Jinnah’s Rolls-Royce cars run in Cross Country Rally

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This Rolls Royce was gifted to Jinnah by the Queen of England and delivered to him on April 2, 1948 and it was owned by Pakistan heads of state till 1950 before it was acquired by the UK high commissioner. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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This Rolls Royce was gifted to Jinnah by the Queen of England and delivered to him on April 2, 1948 and it was owned by Pakistan heads of state till 1950 before it was acquired by the UK high commissioner. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Karim Chhapra, owner of the historical Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1924, bought this car from Nawabs of Bahawalpur. The car was used by Jinnah and Mountbatten in 1947. (AN photo)
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Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1924 was owned by Nawab of Bawalpur. (AN photo)
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Karim Chhapra, a member of VCCCP, restored this Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1924, beingused by Jinnah on 14 August 1947, after acquiring from family of Nawab of Bawalpur in 2004. (AN photo)
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Karim Chhapra, a member of VCCCP, restored this Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1924, being used by Jinnah on 14 August 1947, after acquiring from family of Nawab of Bawalpur in 2004. (AN photo)
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Karim Chhapra, a member of VCCCP, restored this Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1924, being used by Jinnah on 14 August 1947, after acquiring from family of Nawab of Bawalpur in 2004. (AN photo)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Sindh Governor, Imran Ismail, and U.S. Consul General in Karachi, JoAnne Wagner are seated in the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1924, once used by Muhammad Ali Jinnah for going his oath taking as first governor general of Pakistan. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Members of the VCCCP with their cars before started of the rally at Sindh’s Governor House here on Saturday. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Sindh Governor, Imran Ismail, and U.S. Consul General in Karachi, JoAnne Wagner visited the car show before start of the rally here at Governor House, Karachi on Saturday. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Sindh Governor, Imran Ismail, and U.S. Consul General in Karachi, JoAnne Wagner visited the car show before start of the rally here at Governor House, Karachi on Saturday. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Sindh Governor, Imran Ismail, and U.S. Consul General in Karachi, JoAnne Wagner are seated in the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1924, once used by Muhammad Ali Jinnah for going his oath taking as first governor general of Pakistan. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Karim Chhapra, a member of VCCCP, restored this Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1924, being used by Jinnah on 14 August 1947, after acquiring from family of Nawab of Bawalpur in 2004. (AN photo)
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This Rolls Royce was gifted to Jinnah by the Queen of England and delivered to him on April 2, 1948 and it was owned by Pakistan heads of state till 1950 before it was acquired by the UK high commissioner. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Sindh Governor, Imran Ismail, and U.S. Consul General in Karachi, JoAnne Wagner are seated in the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1924 as rally starts at Governor House, Karachi here on Saturday. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Sindh Governor, Imran Ismail, and U.S. Consul General in Karachi, JoAnne Wagner are seated in the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1924 as rally starts at Governor House, Karachi here on Saturday. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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The Vintage & Classic Car Club (VCCCP) was formed in 1986 by Mohsin Ikram and Jim Agha to cater to those who shared their passion of collecting, restoring and driving vintage and classic cars. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
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Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally. (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)
Updated 02 December 2018
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Jinnah’s Rolls-Royce cars run in Cross Country Rally

  • Nearly 28 other cars are part of Classic Car Club of Pakistan (VCCCP) Annual Cross-Country Rally
  • Participants term the vintage cars' rally a great way to present softer image of Pakistan

KARACHI: August 14, 1947! A Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost drives out of the Sindh’s Governor House and goes towards the Sindh Assembly building in Karachi, the seaside metropolis, then capital of the newly curved out Pakistan.

In the back seat, there is father of the nation, Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who is accompanied by last Viceroy of India, Louis Mountbatten. Jinnah is going to take oath as his country’s first governor general in the constituent assembly.

On Sunday – a little over 71 years after that historical day in the life of Pakistan  –  the same Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, having the Sindh Governor, Imran Ismail, and U.S. Consul General in Karachi, JoAnne Wagner, in the back seat, is driven out of this historical building, however, the car is not going towards assembly building at court road.

Instead, it is joining nearly 28 other vintage and classic cars to resume the Vintage Classic Car Club of Pakistan (VCCCP) Annual Cross-Country Rally, which a day earlier had embarked upon its journey from Hub in Balochistan, and will culminate at Peshawar on December 9, after passing through Lahore, Islamabad and other small and big cities of the country.  

