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Airlink Communication Ltd, one of the largest manufacturers, distributors and retailers of Pakistan, was honored to welcome the distinguished presence of the Minister of state for IT and Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, to its state-of-the-art smartphone manufacturing facility, where Airlink partners with global giants Xiaomi and Tecno.

During the visit, the Minister commended Airlink’s commitment to innovation and its remarkable inclusion of women in the labor force, which stands at an impressive 25 to 30%.

She stated, “I am truly impressed by the technological advancements and commitment to gender inclusivity demonstrated by Airlink in this facility. The government recognizes the importance of the smartphone manufacturing industry in driving economic growth and job creation. Our goal is to provide full support to individuals and businesses in the smartphone manufacturing sector, ensuring that Pakistan becomes a leading exporter of technology products in the future.”

In response to the minister’s remarks, Airlink’s Group CEO, Muzzaffar H Piracha, highlighted the company’s vision for technology transfer and its role in positioning Pakistan as a global technological hub. Piracha stated, “Pakistan’s smartphone industry, now producing 97% of the market share domestically, has immense potential to contribute to our economy.

We estimate that the export of smartphones alone could bring in up to 10 billion USD in foreign exchange, further strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global market. With our sights set on expanding into Electric Vehicles (EV) and advancing the landscape of the Internet of Things (IoT) products in Pakistan, we envision a future where our technological innovations not only meet domestic demand but also drive significant foreign exchange through exports. “

Airlink has already invested in Xiaomi LED production factory and will start its production in the coming months. Through strategic partnerships and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Airlink continues to drive progress and empower communities through technology.

In the third match of the five match T20 series, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets in Rawalpindi cricket stadium.

New Zealand won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first.

Pakistan inning:

On behalf of Pakistan, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam opened the innings, Saeem Ayub scored 32 runs and Babar Azam got out with 37 runs.

Muhammad Rizwan scored 23 runs while Shadab Khan was the top scorer with 41 runs, Usman Khan scored 4 runs. Irfan Khan remained not out with 30 runs.

For New Zealand, Ish Sodhi took 2 wickets, Michael Bracewell and Jacob Duffy took one wicket each.

New Zealand inning:

Kiwis achieved the target of 179 with the loss of 3 wickets in 19th over.

Mark Chapman remained unbeaten on 87 for New Zealand, Dan Foxcroft scored 31, Tim Robinson scored 28 and Tim Seifert scored 21. James Neesham remained not out with 6 runs.

Naseem Shah took one and Abbas Afridi took 2 wickets for Pakistan.

PM Shehbaz Sharif and Airlink CEO Project $15 Billion Export Potential in Mobile Phone Sector

Airlink CEO Presents Mobile Phone Export Vision to Prime Minister, Aims for $15 Billion

Mr. Muzzaffar Hayat Piracha, CEO of Airlink Communication Limited, held a one-on-one meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, to discuss the overall layout of the mobile phone industry and its export potential.

During the meeting, Mr. Piracha highlighted Pakistan’s potential to become an export hub of mobile phones. He said: “This is an industry, if properly focused on, can yield a minimum of 10 to 15 billion dollars in exports for Pakistan over the next four years.”

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The Prime Minister expressed his keen interest in the growth of the mobile phone industry and asked for a comprehensive plan to achieve this target. Mr. Piracha assured the Prime Minister that a detailed plan would be presented for his consideration, and he requested the Prime Minister’s support in creating an enabling environment for the growth of the mobile phone industry.

The Prime Minister assured Mr. Piracha of the government’s full support and emphasized the importance of the mobile phone industry in Pakistan’s economic development. He also highlighted the potential of the mobile phone industry to generate employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s exports.

The mobile phone industry in Pakistan has been growing rapidly, with several local and international companies investing in the sector. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), almost 26 companies have been issued MDM authorization, enabling them to manufacture mobile devices in Pakistan. These companies include renowned brands such as Samsung, Nokia, Oppo, TECNO, Infinix, Vgotel, and Q-mobile.

The government of Pakistan has been taking several initiatives to promote the growth of the mobile phone industry. In 2021, the government launched the Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy, which aims to attract investment in the sector and promote exports. The policy has been successful in attracting investment, with local companies investing USD 200 million in the sector.

The mobile phone industry in Pakistan has the potential to generate approximately USD 14 billion for the national exchequer if it can meet the local demand of 36 million units annually. The Engineering Development Board (EDB) held a summit last year in 2023 to showcase the industry’s potential, which was attended by 31 local manufacturers, including renowned brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, ZTE, Realme, Vivo, Oppo, Tecno, Infinix, Itel, G’FIVE, VNUS, Mobo Mobile, Digit, Dcode, Nokia, VgoTel, Qmobile, E-TACHI, Club, Calme, MeMobile, Hello Tech, Gresso, Emarat, Oukitel, MaxFone, Spice Mobile, Go Mobile, Faywa, Kechaoda, Pritel, SEGO, Sparx, and Xmobile.

