All sectors have significantly improved as a result of the government’s sensible economic measures, according to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

“The government is dedicated to building on the hard-earned macro-stability to further strengthen the country’s economy,” he added in a televised statement.

According to the Finance Minister, the nation’s GDP, which is currently worth $300 billion, is expected to grow to three trillion dollars by 2047.He claimed that because to the government’s implementation of economic reforms and display of fiscal restraint, the nation’s economy has now stabilised. Speaking on the recent IMF delegation visit to Pakistan, he stated that it is a continuous dialogue process and that talks on public finance, the privatisation agenda, and energy and SOE reforms were discussed. He added that he had met with counterparts from the US Treasury, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China, Turkiye, and representatives of many rating agencies. He stated that every sector must fulfil its proper part in revenue and taxation, as the government is strict about compliance and enforcement.

In the announcement of their playing XI for the third Twenty20 International match against Australia, which is set to take place here later today, Pakistan rested captain Muhammad Rizwan.

The playing eleven, which will be captained by vice captain Salman Ali Agha, was revealed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on X (previously Twitter).

In addition to Jahandad Khan replacing Naseem Shah, young wicketkeeper Haseebullah Khan has taken Mohammad Rizwan’s spot.

Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan are in the starting lineup, and the rest of the team is unaltered. Haseebullah, Salman and Irfan Khan, who played a blistering knock in the second T20I, will form the middle order.

Abbas Afridi and Jahandad will assist Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf in spearheading the pace attack, while Sufyan Muqeem is the lone specialist spinner in the lineup.

Australia leads the three-match T20I series 2-0, for those who are unaware. Pakistan set a goal of 94 in seven overs and lost by 29 runs in the first match, which was cut short.

The bowlers from Pakistan, inspired by Haris Rauf’s four-wicket haul, held Australia to 147 for 9 in the second Twenty20 International. The visitors lost by a slim margin of 13 runs, though, as they were bowled for just 134.

The following players are in Pakistan’s playing XI: Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, and Salman Agha (c).

With Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) offering a fixed airfare of $800 per person for the forthcoming pilgrimage, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has effectively lowered the cost of the Hajj for Pakistani pilgrims.

This marks a significant decrease from last year’s cost, where the Ministry had paid $850 per pilgrim. This year’s Hajj will be more reasonably priced for Pakistanis making the holy pilgrimage thanks to the Ministry’s allocation of 35,000 pilgrims to PIA.

For Pakistani Muslims, the action is considered the first significant step taken by the Ministry to increase Hajj accessibility and affordability.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs opens the application process for the Hajj 2025.

Hajj policy 2025: Check details of quota, costs, procedures

The government would permit pilgrims to make Hajj payments in installments.

The administration has put up a fresh proposal to help middle-class and low-income individuals who intend to perform the Hajj.

The federal cabinet is considering a proposal that would permit pilgrims to pay for their Hajj expenditures in three payments rather than in one large sum.

The idea of collecting Hajj pilgrims’ expenses in installments is reportedly a component of the government’s Hajj agenda. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has produced a Hajj policy that will be approved by the federal cabinet.

According to sources, prospective pilgrims will have the facility to pay Rs1.1 million in three installments. In order to apply for Hajj under the proposed payment system, potential pilgrims would first need to deposit Rs200,000. After being chosen in the lucky draw, they would have to pay an extra Rs400,000, with the entire sum to be paid prior to their departure.