Category: Uncategorized

  • Broadband subscriptions reach 100 million in Pakistan: PTA

    Broadband subscriptions reach 100 million in Pakistan: PTA

    The broadband services have reached 100 million (10 crore) people in Pakistan, tweeted Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

    In 2012, only two million people had subscribed to internet services, but after the introduction of 3G services, the figures jumped to 16 million in 2014.

    Moreover, the average downloading speed and upload speed provided by broadband providers are 17.7/ 11.3Mbps. The internet speed is above the levels in comparison to other regional countries.

    Mobile data prices are also affordable in Pakistan. According to the recent figures, mobile data prices declined to 0.70 per cent, which is well below the UN Broadband Commission’s recommendation of less than two per cent.

    All four national cellular mobile operators (CMOS), fixed-line broadband operators, including Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) have collectively crossed 100m subscriptions, due to the higher growth rate in data usage.

    Pakistan’s telecom sector has achieved many milestones previously also such as reaching 100 million mobile subscriptions in 2010, the introduction of the first-ever biometrically verified SIMs across the country in 2009 and implementation of the world’s first open-source Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) in 2019.

    The PTA lauded the users and service providers for achieving this landmark and announced that crossing the 100 million benchmark would be formally celebrated soon with all the stakeholders and national and international telecom community.

  • British company introduces special hijabs for Muslim lawyers

    A British company Ivy & Normanton has launched a range of hijabs designed specifically for female advocates to wear in court. The initiative has been welcomed by Muslim women across the United Kingdom because no specific brand made hijabs for female advocates.

    Speaking to Arab News, the designers said they hoped to inspire more young Muslim women to join the legal profession.

    Barrister and founder of Ivy & Normanton Karlia Lykourgou, while talking to the publication, said: “I think people aspire to be what they can see.”

    “To keep encouraging diversity at the bar, we have to make sure that those who don’t fit the white, male stereotype have the tools they need so other young people can see them and believe they have a place in the profession too,” she said further, adding: “The Ivy & Normanton hijab was developed so other women could easily find a piece of clothing that expresses their identity as a Muslim and an advocate and get on with the job.”

    According to the brand’s website: “I&N hijab was created in collaboration with hijab wearing members of the legal profession to be perfectly designed for court.”

    “Made of 100% organic bamboo silk, it’s moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic to keep you cool in the summer and comfortable in winter, and is a perfect size and shape for tucking into a suit jacket or into a collarette, so you can express your identity as a person and a professional.”

  • Govt says no plans to privatise anything PIA

    Govt says no plans to privatise anything PIA

    The National Assembly (NA) was informed on Friday that there is no plan to privatise any of the assets of national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
    Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan said this during the question hour while speaking at the floor of the House, which met with Speaker Asad Qaiser in the chair.

    Sarwar said that the present government is very keen to make the national flag carrier self-reliant and profitable entity. Efforts are underway to improve the financial health of the airline by reducing its losses through various means, he said. He also said that loss-making routes have been closed and flights on profitable routes have been added which has resulted in reduction of losses.

    Responding to a question, the aviation minister said that 82 pilots were dismissed for acquiring the licences through unfair means. He said that a transparent mechanism has now been evolved to ensure the issuance of licenses in a transparent manner. An agreement to this effect has also been signed with the UK Civil Aviation Authority, he added.

    He maintained that the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) will carry out an audit of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in July this year. He was confident this will lead to removal of travel restrictions on the PIA in the European countries and that the airline will regain its past glory.

    He said that the European Union (EU) aviation safety watchdog had previously decided to retain its ban on PIA from operating in EU member states, expressing its dissatisfaction over the steps taken by the CAA to address licensing and safety concerns. However, recently in March, the EU’s aviation safety watchdog termed safety standards of Pakistan’s CAA as “satisfactory”.

    The decision was made following a two-day meeting of the EU’s Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and CAA officials, in which representatives from Denmark, Italy and Sweden participated via video-link, he said.
    The minister for aviation said that Quetta and Dera Ismail Khan airports will be upgraded and that eight new planes will be inducted in the fleet of PIA to further improve its performance.

    Taking the floor, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken the initiative of ‘Live Call Programme’ to directly connect with the people and listen to their problems. He said that this step of the prime minister should be appreciated. He further said that the premier is expected to again interact with the people via telephone next week.

