sindh announces july
| |

Sindh announces July 29 holiday for Shah Abdul Lat…

The Sindh government has announced a province-wide public holiday on Wednesday, July 29, to mark the annual Urs of renowned Sufi poet and mystic Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.

The decision was announced through an official notification issued by the Sindh Information Department on Monday. The holiday will apply to provincial government offices and institutions operating under the administrative control of the Sindh government.

It will also cover autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, government corporations and local councils across the province.

However, essential services will remain operational during the holiday. Employees working in services considered necessary for public safety and welfare will continue their duties.

The Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is observed every year at his shrine in Bhit Shah, Matiari district. The event attracts thousands of devotees from different parts of Pakistan.

Visitors gather at the shrine to pay tribute to the Sufi poet and reflect on his teachings, poetry and spiritual message. Special religious and cultural activities are traditionally held during the Urs.

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Sindhi literature and Sufi tradition. His poetry is known for themes of love, spirituality, peace and human dignity.

The provincial holiday is expected to facilitate devotees and residents participating in Urs-related activities across Sindh.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Naseem Shah breaks his silence on fitness concerns

    Naseem Shah has responded to concerns about his fitness. He is preparing for his return to competitive cricket. The pacer says injuries are simply a part of the game. According to him, they should not be seen as a sign of poor conditioning. The 23-year-old has been out since April. He suffered a side strain while playing for Rawalpindiz in PSL 11. The injury ruled him out for the rest of that tournament. He has not played a competitive match since. He is now set to make his comeback. The stage will be the National Champions Cup. It is a 50-over tournament featuring four teams. These are Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues and Pakistan Gold. The event runs from August 11 to 18. It will be held at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Naseem has been picked for the Pakistan Greens squad. All-rounder Shadab Khan will lead the side. The tournament also plays a bigger role. It forms part of Pakistan’s build-up to the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Selectors are currently tracking a wider pool of 44 players. Speaking to the media, Naseem explained an important distinction. He said physical fitness and match fitness are not the same thing. An injury during a match or training session does not mean a player is unfit. He added that any player can get hurt while playing. He also spoke about workload management. He said today’s game demands careful planning from players. Cricket keeps evolving, and fast bowlers must adapt with it. This, he said, is now part of the job. Naseem also touched on Pakistan’s fast-bowling legacy. He said success was never just about raw pace. Line and length, he explained, matter just as much as speed. He credited this balance for the team’s past bowling success. On his own pace, Naseem stayed confident. He said he still bowls at competitive speeds. In T20 cricket, he touches close to 140 kilometres per hour. He noted that one-day cricket brings a different challenge altogether. He ended by addressing his availability. Naseem said he is ready for any format. He added that it is not his job to choose. His only responsibility, he said, is to play whenever Pakistan calls upon him.