Karim Chhapra, owner of the historical Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1924, says the car was used by Jinnah on the historical day, however, it was now owned by him.

The car, he informs, is from the collection of Nawab of Bahawalpur. The car was standing on bricks in garage of the Nawabs for 46 long years due to litigation before it was auctioned and acquired by Chhapra in 2004.

“I was lucky to get the car after which I spent 18 months to restore it to the original condition,” Chhapra told Arab News.

This rally, which Mohsin Ikram, founder & Chairman of the VCCCP, says is the first which will be passing through all four provinces, has another Rolls Royce, which was used by father of the nation for comparatively longer period.

Altaf Hashwani, owner of the car, told Arab News that this Rolls Royce was gifted to Jinnah by the Queen of England and delivered to him on April 2, 1948, which he used for going to office till his death.

“A silver wrath hopper touring limousine was finished in black with beige leather to front and rear and there is an instruction that resin glue was to be used and not animal glue. Coconut fiber was substituted for horse hair and kapok for ordinary down,” he said.

In 1950, the touring limousine, Hashwani informs, left the head of the state’s ownership when it was acquired by the UK high commissioner, in Karachi.

Besides Rolls-Royce, nearly 27 Ford, Mustang, Aston Martin, Mercedes, MGs, Buick, Cadillac and Jaguar and other vintage and classic cars are part of the rally.

“This is an excellent classic car show, which will give out a message that Pakistan is a country of peace-loving people who love culture and heritage. Heritage is not only a building but these moving cars are also our heritage,”

Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail, told Arab News while lauding the organizers of the rally for holding the event for 9 consecutive years.

Ikram, who bought his first classic car in 1980 when he was 16 years old, says the rally will give out a great message to the outside world.

“Our people love culture and heritage. The old classic cars are our heritage, which we have protected in the best possible way,” Ikram told Arab News.

Around 30 cars, he told, are part of the rally from Karachi whereas 20 classic cars will be added to it in Lahore. “There will be car shows in Lahore, and Islamabad whereas concluding ceremony will be held at Islamia college, Peshawar,” Ikram informed, and urged upon the people to share photos if they find abandoned old cars in the neighborhoods. “Just send us the photos, so that the old cars may be restored,” he said.

Seeing photos of the car rallies in Pakistan on social media, Ikram says, a man named Peter Nobel from Europe, who had toured Balochistan some three decades ago, contacted him and expressed his desire that he wants to come and visit Pakistan in his car of 1925 model.

Anum Shahzeb, who became the first women driver of the rally when she drove her vintage car all the way from Karachi to Peshawar five years back, told Arab News that she will part of the rally from Karachi to Lahore and then after a short break will join, what she calls an extended family of car drivers, in Islamabad for going onwards to Peshawar.

“The rally of vintage cars is great for the softer image of Pakistan.” She told Arab News.

“This is not just a hobby, it’s an effort to protect the heritage and, most importantly, to promote soft-image of Pakistan. We are peace loving people,” Shahzeb said.


Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief completes distribution of 50,000 shelters, winter kits in Pakistan

Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief completes distribution of 50,000 shelters, winter kits in Pakistan

  • The initiative targeted areas severely affected by flash floods, heavy rain and snowfall in the South Asian country
  • It provided essential support to over 350,000 individuals, enabling communities to recover and regain stability

ISLAMABAD: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has completed the distribution of 50,000 shelters and winter kits among Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities, the Saudi charity said on Tuesday.
The aid distribution was part of KSrelief’s Shelter, Non-Food Items (NFIs) and Winter Kit Project for 2023-24, according to a statement issued by the charity organization.
By focusing on the disaster-stricken regions, the project provided essential support to over 350,000 individuals across Pakistan, enabling communities to recover and regain stability.
“Spanning four phases from September 2023 to October 2024, the initiative targeted areas severely affected by flash floods, heavy rainfall, and snowfall across 44 high-need districts in Pakistan,” KSrelief said in a statement.
“Through this effort, KSrelief distributed a total of 25,000 Shelter NFIs and 25,000 Winter Kits, aimed at helping communities withstand harsh winter conditions and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of these disasters.”
KSrelief coordinated with Pakistan’s national and provincial disaster management authorities and United Nations (UN) agencies for the effort, according to the statement.
“This approach ensured a cohesive, well-targeted response to meet the immediate needs of those impacted,” it read.
The Saudi charity organization has one of the largest humanitarian budgets available to any aid agency across the world, which has allowed its officials to undertake a wide variety of projects in more than 80 countries.
Pakistan is the fifth largest beneficiary of its aid and humanitarian activities and has greatly benefited from its assistance since 2022 monsoon floods.


