Key points: 

• Immediate Action: Officials have ordered the urgent repair of 135 dangerous public school buildings in Lahore. 

• Past Delays: A policy change last year paused the renovations, leaving several projects incomplete. 

• Safety First: Crews are speeding up construction to secure the buildings before the heavy monsoon rains arrive. 

• Vacation Timeline: Therefore, workers plan to complete most structural repairs during the summer holidays. 

Immediate Structural Action Required 

LAHORE – The Education Department has ordered the immediate repair and reconstruction of 135 dangerous government school buildings in Lahore. Consequently, this urgent project follows a new survey by the Strategic Management Unit. The main goal of this survey was to identify high-risk structures, thereby protecting students from potential building failures. 

Previously, the renovation plan faced major delays due to a change in administrative policies last year. As a result, these sudden shifts left critical construction work pending for months. However, because older facilities have suffered roof collapses in the past, officials are now actively prioritizing the Lahore school buildings repair project to create safe learning spaces. 

Monsoon Risks and Emergency Deadlines 

Because the upcoming monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, the department has significantly speeded up its construction activities. For this reason, work crews are currently focusing on fixing unsafe walls, replacing damaged roofs, and building new classrooms. 

“Most of the critical repair work on these dilapidated structures will finish during the summer vacations. Ultimately, this timeline ensures we minimize disruptions to student classes,” an official spokesperson stated. 

Managing the Academic Calendar 

By using the summer break effectively, authorities aim to deliver fully secured, weather-resistant facilities before the school term begins. Furthermore, additional teams have been deployed to ensure no deadlines are missed. In conclusion, this proactive approach will guarantee that students return to a highly secure and productive environment. 

Project Implementation Matrix 

Why is the Lahore school buildings repair project being speeded up now? 

The project is moving faster so that all structural repairs are finished before the monsoon season starts. This will prevent heavy rain damage or unexpected building collapses. 

What caused the delay in repairing these government schools initially? 

The maintenance plans were put on hold last year because of a sudden shift in department policies. This change left the construction work temporarily pending. 

Will the construction work disrupt daily student classes? 

No. The Education Department is intentionally scheduling the bulk of the heavy structural renovations during the summer vacation period while the schools are empty.

Read More : Punjab education minister criticised after comments about school teachers 

Key points: 

• Religious Ruling: Prominent scholar Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani issued a fatwa declaring digital currency trading impermissible (haram). 

• Broad Scope: The Mufti Taqi Usmani crypto fatwa covers all digital assets, including standard cryptocurrencies, tokens, and stablecoins like USDT. 

• Legal Definition: According to the decree, digital currencies do not meet the foundational Islamic criteria to be classified as real wealth or property. 

• Market Influence: Although the ruling is a religious opinion rather than a state law, it will likely impact Muslim investors across Pakistan. 

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s leading Islamic scholar, Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, has issued a definitive religious decree regarding digital asset trading. Published by scholars affiliated with Darul Uloom Karachi, the formal declaration clarifies that cryptocurrency operations are impermissible under Islamic jurisprudence. Therefore, practicing Muslims are advised to avoid buying, selling, or investing in these virtual markets. 

The ruling takes a strict stance on the fundamental nature of decentralized digital networks. Specifically, the decree concludes that digital assets lack physical backing, intrinsic utility, or state authorization. For this reason, they fail to meet the Islamic legal definition of true wealth (mal). Consequently, any financial transactions involving these assets are considered void from a religious perspective.

Total Ban Covers Tokens and Stablecoins 

Furthermore, the declaration stresses that changing the names or branding of digital assets does not alter their religious status. The Mufti Taqi Usmani crypto fatwa explicitly groups all virtual assets into a single financial category. This means the restriction applies uniformly across the entire Web3 ecosystem. 

“Cryptocurrency is known by different names, including virtual currency, token, and stablecoin. In all these forms, cryptocurrency is not considered wealth, and therefore it is not permissible,” the official statement clarifies. 

As a result, the scope of this fatwa extends far beyond mainstream decentralized coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. It explicitly restricts the use of blockchain-based utility tokens and dollar-pegged stablecoins such as Tether (USDT). 

Overview of the Religious Decree 

Institutional Backing and Public Impact 

The formal document carries multiple official endorsements from respected senior scholars at Darul Uloom Karachi. While this fatwa functions strictly as a religious guidance framework rather than a government-enforced law, its societal impact remains massive. 

Because Mufti Taqi Usmani is highly respected globally in Islamic banking and finance circles, his opinions carry immense weight. Consequently, this declaration is expected to significantly shape public sentiment and curb crypto adoption rates among retail investors in Pakistan. 

What is the main message of the Mufti Taqi Usmani crypto fatwa? 

The fatwa states that cryptocurrency trading is impermissible (haram) under Islamic law because digital currencies do not qualify as real wealth or property. 

Does this ruling also apply to stablecoins like USDT? 

Yes. The decree explicitly mentions stablecoins and tokens, stating that changing the terminology or tying a coin to a fiat currency does not change its religious ruling. 

Is cryptocurrency now illegal in Pakistan because of this fatwa? 

No. A fatwa is a formal religious opinion and legal advisory for Muslims. It is not a state law enacted by the government of Pakistan, though it strongly influences public financial choices. 

 Read More : Saheefa Jabbar Khattak’s latest look sparks debate on social media. 

LAHORE – Most students look to pursue further education after completing their 2-year term in A-levels or Intermediate in Pakistan. Therefore, searching for top universities in Pakistan that offer a brighter future remains their top priority. Pakistan’s newest university, the National Institute of Technology, NIT, prides itself as Pakistan’s first American-style university “Powered by Arizona State University”, ASU.

The courses in NIT are in accordance with the academic framework of the ASU. The NIT faculty has also been given access to ASU’s teaching resources. By far, the greatest privilege students are set to receive in NIT is an opportunity to study 1 year at ASU.

On the eve of the U.S. 250^th Independence Day, the U.S. Consul General Stetson Sanders said that under the program, 250 students are set to receive scholarships and support over the course of 10 years. He described the scholarship as a meaningful investment in Pakistan’s future. Sanders said it would promote talent, innovation, and educational opportunity.

He added, “I couldn’t imagine a better place to celebrate this historic occasion,” wishing the audience a Happy Independence Day and a Happy Freedom 250 celebration.

A proud moment for Upfront.

Right, Mr. Haris Sarfraz Ali, Left, Mr. Mohtasim Kamran, Center, Mr. Stetson Sanders

Our Editor-in-Chief, Haris Sarfraz, and CEO Mohtasim Kamran attended the prestigious NIT celebration and had the privilege of an exclusive meetup with U.S. Consul General Stetson Sanders.

The event also marked the announcement of $5 million in fully funded four-year scholarships, highlighting a shared commitment to empowering future leaders through education and innovation.

Upfront Executives and the Consul General exchanged warm greetings before the event concluded with applause from the audience as participants celebrated the growing educational partnership between Pakistan and the United States.