  • |

    Pakistan explores digital assets, tokenisation to expand access to finance

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is examining the potential use of digital assets and tokenisation in areas including real estate and other investment instruments as part of broader efforts to accelerate digital transformation and expand access to financial services. The matter came under discussion during a meeting between Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) Chairperson Dr Sohail Munir on Thursday. The meeting focused on digital finance, technology-driven economic activity and measures aimed at making financial services more accessible and efficient. According to the Finance Division, the participants reviewed the emerging role of digital assets and tokenisation, particularly their possible application in real estate and other investment-related assets. The discussion also stressed the need for an appropriate regulatory and institutional framework to ensure that such technologies are adopted in a responsible and sustainable manner. Tokenisation generally involves representing ownership or economic rights in an asset through digital tokens. The approach has attracted growing international attention because it can potentially make certain investment opportunities easier to access, improve transaction efficiency and broaden participation in financial markets. The finance minister stressed that Pakistan’s regulatory and institutional arrangements must keep pace with rapid developments in digital technology and new business models. He emphasised that emerging technologies should be supported by clear rules and mechanisms that provide certainty to businesses, investors and financial institutions. The meeting also examined the need to create an enabling environment for electronic transactions and encourage the wider adoption of digital processes across trade and financial activities. Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of using technology to reduce procedural barriers and improve access to finance. In this regard, the participants discussed simplifying customer onboarding procedures, strengthening mechanisms for sharing financial data and improving interoperability among different financial systems. Greater connectivity between banks and capital markets was also identified as an important area for development. The participants considered how digital platforms and simplified account-opening procedures could encourage more people to participate in the capital market and gain access to a broader range of investment opportunities.   The finance minister also called for stronger integration of banking and capital-market systems, noting that better-connected digital infrastructure could help improve financial inclusion while making investment processes more convenient and efficient. Another key area discussed during the meeting was the use and interoperability of data across government institutions. Aurangzeb noted that better integration of government data could improve the quality and speed of policymaking, planning and decision-making. The meeting also considered the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies in strengthening government systems and improving the delivery of public and financial services. The participants reviewed opportunities to enhance Pakistan’s digital infrastructure so that government departments, financial institutions and businesses can operate through more efficient and interconnected systems. Aurangzeb appreciated the initiatives being undertaken by the Pakistan Digital Authority and stressed the need to prioritise practical projects capable of delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, financial access and digital capacity. He further emphasised continued coordination among government institutions, regulators, financial-sector stakeholders and technology organisations to ensure that digital initiatives translate into tangible economic benefits. The discussions form part of wider efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy by modernising financial processes, expanding technology-based services and creating an environment in which emerging financial technologies can develop within an appropriate regulatory framework. With digital assets, tokenisation, artificial intelligence and data-driven financial services developing rapidly worldwide, Pakistan’s efforts to establish suitable frameworks could play an important role in determining how effectively the country participates in the next phase of digital financial development.

  • Investigation Launched Into Deadly Bangkok Restaurant Inferno

    BANGKOK, Thailand — Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into a devastating fire at a Chatuchak district beer house that claimed the lives of at least 27 people and injured 63 others. Preliminary findings indicate that obstructed emergency exits and highly combustible interior materials significantly contributed to the high casualty rate in what is now […]

  • |

    EU plans sweeping new sanctions against Russia

    European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is preparing a major new sanctions package targeting Russia, describing it as potentially the bloc’s most extensive list since the war in Ukraine began. In an interview with German newspaper Welt, Kallas said she plans to present the proposed measures in the coming months. She said that if the package is approved, the number of sanctioned Russian individuals, companies and organisations could rise by about one-third. Kallas argued that continued pressure on Moscow was necessary and welcomed signs of closer coordination between the European Union and the United States. She pointed to the US Senate’s approval of a sanctions bill earlier this month as a development that could bring Washington and European capitals closer on Russia policy. The EU foreign policy chief also warned of what she described as a growing hybrid threat facing Europe. She cited alleged incidents involving sabotage, espionage and cyberattacks, which she said were frequently linked to Russia. Kallas also referred to recent reports of Russian missiles and drones entering the airspace of Poland and Romania. She said such incidents should not be treated lightly, arguing that Moscow was testing the readiness and defensive capabilities of European countries. She welcomed Germany’s plans to reform its intelligence services, saying stronger intelligence capabilities would be important in responding to emerging hybrid security threats. Kallas also discussed diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran. She said negotiations aimed at resolving tensions were continuing but warned that their outcome remained uncertain because of a lack of trust between the two sides. She highlighted the economic consequences of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy and maritime trade. Kallas said freedom of navigation should remain unrestricted and argued that reopening the waterway should be treated as a priority. She also said efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons should remain an important part of the international agenda. On the Israel-Palestine conflict, Kallas reiterated the European Union’s support for a two-state solution, describing it as the only viable long-term framework for allowing Israelis and Palestinians to live securely alongside each other. She said EU missions were continuing efforts to preserve the possibility of such a settlement and suggested that a US-backed Gaza peace initiative could provide an opportunity for progress.

