Ramadan exhibition showcases works of world-renowned Pakistani artists to spark interest in calligraphy

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Updated 21 March 2024
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Ramadan exhibition showcases works of world-renowned Pakistani artists to spark interest in calligraphy

  • The PNCA exhibition, which has works of artists like Sadequain, Aslam Kamal and Guljee, will last throughout Ramadan
  • The event has attracted students from schools and other education institutions along with seasoned art enthusiasts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s premier arts council, dedicated to promoting and preserving the nation’s cultural heritage, has set up a Ramadan exhibition showcasing Qur’anic calligraphy by leading artists, attracting art enthusiasts and the general public who believe the initiative will boost interest in the traditional art form.
The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) was established in 1973 and periodically organizes various cultural events, exhibitions, workshops and performances to highlight Pakistani art and culture both nationally and internationally.
Its decision to hold the ongoing exhibition coincides with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan since calligraphy holds a profound significance in Islamic art since it also serves as a means of spiritual devotion and communication.




The photos shows paintings exhibited at Ramadan exhibition showcasing Qur’anic calligraphy by leading artists at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts in Islamabad, Pakistan on March 20, 2024. (AN Photo)

The art form dates back to the early days of Islam when the holy Qur’an was revealed. The intricate and ornate scripts used to transcribe the Islamic scripture became a central focus of artistic expression, embodying the beauty and reverence of religious teachings.
“This is the permanent collection of PNCA that is displayed here today and many people are visiting it,” Noshaba Naz, a designer at the council, told Arab News. “We have the work of many senior artists such as Sadequain, Aslam Kamal, Ustad Elahi Bux, Nasir Khan Seemab, Rasheed Butt and Guljee.”
“These are the people who have made a name for themselves through the art of calligraphy,” she added. “Not only in Pakistan but in the whole world, I think, these people are known for their calligraphy work.”
The exhibition has also attracted schools and other education institutions where teachers want their students to develop interest in calligraphy.
“Being a Muslim, our foundation is Islam, our foundation is Qur’an, and when you see Qur’an in different scripts such as Sulus or Kufic manuscript, so when you see it written in the best way possible, then it will create more interest [in young people] to read it, to see it, to open it,” Sehrish Jabeen, who works with the Unity International School and had brought a group of students with her to the gallery, told Arab News. “So this is why calligraphy exhibitions must be held.”




The photo shows a painting exhibited at Ramadan exhibition showcasing Qur’anic calligraphy by leading artists at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts in Islamabad, Pakistan on March 20, 2024. (AN Photo)

The event has more than 25 pieces on display, showcasing a range of mediums and techniques.
It has also attracted professional artists who have been in the field for many decades.
“After coming here, the biggest peace we feel is seeing the work of our teachers, such as behind me the work of Sajid Rasheed sahib is displayed,” Shakeel Tabassum, who has been a calligrapher for about 15 years, said. “He held my hand and taught me how to walk. He taught me calligraphy. He taught me the Kufi manuscript.”
He lamented a general lack of interest in calligraphy in Pakistan, saying the presence of school children at the event could change that.
The development of calligraphy in the Muslim world was strongly tied to the Qur’an, though it is not limited strictly to religious subjects and played an important role in Persian and Mughal maniatures as well.
The PNCA exhibition will remain open to public throughout Ramadan, though the gallery will be closed on Friday and Saturday.


Pakistan seeks World Bank’s technical help to fast track $20 billion development framework

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Pakistan seeks World Bank’s technical help to fast track $20 billion development framework

  • The Country Partnership Framework was approved by the World Bank’s executive directors in January
  • It aims to support Pakistan’s development by promoting private sector-led growth, climate resilience

KARACHI: Pakistan on Thursday sought the World Bank’s technical assistance to fast track the implementation of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) discussed between the two sides earlier this year, according to an official statement circulated by the finance ministry.

