Author: Maryam Asrar

As one travels from urban Quetta to the road leading to Hanna Urak, a serene oasis emerges amidst growing housing developments. Here, the University of Community Development stands, a unique, eco-conscious institution set in the picturesque Hanna Urak valley. Although it doesn’t grant degrees, this university, established in 2015 by the Institute of Development Studies and Practices (IDSPs), is akin to a technical institute, focusing on practical learning and skills development. The university is entirely self-sufficient, harnessing natural resources like rainwater, solar energy, and wind for electricity, and producing biogas from renewable sources. It’s even ventured into small-scale farming, enabling…

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), a prominent telecom and ICT services provider, has released its financial results for the first nine months of 2023 following a Board of Directors’ meeting in Dubai on October 17, 2023. Despite a persistently challenging economic landscape, PTCL Group has shown robust performance, reaffirming its position as Pakistan’s leading integrated telecom service provider. Notably, the group achieved a remarkable 26.3 percent increase in revenue compared to the same period in the previous year, driven primarily by exceptional performance in sectors like fixed broadband, mobile data, business solutions, and mobile banking services. The business environment in…

Nokia and Cybernet, a prominent fixed-line telecommunications provider in Pakistan, have jointly announced the deployment of Pakistan’s first Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) network operating at an impressive 600Gbps per wavelength. This cutting-edge DWDM network equips Cybernet with a high-capacity, resilient infrastructure that can meet the demands of even the most discerning customers. It interconnects Cybernet’s primary metropolitan sites, bolstering the network capacity necessary to support the growing need for fast and high-quality broadband services throughout Pakistan. To strengthen its global reach, Cybernet has established international points of presence (POPs) in Barka (Oman), Marseille (France), Fujairah (UAE), and Singapore, enabling…

Shahid Aziz, the CEO of Pakistan Railways, reported that the department achieved operational profits of Rs775 million from July to September.During a recent discussion, Aziz highlighted an impressive 86% growth in revenue, resulting in total earnings of Rs17.96 billion. Aziz also discussed the collaborative ML-1 project with China, which aims to modernize and expand the railway network. Notably, the estimated cost for this significant infrastructure project has been reduced from $9.6 billion to $6.6 billion. In addition, the CEO revealed ambitious plans to introduce 100 daily trains between Karachi and Peshawar to enhance transportation and trade across the country. Furthermore,…

In a historic victory, Pakistan secured its first-ever win in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers by defeating Cambodia 1-0 in Islamabad on Tuesday. Harun Hamid scored the decisive goal in the 67th minute. The initial leg of the contest ended in a goalless draw in Cambodia, and Pakistan played without star forward Otis Khan due to FIFA’s clearance issues. FIFA had previously declared Khan ineligible for the first leg, despite his possession of a Pakistani passport, citing his eligibility based on his paternal grandfather’s roots in Delhi and later relocation to Pakistan after the 1947 partition. Prior to this victory,…

Pakistan’s men’s national football team is gearing up for a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification match against Cambodia, marking a significant moment for Pakistani football enthusiasts. This event signifies Pakistan’s first international football match hosted in eight years, with the last one being against Afghanistan in 2015. The initial leg of the first-round qualifier resulted in a goalless draw in Cambodia. To progress to the second round, Pakistan must improve its performance in this home match. This revival of international football in Pakistan is a cause for celebration among fans, and the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) encourages supporters to…

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the nation’s central bank, has announced an exciting employment opportunity for dynamic individuals to join as Assistant Directors (OG-2) through the IT Officers Training Scheme. This initiative provides a clear path to a fulfilling and challenging career with a particular focus on the following domains: These promising career openings will be based in Karachi, and the eligibility criteria are as follows: Eligibility Criteria: Application and Testing Procedure: Selection Procedure: Pre-Induction Training: Compensation Package: The SBP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from females, candidates from minority groups, transgender individuals, and individuals with…

Interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has issued instructions to lower the prices of essential goods and services in response to the recent reduction in petroleum prices that occurred on Sunday. He took to Twitter to express his directive, stating, “Given the significant drop in fuel prices, I have instructed the relevant authorities at both the Federal and Provincial levels to enforce a stringent price control mechanism.” He further urged all honorable Chief Ministers to ensure that the prices of essential commodities and services are decreased accordingly, with a primary focus on passing on the benefits of the reduced petroleum prices…

Numerous Pakistani companies and startups are actively taking part in a significant technology exhibition happening in Dubai, known as GITEX Global 2023. According to the Ministry of IT & Telecom, 56 Pakistani companies and 30 startups are participating. Among these, 26 companies are official participants, while 29 IT companies are taking part privately. The event is attended by high-ranking officials, including Caretaker Minister for IT and Telecom Dr. Umar Saif. The participating companies are involved in various fields, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Metaverse, Agritech, and Edtech. The event includes the inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion by the Caretaker…

The KSE-100 index reached a six-year high, closing at 49,493 points after surging by 2,000 points in the past week, as reported in the PSX’s weekly update. The index hit its peak at 49,520 points during the week, with the lowest point at 47,217. The market experienced significant trading activity, with a total of 1.87 billion shares traded, amounting to a weekly turnover of Rs 55.55 billion. Additionally, the market capitalization increased by 262 points, reaching Rs 7,286 billion by the end of the week. The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) had a positive week, concluding with a 661-point gain. The…