The general population and business owners have been ordered to immediately keep doors and windows closed. Videos circulating on social media showed dense clouds of bees gathering around buildings, vehicles, and storefront entrances.

Reports of swarms emerged from several locations, including areas near Tel Aviv and surrounding communities, where settlers described loud buzzing sounds and temporary closures of cafes and retail shops as a precaution.

Emergency services and municipal authorities advised people to avoid attempting to remove or disturb the swarms themselves. Beekeepers and environmental teams have been deployed to safely relocate bee colonies instead of exterminating them.

Some posted on X that the recent temperature shifts and favorable spring conditions may have accelerated hive reproduction, leading to unusually large swarm movements.

Shop owners have temporarily closed their shops while waiting for authorities to clear affected areas. Some schools and offices in heavily impacted neighborhoods also limited outdoor activity as a precaution.

The post Huge Swarm of Bees Attacks Israel appeared first on ProPakistani.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that upcoming discussions would “very likely” be held at the same location as the earlier meeting, adding that the US administration highly values Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating dialogue.

She described the Pakistani government as an “incredible mediator,” noting that despite interest from several countries willing to assist, Washington intends to continue channeling negotiations exclusively through Pakistan to maintain streamlined communication.

Preparations have already begun in Islamabad for a potential second round of talks aimed at reducing tensions and addressing a conflict that has disrupted energy markets and daily life across parts of the Middle East.

Security planning started earlier this week to ensure comprehensive protection for visiting delegations.

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying discussions with Iran could resume soon and indicating Pakistan as the likely host. While Trump suggested talks might restart within days, the meeting will more likely take place toward the end of the week or early next week.

The same luxury hotel that hosted the initial round of negotiations is expected to accommodate foreign delegations again.

Pakistan previously hosted senior representatives from Washington and Tehran, including US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the highest-level direct engagements between the two countries since relations broke down in 1979.

The post US Confirms Venue for Second Round of Talks With Iran appeared first on ProPakistani.

According to a notification issued by the FBR on Wednesday, in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 5(1) of the Civil  Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020, the Authority has placed Iqbal Ahmad Memon (PCS/BS-18) presently posted as Deputy Director, Customs Academy of Pakistan (CAP), Karachi under suspension with immediate effect till conclusion of the proceedings under the said rules.

The action has been necessitated on account of his repeated and unauthorized absence from multiple sessions of mandatory certification course conducted at LUMS,  reflecting non-compliance with official training requirements and lack of due diligence towards assigned professional obligations, the notification added.

The post FBR Suspends Senior Customs Officer for Skipping Compulsory Training Courses appeared first on ProPakistani.

The penalties will apply during the period from Dhul Qada 1 (April 18) through Dhul Hijjah 14.

According to the ministry, individuals caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will face fines of up to 20,000 Saudi riyals. The same penalty applies to holders of all types of visit visas who enter, attempt to enter, or stay in Makkah and the holy sites during the specified period.

Stronger penalties apply to those who facilitate such violations. A fine of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for individuals attempting to perform Hajj illegally. The fine will increase for each violating individual involved.

The same maximum fine of 100,000 riyals will be imposed on anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah or the holy sites. It will also apply to those who provide shelter, including in hotels, apartments, private homes, or Hajj accommodations, or who conceal or assist such individuals in remaining in the city. These fines will multiply based on the number of violators involved.

In addition to financial penalties, individuals who enter Makkah illegally to perform Hajj, including residents and those overstaying their visas, will be deported and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years.

The ministry also stated that courts may confiscate vehicles used to transport illegal pilgrims if they are owned by the transporter, facilitator, or accomplices.

Officials emphasized that these measures are intended to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, with authorities working to maintain strict control and order during the Hajj season.

The ministry confirmed that individuals penalized have the right to file a grievance within 30 days of notification. Appeals against committee decisions can be submitted to the Administrative Court within 60 days.

Authorities urged Saudi citizens, expatriates, and all visa holders to comply with Hajj regulations and avoid violations. Moreover, the public has also been encouraged to report offenders.

The post Saudi Arabia Announces Strict Penalties for Illegal Hajj appeared first on ProPakistani.

The research house expects combined sector profitability to come in at Rs. 14.9 billion in 3QFY26, compared with Rs. 15.9 billion in the same period last year, reflecting the annual decline.

However, on a sequential basis, profitability is projected to rise 14 percent quarter-on-quarter, driven mainly by the typical January effect, where buyers delay purchases toward the end of the previous year to obtain newer registration model years.

