Author: Maryam Asrar

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.

The Caretaker Religious Affairs Minister, Aneeq Ahmed, revealed that the cost for Hajj 2024 under the government quota is set at Rs. 1.075 million, marking a notable decrease from the previous year. Other policy changes include returning unused slots, implementing financial monitoring, and allowing greater flexibility for individuals over 80 in private Hajj schemes.

The Pakistani government has lowered petrol and diesel prices by Rs2.04 and Rs6.47 per liter, respectively, for the next two weeks, citing lower international prices. However, the impact is tempered by a depreciating rupee and the government hitting the maximum Rs60 per liter levy limit.

Pakistani cueists Ahsan Ramzan and Mohammad Naseem Akhtar shine in the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship, securing spots in the last-28 with notable performances in Doha. While Ahsan faced a setback, Naseem’s consecutive victories highlight Pakistan’s competitive edge on the global snooker stage.