Pakistani bank signs LC Confirmation deal with International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation

Updated 05 November 2024
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Pakistani bank signs LC Confirmation deal with International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation

  • This product facilitates trade flow by allowing exporters and issuing banks to gain assurance from the ITFC
  • It will support private sector clients by working with banks in Organization of Islamic Cooperation states

ISLAMABAD: Meezan Bank, a leading Islamic bank in Pakistan, has signed a new strategic partnership with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) under its Letter of Credit (LC) Confirmation product to support the private sector, the Pakistani bank said on Tuesday.
This product facilitates trade flow by allowing exporters and issuing banks to gain assurance from the ITFC, a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, to secure payment and thus eliminate credit risks, according to a statement issued by Meezan Bank.
It will support private sector clients, including small-medium enterprises (SMEs), by working with local banks in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries to facilitate various import transactions.
The agreement was signed by Nazeem Noordali, Chief Operating Officer of ITFC, and Syed Amir Ali, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Meezan Bank, in the presence of executives from both sides.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our business relationship with ITFC as we solidify our partnership. This arrangement reinforces our Bank’s commitment to reliability, stability, and financial excellence,” said Syed Amir Ali, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Meezan Bank.
“The Letter of Credit Confirmation Agreement strengthens our position in the market, enabling us to capitalize on new opportunities and facilitate international Islamic trade.”
Meezan Bank is the first bank in Pakistan to partner with ITFC for the LC Confirmation facility. It will enable the Pakistani bank to extend geographical coverage by leveraging the ITFC network, both in member and non-member countries. It will also enable the Bank to handle LC Confirmation transactions of up to 12 months.
“We are proud to strengthen our partnership with Meezan Bank through this Letter of Credit Confirmation Agreement, which reflects our commitment and support to private sector clients in our member countries,” M. Nazeem Noordali, Chief Operating Officer of ITFC, was quoted as saying by Meezan Bank.
 


Pakistani actors Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed starrer ‘Love Guru’ to release on Eid

Updated 05 November 2024
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Pakistani actors Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed starrer ‘Love Guru’ to release on Eid

  • The movie will be directed by industry veteran Nadeem Baig and also feature actor Ahmed Ali Butt
  • Pakistani cinema has witnessed a revival over the past decade with the release of a number of movies

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani superstar Mahira Khan has said that her new film ‘Love Guru’ will be released on Eid next year, which will feature her alongside actors Humayun Saeed and Ahmed Ali Butt.

Khan, who will be playing the female lead alongside Saeed, said the movie is directed by Nadeem Baig. Both Khan and Saeed appeared together in the Pakistani film ‘Bin Roye’ nine years ago, with fans admiring their chemistry on screen.

“There is one project that we are shooting for the past month,” Khan told reporters at an event in London. “It’s film Love Guru that will be released on Eid.”

The actress expressed happiness and thanked her fans for the amount of love she received in London.

Khan has made a mark in international cinema with her performances in ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ (2022) and Bollywood flick ‘Raees’ (2017) alongside Shah Rukh Khan. Her acting skills in the two movies were widely praised by critics and made her a household name in Pakistan and India.

Pakistani cinema industry has witnessed a revival over the past decade with the release of a number of movies, including ‘Zinda Bhaag’ (2013) and ‘Ho Mann Jahaan’ (2016), which were based on a mix of traditional and modern themes.

The success of these films has led to an increase in investment in movie production, with many new films being released each year.


Pakistan, China conclude bilateral air exercise to bolster interoperability

Updated 05 November 2024
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Pakistan, China conclude bilateral air exercise to bolster interoperability

  • The exercise simulated various military tactics in near-realistic, multi-domain operations
  • Pakistan is separately holding a joint military exercise, Harimau-Markhore II, with Malaysia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Tuesday concluded a bilateral air exercise aimed at strengthening interoperability between the two air forces, the Pakistani military said.

The Indus Shield-Chinese exercise, a bilateral module of the Indus Shield 2024 military exercise, concluded at an operational air base of Pakistan Air Force (PAF), according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing.

