Latest news with #EidulFitr
Express Tribune
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
President, PM urge efforts to end child labour
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their heartfelt greetings to the nation on the eve of Eid ul Fitr. PHOTO: EXPRESS President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday urged parents and employers to make joint efforts to eliminate child labour, as the country observed World Day Against Child Labour. Over 12.5 million children in Pakistan are involved in child labour, according to the Child Rights Movement (CRM) National Secretariat. One in four households in Pakistan employed a child for domestic work, often in hazardous conditions, as per the International Labour Organisation (ILO). According to a provincial survey, working children accounted for 11.1 per cent of K-P's child population. According to a statement from the President's House, President Zardari, in his message, called for efforts to protect children from exploitation, expressing hope for a future where children could "learn, play, and grow in a safe and dignified environment". Stressing the need for collective action by governments, the president urged employers to "strictly follow child labour laws and ensure that their workplaces are free from exploitation." He also called on parents and guardians to prioritise their children's education over "short-term gains". "I urge schools and teachers to identify children at risk of dropping out and keep them in classrooms." Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz, while reaffirming the government's commitment to ending child labour, highlighted the role of "the federal and provincial governments, the private sector, educational institutions, media, and civil society" in preventing child labour, the APP reported. "Children subjected to child labour not only face sexual and psychological abuse but they are also deprived of their fundamental right to education. They are robbed of their childhood," he said. PM Shehbaz also noted that children from "developing countries are the most affected by the scourge of child labour." "Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with the global community in its fight against child labour," he added. He said that this year's theme, "Progress is clear, but there's more to do: let's speed up efforts!" highlights that while progress has been made, much more remains to be done.
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Passenger car sales jump 32% in 11 months
Listen to article Passenger car sales increased by 32.1% to 94,388 units during the first 11 months of the current fiscal year compared to the same period in the previous year on account of a variety of reasons, including a dramatic fall in interest rates, back-to-back Eid festivities, anticipated price hikes ahead of the federal budget 2025-26, and others. According to data released by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), sales of all vehicles, including two-, three-, and four-wheelers, increased; however, sales of farm tractors declined. Sales of jeeps-cum-pickups rose by 66% to 31,706 units. Sales of trucks and buses increased by 95.7% to 3,776 units and by 73.3% to 719 units, respectively. Sales of motorcycles and rickshaws also surged by 30% to 1,378,131 units. However, sales of farm tractors fell by a dramatic 36.8% to 26,401 units. Automobile consultant and expert Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh said it augurs well that, excluding the tractor segment, other parts of the auto sector are gaining momentum as they are on an upward trend. This reflects that the auto industry is growing and regaining strength. "In my opinion, there are four main reasons. First, the reduction in interest rates — different banks and financial institutions are offering good and affordable instalment schemes. Secondly, owing to information and rumours ahead of the federal budget that vehicle prices will rise, sales have increased. Thirdly, during both Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha, sales witnessed substantial rises as customers wanted vehicles during the Eid holidays to celebrate in a better way. Finally, credit for the significant rise in vehicle sales also goes to improved law and order, which has supported the industry, along with favourable government measures allowing the industry to flourish. In my opinion, the auto industry has the potential and capacity to grow. We foresee that the existing industry will face stronger competition from electric vehicles (EVs), as the future will mainly depend on EVs," he said. Auto sector analyst Mashood Khan said all segments of the automotive industry performed well except for the tractor segment. The motorcycle industry has continuously gained strong momentum throughout the year due to the middle class, which cannot afford expensive four-wheelers. When it comes to the auto industry overall, it has started regaining strength. Meanwhile, raising concerns about the recently announced federal budget 2025-26, MG Motors Pakistan General Manager (GM) Marketing Division Syed Asif Ahmed said the industry is seeking clarity on the budget. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) enjoy 8.5% GST compared to 18% on EVs. This anomaly has existed for many years, giving HEVs an advantage over EVs. "Social media has reported an increase in the GST for HEVs from 8.5% to 18%. If true, this will jeopardise the huge investments made by almost all automakers in HEVs. The Finance Bill is silent on the subject, despite the Automotive Industry Development and Export Plan (AIDEP) 2021-26 commitment of no change in tariffs until June 2026. What is needed is for EV GST to be reduced to 8.5% to match HEVs," he said. He added that used car importers are abusing the gift, baggage, and transfer of residence schemes for commercial trading. Allowing commercial imports of five-year-old used cars with reduced Regulatory Duty (RD) will distort the playing field against local assemblers.
