Author: Faiza Liaquat

Cambridge University in the UK is offering a scholarship opportunity for students from Pakistan. The scholarship aims to support outstanding and deserving students from Pakistan in pursuing higher education at one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions. It covers tuition fees and living expenses, making a Cambridge education more accessible and reflects the university’s commitment to fostering international talent and creating a diverse, global learning environment. Pakistani students now have the chance to access world-class education at Cambridge University, enriching their academic and personal experiences while contributing to their nation’s growth and development. About the Scholarship:This scholarship provides access…

The Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSO) reported a remarkable 1,727 percent increase in quarterly profit after tax, totaling Rs. 21.89 billion for the first quarter ending on September 30, 2023. During a meeting on October 20, 2023, the company’s Board of Management (BoM) reviewed this performance, noting that it achieved its highest-ever Q1 net profit after tax of Rs. 23.99 billion, translating to earnings per share of Rs. 51.10. PSO, however, did not declare any dividends for this period. PSO’s unconsolidated net sales reached Rs. 976 billion, compared to Rs. 929 billion in the same period last year. This…

In response to petitions addressing the urgent need to combat smog and alleviate the severe pollution in Lahore, the Lahore High Court has issued its verdict. Unfortunately, Lahore has gained notoriety as one of the most polluted cities in the world, primarily due to smog. Justice Shahid Karim has put forward a strategy to reduce vehicular emissions, which includes the prohibition of vehicles emitting smoke. In an unconventional suggestion, he has also recommended that government employees consider using bicycles for their daily commutes. Furthermore, the court has advised the government to allocate the necessary funds to support organizations dedicated to…

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2023-24, Pakistan’s food exports exhibited remarkable growth, surging by 18.88 percent to reach $1.28 billion, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). This boost can be attributed to multiple factors, including the depreciation of the rupee, supply chain disruptions, and higher global food prices, which have spurred increased demand for Pakistani food products. Key highlights from the data include: These statistics reflect Pakistan’s increasing presence in international food markets, driven by currency dynamics, export restrictions in competitor countries, and expansion into new markets.

Significant progress has been made in securing a cost-effective oil supply from Russia, as Pakistan has recently entered a long-term oil procurement agreement with Moscow. Under this arrangement, local refineries will directly source oil from Russia, with deliveries to occur at a Pakistani port. The agreed-upon price for this oil is set at $60 per barrel, and the first shipment, consisting of 100,000 metric tonnes of crude oil, is scheduled for arrival in Pakistan this coming December. Moreover, government-level negotiations are anticipated to follow as regular supplies commence. Notably, this commercial agreement takes into account the G7 price ceiling for…

The city of Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, achieved a significant milestone this Wednesday when it was declared a loadshedding-free city as part of the “Zero-Theft, Zero-Loadshedding” initiative introduced by the Power Division. Mardan, which previously suffered from power outages lasting over six hours a day, became the first city in Pakistan to completely eliminate power theft. Rashid Langrial, the Secretary of the Power Division, unveiled “The Mardan Model” in Islamabad, marking the end of loadshedding in the city. This achievement is credited to the successful elimination of power theft and significant improvements in revenue collection. Langrial emphasized that a…

The Pakistan Cotton Ginner’s Association (PCGA) recently released their latest biweekly report, showing a substantial 19.3% increase in cotton arrivals in Pakistan as of October 15 when compared to the figures reported on September 30. The report disclosed that the total cotton arrivals in Pakistan have reached 5.996 million bales, a significant uptick from the 5.025 million bales registered at the end of September 2023, indicating a growth of 0.971 million bales. When we compare these current figures to those of the previous year, cotton arrivals have surged by almost 62% from the 3.708 million bales recorded on October 15,…

The United Energy Group of China and Pakistan Refinery Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, indicating a significant $1.5 billion investment in the petroleum sector. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Federal Energy Minister Muhammad Ali witnessed the ceremony. Under this agreement, the investment’s objective is to boost the refinery’s petrol production capacity from 250,000 metric tons to 1.6 million metric tons and high-speed diesel from 0.6 million metric tons to 2 million metric tons. This expanded production of petrol and high-speed diesel is anticipated to provide a cost-effective alternative to the expensive imported fuel.

The depreciation of the US dollar relative to the Pakistani Rupee has had a significant impact on the cost of solar panels in various Pakistani cities. This shift is primarily due to the favorable exchange rate, making renewable energy options more cost-effective for consumers. For instance, in Karachi, the price of a 165-watt solar panel has dropped from Rs15,000 to Rs5,000, with similar price reductions seen for 260-watt and 550-watt panels. This decrease in prices isn’t limited to Karachi alone but extends to other cities like Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad, and Quetta. A key factor contributing to this price drop was…

Pakistan conducted a successful test of the Ababeel weapon system, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The test aimed to re-validate design aspects, technical parameters, and the performance of sub-systems within the ballistic missile system. ISPR underlined that the Ababeel system is intended to enhance deterrence and support regional strategic stability, in line with Pakistan’s broader strategy of maintaining credible minimum deterrence and full spectrum deterrence. The launch was witnessed by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, senior officials from the Strategic Plans Division and Strategic Forces Command, as well as scientists and engineers…