Author: Maryam Asrar

Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi launches ‘Green Wheels,’ offering 10,000 interest-free electric bikes and rickshaws in Punjab, emphasizing sustainable transportation and banning fuel motorcycles in government procurement to promote environmental responsibility. The initiative reflects Punjab’s commitment to a cleaner future, with the rollout planned in the coming weeks.

Dr. Umar Saif introduces the Rs. 2 billion Pakistan Startup Fund, offering crucial financial aid to startups with 30% support from the fund and 70% from venture capitalists, aiming to foster innovation and growth in Pakistan’s tech landscape. The initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to supporting over 4,000 startups through National Incubation Centers and attracting global investments.

The Pakistani rupee strengthened for the fourth day against the US Dollar, closing at 281.28 in the interbank market, though it has seen a significant decline since January 2023. Today, it showed mixed performance, gaining against some major currencies but losing ground against others.

The National Citrus Festival in Sargodha, hosted by the Federal Government and Punjab, spotlights Pakistan’s thriving citrus industry, attracting visitors nationwide and fostering economic growth. This event not only provides a platform for businesses but also aims to educate the public on citrus farming and sustainability, reinforcing a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Pakistani footballer Imran Kayani’s standout performance, scoring twice for Whitehawk FC in the 7th tier of English football, marks a significant contribution to their thrilling 3-2 victory over Margate. With two national team caps and five goals this season, Kayani, a Chelsea youth academy alumnus, continues to shine on the pitch while maintaining a strong connection to his roots in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Meta’s #LoveLocalPakistan video series, featuring collaborations with Ali Gul Pir and a digital news platform, highlights the success stories of Pakistani small and medium businesses thriving on Facebook and Instagram. The campaign aims to celebrate and support local entrepreneurs like Hala Kashigar, Colish Fragrance, Groovy Attire, and Mana’s Cookies, while also featuring Ali Gul Pir’s engaging podcast to showcase the resilience and creativity of these businesses.

Pakistani shooter Kishmala Talat clinched a Paris Olympics spot with a silver medal in the Asian Shooting Championship, becoming the third Pakistani shooter to qualify. Her achievement underscores Pakistan’s diverse presence in global sports.

The Pakistani government, in collaboration with telecom operators, is set to launch an installment plan, easing the financial strain for freelancers and content creators to acquire smartphones affordably. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to technological advancement, including the upcoming implementation of 5G, while promoting responsible spending habits.

Islamabad takes a green leap with the launch of a fleet of Chinese electric buses, signaling a shift towards eco-friendly public transport. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to deploy 30 such buses on 13 routes, integrating seamlessly with existing metro routes and emphasizing sustainability with the construction of electric charging stations.

In 2023, Pakistani startups grappled with a substantial 70% funding drop to $70 million amid political and economic challenges, but a promising uptick in Q4, securing $38.6 million across 15 deals, fuels optimism for 2024’s expected rebound after the general elections and structural reforms.