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors endorsed the framework in January, aiming to support Pakistan’s long-term development by building human capital, promoting private sector-led growth and enhancing climate resilience through up to $20 billion in pledged lending over the next decade.

A World Bank delegation led by Managing Director for Operations Anna Bjerde met with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad during the day to review the Bank’s financing portfolio and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

“We are focused on ensuring that climate resilience and sustainable development remain at the heart of our economic planning,” Aurangzeb said, according to the statement. “The CPF represents an important opportunity, and we aim to implement it with full coordination across key ministries and stakeholders.”

The finance ministry said Aurangzeb requested the visiting delegation “to provide technical leadership and assistance to streamline processes and ensure a prioritized and focused rollout of the CPF.”

Bjerde praised Pakistan for continuing with difficult economic reforms under challenging circumstances and for aligning its growth with environmental sustainability.

She also reiterated the Bank’s support for initiatives in areas such as taxation, energy and social protection, while emphasizing girls’ education and women’s empowerment as critical to human capital and economic resilience.

Later in the day, the delegation also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to a separate statement circulated by Sharif’s office, the prime minister welcomed the delegation and thanked the World Bank for playing a key role in the country’s development.

“We are grateful to the World Bank for the Country Partnership Framework, under which development investments exceeding $20 billion will be made in Pakistan,” he said.

Bjerde, in turn, commended Pakistan’s macroeconomic performance and recent stabilization efforts, describing the CPF as a “model” for other countries.

The meeting was also attended by federal ministers, advisers, parliamentarians and senior government officials along with World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine.


Pakistan says open to dialogue with India, with Saudi Arabia, UAE among neutral venue options

Updated 41 min 57 sec ago
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Pakistan says open to dialogue with India, with Saudi Arabia, UAE among neutral venue options

  • Pakistan’s deputy prime minister says dialogue with India has to take place and will cover all outstanding issues
  • Ishaq Dar says ceasefire is holding between the two states, with troops moving back to pre-standoff positions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday composite talks with India would be held at a neutral venue, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or any other mutually acceptable country, once New Delhi was ready for dialogue.

His statement followed a US-brokered ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump on May 10 to halt missile, drone and artillery exchanges between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in the wake of a deadly gun attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that killed 26 tourists. New Delhi blamed Pakistan for the assault, though Islamabad denied involvement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently mentioned after the ceasefire the two South Asian rivals had agreed to address a broad range of issues in a meeting at a neutral venue. However, the Indian authorities maintained any dialogue with Pakistan would be limited to the issue of “terrorism” and have not shown any interest so far in the said diplomatic engagement.

“The venue of the talks will be the place acceptable to both,” Dar said during a media briefing in Islamabad. “There are many candidates for it. It can be Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates or any other country.”

Dar maintained talks had to be held between the two countries, adding Pakistan was ready to engage whenever India was prepared.

“We are not in a hurry and will initiate dialogue when India will be ready,” he continued. “The venue will also be decided at that time.”

The deputy prime minister said the dialogue would cover all issues between the two countries.

“It will be a composite dialogue including everything,” he informed. “Terrorism will be part of it as we are ready to talk on this with all countries because we also want to eliminate the menace of terrorism as we are the biggest victim of it.”

Dar said the ceasefire was holding, though he expressed concern over “irresponsible statements” from Indian officials.

“I think the political compulsion is coming in front of them [the Indian leaders],” he said, adding the ceasefire was maintained by the armed forces of the two countries, with the director generals of military operations on both sides in regular communication with each other.

He also informed both countries were gradually restoring their forces to the pre-standoff positions.

“It won’t take months, it will be completed within the next few days,” he added.

Dar also spoke about his recent visit to China, where he attended a trilateral dialogue with China and Afghanistan, saying both countries had agreed to strengthen their diplomatic relations.

Since the Taliban takeover of Kabul, Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have remained strained, marked by border tensions, security concerns and a lack of trust.

