Lahore: Kashif Anwar, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the need for collaborative action to enhance trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Speaking at a meeting with an Afghan trade delegation led by Khan Jan Alokozai, Co-President of the Pakistan Afghanistan Chamber, Anwar highlighted the untapped potential in bilateral trade despite historical ties between the two nations.

Discussions centered on the importance of cultural understanding, establishment of banking channels, and exploration of sectors such as pharmaceuticals, carpets, and auto parts for trade expansion.

Alokozai emphasized the significance of transit trade and economic stability for fostering regional connectivity, while also encouraging Pakistani investors to explore opportunities in Afghanistan. Both sides expressed the need for stability and reconciliation efforts to bolster mutual trade relations.

Lahore: Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said the registration of pilgrims under the private Hajj scheme is in progress with twenty-four thousand pilgrims slated to participate in the Road to Makkah project this year.

Addressing a news conference in Lahore on Sunday, he said that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah was dispatching high-level officials to train Pakistani pilgrims.

Responding to a question, he said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia shared identical stances regarding Israel.

Lahore: By-elections on 21 vacant seats of National and Provincial Assemblies will be held on Sunday (tomorrow).

According to Election Commission of Pakistan, polling will be held on five National Assembly seats, twelve Punjab Assembly seats, two seats of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and two seats of Balochistan Assembly.

Polling will start at 8:00 in the morning and it will continue till 5:00 pm without any break.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has set up the Election Monitoring and Control Centers to register and address public complaints during by-elections.

These Centers are located at provincial, divisional and district levels, in addition to the Election Commission Secretariat in Islamabad.

People can file their complaints through email at complaints@ecp.gov.pk and round-the-clock helpline at 111-327-000.