Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Noorul Haq Qadri says, “Hajj 2021 could be expensive due to COVID-19 SOPs”

Noorul Haq Qadri

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri on Sunday said that they were in consultation with stakeholders regarding Hajj policy 2021.

“Hajj could be expensive this year due to COVID-19 SOPs,” he said adding that they were eyeing for more and more facilities for the pilgrims going for the pilgrimage next year.

He said that they would try to resolve the issues faced during the last year.

“We will also arrange vaccine for the pilgrims,” the minister said adding that the government would provide maximum facilities, covering the subsidy to be provided to the travelers going for Hajj.

It is pertinent to mention here that Hajj rituals were held by Saudi authorities during 2020 in a limited number with around 1,000 domestic pilgrims from various countries attending the pilgrimage owing to COVID-19 pandemic.

The rituals were performed during the pilgrimage under strict COVID-19 SOPs.

Further speaking on political issues, the religious affairs minister said that the opposition has given a deadline of January 31 for a long march towards Islamabad, however, they have not mentioned the year of it.

Read more

NCC Meeting: PM urges nation to wear masks, strictly follow COVID-19 SOPs

PM

Prime Minister Imran Khan has on Thursday during the NCC meeting urged the masses to fully adhere to the Coronavirus precautions and must wear masks amidst increasing tensions due to the virus across the country. PM Imran made these remarks while chairing a National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting on COVID-19 in Islamabad. “An average of … Read more

Karachi: Those found without masks will be liable to a fine of Rs500

Karachi no mask Rs500 fine

The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) has issued major Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cities including Karachi, where there is a huge positive rate of Coronavirus cases.

According to the notification, the SOPs issued will benefit to curb the higher risk and spread of novel Coronavirus in Karachi and other cities.

These SoPs will be implemented from today (Saturday).

According to a notification, public and private offices have been asked to ensure that fifty percent of their staff members will work from home.

Indoor wedding ceremonies will not be allowed from 20th of this month, however outdoor wedding parties will be allowed.

On the other hand, according to an order issued by city commissioner Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, anyone seen without wearing mask outside their homes, will be liable to a fine of Rs500 in Karachi.

According to the statement issued, due to the fear of a second wave of the novel coronavirus, the wearing of masks has been made mandatory in Karachi. The commissioner has directed all six deputy commissioners of the city to make sure that citizens are wearing masks.

Read more

Around 97 staff members at PIMS contract novel Coronavirus

Arshad

Amidst increasing Coronavirus dangerous across the country, a large number of health workers including doctors and paramedics of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) have been infected with COVID-19.

According to hospital sources, around 97 staff members tested positive in the second wave of COVID-19.

In the recent COVID-19 wave, 75 doctors, 12 nurses and 10 other members of the PIMS staff have contracted the virus, sources said.

Read more

President Alvi urges people to observe strict precautions as the disease getting dangerous

President

President Dr Arif Alvi has urged people to avoid large gatherings and keep observing precautions to curb the spread of Coronavirus pandemic, as the disease is still dangerous.

In a recent interview, the President said Pakistan has successfully tackled COVID-19 outbreak through a combination of factors including face masks, frequent hand washing and social distancing.

He said the same combination of factors is essential for future too, as the country is witnessing second wave of coronavirus cases.

Dr Arif Alvi said Pakistan was recognized for maintaining balance between lives and livelihood as the government strives to keep up the economic activity.

Read more

International Hockey Federation releases guidelines for resumption of sports activities

Tokyo Olympics FIH

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has issued guidelines to its members to commence sports activities with safety precautions. FIH posted the guidelines on its website and are lined up per WHO which has to be followed by management, players and coaching staff. There are some guidelines for organizers of international events and it also include … Read more

Trump orders US meat-processing plants to remain open despite COVID-19 fears

Trump

The New York Times: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered beef and poultry processing plants to stay open to protect the food supply in the United States, despite Coronavirus safety concerns, drawing a backlash from unions that said at-risk workers required more protection. With concerns about food shortages and supply chain disruptions, Trump issued … Read more

Coronavirus Precautions at Home and Workplace

Coronavirus infections

The Right Way To Wash Your Hands Hand sanitizer enough to clean Coronavirus germs? Which Soap is best to kill Coronavirus? This 2 minute video can save millions of lives https://youtu.be/wV0A_bvwBxg Which Age People are more likely to get Coronavirus Infection? Mostly ages people and per-existing medical history. Watch Experts Video for more details. https://youtu.be/CWWBHDyMChA … Read more

Shahrukh Khan urges fans to take proper precautions to defeat Coronavirus epidemic

SRK

In the midst of Coronavirus epidemic, Bollywood star, Shahrukh Khan has joined hands to make the masses aware of the precautionary measures to be adopted during this crucial period. Shahrukh Khan has highlighted the fact that this deadly virus has gripped the entire world. He has now shared a video on social media through which … Read more

WhatsApp gets WHO Health Alert providing the right information on coronavirus

How to open WhatsApp web in Mac?

Coronavirus pandemic has made everyone panic around the globe. With the virus spreading in such a high pace, various tech giants are doing their part to make sure people are aware and not reading any misleading information. Now, the World Health Organisation has collaborated with WhatsApp to create a Health Alert. With the help of … Read more

Touching face at times can easily transmit viruses into your body

Touching face

Touching your face can significantly increase the risk of infection with flu or cold viruses and the new coronavirus. Your eyes and mouth are areas where viruses can easily enter your body through touching. Studies have found that people touch their faces more than 16 times in an hour. We touch our faces so often … Read more

Tips to prevent yourself from deadly Coronavirus’ effects while travelling

Coronavirus live updates-Spain "close to passing the peak of infections"

The Deadly Coronavirus Covid 19 has created a havoc around the world, started mainly in China but spread globally. Covid 19 or Coronavirus is also affecting mental health, people rushing to near by pharmacies and surgical stores to buy masks and sanitizers. However, the rapid increase in demand has also made unavailability of hand santizers in market; … Read more

Panic rises in Pakistan as country confirms fifth Coronavirus Case

Panic

Panic rises in Pakistan as the country witnessed another case of the deadly coronavirus, bringing the toll to five in the south Asian nation since last week. As per details, Panic rises in Pakistan after fifth case reported in the country. State Minister of Health of Pakistan, Dr Zafar Mirza confirmed about the case in … Read more