Express Tribune
10-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Eid cattle sales now a middlemen's game
The sale of sacrificial animals has now become a fully commercial and highly profitable business, with the profits increasingly going to middlemen. Both the original owners of the animals — typically farmers and herders — and the end buyers incur losses. As a result, the demand for sacrificial animals continues to decline. According to contractors and livestock traders in Rawalpindi, this year saw a record 30% to 34% drop in the sale of sacrificial animals in the city. If a proper mechanism for the sale and purchase of sacrificial animals is not developed within the next two years, this decline could exceed 50%. A survey shows that immediately after Eidul Fitr, middlemen begin purchasing animals directly from villages through local agents. They pay in advance and transport the animals to their own farms, where they keep them for two months, set their own prices, and earn significant profits. When the moon of Eidul Azha is sighted, these animals are brought to the livestock markets. These middlemen buy animals at cheap rates directly from farmers and livestock owners, who barely make any profit. Meanwhile, consumers are forced to purchase the same animals at much higher prices. In addition, livestock markets have been fully commercialised. The market contractors, who often have no direct involvement with animals, win multimillion-rupee tenders from the municipal or district administration. They then rent out space in the market to livestock traders at rates ranging from Rs500,000 to Rs1 million per kanal for just 10 days. Other costs, such as electricity, water tankers, animal feed, tents for shade, and fans for ventilation, all add to the overall expense. An amount of Rs7,000 entry fee is also charged for a large animal and Rs4,000 for a smaller one. Loading and unloading charges are additional, and all of these expenses ultimately fall on the buyer. Previously, the original animal owners would sell their livestock directly in streets and local markets, with no market fees or middlemen involved. Now, however, what was once a religious tradition has been turned into a profit-driven industry by a growing mafia. Raja Khan, a contractor on High Court Road, explained that he rented one kanal of land for Rs800,000 for 10 days. Daily, he spent Rs3,500 on a water tanker, Rs10,000-15,000 on animal feed, and Rs2,000 on food for his three workers, who also bathed the animals to keep them cool in the summer heat. His electricity bill alone for 10 days was Rs100,000. Khan added even government and police officials didn't pay full price for animals. "Under such conditions, how can we sell animals at cheaper rates?" he said. "Every year, animal prices increase by Rs40,000 to Rs80,000. Within the next three to five years, sales may drop by 70%, and prices could rise by 50% to 70%." Contractor Irshad Abbasi says if market tender fees are abolished, animal prices could drop by 30% to 40% in a single day. He held the middlemen and administration responsible for the rising prices, adding: "When livestock markets are auctioned for Rs150 million to Rs180m, how can animals be sold cheaply?" This year, even on the eve of Eid, sales remained sluggish. By 9pm on Chand Raat, the market had essentially collapsed. Prices were reduced by up to 30%, but most genuine buyers had already left. As a result, many animals went unsold. Some were purchased by butchers at the last moment. Those who came after 9pm were able to buy good animals at 30% to 40% lower prices. Another major reason for the decline in sacrificial activity is the Rs 20,000 slaughtering fee for cows and bulls.
Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Eid holiday rules on taking time off work for Eid ul Adha and Eid ul Fitr
There are two main Eid festivals in the Islamic calendar - but there are no bank holidays for Eid in the UK so employees are likely to ask for time off to observe these festivals. There are two primary Eid festivals in the Islamic calendar, and public holidays are typically declared for each one in Muslim-majority nations such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Pakistan. Eid ul Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is the first of these celebrations, followed later by Eid ul Adha in the 12th and final month of the year in the Islamic calendar. In the UK, there are no bank holidays allocated for Eid, so employees may request time off to observe these festivals. However, the dates of Islamic events like Eid are not determined until shortly before they occur, as a confirmed moon sighting is required to announce the start of any given month. This means that employers may receive last-minute requests for annual leave. But what does employment law say about taking time off for Eid? What is the law on taking time off work for Eid? The dates of the Eid festivals are only confirmed a few days prior, so employers might find themselves receiving annual leave requests at short notice. This can pose a challenge for businesses trying to organise staff schedules, reports Birmingham Live. Eid ul Fitr marks the beginning of a month, with its date set just after a moon sighting confirms it, usually giving little notice. In contrast, Eid ul Adha's date is known well in advance as it falls on the 10th day of a month. This unpredictability is why Saudi Arabia uses a national calendar with religious festivals pre-scheduled based on astronomical predictions. UK employment law specialists at Peninsula have offered guidance, stating: "Eid is an important celebration for Muslims and it is likely employers will receive annual leave requests for those who wish to observe this festival. Employers should deal with holiday requests through their normal procedures and any company policies. It is important to act reasonably and fairly, following the normal system to determine whether the request can be approved." Clarifying the legalities surrounding holiday requests, they added: "The law states that employees have to give a notice period of double the length of their holiday to their employer to request holiday i.e. six days' notice for three days' leave. Employers can also extend this notice period through their contractual holiday