Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic participation and workforce development received renewed focus during Minister Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi’s recent visit to Madinah, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to Vision 2030. The minister emphasized that modern, flexible work arrangements have transformed the labor market landscape, opening substantial opportunities for citizens to engage in self-employment and alternative forms of work. More than 430,000 Saudi nationals have reportedly benefited from self-employment initiatives, demonstrating the tangible impact of these programs. In addition, over one million flexible and remote work contracts have been issued, signaling a shift towards more adaptive, modern employment practices aligned with evolving…
Author: Baseerat Talib
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Defense Development has recently unveiled six state-of-the-art platforms aimed at enhancing the country’s defense and security capabilities. A senior defense official confirmed that these platforms include central operational systems as well as large-scale linguistic models, all of which can be deployed on the operational level to strengthen technical autonomy and national preparedness. These developments are part of a broader strategy to modernize the Kingdom’s military infrastructure and to ensure that advanced technologies are integrated seamlessly into defense operations. The official emphasized that this initiative is not just a technological enhancement but a strategic evolution designed to…
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, has formally approved the launch of the Sixth National Ehsan Campaign under the country’s renowned philanthropic platform, “Ehsan.” Scheduled to commence on Friday evening, 3rd Ramadan 1447H, corresponding to 20th February 2026, this initiative reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to welfare, charity, and community service. The approval comes as part of King Salman’s sustained efforts to encourage public participation in acts of goodness, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, when charitable deeds hold profound religious significance. This upcoming campaign underlines the deep personal interest and…
By the time the sun rose over Texas, long before the first ball was bowled in the much-anticipated T20 World Cup encounter between Pakistan and India, members of the Pakistani diaspora were already on the move. In cities such as Houston and Dallas, alarms rang earlier than usual. For many, it was a day off. For others, it meant sacrificing precious hours of sleep. Yet the pull of cricket — especially a Pakistan-India contest — proved stronger than comfort. Restaurants adjusted their opening hours. Community halls were rearranged overnight. Café owners installed large projection screens, tested sound systems and decorated…
In a landmark decision reinforcing workplace equality and shared parental responsibility, the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has ruled that fathers are legally entitled to paternity leave following the birth of a child. The verdict sends a strong message that childcare obligations are not the exclusive domain of mothers and that denying such leave may amount to gender-based discrimination. The ruling emerged from a formal complaint filed by Syed Basit Ali, an OG-1 officer employed with the Banking Services Corporation (BSC), a subsidiary of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). After the birth of his son, Ali applied…
In a high-stakes encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup, traditional rivals India secured a commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan, strengthening their position in the group stage. The high-voltage clash was played at Colombo’s historic R. Premadasa Stadium and drew massive attention from cricket fans, but it was India who finished the contest with a dominant performance. The match began with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha winning the toss and opting to field first, inviting India to bat. Notably, the customary handshake between the two captains at the toss drew attention as it did not take place. After being put…
As the much-anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fixture between Pakistan and India draws near, Colombo is experiencing an unprecedented frenzy, with ticket demand reaching fever pitch. The historic encounter, scheduled for Sunday at the R. Premadasa Stadium, has ignited excitement not only among local cricket enthusiasts but also among fans traveling from overseas, eager to witness the high-voltage clash between the subcontinent’s most storied rivals. A stroll past the stadium’s ticket counters on Thursday revealed a curious scene: long, restless queues of eager supporters still forming despite the official word that the match was sold out. Officials confirmed…
Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa suffered a sudden medical emergency earlier this week, which led to a brief loss of consciousness and a fall resulting in head injuries. According to sources close to the family, the incident was not due to slipping or carelessness, but rather was caused by a cardiac issue known as a third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block—a serious condition affecting the heart’s electrical conduction system. This disruption temporarily prevented the heart from properly coordinating its beats, causing Gen Bajwa to faint. The family emphasized that misinformation regarding the former army chief has…
As Pakistan moves closer to another critical round of discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), fresh diplomatic and financial coordination has resulted in temporary relief on the external financing front. The United Arab Emirates has agreed to extend the maturity of a $2 billion deposit placed with Pakistan for a short period of two months, providing Islamabad with breathing space ahead of key economic negotiations. The deposit, which is part of a broader $3 billion arrangement placed with the State Bank of Pakistan by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, was approaching maturity when Pakistani authorities initiated high-level engagement…
In a landmark move that has sent ripples through Pakistan’s cricketing and sports investment circles, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, Multan Sultans, was officially sold at an eye-catching price of Rs 2.45 billion during a high-profile auction organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday. The franchise, one of the marquee teams in the PSL, was acquired by Walee Technologies, who outbid other interested parties in a bidding war that showcased the growing commercial value of Pakistan’s cricketing league. The auction took place in Lahore and was attended by a star-studded lineup of cricket officials, former players, and…