Author: Mawadat Fatima

Islamabad, Oct 7: As winter approaches, Pakistan is beginning to experience a significant drop in temperatures, with cool breezes and early snowfall already making their way to northern regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. This cold weather in Pakistan gradually extending to major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, where cooler nights are becoming the norm. Meteorologists predict an especially cold winter this year, with prolonged periods of below-average temperatures across the country, largely attributed to global climate shifts. This forecast has prompted warnings from authorities for citizens to prepare, especially in regions with limited heating infrastructure, where the cold…

Islamabad, Oct 7: In response to media queries regarding the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made the following remarks: “Pakistan categorically rejects the frivolous statement made by spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan yesterday. The statement constitutes an unacceptable and deplorable interference in the domestic affairs of Pakistan. Instead of lecturing a democratic country, the AIG should focus on fixing its own domestic problems; prioritize inclusivity; and be responsive to needs and aspirations of its own people including the right to education for women and girls rather than…

Islamabad, Oct 7: Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) and OMI Hospital have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Karachi, focusing on the health and development of children with intellectual disabilities. The MoU was signed by Ronak Iqbal Lakhani, Chairperson of SOP, and Kashif Mustafa, Managing Director and CEO of OMI Hospital. The collaboration aims to provide regular health screenings, particularly in pediatrics, cardiology, and neurology, for children aged 2 to 7, to prepare them for both sporting events and life challenges. To mark the occasion, a pilot screening was conducted for six athletes, with an additional pediatric screening for sixteen…

Islamabad, Oct 7: PPL Subsidiary Secures Exploration and Production Contract With Iraqi Oil Company PPL Asia, a subsidiary of Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PSX: PPL), has successfully reached a settlement with Midland Oil Company (MdOC), a state-owned Iraqi oil company, bringing an end to all matters related to the Exploration, Development, and Production Service Contract (EDPSC) for Block-8 in Iraq. According to PPL’s stock filing, this agreement was signed on October 6, 2024, in Baghdad, by Imran Abbasy, Managing Director-A of PPL Asia, and Muhammad Yaseen Hassan, Director General of MdOC. As part of the settlement, MdOC will facilitate a net…

Islamabad, Oct 7; PSL Draft Delayed as Franchises Reject Star Player Contracts Over IPL Concerns The Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise owners have unanimously rejected a proposal by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to offer direct contracts to star players amid scheduling conflicts caused by international commitments. With the triangular series and the Champions Trophy 2025 disrupting the traditional PSL calendar, the PCB proposed shifting the tournament window to April 10 – May 25, which overlaps with the Indian Premier League (IPL). This scheduling overlap raised concerns about player availability and potential revenue losses for the PSL. To address this,…

Islamabad, Oct 7: Lahore Biennale Foundation Kicks Off 3rd Art Exhibit with ‘Of Mountains and Seas’ Theme The 2024 Lahore Biennale Foundation, themed “Of Mountains and Seas,” builds on the success of previous editions, starting in 2018, and focuses on exploring ecologies and sustainable futures through the power of contemporary art. This year’s event will feature over 60 artists from more than 30 countries, highlighting site-specific and immersive installations that address critical environmental issues while also emphasizing Indigenous heritage and traditional knowledge as solutions for sustainability. The third edition of the Biennale aims to offer a distinct perspective from Pakistan…

Islamabad, Oct 7: The Bank of Punjab (BOP) has successfully arranged a long-term Foreign Currency (FCY) On-lending Facility of USD 54.2 Million (Credit Facility) from Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the French state development finance agency. This Credit Facility is intended for onward lending to climate adaptation and mitigation projects and activities in Pakistan. In addition to the Credit Facility, AFD is also providing BOP a Grant Facility of EUR 675 thousand to support a technical assistance program. This concessional Credit Facility marks the first-ever FCY facility arranged by any commercial bank specifically tied to climate financing in Pakistan. Additionally,…

Islamabad, Oct 5: Following a significant hike in gold prices a day earlier, Pakistan saw a minor decline in rates on Saturday, reflecting international trends. According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price of 24-karat gold per tola decreased by Rs700, bringing it to Rs275,500. In addition, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold dropped by Rs600, closing at Rs236,197. Internationally, gold prices also saw a slight dip, trading at $2,653 per ounce, down by $7 for the day. Meanwhile, silver prices in the local market remained stable at Rs3,050 per tola.

Islamabad, Oct 5: Isuzu has introduced a new installment plan for its highly popular DMAX – V Cross pickup truck, offering an easy payment option to make it more accessible to a wider audience. Known for its rugged build and excellent off-road capabilities, the DMAX – V Cross can now be purchased with a 40% down payment and 16 monthly installments of Rs. 495,000 each. Key Specifications of the DMAX – V Cross: Engine: 3.0L turbo diesel engine producing 163 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Transmission: Available in 6-speed automatic or manual gearbox options. Drive: Equipped with a 4×4…

Islamabad, Oct 5: Govt School Ends 28-Year Dominance of Private Schools in Karachi Matric Exams In a historic achievement, Hafiz Abdul Rafay Tariq, a student from Delhi Government Boys Secondary School in Karimabad, has topped the 2024 Matric Science annual examinations conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK). Rafay’s remarkable score of 94.55% (1040/1100) marks the first time since 1996 that a government school student has secured the top position in these exams, breaking a 28-year dominance by private institutions. His father, Tariq Mehboob, a mathematics teacher at the same school, played a significant role in his success.…