It witnessed participation from People’s Liberation Army Air Force with its personnel and high-tech equipment comprising Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, J-16 and J-10C fighter with Beyond Visual Range (BVR) equipment, HQ-22 surface-to-air defense system, Potent Airborne Electronic Warfare YTG-9 Platform, and the KJ-500 airborne early warning system pitched against the PAF’s J-10C and JF-17 Block-III fighter jets simulating contemporary aerial combat scenarios.

“The successful execution of such a large-scale exercise demonstrates Pakistan Air Force’s joint operational readiness among allied nations while addressing contemporary security challenges,” the ISPR said in a statement.

“Aimed at validating interoperability between China and Pakistan in the face of contemporary air combat challenges and by simulating various military tactics in near-realistic, multi-domain operations training environment, Indus Shield-Chinese has maximized the warfighting potential of both the participating air forces.”

Indus Shield-2024 is the largest multinational regional exercise, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye among 24 countries taking part in it. The exercise aims to foster interoperability and training through state-of-the-art facilities.

Pakistan is separately holding a joint military exercise, Harimau-Markhore II, with Malaysia, Pakistani state media reported on Tuesday. The two-week-long exercise began at the National Counter-Terrorism Center in Pabbi in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtukhwa (KP) province.

“The exercise will strengthen bilateral relations between the Malaysian and Pakistani forces and provide opportunities to benefit from each other’s experiences and expertise in the future,” the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.

Pakistan frequently holds exercise drills with regional and international allies to foster interoperability and joint deployment concepts to strengthen regional and global security.

Also, Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Zulfiquar visited Port Djibouti during deployment on a regional maritime security patrol, the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) of Pakistan Navy said on Tuesday.

The commanding officer of PNS Zulfiquar called on senior military leadership and explored avenues for further collaboration, while the crew had professionally rewarding interactions with Djibouti Navy and Coast Guards during the port call.

“Pakistan and Djibouti enjoy close and cordial relations based on mutual respect and understanding. Both the countries also have numerous common interests in maritime arena,” the DGPR said in a statement. “Upon departure, PNS Zulfiquar conducted Passage Exercise with Djibouti Coast Guards to enhance inter-operability.”


Pakistan approves Hajj Policy 2025, adds new role to improve pilgrim services

Updated 05 November 2024
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Pakistan approves Hajj Policy 2025, adds new role to improve pilgrim services

  • Pakistan will send 179,210 pilgrims, equally divided between the government and private sector
  • Government will prioritize first-time pilgrims in the official balloting process, says a statement

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the Hajj Policy 2025, said an official statement, specifying a quota of 179,210 pilgrims and introducing a new position of the “nazim” or administrator to ensure improved services for those embarking on the spiritual journey.
Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, is an annual pilgrimage to Makkah undertaken by millions of Muslims. Pakistan has one of the largest Hajj quotas provided by Saudi Arabia to any Muslim country amid immense demand for the pilgrimage, with many citizens waiting years for an opportunity to participate.
“The federal cabinet approved the Hajj Policy 2025 on the recommendation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony,” an official handout from the Prime Minister’s Office said. “The cabinet was informed that Pakistan’s Hajj quota for 2025 will be 179,210, divided equally between the government and the private sector.”
The new policy includes the creation of a “nazim” position, aimed at ensuring the well-being of pilgrims throughout the journey.
“For every 100 pilgrims, one nazim will be appointed from the welfare staff,” the handout added, underscoring the government’s intent to improve the pilgrimage experience.
Under the policy, children under 12 will not be allowed to travel for Hajj. Government quota allocation will be conducted through computerized balloting, with 1,000 seats reserved for hardship cases and 300 for laborers or low-income employees registered with the Workers Welfare Fund or the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution.
Additionally, the Makkah Route Initiative, offering streamlined immigration services, will be available at Islamabad and Karachi international airports. To further enhance the experience, Hajj Group Organizers will sign service agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, with close monitoring of service quality.
In light of previous challenges, the cabinet has increased compensation for pilgrims who may pass away or get injured during the pilgrimage. The families of deceased pilgrims will receive Rs1 million to Rs2 million, while injured pilgrims will receive Rs1 million in compensation.
A specialized Hajj management app has also been developed to support pilgrims, along with extensive training initiatives.
The cabinet directed priority in the balloting process to first-time pilgrims and emphasized the importance of ensuring top-quality services for all participants.