  • | | |

    Spanish royals captivate with Mediterranean charm

    Spain’s royal family has officially begun its annual summer holiday with a traditional public appearance in the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, where members of the royal household showcased relaxed yet elegant fashion that reflected the country’s coastal culture. Every August, Spain’s monarchs spend part of their summer in Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands. The visit begins with an official reception at the historic Marivent Palace, where the royal family meets local government officials, community leaders and representatives from across the islands before starting their private vacation. This year’s gathering brought together King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, their daughters Crown Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, as well as the King’s mother, Queen Sofía. The appearance highlighted the close relationship between Spain’s monarchy and the Balearic Islands while offering the public a glimpse of the family’s more casual summer style. Unlike the formal attire usually seen during official state events, the royal family opted for lightweight outfits suitable for the warm Mediterranean weather. Queen Letizia, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most stylish royals, wore a flowing white dress by Spanish designer Sybilla. The elegant outfit featured soft pleats and subtle striped details, giving it a simple yet sophisticated look. She paired the dress with gold high-heeled sandals, while King Felipe chose a light blue shirt and neutral trousers, keeping his appearance relaxed. Their elder daughter, Crown Princess Leonor, selected a sleeveless orange two-piece outfit by Spanish fashion label Thinking Mu. The colourful ensemble featured artistic shades of blue, yellow and orange, inspired by Mediterranean sunsets. She completed her look with gold bracelets and naturally styled hair. Meanwhile, Infanta Sofía wore a long pastel-coloured maxi dress decorated with soft pink, cream and lavender tones, creating a fresh summer appearance. The youngest royal’s outfit complemented the vibrant floral caftan worn by Queen Sofía, whose multicoloured dress reflected the cheerful atmosphere of the Mediterranean season. The annual reception is considered one of the final public engagements for the Spanish royal family before they begin their private summer holiday. The event has become a long-standing tradition and attracts significant public and media attention each year, with many observers focusing not only on the royal family’s activities but also on their fashion choices. For many Pakistanis unfamiliar with Spain’s monarchy, the country’s royal family plays a largely ceremonial constitutional role similar to several other European monarchies. While the elected government manages day-to-day political affairs, the King serves as the country’s head of state and represents Spain during official ceremonies, national events and international engagements.

  • |

    Real Madrid hails FIFA U-turn on World Cup investor plan

    Spanish giants Real Madrid have welcomed FIFA’s decision to abandon a controversial plan that would have opened the door to private investment in the World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was forced into an embarrassing reversal on Friday. The climbdown came after strong pushback from European football’s governing body UEFA, along with several other confederations who had raised objections to the proposal. In an official statement, Real Madrid called the decision good news for football, its institutions, and the millions of fans who follow the sport worldwide. The club specifically thanked UEFA, along with various confederations and federations, for standing firm and responsibly opposing the project. According to the statement, this collective show of unity and sense of duty helped protect the game at a crucial moment. Notably, Real Madrid was once a founding member of the failed European Super League breakaway project, a venture that had strained its relationship with UEFA for years. However, the two parties reached an agreement back in February 2026, aimed at benefiting European club football and putting past tensions to rest. The controversy at the centre of this latest episode began on Tuesday. FIFA had revealed plans to set up a commercial subsidiary responsible for running its biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. This subsidiary was designed to be open to private investment, something Infantino claimed could generate as much as $4.2 billion for the organisation. UEFA led the charge against the proposal from the very beginning. The organisation made clear it would boycott all FIFA competitions if the plan went ahead. It also stated openly that it had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership, adding to the mounting pressure the FIFA chief has faced in recent days. Given Real Madrid’s past history with breakaway football projects, their public support for UEFA in this instance carries added weight. It signals a continued effort by the club to align itself with the sport’s traditional governing structures, rather than commercial ventures that risk disrupting football’s existing institutions. For now, the scrapped plan appears to have averted a serious rift within global football’s governing bodies. Still, with UEFA having openly questioned Infantino’s leadership, uncertainty may continue to surround his position at FIFA in the coming months, even as this particular controversy comes to a close.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *