Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Eidul Fitr and conveyed Eid greetings to him, ARY News reported on Sunday. During the call, Shehbaz Sharif wished his family and the people of Azerbaijan Eid Greetings, peace, prosperity, and continued success.Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the deep-rooted fraternal ties between both countries and foster Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations.Building on PM Shehbaz's recent visit to Baku, the two leaders discussed upcoming high-level engagements. Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy is scheduled to visit Islamabad in the first week of April to finalize key investment agreements.These agreements, worth $2 billion, aim to enhance Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations, bilateral cooperation and mark a new chapter in the strategic partnership between the two nations.The visit will also set the stage for President Aliyev's anticipated visit to Islamabad later in April, which is expected to be a milestone in Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations.PM Shehbaz emphasized that these agreements would strengthen economic ties and open new avenues for collaboration in various sectors.The prime minister expressed optimism that President Aliyev's visit would further solidify the strategic partnership and foster mutual growth.Strengthening the bond of friendship, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's heartfelt Eid greetings to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev reflect a shared commitment to peace and prosperity.Read more: PM Shehbaz forms committee for implementation of accords with AzerbaijanEarlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a meeting on Tuesday, established a committee to ensure the swift execution of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with Azerbaijan during his recent visit to the country.Chairing the session to review the progress of these accords, the Prime Minister instructed the relevant authorities to devise an action plan aimed at elevating the current trade volume between Pakistan and Azerbaijan to $2 billion.According to a press release from the Prime Minister's Office, the newly formed committee will be led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and will focus on preparing agreements in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

LAHORE: Punjab Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, in the guise of an ordinary citizen, carried out a surprise inspection at Jinnah Hospital and Lahore Children’s Hospital, ARY News reported on Sunday.This initiative, carried out on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, accorded with the festive spirit of Eidul Fitr, emphasising the government’s commitment to public welfare during this auspicious occasion.During the surprise hospital inspections, Marriyum Aurangzeb inspected various hospital counters, wards, and pharmacies, reviewing the provision of free medicines, healthcare standards and cleanliness standards.She interacted with patients’ families to inquire about medical services, cleanliness, and the availability of free medicines.The Punjab minister also visited the Medical Superintendent’s office, where she praised the efforts of doctors and staff for their improved performance.These surprise hospital inspections followed Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s earlier inspection of Jinnah Hospital, which had revealed mismanagement, poor healthcare standards and complaints about the unavailability of free medicines.The Punjab CM had taken strict action, suspended the Medical Superintendent and implemented reforms to enhance service delivery.Within days, noticeable improvements were observed, including the introduction of a helpline for complaints and digital screens displaying real-time data on medicine availability.Maryam Aurangzeb’s visit, aligned with the spirit of Eid, highlighted the government’s dedication to ensuring quality healthcare for all.The minister extended Eid greetings to patients and staff, emphasizing the importance of compassion and service during this festive season.Read more: CM Maryam laments lack of medications in Jinnah Hospital LahoreEarlier, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz visited Jinnah Hospital Lahore in response to numerous complaints from patients regarding the medical emergency department.During her inspection, she expressed strong dissatisfaction over the shortage of essential medications and inadequacies in emergency healthcare services. Engaging directly with patients, she gathered firsthand accounts of their struggles and concerns.This visit aligns with the broader healthcare reforms initiated by Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, who recently conducted surprise inspections at Jinnah Hospital and Lahore Children’s Hospital to assess service standards and ensure improvements in public healthcare facilities.

ISLAMABAD: The Shawwal moon has been sighted in Pakistan, and Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated tomorrow, Monday, AYR News reported.The moon was observed in Islamabad, provincial capitals, and other cities, where citizens saw the moon with the naked eye.A meeting of the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Maulana Abdul Khabeer. Based on the testimonies received from across the country, the announcement was made that the Shawwal moon had been sighted.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8CJDFgjriUChairman Abul Khabeer Azad stated that the Shawwal moon has been sighted, and Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated tomorrow across Pakistan. He thanked Allah for the blessings of Pakistan and prayed for the prosperity and development of the country.He also mentioned that the Pakistan Armed Forces are playing a crucial role in the defense of the country, and urged everyone to pray for their success in combating terrorism. He asked the nation to remember the martyrs of the armed forces in their prayers.Earlier, the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) had announced that there will be no gas loadshedding in Sindh, including Karachi, during Eid ul Fitr 2025 holidays.According to a statement, the gas supply will remain uninterrupted during the Eid holidays, bringing relief to the citizens.However, the company stated that the announcement will remain effective from night before eid (Chandraat) till the third day of Eid.Similarly, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police has deployed over 3,500 officers and personnel across the city for patrolling and crime prevention duties during Eid ul Fitr 2025.Additionally, 500 traffic officers have been assigned to manage traffic flow, especially for tourists traveling to and from Murree.The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi has announced a comprehensive security plan for Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure the safety and convenience of citizens and tourists visiting the capital.Read More: Over 3,500 police personnel deployed in Islamabad for Eid securityHighlighting key measures, IG Rizvi stated that 18 security checkpoints have been established at the city’s entry and exit points to monitor and regulate movement.A crackdown will also be launched against street crime, reckless behaviour, and aerial firing to maintain public safety.IG Rizvi emphasized that all parks, including Lake View and Daman-e-Koh, have been designated as family parks to ensure a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for families during Eid celebrations.

