Author: Iqra Khan

Islamabad, Feb 21: Pika Labs has introduced a new iOS app, allowing users to experiment with AI-powered video creation directly from their mobile devices. This release follows the debut of Pika 2.1, an upgraded version of the platform that offers improved video quality, smoother motion, and more realistic depictions of people and animals. Users can also access Pika Turbo, a faster but slightly less refined model that consumes fewer credits. The app brings Pika’s most popular AI tools to mobile. Pikaffects enables surreal, dreamlike transformations, turning static images into melting, morphing visuals reminiscent of Salvador Dalí’s work. Pikadditions allows users…

Islamabad, Feb 21: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has launched free outpatient department (OPD) services under the Sehat Card Plus program, a significant step toward expanding healthcare access for low-income families. The initiative was officially unveiled by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur during a ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House, attended by provincial ministers, lawmakers, and health officials. The program will be rolled out in phases, beginning with a pilot project in Mardan, where 50,000 deserving households will benefit from free consultations, medications, and diagnostic tests. The next phase will extend to Chitral, Malakand, and Kohat, eventually covering around 120,000…

Islamabad, Feb 20: Faysal Bank Limited (FBL) continued its success story in 2024, demonstrating strong financial resilience and operational excellence.  During its second year as a full-fledged Islamic Bank, FBL has announced remarkable financial results for the year ended 2024. On a standalone basis, the Bank has reported a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of PKR 50.4 billion, 22% higher than PKR 41.4 billion in the last year. The Bank’s net profit reached PKR 23.0 billion and growth was confined to 15% due to the imposition of additional income tax.  Earnings Per Share increased from PKR 13.21/- to PKR 15.17/-. Reflecting…

Islamabad, Feb 20: Pakistan Railways is set to launch an international freight train service to Russia by March 15, aiming to enhance trade with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The initiative, announced by Pakistan Railways Freight CEO Sufiyan Sarfaraz Dogar, is expected to provide a cost-effective and efficient trade corridor between South Asia and Central Asia. The new service will operate from Qasim International Container Terminal and Pakistan International Container Terminal, offering container capacity options of 22 tons and 44 tons. Taftan station in Pakistan has been designated as a key entry point, with authorities addressing customs-related issues to ensure…

Islamabad, Feb 20: In a major step towards digital governance and public service efficiency, the Commissioner Office and Metropolitan Corporation Quetta Division have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, to digitize key administrative functions in Quetta, Balochistan. This strategic partnership aims to modernize land record management, streamline employee attendance and payroll systems, and enhance transparency in government operations. In addition to these core administrative improvements, the collaboration will also support social initiatives such as the Polio Eradication Program, reflecting a broader commitment to public welfare.

Islamabad, Feb 20: In a major step towards digital governance and public service efficiency, the Commissioner Office and Metropolitan Corporation Quetta Division have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, to digitize key administrative functions in Quetta, Balochistan. This strategic partnership aims to modernize land record management, streamline employee attendance and payroll systems, and enhance transparency in government operations. In addition to these core administrative improvements, the collaboration will also support social initiatives such as the Polio Eradication Program, reflecting a broader commitment to public welfare. Zindigi’s involvement extends beyond digitization, as the company will…

Islamabad, Feb 20: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), successfully concluded a four-day Masterclass titled “5G and Beyond: Shaping the Future of Connectivity” in Islamabad from February 17 to 20, 2025. The event brought together over 60 industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, fostering discussions on 5G deployment strategies, spectrum management, and emerging applications. Led by experts from the MCMC Academy, the Masterclass featured technical sessions, panel discussions, and knowledge-sharing activities, providing valuable insights into next-generation telecommunications technologies. The collaboration aimed to strengthen Pakistan’s readiness for 5G and ensure a structured approach…

Islamabad, Feb 20: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met with a high-level delegation from Asyad Group on Thursday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to facilitating foreign investment in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors. The delegation included Ghassan Al Amoudi, CEO of Asyad Holdings KSA & Chairman of Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited; Zubair Shaikh, Managing Director & CEO of Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited; and Javaid Akhtar, CFO of Asyad Holdings KSA & Director of Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited. During the meeting, the minister welcomed Asyad Holdings’ and Wafi Energy Pakistan’s contributions to the country’s investment landscape, particularly in the downstream petroleum sector…

Islamabad, Feb 20: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has confirmed that a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will arrive in Pakistan on February 24 to negotiate the release of $1-1.5 billion in climate financing. The minister made the announcement while addressing the Retail Business Council, highlighting the government’s commitment to securing crucial funding for climate-related initiatives. In addition to the February visit, a second IMF mission is set to arrive in March for a six-month review of Pakistan’s ongoing program. Aurangzeb reassured that all matters related to the IMF program remain on track, signaling stability in Pakistan’s economic engagement…

Islamabad, Feb 20: Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, Chairman of the Islamic Ideological Council, has announced the official guidelines for Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr) and Roza Fidya (compensation for missed fasts) for this year, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling these religious obligations according to one’s financial means. The council has set the minimum Fitrana amount per person at Rs. 220, based on the prevailing wheat prices. However, those wishing to contribute using other staple foods such as dates, raisins, or dried apricots will have to pay different rates. The Fitrana for dates has been set at Rs. 1,650, for raisins at Rs.…