    The House was later adjourned to meet again at 4:00 pm on Monday.

  • Punjab police make face-mask violators stand in scorching sun

    As the country battles the third wave of COVID-19, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has asked the provinces to ensure the strict implementation of SOPs to control the spread of the virus.

    Talking to Dawn, Lahore Commissioner retired Capt Muhammad Usman warned that those found violating the SOPs will be sent to jail.

    “We are passing through peak time of the third wave of the coronavirus that is spreading very fast in Lahore in particular and other parts of Punjab in general. Since many Covid-19 positive patients are being shifted to hospitals [in Lahore] on a daily basis, we have decided to ensure strict preventive measure to avert the further spread of the virus,” said the commissioner.

    He added: “We have decided to launch a crackdown from March 28 against all those not wearing masks, besides flouting other SOPs. We have been left with no option but to arrest all those found without masks on the city roads, markets, hospitals, parks, shops, malls etc.”

    As per reports, more than 400 first information reports (FIRs) have been filed against face-mask violators in Lahore with dozens of them taken into custody.

    The assistant commissioner of Jhelum’s Pind Dadan Khan city came up with a rare punishment for mask violators as he made them stand in the scorching sun for over half an hour.

    Punjab has already imposed a partial lockdown in the province banning mass transport, weddings and ordering markets to close by 6 pm to avoid the spread of the virus.

  • Azeem Khan takes ‘full accountability’ of breakup with Saba Qamar

    Azeem Khan takes ‘full accountability’ of breakup with Saba Qamar

    Azeem Khan has taken full accountability and responsibility of breakup with Saba Qamar.

    “Saba Qamar Zaman you have the most amazing soul and you deserve all the happiness in the universe,” said Azeem in a statement. “May God bless you with all the success and love.”

    He further wrote: “Difficult roads often lead to the beautiful destinations.”

    “And yes, I’d like to go take full accountability of this breakdown,” added the Australia-based entrepreneur.

    Earlier in the day, Saba had announced her breakup, saying: “We are not getting married now. Hope you guys will support my decision just like you all have been supporting me always, and I guess it’s never too late to realise the bitter realities!”

    Responding to Saba’s post earlier, Azeem had said: “She hasn’t written my side of [the] story and yes it’s my fault.”

  • Pakistan set to export beef to China

    For the first time ever, Pakistan will be exporting beef to China in the near future.

    Organic Meat is a local public listed company that got approval and registration by Chinese customs authorities to export heat-treated beef to the People’s Republic of China.

    According to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the Organic Meat company has new heat machines that kill bacteria and root out the virus from the meat, which is a mandatory process for meat products.

    The export of meat and meat products by Pakistani companies is gradually increasing due to their adoption of new technologies.

    Due to the adoption of new technologies, several Pakistani companies have started exports to different regions, including Gulf countries (GCC) like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

    Last year, two Pakistani companies had received approval from the concerned Malaysian authorities to export meat and meat products to Malaysia.

    According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), meat exports have maintained a growth of 12 per cent year-on-year. The exports surged to $216 million from July to February during the financial year 2020-21, in comparison to $210 million recorded in the previous financial year.

    The consistent growth of exports to both the traditional and new emerging markets will also attract new investments in the local companies and the area of livestock.

    Organic Meat won an export deal of supplying meat to markets in Saudi Arabia. The company also claims that their new system will enable them to export.

    The company was listed with the PSX last year for raising of funds, which resulted in the expansion of its operations and businesses.

  • Legendary folk singer Shaukat Ali passes away

    Legendary folk singer Shaukat Ali passes away

    Renowned Pakistani folk singer Shaukat Ali passed away in Lahore on Friday after battling a prolonged illness.

    As per details, Ali’s health had deteriorated a day before his demise. His son Amir Shaukat Ali had said that his father’s condition was critical and his liver was not working at all and had requested everyone to pray for his quick recovery.

    Ali had been suffering from liver disease for a long time. He was also facing multiple medical issues, including diabetes and a liver transplant. Moreover, he had undergone a heart bypass surgery a few years ago.

