Author: Mawadat Fatima

Islamabad, Jan 17: Telenor Pakistan has signed an MoU with the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP), the country’s foremost body for travel and tour operators, to redefine how travelers experience connectivity outside of Pakistan. This strategic collaboration empowers travel agents to offer Telenor’s cutting-edge Travel SIM solutions as part of their travel packages, ensuring a seamless communication experience for travelers going outside Pakistan while using Telenor’s roaming services. The partnership introduces tailored connectivity solutions to meet the unique needs of international Pakistani travelers. With affordable international roaming packages covering key global destinations, the Travel SIM is designed to simplify…

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Islamabad, Jan 17: In a performance that captivated tennis enthusiasts across the region, Pakistan’s tennis sensation Shayan Afridi triumphed in the ITF Asia 14 & Under Development Championship 2025 Week-1 Regional Qualifying Event. The event, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, witnessed Afridi’s masterclass as he clinched the title in a gripping final against Singapore’s second-seed, Pak Nicholas Ming En. Afridi’s tenacity and flair were on full display as he emerged victorious with a nail-biting scoreline of 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-4. An Unforgettable Journey to Glory Afridi’s road to glory was anything but easy. Displaying remarkable composure, he dominated the first set…

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Islamabad, Jan 17: Punjab is set to revolutionize education by establishing Pakistan’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) university, a groundbreaking initiative announced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The university will offer cutting-edge programs in AI, robotics, machine learning, and advanced sciences, preparing students to excel in the global tech landscape. Speaking at a laptop distribution event in Faisalabad, the Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need for modern education to bridge the global knowledge gap. “Our youth must lead the charge in innovation and excellence,” she said, underscoring the government’s commitment to providing resources and opportunities for students to thrive.

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Islamabad, Jan 17:  Bitcoin (BTC) was valued at Rs 27,551,681.98 in Pakistani Rupees (PKR), marking a significant rise during today’s trading session. This surge reflects Bitcoin’s continued volatility and appeal among investors worldwide. The Bitcoin Boom: Key Factors Bitcoin has witnessed remarkable growth, particularly following the election of Donald Trump as the U.S. president. Many investors are optimistic about potential cryptocurrency-friendly policies from the new administration, fueling a wave of enthusiasm in the digital currency market. In Pakistan, however, regulatory caution persists. Back in 2018, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued an advisory warning banks and the public about…

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Islamabad, Jan 17: Pakistan’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January 2025 is projected to drop significantly, reaching a nine-year low of 2.5% to 3.0% year-on-year (YoY). Topline Securities reports this sharp decline from last year’s CPI of 28.73% for the first seven months of the fiscal year. The expected drop would bring the 7-month average for FY25 to 6.66%, a stark contrast to the previous year’s soaring inflation rate.

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Islamabad, Jan 17: The Punjab government has formally requested Rs. 150 billion under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) to support critical road infrastructure projects, as disclosed by provincial representatives during a Senate Planning Committee meeting. However, officials from the Ministry of Finance revealed that they have yet to receive detailed allocations for these funds in the third quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year. The Planning Secretary told the committee that the Planning Minister approved PSDP allocations, and the Finance Ministry will receive the details soon. Addressing the committee, the chairman called for a temporary halt on new PSDP projects…

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Islamabad, Jan 17: The Meteorological Office has issued a weather advisory as a significant westerly wave is expected to impact the western and northern parts of the country starting 18th January. This system is predicted to bring moderate rain, windstorms, and snowfall over hilly areas across multiple regions. Here’s a detailed breakdown: Regions Likely to Experience Weather Impacts Western Areas (18th–20th January): Moderate rain and windstorms with snowfall over the hills are expected in areas such as Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Khuzdar, Zhob, and Gwadar. Flash flooding is possible in regions like Chagai, Noushki, and Pishin during this…

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Islamabad, Jan 17: WhatsApp has introduced a set of innovative features designed to make your conversations more dynamic and engaging. These updates focus on enhancing personalization, simplifying interactions, and adding fun new ways to communicate with friends and family. In its latest announcement, WhatsApp revealed four major additions: camera effects, custom selfie stickers, instant reactions, and sticker pack sharing. These updates aim to transform the way users connect, adding a layer of creativity and ease to every chat.

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Islamabad, Jan 17: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) dynamics reveal critical insights into the economic landscape of a country. In December 2024, net FDI stood at $170 million, reflecting a decline of 33% compared to $252 million recorded in December 2023. While FDI inflows for the month reached $244 million, this figure represented a 16% drop from the $289 million inflows observed in December 2023. Meanwhile, outflows surged significantly to $74 million, marking a 101% increase from $37 million in December 2023. Growth in 1HFY25 FDI Despite Monthly Decline Despite December’s dip, the overall performance during the first half of FY25…

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Islamabad, Jan 17: A devastating tragedy has struck the Atlantic waters, as up to 50 migrants attempting to reach Spain from West Africa are feared drowned, according to the rights organization Walking Borders. The ill-fated vessel, which had departed from Mauritania on January 2, was carrying 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistanis. On Wednesday, Moroccan authorities rescued 36 survivors from the boat. Walking Borders revealed that they had alerted the authorities six days prior to the discovery of the missing vessel, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Similarly, Alarm Phone, an NGO providing emergency support to migrants lost at sea, reported…

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