KARACHI: The Government of Sindh has written another letter to the federal government over the contentious canal project from Indus River.The Sindh government has demanded the federal government to immediately convene a session of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) in its letter."The issue of the certification of the Cholistan canal project by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) will be raised in the CCI session, so as to cancel the illegal step of the Irsa," letter read.Sindh government has said that the Irsa's water availability certificate has been a bundle of lie. "Sindh didn't receive its share of river water from the river authority according to the 1991 water accord"."The issue of the canal certification should be discussed in the CCI session," provincial government demanded in its letter.Pakistan People's Party earlier decided to forward the canals issue to President Asif Zardari to raise the matter with the federal government.President Zardari will discuss the matter of building six new canals on Indus River with the federal government after Eid ul Fitr, according to the party sources.The president will discuss the matter with the prime minister and demand to convene the session of the constitutional forum the Council of Common Interest (CCI) to discuss the issue.Sindh’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah yesterday said that President Asif Ali Zardari didn’t approve any canal project in a meeting.“President was told about briefing on irrigation and additional land cultivation, but the wrong minutes of the meeting issued,” Sindh’s chief minister said in a press conference yesterday.Referring to the meeting chaired by President Zardari, Murad Ali Shah said that the meeting minutes were wrongly used to suggest presidential approval of the canal projects.He said Sindh’s representative had recorded the province’s objection when the issue of six canals, without mentioning the name of Cholistan, was discussed in the ECNEC.

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has set a target to enroll 1 million children in schools during the new academic year’s admission campaign, ARY News reported.The provincial government has decided to launch an enrollment drive for the new school year.Provincial Education Minister Faisal Tarakai stated on Sunday that under this campaign the government aims to ensure that 1 million children are enrolled in schools.He emphasized that out-of-school children will be brought back into the education system at all costs.The admission campaign will continue until April 30, he said adding that to facilitate, students, will also be admitted to second-shift schools where necessary.

ISLAMABAD: There are now two days remaining in the deadline announced for eviction of illegal migrants in the country and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders.The number of illegal Afghan nationals repatriated from Pakistan has reached to 8,84,261 on March 29 (today).Food and healthcare arrangements were made for Afghans returning to home. The authorities have warned of strict punitive action against them after the deadline.Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has asked Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, staying in Pakistan, to leave the country by March 31.The Afghan nationals will be deported from April 1st, the ministry said in an earlier statement.“Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) is being implemented since November 1, 2023. In continuation of the government’s decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders,” the interior ministry said in an earlier official handout.“All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before March 31, 2025; thereafter, deportation will commence from April 1, 2025,” the statement added.The interior ministry said that sufficient time had already been granted for their dignified return. “It is emphasised that no one will be maltreated during the repatriation process and arrangements for food and healthcare for returning foreigners have also been put in place.”“Pakistan has been a gracious host and continues to fulfill its commitments and obligations as a responsible state. It is reiterated that Individuals staying in Pakistan will have to fulfill all legal formalities and abide by Pakistan’s constitution,” it said.Over 8,00,000 Afghans living in Pakistan illegally were repatriated to their country since Pakistan launched the campaign in November 2023. It is estimated that around 3 million Afghans still reside in Pakistan.

