Islamabad, Dec 10: Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index ranked Pakistan among the lowest 12% globally for mobile and broadband internet speeds in October. The country ranked 100th out of 111 countries for mobile internet speeds and 141st out of 158 countries for broadband speeds. Users in Pakistan have faced slow speeds, difficulties downloading media on platforms like WhatsApp, and intermittent connectivity issues. Reports of restricted access to virtual private networks (VPNs) compounded these disruptions, as many Pakistanis use VPNs to bypass restrictions on websites like X. Pakistan’s average download speed was 7.85 Mbps, with a median mobile download speed of 19.59…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Dec 10: The federal government has agreed to sell the Precision Engineering Complex (PEC), a business unit of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for Rs. 2.5 billion in cash. This sale price is a fraction of the Rs. 10 billion offers made by a sole bidder for 60 percent of PIA’s shares, according to Express Tribune. The agreement includes Rs. 2.5 billion to be paid over five years, along with PAF assuming Rs. 3 billion in pension liabilities for 259 retired employees and Rs. 1.1 billion in liabilities for 251 active employees. PAF will…
Islamabad, Dec 10: The World Bank has raised concerns over the slow progress of the $195 million Electricity Distribution Efficiency Improvement Project (EDEIP), citing delays due to challenges such as the capacity of implementing agencies, land acquisition issues, and procurement hurdles. The Bank has rated the overall implementation progress and the achievement of project development objectives as moderately satisfactory. Despite the large budget, only 5.86% of the total, amounting to $11.43 million, has been disbursed so far. Approved on December 17, 2021, with loan and project agreements signed shortly thereafter, the project became effective on August 15, 2022, with a…
Islamabad, Dec 10: The Italian government has introduced a ban on the use of key boxes for self-check-ins at holiday rental accommodations, requiring guests to meet property owners in person for booking and check-in. This move aims to address safety concerns and enhance public order, marking a significant change in how rental properties are managed. The decision follows protests in cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence earlier this year, where residents voiced frustration over rising housing costs attributed to the increase in short-term rental properties. Protestors argued that key boxes enabled anonymous, unregulated stays, which contributed to the housing…
Islamabad, Dec 10: Packs of wild dogs inhabiting the area around Chernobyl, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, may have undergone rapid evolution to adapt to their unique environment. A study of approximately 500 dogs in the Chernobyl region suggests that multi-generational radiation exposure could have driven genomic changes. These free-breeding dogs are believed to descend from pets abandoned during the mass evacuation following the 1986 nuclear meltdown. Despite their growing population, their survival and adaptation remain enigmatic, as noted in a 2023 study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics. The research highlights two distinct groups of dogs:…
Islamabad, Dec 10: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) achieved a significant milestone this week as the KSE-100 index soared to an unprecedented 109,054 points, registering a remarkable weekly increase of 7.6% or 7,697 points. This performance established PSX as the top global market for US dollar returns during the week. Additional optimism stemmed from Pakistan securing $560 million in contracts with Saudi Arabia and raising Rs353 billion through an Ijarah Sukuk auction. Several sectors led the market surge, notably fertiliser, banking, oil and gas exploration, cement, and power generation. Major contributors included Mari Petroleum, Engro Corp, and UBL. Indicators of…
Islamabad, Dec 10: Lahore might welcome its first floating restaurant, as speculations about a new project on the Lahore Canal near Harbanspura gain traction. Reports suggest the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) may have allocated Rs. 350 million for the initiative, potentially featuring a floating dining boat alongside cafes, seating areas, and play zones for children. The project, if confirmed, could transform the canal area into a leisure hub for families and tourists. The PHA is also rumored to be planning the revitalization of a nearby picnic site to enhance the recreational appeal. Locals are excited about the prospect of…
Islamabad, Dec 9: A 15-member Chinese business delegation met with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to explore investment opportunities in the province’s various sectors. The meeting focused on potential collaborations in agriculture, renewable energy, livestock, and industrial production, according to a press statement issued by the CM House. The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon and Nasir Shah, along with other officials, including Syed Qasim Naveed, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rahim Shaikh, and Khurram Shahzad, Secretary of Investment. The Chinese delegation consisted of representatives from nine medical companies, including Meng Xiaowei, Agricultural Biochar Cooperation’s Dr.…
Islamabad, Dec 9: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that the Serena Chowk underpass will be completed within 60 days, while the Jinnah Avenue underpass is scheduled for completion by December 31. These timelines aim to ensure timely delivery and avoid unnecessary delays. Sources revealed that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to host a New Year ceremony at the Jinnah Avenue underpass if it meets the deadline. The minister emphasized that the Serena Chowk underpass project has a strict 60-day completion deadline. An official close to the minister shared that Mr. Naqvi is closely monitoring the progress of both…
Islamabad, Dec 9: Post-harvest losses in Pakistan are estimated to be 20-40 percent for various crops due to a lack of infrastructure, equipment, and modern farming technologies, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). These losses contribute to food insecurity and significant economic losses for farmers. The ADB report highlights the potential of the agricultural sector to contribute more to Pakistan’s GDP by adopting innovative technologies that replace outdated farming techniques. However, the country’s farm mechanization is still in its early stages, with only about 50 percent adoption, especially among smallholders. Several factors hinder the adoption of mechanization, including small…
