Author: Faiza Liaquat
Iraqi Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamid Abbas Lafta, met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Sunday to discuss improving travel conditions for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq. The meeting focused on facilitating easier and more affordable travel for Pakistani Muslims undertaking religious pilgrimages to Iraq. Discussions included the potential for free entry visas for Pakistani pilgrims and increasing the annual visitor quota. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed concern over pilgrims being charged excessive fees by travel agents and pledged to take legal action against violators. He also requested the Iraqi government to consider…
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) reached unprecedented heights on Monday, achieving a record high of 81,295 points. The market experienced a thrilling gain of 1,351 points, or a 1.66% surge from its previous close of 79,944 points, showcasing a remarkable intraday performance that boosted investor confidence. Last week, the PSX crossed the 81,000-point milestone by adding 483.98 points, or 0.6%, reaching 81,050.18 points during intraday trading, following a previous close of 80,566.20 points. Analysts credit this record-breaking performance to various factors, including increased investor confidence driven by the potential privatization of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement to…
US Ambassador Donald A. Blome extended congratulations to 120 Pakistani students and scholars who received prestigious Fulbright scholarships to pursue Master’s and PhD programs in the United States (US). Among the recipients were participants in the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program. The Fulbright Program, the US government’s flagship academic exchange initiative, is one of the largest in Pakistan and facilitates global academic connections. Supported by the US government, Fulbright exchanges enable students to attend top-tier universities, conduct groundbreaking research, and foster international knowledge sharing. To prepare departing students for their academic journey and cultural immersion, the United States Educational…
The Federal Education and Professional Training Ministry announced on Sunday the launch of a new project designed to equip schoolchildren with advanced skills in emerging technologies. This initiative will see the establishment of Emerging Technology Centres (ETCs) in 350 schools across Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B). The project is part of the government’s strategic plan to position Pakistan as a leading global IT hub. The ETCs aim to develop IT sector skills, prepare students for a digital future, enhance Pakistan’s IT export capabilities, and establish the country as a global IT destination. These centers will introduce…
In a landmark move, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has established Islamabad’s first Climate Change Fund, aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). This initiative, led by Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, represents a significant step towards addressing environmental concerns in the region. Interior Minister Naqvi commended CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa and his team for their proactive approach, stating, “The CDA team deserves accolades for this initiative.” As part of the Climate Change Initiative, the CDA is introducing a “Carbon Credit Program,” with plans to plant 4 to 5 million trees…
Pakistan Railway has announced the launch of a special train service from Kotri to Rohri on the 8th of Muharram to facilitate travelers. As per the notification issued by the Railway Department, the special train will depart from Kotri at 2 PM, ensuring that passengers reach their destinations conveniently and on time. This special service is part of the Railway Department’s efforts to accommodate the increased travel demands during Muharram, allowing pilgrims to attend religious observances and ceremonies. Additionally, Pakistan Railways has introduced a special train service from Karachi to address the rising demand during the summer vacation season. The…
Pakistani long-range shooter Mohsin Nawaz has clinched a silver medal in the 155th Imperial Championship NRA UK during the Donegall 300 match. This prestigious event attracts top marksmen from around the globe. To prepare for the Imperial Championship, Nawaz underwent intensive training with 2023 World Champion Hermann Rolfes in South Africa. This exclusive mentorship involved one-on-one coaching sessions where Rolfes, who will hold his title for four years, shared his extensive knowledge and skills. In 2023, Nawaz also secured a silver medal as an individual participant in the European Long Range Shooting Championship. Competing as Pakistan’s sole representative, he faced…
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, the esteemed Executive Director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), has received a significant nomination as a member of the COP 29 International Advisory Committee (IAC). He stands out as the sole expert from South Asia on this committee, tasked with supporting the COP29 President in steering the negotiation agenda for the upcoming meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). The decision to appoint Dr. Suleri was made during the inaugural meeting of the COP29 IAC held on July 11th. This committee, composed of distinguished personalities, aims to provide valuable perspectives…
President Asif Ali Zardari called for collaborative efforts among Eastern nations to ensure sustainable development and shared prosperity through China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI). Speaking at the 2nd High-level Meeting of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development, organized by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) in Beijing, he emphasized the transformative potential of the GDI in shaping global development. Addressing representatives from foreign countries, international organizations, foreign companies, and NGOs, President Zardari highlighted the need for Eastern countries, including China, Pakistan, and neighboring nations, to take a leading role in addressing global challenges such as progress, development,…
China and Pakistan are set to conduct research on identified geochemical anomalies in Pakistan, aiming to fully explore their academic and economic potential. Dr. Sajjad Ahmed, Director General of the Geological Survey of Pakistan, disclosed these plans during the recent International Conference on Cooperation among Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Countries in Geosciences and Mining Investments. The conference, marking the 10th anniversary of the China-SCO Geosciences Cooperation Research Center, highlighted significant achievements in earth sciences and sustainable mineral resource exploration through over 40 cooperation agreements and more than 50 collaborative projects with SCO countries including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The…