KARACHI: CCTV emerged on Sunday after a speeding car killed woman and left two injured on Khaliq uz Zaman Road in the Delhi Colony, Karachi, ARY News reported.As per the CCTV footage obtained by ARY News, the tragic traffic accident occurred at 6:45 AM, claiming the life of a woman named Samina and injuring two others. The horrifying incident, caught on CCTV, shows the victims standing on the roadside with two other individuals moments before the crash.Suddenly, a high-speed car appeared and struck all three women. The impact was so severe that the women were flung into the air before crashing to the ground, lying motionless. The two men standing nearby managed to run back in time upon seeing the speeding vehicle.The footage also shows the car spinning on the road after the collision and sustaining visible damage. Bystanders quickly rushed toward the vehicle. The injured women were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment, but Samina could not survive.The driver was arrested and taken to Frere Police Station. According to police officials, both parties later reached a mutual settlement at the station.Karachi has witnessed a disturbing surge in traffic accidents, with a total of 107 lives lost in just the first 45 days of 2025, the rescue service said. The victims include 78 men, 14 women, 11 children and 4 girls.According to a report by the Chhipa Welfare Association, in addition to the fatalities, at least 1493 citizens were injured in these accidents. The injured include 6290 men, 193 women, 42 children and 18 girls.The traffic police said that most accidents involved heavy vehicles, including dumpers, trailers, and oil tankers. In January and the first six days of February 2025, 32 accidents involved heavy traffic.In response to the rising number of accidents, the traffic police have taken action, issuing 34,655 challans and arresting 490 drivers. Additionally, 532 vehicle fitness certificates were cancelled.Also read: Karachi: Pregnant woman, husband die as water tanker runs over motorcycle

MULTAN: At least nine injured when a mini truck collided with a pickup near here on Sunday morning, ARY News reported.According to Rescue officials, the accident took place near Head Naubahar where a mini truck collided with a pickup carrying commuters. Nine commuters sustained multiple injuries.Five injured identified as Nasir (25), Aqeel Ahmed (26),Jahangir (16), Zahid (31) and Jind Wada (19) were shifted to the Nishtar Hospital after first aid. While four others who sustained minor injuries were treated on the spot.Earlier, at least three, including two brothers were killed in a road accident that took place near Daraban Road, near Tekin Adda area of Dera Ismail Khan.According to details, a rashly driven truck hit a motorbike crossing the Daraban Road area near Tekin Adda.Read more: Three lost life after passenger bus ‘crushed’ in Kohistan landslideAs a result of accident, three persons including two brothers riding on bike died on the spot who were identified as Irfan son of Ismatullah resident of Kotla Habib, Saifullah son of Ismatullah resident of Kotla Habib while third person could not be identified.Prior to this, at least one person died, and 25 others sustained injuries after a passenger van carrying devotees to the Shah Noorani Shrine met with an accident near Hub.The unfortunate event occurred when the bus, en route to the shrine, faced a mishap close to Weirab Naddi.The rescue officials rushed to the accident site to swiftly transport the injured to nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention.

JAFFARABAD: Three members of an inter-provincial gang of bandits have been arrested in an encounter yesterday, Jaffarabad police said on Sunday.In a media briefing SSP Kamran Nawaz Punjotha and other officials said that three dacoits have been arrested in injured condition after exchange of fire, while a constable Fayyaz Rind was also injured in firing by dacoits.Two members of the gang fled from the scene."Three pistols and a motorbike recovered from arrested bandits," SSP said. "Arrested dacoits, Musharraf Shah and Irfan Shah, have been booked in more than 15 cases"."It was an inter-provincial gang, which was also committing robberies in Sindh's Jacobabad, Shikarpur districts and Baluchistan's Naseerabad," SSP said.

KARACHI: The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced that there will be no gas loadshedding in Sindh, including Karachi, during Eidul Fitr holidays, ARY News reported on Sunday.According to a statement, the gas supply will remain uninterrupted during the Eid holidays, bringing relief to the citizens.However, the company stated that the announcement will remain effective from night before eid (Chandraat) till the third day of Eid.It is pertinent to mention here that the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on Sunday (today), 29th of Ramadan 1446 AH, at 6:00 PM to sight the moon of Shawwal.The meeting, chaired by Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, will be held on the rooftop of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.Read more: Eidul Fitr 2025: Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet today for Shawwal moon sightingSimultaneously, zonal meetings of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will take place in the provincial capitals.The announcement of the moon sighting will determine the date for Eidul Fitr celebrations across Pakistan.Eidul Fitr is expected to be observed across Pakistan on Monday, March 31, 2025, following the completion of 29 days of Ramadan.Meanwhile, Eidul Fitr is being celebrated in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today, Sunday as the Shawwal moon was sighted in both countries.

