ISLAMABAD: Newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday increased the working hours of banks, a day after he did the same for government offices.
Sharif, a former three-time chief minister of Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, took oath as Pakistan’s 23rd prime minister on Monday, after the country’s opposition managed to oust former prime minister Imran Khan via a vote of no-confidence.
Pakistan’s newly elected prime minister is known for having spearheaded several development and infrastructural projects during his three tenures as Punjab chief minister. He has a reputation domestically as a “can-do” administrator which was on display when, as chief minister of Punjab province, he worked closely with China on Beijing-funded projects.
Sharif’s government in Punjab was best known for introducing transportation schemes, building a complex network of roads and constructing overhead bridges and underpasses. His opponents accuse him of receiving massive kickbacks for development projects, a charge he has always denied. There are several corruption cases pending against him in the courts currently, for which he is out on bail. He has repeatedly said the cases are politically motivated.
China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong, in a meeting last year, praised Sharif, saying he knew him because of his “Punjab Speed” — a reference to the quick pace at which he was able to execute China-funded developmental projects.
“As per the decision of the Federal Government, the State Bank of Pakistan will observe six days working week which shall be followed by all banks, DFIs (development financial institutions) and Microfinance Banks,” a notification from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Pakistan’s central bank, said.
As per the notification, the central bank would remain open from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00am to 03:00pm (with a prayer break from 01:00pm to 01:30pm).
On Fridays, the central bank will operate from 08:00am to 1:00pm, without break.
Banks and microfinance banks will operate from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00am to 01:00pm (without break) and on Fridays, from 08:00am to 12:00pm, without break.
Under the previous administration, government offices and banks were open for the five week days.
In first major move as PM, Sharif increases working hours of government offices, banks
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In first major move as PM, Sharif increases working hours of government offices, banks
- State bank, private banks and government offices to remain open on Saturdays
- Sharif has a reputation domestically as an effective administrator and go-getter
Pakistan Navy seizes $3 million of narcotics in Arabian Sea under regional security patrol
- Official statement says the haul was made during an anti-narcotics operation conducted by PNS Yamama
- Seizure comes after a record haul of nearly $972 million was reported in the North Arabian Sea in October
KARACHI: Pakistan Navy said on Sunday a patrol vessel operating in the Arabian Sea had seized 1,500 kg of narcotics, the latest interdiction under a regional maritime security deployment aimed at curbing illicit activity along key shipping routes.
The operation took place under the Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP), a Pakistan-led initiative that deploys naval assets across the Arabian Sea and adjoining waters to deter smuggling, piracy and other non-traditional security threats.
The framework combines independent patrols with coordination involving regional and international partners.
“Pakistan Navy Ship Yamama, while deployed on Regional Maritime Security Patrol in the Arabian Sea, successfully conducted an anti-narcotics operation, leading to the seizure of 1,500 kilograms of hashish valued at approximately 3 million US dollars,” the Navy said.
The interdiction, it added, underscored the force’s “unwavering commitment to combating illicit activities and ensuring security in the maritime domain.”
Pakistan Navy said it routinely undertakes RMSP missions to safeguard national maritime interests through “robust vigilance and effective presence at sea,” and continues to play a proactive role in collaborative maritime-security efforts with other regional navies.
The seizure comes amid heightened counter-narcotics activity at sea.
In October, a Pakistani vessel seized a haul worth nearly $972 million in what authorities described as one of the largest drug seizures ever reported in the North Arabian Sea.
Last month, Pakistan Navy units operating under a Saudi Arabia-led multinational task force seized about 2,000 kg of methamphetamine, valued at roughly $130 million, highlighting the role of regional cooperation in disrupting trafficking networks.
