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Saif Ali Khan
The unemployment rate has declined in the latest report, offering a positive sign for the economy and labor market. According to newly released data, more people are finding jobs as businesses continue to expand hiring across multiple sectors.
Economists note that the drop in unemployment reflects steady economic growth, with industries such as technology, healthcare, and retail contributing significantly to job creation. Increased consumer demand and business confidence have also played a role in encouraging companies to take on new employees.
While the overall trend is encouraging, analysts caution that challenges remain. Wage growth has been uneven, and some regions continue to experience higher levels of joblessness than others. Additionally, concerns about inflation and global economic uncertainty could impact future hiring patterns.
Government officials have welcomed the news, highlighting it as evidence that current economic policies are supporting job creation. However, they emphasize the importance of continued investment in skills training and education to ensure long-term workforce stability. Overall, the falling unemployment rate marks a step forward, though experts agree that sustained efforts will be needed to maintain momentum and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are widely shared.
Moreover, Unemployment fell to 4.9% in the three months to February, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, despite predictions it would remain unchanged at 5.2%. However, the drop has been driven by the inactivity rate – which measures those people not actively seeking work and who are not included in the jobless figures. Wages rose at an annual pace of 3.6% between December and February, the weakest rate since late 2020. Despite the slowdown, pay is still rising faster than inflation.
Monitoring desk
China has told Iran yesterday April 16, that it must reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The country’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, told Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi that freedom of safety and navigation through the waterway should be guaranteed, saying there is a “unanimous interest” for normal navigation to be restored. It follows a US blockade of Iranian ports this week, which has caused further restrictions and uncertainty for shipping in the region. China is Iran’s largest trading partner and the primary buyer of the country’s oil.
On Wednesday Trump said the US had ended its blockade “for China” in an unusual concession to a trade rival. Meanwhile, an Israeli cabinet member said prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to speak with Lebanon’s president after Beirut denied knowledge of forthcoming peace talks with Israel hours after Trump announced the historic negotiations.
Monitoring desk
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, His Excellency Keir Starmer, Prime Minister Starmer deeply appreciated Pakistan’s effective diplomatic efforts in facilitating the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, and the resumption of dialogue. He felicitated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on hosting the peace negotiations in Islamabad.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s sincere commitment to regional peace and stability, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the joint statement issued by key European and international leaders, including Prime Minister Starmer, endorsing Pakistan’s peace initiatives.
Both leaders emphasised the importance of ensuring that the ceasefire remains in place and creates the necessary conditions for lasting peace and stability in the region. The two leaders agreed to work together to lend fresh impetus to the longstanding friendly ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, across all spheres of mutual interest. The Prime Minister reiterated his cordial invitation to Prime Minister Starmer to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.
Staff reporter
During a solemn ceremony held earlier this week in the High Commission for Pakistan, signed a landmark agreement with Gerrys Visa Services Ltd., designating the latter as the sole authorised partner for establishing a network of Facilitation Centres to provide Consular Services across the United Kingdom. The initiative has been undertaken in line with the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and aims to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of consular services for the Pakistani community throughout the country.
The initiative marks a major step forward in the High Commission’s commitment to serving the two million strong Pakistani diaspora in the UK. Under the agreement, Gerrys Visas Services Ltd. will operate the only authorized service centres nationwide, enabling overseas Pakistanis to access a wide range of consular services, including the processing of visas, passports, NADRA related documents, and attestation services.
Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner for Pakistan, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, stated, “this partnership is about putting overseas Pakistanis first. By decentralizing these essential services through authorized partners like Gerrys, we are eliminating the burden of long distance travel and making consular access faster, safer, and more convenient.”
At the same time, a key objective of the agreement is to combat the growing menace of unauthorized and fraudulent visa and NADRA facilitation centres operating across the UK, which have been charging exorbitant fees and perpetrating scams that harm vulnerable applicants. The new framework will also help prevent data pilferage by ensuring that personal information is no longer provided to unapproved entities.
Mr. Afzal Wali Muhammad, Chairman of Gerrys Visa Services Ltd., expressed that the company is honoured to be entrusted as the single authorised partner for this transformative project. He pledged to ensure world-class, transparent, and secure services for the Pakistani community across the UK.
The first Gerrys Visa Services Ltd. Facilitation Centre will be inaugurated in May 2026, with a phased expansion planned to establish a comprehensive presence across all major regions of the United Kingdom. Further details regarding locations, services, and appointment procedures will be announced in the coming weeks.
Pakistan’s bold and visionary diplomacy has not only saved thousands of precious lives but has decisively averted a devastating war in the region. At a time of rising global tensions, Pakistan stepped forward as a responsible and peace-driven nation, opening the door to dialogue and an honourable, negotiated settlement.
The Human Rights Society of Pakistan proudly commends the Government of Pakistan and the leadership of the Pakistan Army for their unity, wisdom, and decisive action in bringing both parties to the negotiating table in Islamabad. This extraordinary achievement reflects strategic foresight, courage, and an unwavering commitment to peace over conflict.
Today, the world acknowledges and appreciates Pakistan’s sincere and tireless efforts for global peace. Pakistan has once again demonstrated that it is not only a key regional player but a principled nation that stands firmly for stability, dialogue, and humanity.
London: Recently, Raja Shaukat Hayat, the elder brother of the famous British socialite Raja Mazhar Hayat, passed away in Pakistan. In this moment of grief, Abdulrazzaq Sajid, Chairman of “AlMustafa Welfare Trust”, Nazar Lodhi, a political and social figure from Slough, journalist Wajahat Ali Khan and Raja Faiz Sultan visited Raja Mazhar Hayat’s residence and offered their condolences. Here are some pictures from the occasion.
Bureau report
Manchester
The prominent businessman Zia Fareed called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Manchester. The Prime Minister praised Pakistan’s role in the Iran–US conflict and assured his full support for global peace. Zia Fareed also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his constructive role and his recent visits in the Middle East, as well as his efforts toward a ceasefire between Lebanon and Iran.
Bureau report
Manchester
The annual Sirajam Muneera Conference was held at a local hall in Manchester. The Sheikh of Silsilah Naqshbandia Owaisiah, Ameer Abdul Qadeer Awan, addressed the event and he was warmly welcomed on his arrival.
The conference was attended by Pakistan’s Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal, Cllr Abid Latif Chouhan, Cllr Shahbaz Sarwar, local Mayor Muhammad Khan, Ustad Muhammad Safdar, Malik Zamir Awan, Rasab Khan, Aslam Jora, and a large number of business, political, and religious community leaders, as well as a large number of local people. Ameer Abdul Qadeer Awan offered special prayers for the Muslim Ummah, Pakistan, the participants, and the organisers.
In his address, Ameer Abdul Qadeer Awan said that human beings are a special creation of Allah and the most honoured among all creatures. He said that remembrance of Allah is necessary to purify the inner self and that the purpose of human creation is to worship Allah. He said that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the role model for guidance, and Muslims should follow his teachings in their lives. He added that on the Day of Judgement, forgiveness will be granted through Allah’s mercy, not only through prayers. “We should not forget the remembrance of Allah while being engaged in family, children, and business, as this world is temporary and everything will come to an end,” he added. He stressed that we should work for the betterment of humanity, and that strong family systems can help build strong relationships among us. He said that Muslims should play a positive role in British society, pay taxes, and live by good values. He also highlighted the importance of spending time with children and said true peace of heart comes from the remembrance of Allah.