Islamabad, Dec 17: Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to double the Israeli population in the occupied Golan Heights has sparked international criticism, with Germany urging Israel to reconsider and Turkey accusing it of attempting to “expand its borders through occupation.” On Sunday, the Israeli prime minister’s office announced that the government would allocate Shk40 million ($11 million) to promote population growth in Israeli settlements within the Golan Heights. This area, seized from Syria during the 1967 Arab Israeli war and later annexed in 1981, is considered illegal under international law. Netanyahu justified the move by citing Syria’s instability, pointing to the recent…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Dec 17: Hundreds are feared dead after Cyclone Chido devastated the island of Mayotte over the weekend. By Monday, survivors were beginning to assess the widespread destruction caused by the storm, described as the strongest to hit the French territory in nearly a century. Entire neighborhoods were flattened, leaving residents in shock. France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau arrived in Mayotte on Monday as the French government worked to deliver aid to the impoverished island. Retailleau noted it could take “days and days” to determine the total number of casualties. Located in the Indian Ocean, roughly 5,000 miles from Paris,…
Islamabad, Dec 17: The Syrian Embassy in Islamabad has adopted the new rebel flag following the recent regime change in Syria, signaling a shift in allegiance to the new leadership. The flag now flying over the embassy represents a significant change, reflecting the political upheaval and altered power dynamics within Syria. This adoption of new national symbols marks a clear departure from the Assad family’s five-decade rule and the legacy of Arab unity represented by the previous flag. The rebel flag features green, symbolizing hope and independence; white, denoting peace and a brighter future; and black, representing the hardships endured…
Islamabad, Dec 17; Global sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles increased for the seventh straight month in November, rising 32% year-on-year to a record high, according to market research firm Rho Motion. China remained the key driver, contributing 70% of global EV sales, while sales in Europe experienced a slight year-on-year decline. Why It Matters The EV market is witnessing significant changes as China’s rising production and demand impact global markets. Europe faces mounting challenges, including higher production costs, stricter emissions targets, and increased competition. Automakers in Europe and the U.S. highlight trade tensions, CO₂ regulations, and reduced…
Islamabad, Dec 17: Pakistan’s swift adoption of solar energy, largely driven by economic forces rather than political backing, serves as an important model for other emerging economies. A sharp 155% rise in grid electricity tariffs over three years, combined with falling solar panel prices, has accelerated the transition to renewable energy, with solar power taking the lead. As a result, Pakistan is now the sixth-largest solar market in the world. This transformation has occurred without significant political support, fueled instead by market dynamics. China’s excess solar panel production has reduced global prices, making Pakistan the third-largest buyer of Chinese exports.…
Islamabad, Dec 17: Ten years ago, 16th December 2014 became an unforgettable dark day for Pakistan when a brutal terrorist attack at the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar claimed the lives of innocent children and teachers, leaving the nation in deep sorrow. The tragedy caused immense grief, especially for families like that of Sharif Gul, whose eldest son, Hassnain Sharif, a 10th-grade student, was among the 132 students martyred. Recalling the devastating day, Sharif Gul shared how Hassnain, who aspired to become an SSG Commando in the Pakistan Army, had followed his usual morning routine—offering Fajr prayers and reciting the…
Islamabad, Dec 17: Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Secretary, Jamil Ahmed Qureshi, shared key updates regarding future investments and economic initiatives in Pakistan during an exclusive interview with Samaa TV. Qureshi announced that a high-level Saudi delegation consisting of representatives from 200 companies will visit Pakistan in February 2025. The delegation aims to explore investment opportunities in crucial sectors such as agriculture, minerals, energy, and leather, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s increasing interest in strengthening bilateral economic ties with Pakistan. He also revealed that Chinese companies are set to begin exporting products from Pakistan to the United States and Europe by 2025.…
Islamabad, Dec 16: Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has acknowledged that internet speed in Pakistan currently falls short of required standards but emphasized that ongoing efforts will lead to significant improvements in the coming years. Speaking at the National Broadband Network Forum, she highlighted the government’s focus on enhancing digital infrastructure to meet the growing need for fast and reliable internet across the country. Khawaja outlined two major initiatives aimed at addressing the issue: the fiberization policy and the upcoming rollout of 5G technology. The fiberization policy will improve broadband connectivity, while 5G will provide faster…
Islamabad, Dec 16: Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chaudhry, a renowned Pakistani scientist, has received the Sheikh Zayed International Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) Award for his exceptional contributions to herbal medicine and academia. The award ceremony, held at the Hotel Beach Rotana in Abu Dhabi, acknowledged his role in advancing traditional medicine and integrating it into modern healthcare systems. Dr. Chaudhry’s achievements include Pakistan’s highest civilian honors: the Hilal-I-Imtiaz, Sitara-I-Imtiaz, and Tamgha-I-Imtiaz. Internationally, he has earned accolades such as China’s Friendship Award and the Golden Silkball Friendship Award. He also serves as Vice President of the World Academy of Sciences…
Islamabad, Dec 16: Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, has partnered with Islamic Relief Pakistan to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid through advanced digital solutions. This collaboration ensures transparent, efficient disbursements across four provinces, 40 cities, the federal capital, and Azad Kashmir, enabling faster and more reliable support for vulnerable communities. The partnership also addresses systemic challenges in areas such as healthcare, women’s empowerment, climate change, food security, access to clean water, and targeted programs for orphans and youth. A notable feature is the integration of Zindigi’s Human Resource Management System (HRMS) to streamline HR and payroll operations for Islamic…