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police has deployed over 3,500 officers and personnel across the city for patrolling and crime prevention duties. Additionally, 500 traffic officers have been assigned to manage traffic flow, especially for tourists traveling to and from Murree.The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi has announced a comprehensive security plan for Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure the safety and convenience of citizens and tourists visiting the capital.Highlighting key measures, IG Rizvi stated that 18 security checkpoints have been established at the city’s entry and exit points to monitor and regulate movement.A crackdown will also be launched against street crime, reckless behaviour, and aerial firing to maintain public safety.IG Rizvi emphasized that all parks, including Lake View and Daman-e-Koh, have been designated as family parks to ensure a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for families during Eid celebrations.IG further noted that bicycle patrols will be conducted inside these parks to enhance security.To protect homes of citizens traveling to their hometowns for Eid, police beats have been established near residential areas. Additionally, both four-wheeler and two-wheeler patrols will be actively monitoring different sectors of the city.Citizens will witness extensive patrolling throughout Islamabad, with security personnel utilizing body-worn cameras, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, and trackers to enhance surveillance.IG Rizvi highlighted that data on criminals involved in offenses over the past three years has been compiled, and a ‘Knock the Door’ operation initiated before Eid to apprehend suspects.Reaffirming Islamabad Police’s commitment to maintaining law and order, IG Rizvi noted, “My force is on duty away from their families so that you can celebrate Eid safely.”Rizvi urged citizens to cooperate with the police in ensuring a secure and peaceful festive period.

Pakistan cricket team has arrived in Hamilton from Napier to play second ODI against New Zealand as part of their ongoing tour.The team is scheduled to participate in a practice session tomorrow at 10 am local time.The much-anticipated second ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to take place on April 2 in Hamilton. After a competitive first match, both teams are gearing up for another thrilling encounter.Fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown as Pakistan looks to strengthen its position in the series.The team management is focused on refining strategies ahead of the crucial fixture.Centurion Mark Chapman and disciplined bowling helped New Zealand beat Pakistan by 73 runs in the first one day international of the three-match series at McLean Park.Pakistan got off to a strong start after being given the challenge of chasing a tough 345-run total set by New Zealand. Abdullah Shafique and debutant Usman Khan established a strong 83-run opening partnership by taking an aggressive tack to create a strong base.But Nathan Smith’s dismissal of Usman for 39 in the 13th over was the turning point. In the sixteenth over, captain Michael Bracewell dismissed Abdullah for 36, dropping Pakistan to 88-2.Read more: Chapman’s century sets up New Zealand’s 73-run victory over PakistanBabar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to stabilise the innings with a 76-run stand, keeping the chase alive. However, in the 29th over, debutant Muhammad Abbas hit Rizwan for 30, bringing Pakistan down to 164-3.Determined to lead the innings, Babar and Salman Ali Agha formed another vital 89-run combination. The momentum shifted back to the hosts when the former captain fell to Will O’Rourke in the 39th over after playing a fluid performance of 78 to earn his 36th ODI fifty.Babar’s dismissal caused Pakistan’s innings to soon fall apart. The visitors were battling at 253-6 after Irfan Khan Niazi’s golden duck and Tayyab Tahir’s run-out in the 40th over.While Jacob Duffy removed Salman Ali Agha for a valiant 58, Smith maintained his influence by dismissing Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf in the 43rd over. Pakistan collapsed for 271 in 44.1 overs, with Akif Javed being the final man out.

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to initiate work on the Peshawar Safe City Project.According to official sources on Sunday, the project will officially commence after Eid, with 700 cameras installed at 100 key locations across the city.In the second phase, the Safe City project will expand to southern districts, including Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan, where preliminary work has already been completed.The project will become operational in the coming days, enhancing security and surveillance in the region.The development came at the time when KP is witnessing an alarming rise in terror incidents. Earlier, Police foiled terrorist attack on the same Lakhani border post near the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border.Also read: Punjab police officer among three shot dead in KP’s Lakki MarwatAccording to police, this was the second attack in 24 hours and the third major assault in a week. Around 20 to 25 heavily armed terrorists, equipped with rocket launchers and advanced weaponry, launched the attack.Thermal imaging cameras detected the terrorists in time, allowing police personnel to retaliate effectively.The attackers were forced to retreat, reportedly suffering heavy casualties.Regional Police Officer (RPO) Capt (R) Sajjad Hassan Khan led the operation, while District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Ali commanded the Quick Response Force (QRF) teams.