    Last year, on the instructions of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, he was admitted to Gambit Institute in Sindh where he had remained under treatment for several days. Later, he was admitted to CMH Lahore on the special instructions of Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

    Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan also extended her condolences to the grieving family.

    Dr Awan said that she was saddened to hear about Ali’s demise, saying that Ali had played a key role in putting Pakistan on the map with his songs.

    Senator Faisal Javed Khan also prayed for him in his tweet.

    Yasir Hussain and Shaan also expressed their grief over the demise of the Punjabi singer.

    Shaukat Ali, who hails from the Malakwal family of Gujarat, was renowned across the world for his mystical speeches and Punjabi songs.

    He was also awarded the Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan in 1990.

    The Ghazal maestro was one of the most prolific artists of the Pakistani music industry, with a singing career spanning five decades.

  • Sputnik vaccine reportedly available in Karachi

    Sputnik vaccine reportedly available in Karachi

    Sputnik vaccine is now available in Karachi for people who want to go for private vaccinations. As per details, the vaccine is available at Karachi’s Southcity Hospital for Rs 17,268 for two shots.

    Journalist Omar Quraishi shared the news on social media, saying: “Rs 17,268 for two doses of the Sputnik vaccine being charged by Karachi’s Southcity Hospital. Rs 12,268 is the price of the doses plus Rs 5,000 ‘administration charge’ by the hospital.”

    Later, the journalist said that he called the hospital to get some information, finding out that the whole process is a “complete mess”.

    People who booked their appointments have to call for the appointment again when the system starts working.

    Giving an update, Quraishi said: “Whoever managed to book an appointment for a Sputnik vaccine dose at South City Hospital in Karachi will have to re-book and go through the entire process all over again – when the system is reopened and when the hospital actually has vaccines.”

    OMI hospital is also reportedly administering vaccinations after registration.

    Meanwhile, the government has started the vaccination drive for citizens 50 and above. The government has also allowed walk-in vaccination for seniors aged 65 and above at different health centres.

    Pakistan is currently battling with its third wave of COVID-19. According to the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), Pakistan has reported 5,234 cases and 83 deaths in the last 24 hours.

  • Wasim Akram sends best wishes to Sachin Tendulkar

    Wasim Akram sends best wishes to Sachin Tendulkar

    Former Captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team Wasim Akram has extended his best wishes to Sachin Tendulkar after he was hospitalised for COVID-19.

    “Even when you were 16, you battled [the] world’s best bowlers with guts and aplomb,” said Akram wishing his former rival well. “So I am sure you will hit Covid-19 for a SIX!”

    “Recover soon master! Would be great if you celebrate India’s World Cup 2011 anniversary with doctors and hospital staff…do send me a pic,” he added.

    Sachin shared that he was hospitalised on Friday, April 2 as a precautionary measure after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He had previously been isolating at home, but medical professionals advised him to get admitted into a hospital.

    Shahid Afrdi also wished Tendulkar a swift recovery, saying: “Wishing you a speedy recovery Legend . No doubt that you will make a strong recovery.May your hospital stay be short and your recovery even shorter!“

    Earlier, Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar also posted a picture with Tendulkar and wished for his speedy recovery.

  • Mobile vaccination program launched for senior citizens in four cities

    The Government of Pakistan has launched a mobile vaccination service for senior citizens aged above 80 years and for differently-abled persons aged above 50. As per reports, the service is initially available in four cities of Punjab including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan.

    Read more – Lahore: 550 doses of COVID-19 vaccine go missing from one hospital, 350 spoiled at another

    The step has been taken to speed up the process of vaccination amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.

    “Senior citizens who are 80 years and above and those with disabilities over 50 years of age don’t have to leave home for the vaccine as the government vaccine vans will reach them wherever they are,” said Punjab Minister for Health Dr Yasmin Rashid while talking about the initiative.

    Chief Minister Usman Buzdar urged people to get vaccinated and said “citizens can simply call the health helpline 1033 to get vaccinated at home.”

    Vaccinations for people over 60 years and above commenced on March 10, while registrations for people above 50 started last week on March 30.

    Meanwhile, 5234, people tested positive in the last 24 hours in Pakistan whereas, 83 people have lost their lives to the deadly virus. The positivity rate has jumped to 10.43 %.