Author: Faiza Liaquat

Two distinguished researchers from Karachi University, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary and Prof. Dr. Sammer Yousuf, have been honored with the prestigious “Outstanding Team Impact Prize” by the UK’s Medical Research Council (MRC). This recognition celebrates their pivotal roles in the collaborative project titled “A Global Network of Tropical Neglected Diseases,” funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund and spearheaded by Durham University, UK. The project united leading scientists from the UK, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Pakistan, pooling their diverse expertise to tackle neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. NTDs pose significant health challenges globally, and…

Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan’s largest exploration and production company, has announced a significant breakthrough with the discovery of tight gas at its exploratory well, Nur West # 01, located in Sujawal district, Sindh. The company reported to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) that the well, drilled to a depth of 2,975 meters, has successfully tested 1.24 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas from the Lower Goru Formation, indicating promising commercial potential. Tight gas, an unconventional natural gas resource, poses extraction challenges due to its low permeability. OGDCL highlighted that this discovery represents a…

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has introduced a limited-time promotion to reduce Umrah fares, extending the opportunity for pilgrims traveling to Medina from various cities across Pakistan. The special offer, available until July 15th, features a two-way fare of Rs76,000 (excluding taxes) for flights from Karachi to Medina, and Rs86,000 (plus taxes) for journeys originating from Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, and Sialkot to Medina. This initiative is part of PIA’s commitment to supporting Umrah pilgrims with affordable and convenient travel options during this holy period. Pilgrims can take advantage of these discounted fares to fulfill their spiritual journey with ease and…

The Punjab government has unveiled a new tourism initiative: a glass train service connecting Rawalpindi and Murree. This decision was finalized during a five-hour meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb presented an extensive overview of the Murree Development Project during the session. Several significant resolutions emerged from the meeting. The government plans to collaborate with a foreign consultant to design the glass train service between Rawalpindi and Murree. Additionally, a policy was established to restore historical names for various regions, cities, and sites, including Murree. Urban planning and…

Hamza Khan of Pakistan shone brightly at the 31st Asian Junior Squash Championship in Islamabad, claiming the Boys’ Under-19 title. In a spectacular final on Saturday, Khan defeated Malaysia’s Harith Danial in straight sets, showcasing his dominance with scores of 11-5, 12-10, 11-9. Danial graciously embraced Khan after the match, highlighting sportsmanship at its best. Khan’s path to victory was marked by an undefeated run throughout the championship. He displayed exceptional form from the preliminaries, where he comfortably dispatched Hong Kong’s Lee Tin Hang, and continued his winning streak by overcoming compatriot Anas Ali Shah in the quarter-finals, both in…

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has issued directives to power distribution companies, including K-Electric, HESCO, and SEPCO, ensuring uninterrupted power supply from the 1st to the 12th of Muharram. This decision came during a joint meeting with administration officials and religious scholars to finalize arrangements for Muharram processions and gatherings. During the meeting, religious scholars highlighted concerns over previous instances of load-shedding during important religious events and requested Shah to ensure uninterrupted power supply, particularly during the holy month of Muharram. Shah responded by assuring that mosques and gatherings would receive continuous electricity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining…

Karachi Central Jail created a landmark by hosting Pakistan’s inaugural convocation for 248 inmates who successfully completed vocational courses in information technology, graphic design, and languages like Chinese and English. During the ceremony, outstanding inmates were honored with cash prizes of Rs25,000 each and received gifts. The rehabilitation initiative, overseen by the Alkhidmat Foundation, drew significant figures including Sindh Minister for Jail Ali Hassan Zardari, DIG Naveed Ali Baig, and Sindh IG Prisons Qazi Nazir Ahmed. Addressing the gathering, DIG Baig unveiled plans to establish a Skills Development and Vocational Training Institute within Karachi Central Jail to equip inmates with…

The Balochistan government has announced plans to enroll approximately 400 children of labourers in higher educational institutions across the country on a scholarship basis this year. The Labour and Manpower Department has already registered 200 children and aims to complete the registration of an additional 200 by July 15. This decision was made during a review meeting of the Labour and Manpower Department, chaired by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday. The meeting also assessed the progress of the Youth Skills Development Program. It was reported that the first group of skilled youth from Balochistan is scheduled to…

The Aga Khan University (AKU) has been ranked in the top 5% of higher education institutions globally for SDG 3 ‘Good Health and Well-Being’ by the Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 Impact Rankings, placing 55th out of 1,498 institutions. AKU excels in research, education, and health services, with a strong focus on SDG 3. Between 2017 and 2023, AKU faculty produced over 2,500 publications on SDG 3. The University also scored highly in the number of health-related graduates and collaborations with health services. Sustainable Development Goals are integrated into AKU’s curriculum through courses at the Institute for Global Health and…

In a captivating blend of football and culture, FIFA turned to Pakistani folk music to celebrate Lionel Messi’s birthday. On June 24, the legendary Argentine footballer turned 37, and FIFA marked the occasion by featuring Arif Lohar’s song “Aa” in a special tribute. Lohar’s “Aa,” which was released in 2023, has become a sensation in Pakistan, amassing millions of fans. Now, this vibrant piece of music has reached a global audience, thanks to FIFA. On its official Instagram account, FIFA posted a Reel showcasing some of Messi’s career highlights, all set to the energetic beats of “Aa.” The video was…