Diplomatic engagement between Kabul and Islamabad have also remained limited, with both countries maintaining ties at the chargé d’affaires level rather than through full ambassadors.

“On the request of China, both countries agreed to enhance our diplomatic relations, though it will take time to complete procedures,” he added.

The deputy prime minister reiterated Pakistan and China had agreed to extend their joint multibillion-dollar corridor project to Afghanistan, including the construction of a road from Peshawar to Kabul to improve connectivity.


Pakistan FY26 budget to continue fiscal consolidation, focus on IMF guidelines — analysis

Updated 22 May 2025
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Pakistan FY26 budget to continue fiscal consolidation, focus on IMF guidelines — analysis

  • Islamabad is currently holding budget talks with the IMF, likely to conclude this week
  • Government has committed to fiscal consolidation in FY26 budget to ensure debt sustainability

KARACHI: Pakistan will continue fiscal consolidation, focus on IMF guidelines and bring untaxed and low tax areas into the tax net as it announces its federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26 next month, a top Pakistani brokerage house said in a budget review

Islamabad is currently holding budget talks with the IMF, which earlier this month approved a loan program review for Pakistan, unlocking a $1 billion payment which the State Bank of Pakistan said had been received. A fresh $1.4 billion loan was also approved under the IMF’s climate resilience fund.

“We expect this budget to continue fiscal consolidation, focus on IMF guidelines and bring untaxed/low tax areas in tax net,” Topline Securities said in a budget review.

The brokerage house said the government had committed with the IMF to continue with fiscal consolidation in the FY26 budget to ensure debt sustainability.

“The government targets primary surplus of 1.6% of GDP (vs. 2.0-2.1% of GDP in FY25), a surplus for the third consecutive year after two decades. The government has also committed to use any windfall dividend expected from the central bank over and above 1% of GDP to retire debt,” the review said.

The analysis predicted the Federal Board of Revenue’s FY26 tax revenue growth target could be the lowest in six years.

“FBR revenue target is expected at Rs14.1-14.3 trillion, up 16-18% YoY, which will be the lowest percent growth in the last 6 years,” it said.

The FBR has achieved a five-year revenue Compound Annual Growth Rate of 25% from FY21-25.

“We believe, out of this required 16-18% growth, approximately 12% would be achieved through autonomous growth driven by real GDP growth of 3.6% and inflation of 7.7%. The remaining 4-5% growth translates into additional tax measures of Rs500-600 billion,” the analysis estimated.

Revenue measures expected include a change in the GST calculation price of sugar, the likely introduction of taxes on pension, retailers and wholesalers and a likely increase in federal excise duty on cigarettes, fertilizer products and pesticides by 500bps. A tax on the income of freelancers, vloggers and YouTubers is also expected.

“Government is expected to announce some relief measures namely (1) extension in exemption limit on salary or reduction of tax rate by 2.5% for all salary brackets, (2) rationalization of duties on trade, (3) likely housing finance subsidy, (4) inflation adjustment in minimum salary and unconditional cash transfer, and (5) some rationalization in super tax,” the analysis said.

It said the government would reportedly set a GDP growth target of 3.5-4.5% “while we expect GDP growth target for FY26 at 3.5-4.0% led by services.”

The analysis predicted the budget was likely to be neutral for the stock market in the short-term, neutral to positive for cement, steel, oil and gas, consumers, and independent power producers, and neutral for oil marketing firms, IT, banks, pharma, autos and textile.

Pakistan’s 37-month $7 billion IMF loan program, approved on Sept. 25, 2024, aims to build resilience and enable sustainable growth. Key priorities include entrenching macroeconomic sustainability through implementation of sound macro policies, including rebuilding international reserve buffers and broadening of the tax base; advancing reforms to strengthen competition and raise productivity and competitiveness; reforming state-owned enterprises and improving public service provision and energy sector viability; and building climate resilience.

