Author: Maryam Khichi
The government has allocated over Rs. 18.718 billion for the establishment of the Technology Park Development Project (TDP) in Islamabad and an IT Park in Karachi as part of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the financial year 2024-25. The Technology Park in Islamabad is envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and product development. It will serve as a hub, bridging the gap between academia, research, industry, and planners both within Pakistan and internationally. This park is expected to play a crucial role in knowledge and resource management, with a primary focus on the commercialization…
Dr. Mehmood Khan, a Pakistani scientist raised in England and educated at a medical university is among the first recipients of Saudi citizenship, according to a list published by the financial news portal Argaam. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to attract and retain exceptional global talent to boost the kingdom’s economic and social development, opened citizenship to highly skilled professionals. A royal decree issued in November 2021 allows individuals in specialized fields such as science, medicine, culture, sports, and technology to apply for citizenship. Dr. Mehmood Khan, who earned his medical degree from the University of Liverpool Medical…
Pakistan’s national airline has launched special flights to Najaf, Iraq, aimed at facilitating pilgrims during the Islamic month of Muharram. Najaf and Karbala hold deep significance for Shia Muslims worldwide, who travel to these cities during the first two months of the Islamic lunar calendar to commemorate the sacrifices of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). “Pakistan International Airlines has initiated special flights to Najaf to facilitate pilgrims during Muharram,” Radio Pakistan stated. Dubbed ‘Operation Ashura’, these flights are tailored to ensure pilgrims experience smooth travel during this important period of religious observance. Return flights…
The Ghilaf-e-Kaaba, known as the Kiswah, was replaced on the 1st of Muharram 1446, marking the beginning of the Islamic year. The ceremony involved the removal of the old Kiswah and the installation of a new one. Traditionally held during the Hajj pilgrimage on the day of Arafah, this annual event has recently been rescheduled. The Kiswah, a finely embroidered black silk cloth adorned with Quranic verses in gold thread, symbolizes the sanctity of the Kaaba. The replacement process is meticulously planned, reflecting profound respect for Islam’s holiest site. In recent years, the ceremony has been moved to the 1st…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized on Sunday that Pakistan stands to gain billions of dollars through the modernization of its ports, capitalizing on the country’s strategic location in international maritime trade. During his one-day visit to Karachi, the Prime Minister chaired a session where he received briefings on the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim, and Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). Attending the high-level session were federal ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman, and others.…
In a thrilling encounter at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, Pakistan triumphed over England by 79 runs in the semi-finals of the World Championship of Legends 2024. This victory marks Pakistan’s fourth consecutive win in the tournament, maintaining their unbeaten streak. Previously, they secured victories against formidable teams such as Australia, the West Indies, and their arch-rivals, India. Opting to bat first, Pakistan set an imposing target by scoring 196 runs for the loss of four wickets. The innings began with the dismissal of their in-form openers, Kamran Akmal and Sharjeel Khan, who managed to score 11 and 13 runs respectively.…
In a recent announcement, the Sindh government revealed plans to launch Pakistan’s first fleet of electric taxis, including innovative pink EV models, in the province. This initiative, spearheaded by the Transport Department of Sindh, aims to combat the high levels of air pollution in Karachi, attributed largely to the city’s extensive use of gasoline-powered vehicles amidst challenges in its mass-transit infrastructure. While specific details on the timeline for the EV taxis’ rollout were not disclosed by Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, the move is anticipated to offer a greener transportation option amidst rising fuel costs impacting both ride-hailing services and private…
In Islamabad, the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce was informed on Wednesday that protocols for exporting donkey skins and meat to China have been finalized. The committee meeting, chaired by Senator Anusha Rahman, received briefings from commerce ministry officials on various aspects, including the performance of attached departments within the commerce division. Additional Secretary Ahsan Ali Mangi of the Commerce Ministry informed the committee about the finalized protocol for donkey skins and mentioned plans to include donkey meat in the export list. The ministry also concluded export protocols for onions, potatoes, and chillies to China. Senator Rahman expressed concerns over…
In Lahore, Hasan Ali Bhola, a young wrestler from Pakistan, secured a gold medal in the wrestling competition at the ongoing Children of Asia Games in Yakutsk, Russia. Bhola, representing Pakistan as the sole wrestler in the Games, showcased remarkable talent throughout the tournament. He convincingly defeated opponents from Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia en route to the final. In the championship match, he emerged victorious against two Kyrgyz wrestlers with a score of 8-2. The Pakistan Wrestling Federation celebrated Bhola’s triumph, with President Abdul Mubeen and Senior Vice President Arshad Sattar, also President of the Punjab Wrestling Association, extending warm…
In a significant milestone for Pakistan’s rice sector, exports reached an unprecedented $3.88 billion during the fiscal year 2023-24, marking a remarkable 78% increase. This achievement, attributed to the Indian rice export ban, has been lauded by Rafique Suleman, former chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and Member of the Executive Committee FPCCI. Suleman expressed satisfaction with the sector’s performance, highlighting a 60% growth in export quantity alongside the substantial increase in export value compared to the previous fiscal year. He emphasized that Pakistani exporters benefited from favorable international rice prices due to India’s export restrictions, contributing…