According to the estimates, net sales are expected to rise 29 percent year-on-year and 22 percent quarter-on-quarter to Rs. 177.9 billion, supported by stronger volumes.

Sector volumes are forecast to increase 34 percent year-on-year and 11 percent quarter-on-quarter, reaching around 30,939 units in 3QFY26.

Excluding Millat Tractors Limited, passenger car sales for Indus Motor Company, Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan Limited, and Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited are expected to rise 26 percent year-on-year and 41 percent quarter-on-quarter.

Among major companies, Indus Motor Company is expected to post earnings of Rs. 79.28 per share, while Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited is seen at Rs. 94.73 per share.

Atlas Honda Limited is expected to maintain its strong position in the two-wheeler segment, with sales volumes estimated at 435,518 units, up 32 percent year-on-year and 3 percent quarter-on-quarter.

Despite the recovery in volumes, sector gross margins are expected to compress to 19.36 percent, compared with 21.98 percent a year earlier, due to product mix shifts, a higher share of lower-margin variants, and cost pressures such as carbon levy.

The post Pakistan’s Auto Industry Selling More Cars but Still Making Less Money appeared first on ProPakistani.

According to a spokesperson, the new initiative is designed to improve public convenience and encourage more riders to become licensed without delays.

Official statistics show that 2.354 million motorcycle licenses have been issued across Punjab so far this year. Of these, more than 1 million were regular driving licenses.

In addition, over 671,000 citizens renewed their learner and regular licenses, while more than 710,000 individuals benefited from learner services.

DIG Traffic Muhammad Waqas Nazir said that a significant number of road accidents involve individuals riding motorcycles without a valid license. He emphasized that strict action is being taken against unlicensed drivers.

He urged citizens to obtain their driving licenses promptly to avoid heavy fines and legal action.

The post Punjab Traffic Police Announces Major Relief for Bikers appeared first on ProPakistani.

During the session, Chief Executive Officer of Indus Motor Company, Mr. Ali Asghar Jamali, presented insights into Pakistan’s automotive performance relative to regional peers. Pakistan remains one of only 16 countries worldwide capable of manufacturing passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses. Seven of the top ten global automotive brands now operate in Pakistan, positioning it as a potential investment destination for original equipment manufacturers.

Highlighting 10-year market trends across Asia, Mr. Jamali compared Pakistan with India, the Philippines, and Vietnam. While India’s automotive market grew by 60% over the past decade, and the Philippines and Vietnam recorded growth of 71% and 180% respectively, Pakistan’s growth remained at 15%, reflecting the impact of inconsistent policies, excessive used car imports and frequent regulatory changes.

The automotive sector currently contributes approximately 2.8% to Pakistan’s GDP and provides employment to around 1.8 million people. Despite the presence of 31 global brands, only 30% of the installed production capacity of 600,000 vehicles per year is being utilized, compared to 84% utilization in 2017–2018. Key contributing factors include the high share of used car imports, frequent policy shifts, and a complex taxation structure.

Jamali expressed his sincere appreciation to Mr. Haroon Akhtar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Mr. Saif Anjum, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production, and Mr. Hamad Ali Mansoor, CEO of the Engineering Development Board, for their concerted efforts in abolishing the baggage scheme for used car imports. He noted that this landmark policy decision marks a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s local automotive manufacturing sector. By discouraging the influx of used vehicles, the initiative is expected to enhance demand for locally assembled cars, support industrial growth, generate employment and effectively reduce idle production capacity within the country’s automotive industry.

Addressing concerns around foreign exchange, the company noted that local vehicle assembly accounts for just 2.08% of total imports, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan. In contrast, imports of Completely Built-Up (CBU) vehicles have increased from 0.03% in 2023 to 0.78% in 2026. Comparatively, the automotive manufacturing sector’s share in import bills stands at 15.4% in the United States, 11.5% in the United Kingdom, 10.2% in Germany, 5.1% in Japan, 3.2% in China, and 3% in India.

Mr. Jamali emphasized the need for a stable, long-term automotive policy framework for 2026–2031, with minimal amendments, to support localization and protect existing investments. He stated that Indus Motor Company will await the Government of Pakistan’s policy announcement and will accordingly formulate its strategy in alignment with the policy direction. The company maintains a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to the Pakistani market, which will be implemented in line with the Government’s policy framework.

