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Pakistan earns $667m by exporting transport services in 9 months

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PBS
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP): Pakistan earned US $667.946 million by providing different transport services in various countries during the first nine months of the current fiscal year (2023-24) as compared to the corresponding period of last year.
This shows a nominal decline of 2.20 percent as compared to $682.950 million earned through the provision of services during the corresponding months of the fiscal year (2022-23), the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported.
During the months under review, the exports of sea transport services witnessed a decrease of 4.74 percent, going down from $194.770 million last year to $185.546 million during the months under review.
Among the sea transport services, the exports of freight services dipped by 47.63 percent from $99.160 million last year to $51.930 million whereas the exports of other sea transport services, however, increased by 39.75 percent from $95.610 million to $133.616 million current year, the PBS data revealed.
The exports of air transport decreased by 3.19 percent going down from $473.280 million last year to $458.190 million during July-March 2023-24.
Among the air transport services, the exports of passenger services decreased by 5.95 percent, from $315.590 million to $296.800 million, whereas the exports of freight services surged by 6.06 percent, from $ 18.800 million to $ 19.940 million, in addition, the export of other air transport services witnessed an increase of 1.84 percent from $138.890 million to $141.450 million.
Meanwhile, the exports of road transport services during the months under review witnessed a growth of 94.99 percent going up from $9.980 million to $19.460 million during this year, it added.
Among the road transport services, the exports of freight services witnessed a decrease of 12.85 percent from $3.190 million to $2.780 million, while the export of other road services increased by 145.66 percent from $6.790 million to $16.680 million.
The export of postal and courier services dipped by 3.46 percent, from $4.920 million to $4.750 million, the data revealed.

Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah metro line ready to transport thousands of pilgrims during Hajj

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metro line
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP): Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line is used to transport pilgrims between the holy sites in Makkah, Mount Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, helping them perform their rituals smoothly and more comfortably.
The metro stops at nine stations distributed across the holy sites and connected by a double railway 18 kilometers long. It has a capacity of 72,000 passengers per hour in one direction; it makes over 2,000 trips, helping ease the movement of pilgrims.
The metro travels at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour and can cover the distance between Mina and Arafat in about 20 minutes. The fleet consists of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers, helping to transport more than 350,000 pilgrims between the various holy sites.
The stations are designed to facilitate pilgrims’ movement. To accommodate the large number of pilgrims, the waiting area is separated from the boarding area, and the boarding platform is separated from the departure platform.
The stations have connecting bridges designated to transport passengers to the ground floor from the opposite side, as well as ramps to transport passengers from the platform. Elevators make it easier for pilgrims to access the platforms, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities. The stations have 60 doors on each side to ensure smooth entry and exit of pilgrims.
The metro is environment friendly as it operates on electric power, with zero carbon emissions, contributing to the preservation of the environment at the holy sites area and the overall health of pilgrims.

IRSA releases 278,600 cusecs water

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IRSA
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Monday released 278,600 cusecs of water from various rim stations with inflow of 207,200 cusecs.
According to the data released by IRSA, the water level in the River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1456.62 feet and was 58.62 feet higher than its dead level of 1,398 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 77,600 cusecs and 135,000 cusecs respectively.
The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1187.10 feet, which was 137.10 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded at 41,000 cusecs and 55,000 cusecs respectively.
The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa, Guddu, and Sukkur was recorded as 155,500, 152,400, 132,700, and 69,500 cusecs respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 52,700 cusecs of water were released at Nowshera and 5,600 cusecs were released from River Chenab at Marala.

FIA warns public on rise of online frauds

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FIA
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP): Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cyber crime cell Monday warned the public at large about the increasing ratio of online fraudulent activity in recent days.
According to the spokesperson, a public service announcement was issued by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to warn the public about a recent rise in online fraudulent activity.
Unauthorized individuals are impersonating FIA officers and circulating fabricated notices through various electronic communication channels i.e.  email, WhatsApp and other such social media platforms, said a press release issued here.
These deceptive notices falsely accuse recipients of criminal activity and often employ scare tactics by threatening legal action or demanding immediate financial compensation.
In some instances, scammers may attempt to elicit sensitive personal information under the pretense of verification or compliance procedures.
The FIA operates with the utmost professionalism and adheres to strict protocols in its communication practices.
All official communication is initiated only after prior investigation and with a clearly identified case number.
It is important to note that the FIA will never request sensitive information, such as banking details, via such notices or phone calls.

Zubaida Trail: A Historic Passage for Pilgrims

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Zubaida Trail
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):The Arabian Peninsula boasts a rich tapestry of history, and the Zubaida Trail is a vibrant thread woven into its fabric.
This ancient pilgrimage route, echoing through time, served not only as a path for religious journeys but also as a vital artery for trade and cultural exchange.
Renowned for its efficiency, the Zubaida Trail was the shortest route between Kufa and Makkah. Its meticulously planned path featured designated stations and rest areas, offering weary pilgrims respite from the harsh desert sun. In sandy stretches, the trail was paved with stones, testament to thoughtful engineering of the trail.
Scattered along the Zubaida Trail are the silent sentinels of history: archaeological sites and structures. Wells, pools, dams, palaces, and mosques are testament to a bygone era, each landmark whispering tales of the past.
Travelers on the Zubaida Trail were not left to wander blindly. Geographers and explorers, like Lady Anne Blunt in her book “A Pilgrimage to Najd”, documented the trail’s importance.
Tour guide Khalaf Al-Ghofaily sheds light on the stone markers and beacons that served as a navigational system. These strategically placed structures, some square and some circular, spaced approximately 24 kilometers apart, guided travelers throughout their journey.
Abdulrahman Al-Tuwaijri, a researcher in archaeology and history, emphasizes the sophisticated signage on the trail. Beacons, stone piles, and milestones not only marked the route but also facilitated navigation, during both day and night. Convergence points at junctions prevented travelers from losing their way, while placement on hills and natural elevations ensured clear visibility.