Highlighting progress in Pakistani policies to stabilize the economy, the IMF said earlier this month when it approved the latest tranche that Pakistan’s fiscal performance had been strong, with a primary surplus of 2.0% of GDP achieved in the first half of FY25, keeping Pakistan on track to meet the end-FY25 target of 2.1% of GDP.

“Inflation fell to a historic low of 0.3% in April, and progress on disinflation and steadier domestic and external conditions, have allowed the State Bank of Pakistan to cut the policy rate by a total of 1100 bps since June 2025,” the IMF added.

“Gross reserves stood at $10.3 billion at end-April, up from $9.4 billion in August 2024, and are projected to reach $13.9 billion by end-June 2025 and continue to be rebuilt over the medium term.”


Pakistan’s second biggest city Lahore sizzles amid scorching heatwave

Updated 22 May 2025
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Pakistan’s second biggest city Lahore sizzles amid scorching heatwave

  • Met Office warns of heatwave from May 20-24, temperatures to be 4-6 degrees above average in three main provinces
  • In June 2024, almost 700 people died in heatwave in less than a week, 2015 heatwave claimed over 2,000 lives in Karachi alone

LAHORE: Pakistan’s second biggest city, Lahore, sizzled under scorching heat this week as residents tried to stay hydrated in temperatures of 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit).

The Pakistani Meteorological Office on Monday issued a heatwave alert saying temperatures would be four to six degrees above average in the Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan provinces from May 20-24.

The Met Office also advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and stay hydrated.

“The heat is so intense in Lahore at the moment that it is difficult to go out. People should take caution, wear caps soaked in water, and they should drink plenty of water,” resident Wasif Khan said. 

“They should use sunglasses. There are juice stalls at different places, they can consume that. Anyway, they should protect themselves from heat.”

Pakistan experiences a long and hot summer season.

“The work cannot stop. We have to carry out our work in any circumstances,” resident Mohammad Shehzad said as he poured a bottle of cold water on his head.

“I am drinking juices and trying to remain under shade to protect myself from the heat. You know, the work goes on whether it is intense heat or it is very cold.”

The current heatwave comes amid increasingly erratic climate patterns across South Asia, with cities in Pakistan experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves in recent years, a trend climate experts link to global warming and climate change. 

A 2015 heatwave claimed over 2,000 lives in Karachi alone while floods in 2022 left more than 1,700 dead and over 33 million displaced nationwide.

In June 2024, almost 700 people died in a heat wave in less than a week, with most deaths recorded in the port city of Karachi and other cities of the southern province of Sindh, according to the Edhi Foundation charity.


PIA announces direct flights from Lahore to Paris from June 18

Updated 22 May 2025
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PIA announces direct flights from Lahore to Paris from June 18

  • PIA is already operating two weekly flights from Islamabad to Paris 
  • PIA resumed flights to Europe in January after 4.5-year-long ban

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines is launching direct flights from Lahore to Paris, with the first flight taking off on June 18, the national carrier said in a statement on Thursday. 

PIA resumed flights to Europe in January after a four-and-a-half-year ban was lifted by EU regulators. A flight of the state-owned airline, plagued by a history of deadly crashes and a pilot license scandal, took off from Islamabad for Paris on Jan. 10, becoming the only carrier to offer a direct route to and from the European Union.

“PIA’s first flight from Lahore to Paris will take off on June 18,” the airline said. “A weekly flight from Lahore to Paris will take off directly on Wednesday.”

PIA is already operating two weekly flights from Islamabad to Paris and would “soon” launch flights to other cities in Europe, the airline said. 

Debt-ridden PIA was banned in June 2020 from flying to the EU, United Kingdom and the United States, a month after one of its Airbus A-320s plunged into a neighborhood of Karachi, killing nearly 100 people.

The disaster was attributed to human error by the pilots and air traffic control, and was followed by allegations that nearly a third of the licenses for PIA pilots were fake or dubious.

On November 29, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency announced it had lifted the ban on EU flights. 

PIA still remains barred from flying in the UK and the United States.