KARACHI: A fire near Korangi Creek oil refinery in Karachi is unabated for last two days as a team of experts visited the spot on Sunday to collect samples for lab tests.The fire was ignited during excavation of the land."The fire likely to be ignited in a gas deposit underground," hydrocarbon experts opined. "There might be a small underground pocket of gas near the surface," experts said.Creek Cantonment has taken control of the area.The fire erupted at the place located in a private society in Korangi Creek after over 1200 feet deep boring or drilling conducted, sources said.Fire tenders of the KMC and the cantonment board have been present on the spot. "No gas pipeline of Sui Southern Gas or any other entity is present at the place," fire officials said.Yesterday the chief fire officer apprehended that the blaze could continue for the next two to three days adding that the firemen facing difficulties to overcome the fire.According to the Pakistan Petroleum Limited, the fire might be caused by the natural gas fumes emerging from the land surface adding that such fires also used to happen in Baluchistan.Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun said that the water and gas are mixed. “Tests of the water samples will be conducted to identify the nature of the gas,” he said.

KARACHI: Pakistan People's Party has decided to forward the canals issue to President Asif Zardari to raise the issue with the federal government, party sources said.President Zardari will discuss the matter of building six new canals on Indus River with the federal government after Eid ul Fitr, according to the party sources.The president will discuss the matter with the prime minister and demand to convene the session of the constitutional forum the Council of Common Interest (CCI) to discuss the canals' issue.The People's Party has also launched its protest campaign after widespread anti-canal protests across Sindh, posing serious credibility issue to the party's provincial government.The federal government didn't contact the PPP despite protests over the issue, neither it has given serious consideration to the demand of convening the CCI meeting, party sources said.Sindh’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah Saturday said that President Asif Ali Zardari didn’t approve any canal project in a meeting.“President was told about briefing on irrigation and additional land cultivation but the wrong minutes of the meeting issued,” Sindh’s chief minister said in a press conference yesterday.Referring to the meeting chaired by President Zardari, Murad Ali Shah said that the meeting minutes were wrongly used to suggest presidential approval of the canal projects.Murad Ali Shah said that in the pretext of the meeting chaired by the president, canals were approved.Sindh’s chief minister said that a complete record of water shortage in Indus River has been available. “We have challenged the Indus River System Authority’s (IRSA) certification in the Council of Common Interest (CCI) as any canal project must first be discussed and approved by the CCI”.He said Sindh’s representative had recorded the province’s objection when the issue of six canals, without mentioning the name of Cholistan, was discussed in the ECNEC.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that Karachi will experience a further rise in temperature from tomorrow (Monday), ARY News reported.According to the PMD forecast, the weather is expected to remain hot and dry in Karachi today, with the maximum temperature reaching up to 37°C.From tomorrow, the city's temperature may rise to 38°C, with intense sunlight during the day and relatively cooler nights.Winds from the northeast are blowing at a speed of 8 km/h, while the humidity level stands at 41%.Meanwhile, Karachi's air quality remains unhealthy, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recording 145 particulate matter, indicating high pollution levels in the city's atmosphere.Mainly dry weather is expected in most parts of the country during the next twelve hours.Read more: PMD predicts hot weather across Pakistan during Eid holidaysHowever, hot in plain areas during daytime.Temperature of major cities recorded this morning:Islamabad nine degree centigrade, Lahore sixteen, Karachi twenty-two, Peshawar and Muzaffarabad twelve, Quetta seven, Gilgit five and Murree six degree centigrade.According to the weather forecast for Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, cold and dry weather is expected in Srinagar, Leh, Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian and Baramula, while, dry weather in Jammu.Temperature recorded this morning:Srinagar, Anantnag and Shopian eight degree centigrade, Jammu twelve, Leh minus-one, Pulwama and Baramula seven degree centigrade.

The Dawoodi Bohra community across Pakistan is celebrating Eidul Fitr today with religious enthusiasm. Special Eid prayer gatherings were held in Bohra community mosques nationwide.In Karachi, the largest Eid congregation took place at Tahiri Mosque in Saddar, where a large number of community members participated.Additionally, Eid prayers were held in Pan Mandi, Soldier Bazaar, Baloch Colony, North Nazimabad, and Hyderi, where community members shared festive moments.Following the Eid prayers, special prayers were offered for the country's prosperity, security, and peace.Read more: Eidul Fitr 2025: Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet today for Shawwal moon sightingMeanwhile, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on Sunday (today), 29th of Ramadan 1446 AH, at 6:00 PM to sight the moon of Shawwal.The meeting, chaired by Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, will be held on the rooftop of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.Simultaneously, zonal meetings of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will take place in the provincial capitals.The announcement of the moon sighting will determine the date for Eidul Fitr celebrations across Pakistan.Eidul Fitr is expected to be observed across Pakistan on Monday, March 31, 2025, following the completion of 29 days of Ramadan.Meanwhile, Eidul Fitr is being celebrated in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today, Sunday as the Shawwal moon was sighted in both countries.

ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene a meeting on Sunday, 29th of Ramadan 1446 AH, at 6:00 PM to sight the moon of Shawwal.The meeting, chaired by Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, will be held on the rooftop of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.Simultaneously, zonal meetings of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will take place in the provincial capitals.The announcement of the moon sighting will determine the date for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations across Pakistan.Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be observed across Pakistan on Monday, March 31, 2025, following the completion of 29 days of Ramadan.Read More: Shawwal Moon sighted: Saudi Arabia, UAE to celebrate Eidul FitrMeanwhile, Eidul Fitr will be celebrated in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today, Sunday as the Shawwal moon was sighted in both countries.The Saudi royal court announced that the first day of Shawwal would fall on Sunday, according to local media reports.Saudi authorities declare that the crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia on March 29, 2025 marking the beginning of the month of Shawwal 1446 and Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.Large congregations will be held at Masjid al-Haram and Masjid e Nabavi in the holy cities of Makkah and Madina to offer Eid prayers.According to reports, more than a million people will attend the Eid prayers at the two holiest places of Islam.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts a dry and hot weather spell across the country during the Eid-ul-Fiter holidays.PMD also indicates that Pakistan will experience a continuation of the prevailing dry and hot conditions.PMD officials stated that continental air will dominate most regions, leading to dry conditions in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other parts of the country.The officials also mentioned that the plains are expected to experience hot temperatures during the holidays, with no rain-bearing system forecasted to bring relief. Islamabad is likely to remain hot and dry over the next 12 hours.Most districts of Balochistan will experience the same conditions, while Punjab is expected to witness strong winds. Sindh will also remain dry, with strong winds in various areas. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the upper districts will have partly cloudy skies.Meanwhile, dry weather is predicted for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, according to the PMD officials.In addition, the PMD has advised people to avoid strenuous activities during the peak heat hours and to stay indoors as much as possible. The department will continue to monitor the weather situation and provide updates as necessary.Read More: Saudi Arabia, UAE to celebrate Eidul Fitr tomorrowMeanwhile, according to the lunar calendar, Eid ul Fitr is likely to fall on March 31, 2025.The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) released its forecast regarding the sighting of the Shawwal 1446 moon for Eid-ul-Fitr 2025.According to SUPARCO, the new moon of Shawwal was formed today, March 29 at 3:58 PM.By sunset on March 30, the moon’s age will be approximately 27 hours, making it visible in Pakistan.

PESHAWAR: Warring tribes in Kurram district have signed an eight-month peace agreement, marking a significant step toward peace just before Eid-ul-Fitr 2025, ARY News reported on Saturday.This landmark deal, facilitated by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, aims to establish a long-lasting ceasefire and reopen the Tull-Parachinar main highway, which had been closed for an extended period.Under the terms of the deal, both parties have committed to resolving their differences through dialogue and negotiations, ensuring peace and maintaining law and order in the region. Both sides have also pledged full cooperation with the government and security forces.Chief Minister Gandapur hailed the Kurram agreement as a key step toward peace and stability in the province, emphasizing that the government will continue working with the parties to ensure lasting peace.He further assured that the provincial government is committed to advancing development projects and improving travel and economic opportunities for the people.Read More: Relief goods convoy comes under attack in KurramNoteably, last month, a convoy of relief goods came under attack in Kurram, ARY News reported on Monday, quoting local police.According to details, unknown attackers opened fire at the relief goods convoy of 100 vehicles in Bagan Ochat, area of Kurram.The policemen responded swiftly with retaliatory action. No injuries have been reported so far, the police confirmed.The convoy continues to move towards its destination under strict security.Earlier, security forces took control of Bagan Bazaar in Kurram, aiming to restore order in the region.Several bunkers, four each belonging to the Watezai tribe and Tori tribe in Irfani Kalay, have been vacated during the operation.In the light of attacks on convoys and unrest, a search operation has been launched to apprehend the culprits.