Author: holidayweekly

(By Ms. Kiran Aslam) When I begin writing about my recent experience in Seychelles, I realize that I am not just describing a place, but a piece of my heart that I left behind in another world. It’s rare for me to feel this way, but Seychelles is one of those destinations that truly captivates the soul. From breathtaking landscapes to the warmest people, pristine beaches to thrilling cliffside hikes, sea excursions to hidden nature treasures, and mouthwatering cuisine to unparalleled hospitality—Seychelles offers it all. As the CEO & Founder of VagaTales and Bureau Chief of Islamabad Holiday Weekly,…

KARACHI: The Sindh cabinet has approved the procurement of double-decker and additional electric buses for Karachi, as part of efforts to improve public transport in the city, Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon announced on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference, he said the cabinet had also decided to automate the Anti-Narcotics Department to enhance its efficiency. He criticised the federal government for failing to provide the 180 electric buses it had promised. “The prime minister had committed to supplying 180 electric buses. They should fulfil their promise. No funds have been provided by the federal government for their purchase,” he said.…

GENEVA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a significant increase in fatal aviation accidents in 2024, marking a sharp contrast to the low numbers recorded in 2023. According to IATA’s 2024 Annual Safety Report, seven fatal accidents occurred across 40.6 million flights, compared to just one in 2023. The number of onboard fatalities also rose from 72 in 2023 to 244 in 2024, surpassing the five-year average of 144. IATA said that despite the rise in fatal accidents, the aviation industry’s overall safety performance remained strong. The all-accident rate stood at 1.13 per million flights (one accident per…

COLOMBO: Dimuthu Tennakoon, an airline business expert with over three decades of experience in the aviation industry, has been appointed Head of Commercial at SriLankan Airlines. With extensive experience in airline sales, financial management, revenue management and commercial planning, Tennakoon will now oversee Worldwide Sales and Distribution; Revenue Management and Planning; and Marketing for the airline. Prior to his new appointment, Tennakoon held the position of Head of Worldwide Sales & Distribution at SriLankan Airlines, and before that, held multiple management roles and foreign postings within the airline and. Additionally, he has served as a Country Manager for international airlines…

DUBAI: Turkish women continue to break barriers in aviation. Gökçe Kübra Yıldırım has become the first Turkish woman to captain the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. With years of experience as a first officer, Yıldırım has now taken command of the A380, marking a historic achievement in her career. Her journey from an intern at Turkish Airlines (TK) to a captain at a major Dubai-based airline is a testament to dedication and perseverance. Gökçe Kübra Yıldırım‘s journey in aviation began with an internship at THY Teknik, the aircraft maintenance subsidiary of Turkish Airlines. After completing her training, she…

KARACHI: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a spectacular exhibition showcasing the renowned works of internationally acclaimed artist Jimmy Engineer at Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery, Ahmed Shah Building. Exhibition was inaugurated by President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah. Renowned artist Jimmy Engineer, along with Secretary Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Ejaz Ahmed Farooqi. A large number of individuals associated with the fine arts also presented .Exhibition features 70 rare and exquisite paintings by Jimmy Engineer, and it will be open for public viewing until February 27, 2025, at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery. In his address, President…

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to launch a mega tourist project, “Magnificent Punjab,” to make Punjab a regional and international centre of history, civilization and tourism. She also directed them to take a historic step to transform 170 historical sites of Punjab, into world-class tourist centres. Mapping of these sites including 101 Gurdwaras and 53 churches has already been completed. The CM directed to form Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority, summary for which has been sent to the cabinet for formal approval. All institutions related to history, heritage and tourism will be under…

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to establish the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority, a move that will see the restoration of 170 historic sites across the province. These sites, which include temples, mosques, and gurdwaras, will be transformed into international standard tourist centres, Express News reported. The official summary for the formation of the authority has been submitted to the provincial cabinet for approval. Once established, the authority will oversee all institutions related to history, heritage, and tourism in the region. The list of 170 sites includes 101 gurdwaras, 53 churches, and other historical landmarks. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam…

Di: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz has approved the official symbol of the riyal currency, in a historic move aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s national currency, financial identity, and economic presence, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Ayman Mohammad Al Sayari, Governor of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), explained that this decision will bolster the Kingdom’s financial identity both locally, regionally, and internationally. The new currency symbol will be implemented immediately and gradually integrated into financial and commercial transactions, as well as various applications, in coordination with the relevant authorities. Al Sayari emphasized that the initiative is…

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the launch of another mega project for Lahore. The Punjab government is set to introduce the province’s first-ever fully underground Blue Line Metro Train service. The 27-kilometer-long project, which will run from Valencia Town to Babu Sabo Chowk, is scheduled for completion within the next three years. The estimated cost of the project is pegged at a whopping Rs600 billion. Sources reveal that the Punjab Transport Department has already begun working on the feasibility and design aspects of the Blue Line Metro Train project. The Punjab government is consistently working to provide…