Kerb currency market

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KARACHI, Jun 10 (APP):Following were the Opening Rates of foreign currencies in kerb market issued by the Exchange companies Association
of Pakistan, here on Monday.
F.C.                         BUYING        SELLING
INTER BANK             278.20         278.30
USD                          277.75         280.50
EURO                        296.30         299.25
GBP                           350.55        354.05
JPY                               1.75           1.79
AED                            75.25         76.00
SAR                             73.40        74.13
CAD                           200.00        203.50
AUD                           180.30        183.30

Shipping Activity at Port Qasim

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Port Qasim
KARACHI, Jun 10 (APP):Two ships, SSL Brahmaputra and Umm BabcarryingContainer and LNG, berthed at Container Terminal and Port Gas Terminal respectively on Sunday.
 Meanwhile another Liquid Natural Gas carrier ‘Al-Jassaiya’ also arrived at outer-anchorage of the Port Qasim on Monday.
Six ships were engaged at PQA berths during the last 24 hours, out of them three ships, SSL Brahmaputra, Silver Ginny and Ian the are expected to sail on today.
Cargo volume of 98,845 tonnes, comprising 77,044 tonnes imports cargo and 21,801 tonnes export cargo carried in 1,568 Containers (354 TEUs Imports and 1,214 TEUs export) was handled at the port during last 24 hours.
There are 03 ships at Outer Anchorage of Port Qasim, out of them two ships, Aisa Liberty and Al-Jassasiya & four more ships, Block Island, Lotus-A, Xpress Antila and MSC Lisbon carrying Palm oil, LNG, Steel Coil and Container are expected to take berths at respectively LCT, EETL, MW-1 and QICT on Monday, while two more container ships, Maersk Valencia and Kuala Lumpur Express are due to arrive at Port Qasim on Tuesday.

PM congratulates Israr Khan on election as Oxford Union president

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday congratulated Pakistani student Israr Khan on his election as the President of the Oxford Union.

Israr Khan has been elected Oxford Union President for Hilary Term 2025 with 617 first preferences, winning by a significant margin over Izzy Horrocks-Taylor’s 393 first preferences.

Hailing from Balochistan province, Israr Khan is pursuing a DPhil in Law at Regent’s Park College and served as the Union’s Chief of Staff.

“I join the people of Pakistan in extending heartiest congratulations to Israr Khan for being elected President of Oxford Union for Hilary Term 2025,” Prime Minister Shehbaz wrote on his X timelime.

He said that Israr Khan’s success was a huge achievement for a student from Balochistan, and was a shining example of hard work and perseverance.

“You have made the entire nation proud. Best wishes to Israr Khan for his tenure,” the prime minister added.

21 violators of Hajj regulations apprehended in Makkah

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry has apprehended 21 individuals, eight residents and 13 Saudi citizens, who violated Hajj regulations and transported 61 individuals who attempted to perform Hajj without a permit.
The penalties include a 15-day prison sentence, a fine of SAR10,000, deportation of residents, with a ban on re-entering the Kingdom for a specified period, and confiscation of the vehicles used for illegal transportation through a judicial ruling.
The Ministry of Interior urges all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations and instructions to ensure a safe, secure, and comfortable experience for all.

Saudi Electricity Company ready for Hajj season 1445 AH

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has said the electrical grid in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites are ready for Hajj season 1445 AH, following the execution of 20 new projects with a total investment exceeding SAR700 million.
 The projects entailed the establishment of new transmission and distribution networks, integration in the general grid, and the automation of distribution networks at the holy sites. The control center at the holy sites has been connected with optical fibers by Dawiyat Integrated Telecommunications & Information Technology Company, a subsidiary of SEC, according to a SEC press release issued.
 SEC Western Sector Executive Director of Distribution and Customer Services and General Supervisor of Hajj operations Eng. Abdul Salam Al-Amari said that this year’s operational plan is being implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, with direct support from Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, and in coordination with the energy and all other entities concerned with Hajj affairs.
Emphasizing the company’s commitment to ensuring the comfort and peace of mind of pilgrims during Hajj season, Al-Amari highlighted SEC’s operational plan for the season, which works to maintain the provision of reliable electricity services through new power grid enhancement projects, automating distribution networks at the holy sites, and increasing and redistributing response centers to reduce response times to customer requests and emergencies.
According to Al-Amari, SEC’s preparations for this year’s Hajj began early, in the first week after the end of last year’s Hajj, and entailed several stages. The process included studying and analyzing performance indicators and lessons learned, to continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of services provided to pilgrims. As a result, the company approved and commenced the implementation of numerous projects.
SEC also conducted two comprehensive tests to simulate the actual loads during Hajj season, to ensure the readiness and reliability of the electrical grid.
The operational plan also focuses on strengthening SEC’s presence in Makkah and Madinah through 103 launch centers distributed across the holy sites, central areas, and areas housing pilgrims, operating round the clock. These centers have been reinforced with 2,673 highly qualified national engineers, technicians, and specialists.
These teams are accompanied by emergency and maintenance crews servicing generation stations and transmission lines using geographic information and field team management systems to enhance their responsiveness and effectiveness.