Author: Rashid Mehmood

Rashid explores the rich culture, heritage, and social fabric of Pakistan. His work brings to life the traditions, customs, and stories that define the nation's unique identity.

Applying for a visa to visit Pakistan can seem like a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be! With the launch of the Pakistan Visa Online System, foreign nationals can now easily apply for their Pakistani visa entirely online in just a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of applying for a Pakistan visa online, including eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and step-by-step instructions for completing your application. The Pakistan Visa Online System offers a streamlined and efficient way to get your Pakistani visa without having to visit an embassy or consulate in person. Here…

Read More

With the rising costs of electricity, it has become more important than ever for households to find ways to maximize savings on their monthly utility bills. Electricity costs can take up a significant portion of a family’s budget, so implementing some simple energy-saving tactics can help free up more cash for other expenses. Learning how to reduce your home’s energy consumption without sacrificing comfort is a wise financial move. There are many advantages to reducing the amount of electricity your home uses each month. First and foremost, you’ll save money on your utility bills, which is especially helpful for households…

Read More

The purpose of this blog post is to provide readers with a detailed guide on eligibility criteria and application procedures for obtaining a NADRA Pakistan Origin Card (POC). Possessing a valid POC serves as an important form of identification and proof of Pakistani ancestry for foreign nationals. This introductory section will highlight the significance of having a POC and briefly overview the topics covered throughout the remainder of the blog. Obtaining a POC card can be highly beneficial for multiple reasons. First and foremost, it acts as an official ID that enables foreign nationals of Pakistani origin to easily prove…

Read More

A passport is one of the most important documents for any traveler. It allows you to cross international borders and proves your identity and citizenship when abroad. Losing your passport or having it damaged while in another country can be an extremely stressful and scary situation. Common concerns when this happens include being unsure of the proper procedures to follow, worrying about delays in obtaining a replacement, and being anxious about the costs involved. Many travelers aren’t familiar with the process and may fear they will be stuck abroad indefinitely. The purpose of this blog post is to provide a…

Read More

Becoming a tax filer in Pakistan is an important step towards financial responsibility and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. Filing taxes is not only a legal requirement but also allows individuals and companies to participate in the country’s development. Being a tax filer unlocks access to financial services and benefits. This guide will provide a step-by-step overview of how to become a tax filer in Pakistan. What Does Tax Filer Mean in Pakistan? In Pakistan, a tax filer refers to an individual or company that has completed registration with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and filed their income…

Read More

To combat the severe air pollution engulfing Lahore, the Punjab government is considering a novel approach—artificial rain. This initiative comes as a response to the dense smog that has blanketed the city, causing significant health concerns and disrupting daily life. Lahore has been grappling with hazardous levels of air pollution. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that the Lahore High Court mandated the closure of all schools and colleges in Punjab on Saturdays, following the failure of provincial authorities to address the smog issue effectively. The caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, announced the closure of schools…

Read More

Islamabad, November 17, 2024 – The Minister for Religious Affairs, Aneeq Ahmed, has officially released the details of the Hajj policy for the year 2024. In an announcement that marks a departure from previous years, the cost of performing Hajj has been reduced. This development comes as a relief to many aspiring pilgrims and is part of a broader set of guidelines aimed at facilitating the sacred journey. Application Process and Eligibility The ministry will begin accepting Hajj applications from November 27 until December 12, with the date for the Hajj draw to be announced subsequently. To be eligible, applicants…

Read More

A passport is an essential travel document required for international travel. It serves as an official proof of identity and citizenship of a person when they are traveling outside of their home country. Having a valid passport makes international travel convenient by allowing visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival in many countries. It also speeds up immigration processes at airports and border crossings. In Pakistan, passports are issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP). The entire process usually takes around 10-15 days for normal applications. Urgent applications can also be submitted for quicker processing. Documents Required for Passport Application…

Read More

FPSC is the central administrative authority responsible for recruiting civil servants and bureaucrats in Pakistan. It announces job vacancies throughout the year for various federal government departments, ministries, divisions, and organizations. The FPSC conducts competitive examinations across the country for positions from BPS-14 to BPS-21. In recent years, the FPSC has transitioned to an online application system for all of its recruitment drives. This has made the process much easier and more accessible to aspiring candidates across Pakistan. Now everything from searching current job openings, checking eligibility, submitting applications, paying fees, and tracking application status can be done online through…

Read More

HEC Pakistan offers prestigious annual research awards to recognize and encourage outstanding contributions by scholars across various disciplines. These awards provide an excellent opportunity for researchers to gain national visibility, further their careers, and make a meaningful impact through their work. In this guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about applying for HEC research awards, from an overview of the different award categories to step-by-step application instructions. Whether you are an experienced researcher or just starting, this guide will help you submit a compelling application. There are several benefits of applying for HEC research awards: HEC…

Read More

The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs has made an important announcement regarding the Hajj pilgrimage of 2024. In a press briefing held on November 16th, 2023, Minister Ahmed revealed the dates during which applications for Hajj will be accepted. The government will begin accepting applications from the 27th of the current month, and the deadline for submitting these applications is set for December 12. In addition to the application timeline, the minister provided details about the Hajj policy for 2024, which had been approved by the federal government the day before the announcement. One of the key highlights of this…

Read More

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) granted conditional permission for Pakistani women to perform the Hajj pilgrimage without the presence of a male guardian, known as a ‘Mehram.’ This decision aligns with the recent policy change by the Saudi government now allows women from all over the world to undertake the religious journey without being accompanied by a Mehram. The CII’s response came after the Ministry of Religious Affairs sought guidance following Saudi Arabia’s historic announcement. The council referred to various Islamic schools of thought, including Jafria, Maliki, and Shafi’i, which permit women to perform Hajj or Umra without a…

Read More

In Pakistan, the Marriage Registration Certificate (MRC) stands as a crucial legal document that validates a marital union. Traditionally, during the Nikkah ceremony a manual form is completed with the details of the bride, groom, and their witnesses. However, this form is typically in Urdu and not recognized internationally, prompting the need for a computerized certificate. NADRA’s Role in Marriage Certification NADRA Pakistan has introduced a Civil Registration System to streamline the process of documenting vital life events, including marriages. This e-governance service delivery platform aims to automate local government functions across the country, ensuring that registration and certification for…

Read More

The Federal Cabinet of Pakistan has approved substantial amendments to the Hajj Policy for the year 2024. These changes are set to bring about greater flexibility and improved oversight in the pilgrimage process. One of the key revisions allows private Hajj schemes more leeway concerning the requirement to provide service personnel for individuals over the age of 80. While this condition has been relaxed, it remains mandatory for Hajj organizers to sign an agreement with the pilgrim, guaranteeing the availability of local assistance services throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia. The terms of this agreement will be included in the…

Read More

Pakistan Railways has announced changes to the schedules of several passenger trains. This move is part of an effort to enhance public convenience and streamline railway operations. The revised schedule affects two key passenger trains, namely the Allama Iqbal Express and the Shaheen Passenger. According to a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways, the Allama Iqbal Express, which operates from Karachi Cantt to Sialkot, will now depart at 3:30 PM instead of the previous time of 2:15 PM. The train is expected to reach its destination in Sialkot by 6 PM the following day. Similarly, the Shaheen Passenger, which runs between Sialkot…

Read More