He also highlighted Toyota’s contributions in Pakistan over the past 35 years, including investments of $736 million, with an additional $300 million planned over the next five years. The company has contributed $6.3 billion in taxes and helped prevent $6.5 billion in foreign exchange outflows through localized production. Its ecosystem, including dealerships and vendor networks, supports employment for over 55,000 individuals.

Indus Motor Company’s manufacturing facility operates in line with Toyota’s global quality standards, including recognition by Toyota Motor Corporate Japan as a “Zero Defect Facility” in Asian plants. The company also manages the country’s largest sheet metal parts plant and a 6.6-megawatt roof-mounted solar power system. Its corporate social responsibility initiatives reached more than 200,000 beneficiaries in the last fiscal year, spanning education, healthcare, environment, road safety, sports, and community development programs.

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Jamali reiterated that consistent policies, investment-friendly financing mechanisms, and a stronger focus on localization are critical to improving capacity utilization, attracting foreign investment, and positioning Pakistan’s automotive sector as a driver of sustainable economic growth.

The post Toyota Flags Policy Instability as Auto Sector Growth Stalls, Capacity Utilization Drops appeared first on ProPakistani.

In a report submitted to the court regarding the 10 percent free education quota in private institutions, PEIRA stated that a target has been set to enroll 25,000 children under the “No Child Left Behind” campaign.

According to the report, 1,571 private educational institutions are operating across five zones of Islamabad, with a total enrollment of 389,000 students. So far, 500 institutions have submitted data on their infrastructure and student strength.

Under the rules, orphans and children of martyrs will be given priority in the 10 percent scholarship scheme. PEIRA has also formed a monitoring committee to verify the implementation of the free education quota in private schools.

Several institutions have already submitted lists of students admitted under the quota, and the verification process is currently underway. PEIRA has directed all registered institutions to comply with the quota and has requested data on scholarship students for the 2025–26 academic session.

The authority warned that schools failing to submit the required data will face action under the PEIRA Act. Institutions have also been instructed to provide details both manually and through an online portal.

Visit EduNation to find scholarships from around the world.

The post All Private Schools Now Forced to Begin Free Education for 10% Students appeared first on ProPakistani.

PMD and other international organizations warn that several regions in the province, especially South Punjab, could face heatwave conditions as temperatures increase sharply during this period.

According to the PMD’s seasonal outlook, temperatures are expected to remain above normal till May 2026. In some regions, temperatures may increase by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above average, with occasional higher spikes leading to heatwave conditions.

Temperatures in April are expected to be 1 to 2 degrees above normal, rising further in May by 2 to 3 degrees. By June, temperatures in some areas may reach 45 to 46 degrees Celsius.

In major cities, including Lahore, the heat is expected to feel more intense due to urban conditions. Temperatures in Lahore during May may range between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius.

According to the Meteorological Department, temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius or higher are classified as a heatwave. If such conditions continue for several days, the situation can become more severe.

Officials stated that temperatures may reach around 38 degrees Celsius by the end of April, with a higher likelihood of heatwaves in May and June. They also warned that temperatures in June and July could exceed 44 degrees Celsius.

Authorities have advised the public to take precautions, including avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and covering the head.

To combat the heat, the Environmental Protection Department has recommended increasing tree plantation, improving heatwave alert systems, ensuring hospitals are prepared for heat-related cases, and maintaining water supply.

Experts warn that without timely action, heatwaves in Punjab could become more severe in the coming years, impacting health, water resources, and energy demand.

The post Punjab to Face 2-Month-Long Intense Heatwave Soon appeared first on ProPakistani.

According to the commission, the transaction has been authorized following a Phase I competition assessment under the Competition Act, 2010, after it found that the deal does not raise any competition concerns.

The acquiring company, International Business Company FZE, is based in the United Arab Emirates and operates in general trading, import and export services, along with consultancy in business, marketing, and management.

The target company, Northern Technik (Private) Limited, is a Pakistan-based aircraft maintenance services provider that offers line maintenance support to commercial airlines operating in the country.

SPARS (Private) Limited is a diversified local group with interests across real estate, aviation, telecom, pharmaceuticals, information technology, construction, and engineering.

The CCP said the relevant market for the review was defined as aircraft line maintenance services in Pakistan, noting that the sector remains fragmented with multiple service providers, including both airline in-house units and independent operators.

The commission added that there is no horizontal overlap between the businesses of the acquirer and the target, meaning the transaction is not expected to change market concentration or create a dominant position.

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