate in this year’s pageant, which will take place in Mexico.

WhatsApp, a widely-used messaging platform owned by Meta, experienced a significant global outage recently, disrupting communication for millions of users around the world. Reports flooded in from users across various platforms, including social media, as they encountered difficulties in sending and receiving messages through the app. The outage underscored the platform’s central role in facilitating communication for individuals, businesses, and organizations globally. Despite the inconvenience caused by the disruption, Meta has not yet provided an official statement regarding the cause of the outage. However, after a period of downtime, WhatsApp services have been fully restored, allowing users to once again connect with their contacts seamlessly. The incident serves as a reminder of the reliance on digital platforms for communication and the potential impact of service disruptions on users worldwide.

The recent global outage of WhatsApp, a widely-used messaging platform owned by Meta, has sparked frustration and inconvenience among millions of users worldwide. The outage, which lasted several hours, disrupted communication for individuals, businesses, and organizations relying on the platform for messaging, voice calls, and file sharing. Users took to social media platforms such as Twitter to express their frustrations and seek updates on the situation. The outage underscored the significant reliance on digital communication platforms in today’s interconnected world and highlighted the potential vulnerabilities inherent in centralized services. As users grappled with the outage, it served as a reminder of the importance of diversifying communication channels and exploring alternative platforms to mitigate the impact of future disruptions. Additionally, the incident prompted discussions around network resilience, data privacy, and the need for robust contingency plans to address similar challenges in the future. Overall, the WhatsApp outage serves as a cautionary tale for both users and service providers about the importance of preparedness and resilience in the digital age.

The privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been a subject of considerable debate and scrutiny, with the government recently approving eligibility criteria for potential buyers. On Tuesday, the Privatisation Commission’s board, chaired by Privatisation Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, sanctioned the prequalification criteria for interested bidders, marking a significant step in the privatization process. The approved criteria set a minimum net worth requirement of Rs30 billion or $100 million for the buyer, aimed at attracting financially robust investors capable of revitalizing the national flag carrier. Additionally, the board established a prequalification committee to oversee the evaluation of potential buyers and ensure adherence to the stipulated criteria. This decision coincided with the government’s invitation for bids for the sale of 51% to 100% stakes in PIA, with a submission deadline of May 3rd for Statements of Qualification from investors. The release of the Expression of Interest and draft Request for Statement of Qualification (RSOQ) by the Privatisation Commission aims to attract a diverse pool of investors interested in acquiring a majority stake in PIA. The financial criteria outlined in the prequalification process necessitate that bidders demonstrate a minimum net worth of Rs30 billion or $100 million, based on the latest financial accounts. Moreover, in the case of a bidding consortium, the combined net worth should meet this threshold, with the lead bidder required to have a net worth of at least Rs8 billion or $25 million. However, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the relatively low net worth requirement vis-à-vis the substantial investment needed to acquire and revitalize PIA. Another crucial criterion mandates that bidding consortiums showcase non-airline enterprises with a minimum aggregate annual revenue of Rs200 billion or $700 million, underscoring the importance of financial stability and diversified business portfolios among potential investors.