Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
How Saudi Arabia is using AI to transform the Hajj experience
RIYADH, MAY 23: As millions of Muslims prepare for this year’s Hajj, Saudi Arabia has expanded the use of artificial intelligence and smart digital infrastructure to improve crowd management, enhance operational efficiency and make the pilgrimage safer and smoother for worshippers from around the world. The Kingdom’s efforts are being led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which is operating a range of integrated AI-powered platforms and digital services throughout the pilgrimage journey – from pilgrims’ departure from their home countries to their arrival in Saudi ArabiaRead More
Iran-US talks: CDF Munir, Araghchi discuss efforts to ‘prevent further escalation’
TEHRAN, MAY 23: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a meeting to exchange views on the latest diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran, the Iranian government said. “Field Marshal Asim Munir met FM in Tehran to discuss diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation and promoting peace, stability, and security in West Asia,” the government of Iran wrote on X. The meeting, which lasted late into Friday night, focused on theRead More
PM Shehbaz departs for China on four-day visit to ‘strengthen strategic partnership’
ISLAMABAD, MAY 23: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday departed for China on a four-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral strategic cooperation and expanding economic engagement between the two countries. The prime minister left for Hangzhou in the first phase of his visit, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, the government of Pakistan said in a X post. “The visit assumes special significanceRead More
Punjab announces Rs50,000 fine for illegal offal disposal during Eid ul Adha
LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to impose a Rs50,000 fine on citizens found dumping animal remains and waste in streets and residential areas during Eid ul Adha. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to review foolproof cleanliness arrangements across Punjab for Eid ul Adha, said a press statement issued on Saturday. In Pakistan, Eid ul Adha will fall on Wednesday, May 27, according to Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad. The chief minister directed authorities to ensure strict monitoringRead More
Zero tolerance for tax harassment, Bilal Azhar assures
ISLAMABAD, MAY 23 /DNA/ – A pre-budget seminar was organized at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry where Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani addressed the business community and shared the government’s economic priorities ahead of the upcoming federal budget. Speaking on the occasion, Bilal Azhar Kayani said that the government intends to reduce the burden on taxpayers and the salaried class in the forthcoming budget. However, he noted that due to commitments under the IMF program, there is limited fiscal space available for majorRead More
Pakistan, Uzbekistan strengthen cultural ties
Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, emphasized that the two nations are bound by enduring religious, civilizational, and cultural connections ISLAMABAD, MAY 23 (DNA) — The deep-rooted, centuries-old bilateral ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan reached a new milestone on Thursday with the official launch of two significant literary works: the Urdu-Uzbek Dictionary of Common Words and 20th Century Fictions. The prestigious launch event, held at the National Language Promotion Authority (NLPA), was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It drew a large gathering ofRead More