ISLAMABAD: The general elections of Pakistan in May 2013 not only gave a new life to the democratic system in Pakistan, but also held distinction of introducing new trends with regard to women’s political participation in the country.
One change it brought was the overwhelming number of new entrants joining national and provincial assemblies on reserved seats for women.
An initial survey conducted by Aurat Foundation reveal that there are overall 141 newcomers out of a total number of 211 women elected on reserved seats in National Assembly and four provincial assemblies.
The percentage of newcomers is around 66.8 percent of the total number of women Parliamentarians.
One category for all pilgrims
ISLAMABAD: This year Haj jpilgrims are likely to perform their sacred religious obligation under a uniform category as ministry officials are poring over plans to scrap the existing three categories.
An official of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said that the intending pilgrims would be provided uniform transport and residential services and the existing three categories would be scrapped. The officials said the ministry has started preparing Hajj policy 2014, and the agreement would be signed with Saudi Arabia this month. The number of Pakistani pilgrims is likely to remain 143,368 as the maintenance of Harm Sharif still continues.
Twin cities to have metro bus
RAWALPINDI: Initial work on metro bus service project for twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been completed and the ground breaking ceremony for the project will be held on February 28.
A senior official of City District Government Rawalpindi (CDGR) said that the project would cost Rs30bn and it will be similar to the Lahore metro bus service. The funding will be shared by the federal and Punjab governments and the contract will be given to a Turkish company, he said.
Agencies
