Author: Faiza Liaquat
Pakistani players Syed Muhammad Shah and Wahid will represent their country in the historic Baseball United All-Star event in Dubai, making it the first professional baseball tournament in the Middle East and South Asia, where they’ll compete alongside legends from America’s MLB.
Rawalpindi is introducing a new bus service with 78 minibusses covering 34 routes, aligning timings and fares with the Metro Bus Service for seamless commuting. The integrated system, set to launch in phases, enhances public transportation with feeder buses connecting to metro stations.
The China Scholarship Council (CSC) is facilitating educational opportunities for Pakistani students and researchers at Chinese universities for the 2024–2025 academic year, managed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Applicants, with valid Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) or Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) scores after January 01, 2022, can apply through the HEC or CSC portals by December 28, exploring diverse academic programs across multiple fields.
Hamza Khan, Pakistan’s World Junior squash champion, secured a spot in the London Open quarter-finals by defeating former world number one James Willstrop 3-1. Hailing from a family of squash players, Khan recently ended Pakistan’s 37-year wait for the World Junior title, triumphing in Melbourne without a coach.
Toyota is gearing up to introduce its first Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) in Pakistan, the Corolla Cross HEV, representing a major step in the country’s automotive sector. With a significant $100 million investment, the move aims to cut import costs and save $37 million annually, catering to a growing demand for fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles.
Roshan Digital Accounts (RDAs) in Pakistan recorded a substantial $6.898 billion in foreign exchange inflows by October 2023, showcasing the program’s success in attracting global investments. With $1.524 billion repatriated and $4.219 billion used locally, RDAs continue to play a crucial role in the country’s financial landscape.
The Markhor, Pakistan’s national wild goat, is thriving in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with a population surge to 5,621, credited to increased awareness against illegal hunting, signaling successful conservation in the region. This success is a positive indicator for biodiversity and wildlife protection efforts.
Balochistan Warriors embark on a significant journey to Thailand for a friendly match against Nakhonsi United, showcasing a positive stride in Pakistani football’s global exposure. Simultaneously, the national team’s historic entry into the 2nd round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers sets a groundbreaking milestone as Pakistan faces Saudi Arabia.
President Biden has nominated Adeel Mangi, a Pakistan-born lawyer, for a historic role on the federal appeals court. If approved by the Senate, Mangi will become the first Muslim American to serve in this capacity, overseeing cases in New Jersey, Delaware, and the Virgin Islands. This nomination follows the precedent set by Zahid N Quraishi, the first Muslim nominated to a federal district court by President Biden two years ago.
PayFast, Pakistan’s top payment gateway, reinforces its collaboration with JazzCash, a leading fintech provider, allowing millions of Pakistanis to use JazzCash mobile wallets for online transactions, fostering financial inclusion and convenience. This partnership also offers businesses using PayFast an opportunity to tap into the growing e-wallet market, with JazzCash boasting over 43 million registered users.