policy. Where the employee fails to give the required notice, the employer is not under an obligation to consider the request." What happens if your Eid holiday request is refused? Peninsula is advising employers to seriously take into account any holiday requests linked to observing Eid. However, should there be a need to decline such requests, bosses are encouraged to engage with the employee to explore mutually agreeable alternatives. They clarified: "It may be the case that the holiday request cannot be accommodated because of the needs of the business. It may be necessary to refuse leave where, for example, the workplace will be understaffed or the request is during a period of high customer demand. The Working Time Regulations allow employers to refuse holiday requests by giving employees the required notice. The required notice is equal to the amount of leave requested so if an employee requests a week off the employer has to give a minimum of one week's notice to refuse the request." Bethanie Booth, from Napthens Solicitors, emphasised that when time off isn't viable, employers ought to contemplate flexible working arrangements as an alternative. She notes that Eid is the perfect moment for companies "to encourage staff engagement, to educate staff and to improve their understanding of different religions across the workforce." Booth highlighted the importance of inclusivity within workplaces, suggesting businesses that acknowledge religious holidays like Easter or Christmas should also think about how to celebrate other important cultural festivities such as Eid. Firms are being urged to show flexibility and cooperation in handling last-minute holiday requests, including deviating from standard policies that normally require advance booking. She said: "If employees, for whatever reason, have insufficient holidays to cover their absence for the requested religious holiday, we would encourage employers to consider granting a period of unpaid leave." Moreover, companies should take a proactive stance by suggesting employees inform management of their intention to use annual leave for Eid, enabling better staffing and cover arrangements. She urged firms to: "We would also encourage employers to maintain a consistent approach to support members of staff who are observing a religious holiday to ensure that the business is not discriminating against members of staff who wish to observe religious holidays." What's the best practice for employers on Eid holiday requests? Ms Booth issued the following guidance on best practice for employers on Eid holidays: Agree to last-minute requests for holidays or unpaid leave where possible; Allow for flexibility among the workforce; and Communicate openly with all employees. She added: "We would also encourage employers to maintain a consistent approach to support members of staff who are observing a religious holiday to ensure that the business is not discriminating against members of staff who wish to observe religious holidays." Similarly, the Peninsula law firm warned: "Applying a fair and consistent holiday request policy across the workforce will not constitute direct discrimination on the grounds of religious belief, however, it can be classed as indirect discrimination because the policy applies to all but puts those of the Muslim faith at a particular disadvantage. This makes it crucial that employers have a genuine, objective business reason for refusing in order to objectively justify any indirect discrimination complaints."
Express Tribune
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bangladesh to hold elections in April 2026
Bangladesh's national elections will be held in the first half of April 2026, the country's de facto prime minister, Muhammad Yunus, said on Friday. "The Election Commission will provide you with a detailed roadmap for the elections at an appropriate time," said Nobel peace laureate Yunus. He made the announcement during a televised address to the nation on the eve of Eidul Azha. 'Based on this announcement, the Election Commission will provide a detailed roadmap for the elections at an appropriate time,' he said. 'I have repeatedly said that this election will be held between December and June next year. The government is doing whatever is necessary to create an environment conducive to elections in the country during this period,' he said. Yunus said, "I know that there is great interest among political parties and the public to know when the next national election will be held. It is important to remember here that as long as the country has plunged into deep crises since independence was due to flawed elections. Through repeated accumulation of power through a flawed election, a political party turned into a barbaric fascist." The chief adviser said those who organised those elections were identified as criminals by the nation. The party that came to power through such elections was also hated by the people, he added. A major responsibility of this government is to hold an election in a clean, festive, peaceful, and massively participated atmosphere so that the country does not fall into a new crisis in the future, said the chief adviser. For this, institutional reform is the most important, he said, adding, If good governance cannot be ensured in the institutions involved with the election process, all the sacrifices of the students and the public will go in vain. "We took responsibility on the basis of these three mandates: reform, justice and elections. In that regard, I believe that we will be able to reach an acceptable position in terms of reform and justice by the next Eidul Fitr." He said, particularly with regard to the trial of crimes against humanity, which is our collective responsibility towards the martyrs of the July mass uprising, we will be able to see visible progress,' he said. 'We will be able to implement the mandate you have entrusted with us, even if it is minimal. In this regard, we have discussed with all parties to organise the freest, fairest, competitive and acceptable elections in history,' he said. 'We want elections that will satisfy the souls of the martyrs of the uprising and bring peace to their souls. We want the largest number of voters, candidates and parties to participate in the next elections.