The mobile phone industry in Pakistan has the potential to become a significant contributor to the country’s exports and economic development. As the government and private sector align their efforts, the potential to transform Pakistan into a major export hub for mobile phones looks increasingly feasible. With a comprehensive plan in place and continued governmental support, Pakistan aims to capture a significant share of the global market, potentially generating up to $15 billion in exports. This collaboration not only promises substantial economic benefits but also positions Pakistan on the map as a key player in the international mobile phone market.

The Ministry of Interior has told the Sindh High Court that there are dangers of terrorist attacks on Adiala Jail, citing an intelligence report.

The Ministry said this in a report it submitted to the court in the case regarding security measures being provided to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail.

The report said that military installations in Rawalpindi are on terrorists’ target list.

“The terrorism is a plan hatched by agencies of hostile countries and banned groups,” said the ministry claiming that hostile agencies and anti-Pakistan elements wanted to spread political chaos in the country.

The Court directed authorities to beef up security protocols and arrangements for incarcerated Imran Khan and other prisoners in Adiala Jail.

The Chief Justice stated, “Since there is a threat of attack from the outside, the federal government will have to look into this matter,” the court declared, adding that it had sought a report considering the seriousness of the matter.

Following the success of AMAYA Residences which sold out in record-breaking time, One Homes is expected to launch another serviced apartment concept in Cedar Hills, Islamabad.

The $35 million state-of-the-art development, positioned just 15 minutes from the capital’s centre, aims to merge the tranquillity of nature with urban dynamism. Tailored for the overseas Pakistani market, the project offers dollar-linked rental returns alongside a comprehensive rental and management program.

With a commitment to immersive luxury living and peri-urban elegance, the development will provide 24/7 bespoke services, stunning views of the Himalayan foothills, and exclusive amenities designed for a discerning clientele.

Mr. Aqib Hassan, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of One Group, expressed his excitement: “We’re elevating luxury living beyond traditional boundaries. This project is not just a development; it’s a reflection of our ‘Live Beyond’ ethos. Previously, Amaya Residences sold out in record-breaking time which shows both the strength of Pakistan’s real estate market and our understanding of the needs and requirements of our clients”.

Aqib added, “While many have hesitated due to uncertainties, we at One Homes have confidently increased our investments in Pakistan, guided by a solid understanding of the market fundamentals. Our strategy is paying off as we now see the economy strengthening, the stock exchange being amongst the highest performing in the world and inflation tapering off. We’re proud to be at the forefront of the country’s luxury real estate market”.

A recent report by leading global investment house Goldman Sachs projects Pakistan to be the world’s 6th largest economy in the coming decades behind China, India, the United States and Indonesia. 

The initial success of AMAYA Residences has set a high standard, attracting significant interest from the Pakistani diaspora globally. The new project aims to build on this foundation with global partnerships and expertise.

One Homes, a subsidiary of One Group led by self-made serial entrepreneur Mr. Zeeshaan Shah, has firmly established itself as a front-runner in Pakistan’s luxury real estate sector. This initiative continues One Homes’ extensive investments in Pakistan, now totalling over $435 million. These projects have been pivotal in elevating the region’s luxury real estate offerings, introducing innovative developments, and meeting international standards. 

The journey of the T20 World Cup trophy will start from Barbados today, spreading across different countries in the West Indies.

The ‘Out of the World’ trophy tour will cover 15 countries across four continents, where the trophy will visit famous sports teams, stadiums and historical places while also being taken to legendary cricketers.

The trophy for the event, which will begin on June 2, was unveiled by former West Indies captain Chris Gayle and Ali Khan of the United States at the Empire State Building in New York.

ICC has also shared pictures and videos of the trophy.

The ninth edition of the T20 World Cup will be played in America and West Indies from June 1 this year.

Apart from visiting West Indies and all host venues in the US, the trophy will also visit emerging cricket nations in the US like Argentina, Brazil and Canada.

Most of the New Zealand cricketers who refused to visit Pakistan for the Indian Premier League (IPL) are in trouble getting no opportunity to the Indian franchise to play in the league.

Currently the Kiwi players who are part of the Indian Premier League are facing difficulties, the New Zealand cricketers are looking forward to the matches for a good start in this season but they are not being fed by the franchise.

9 New Zealand cricketers have signed contracts in the Indian Premier League but so far only 4 cricketers have been given the opportunity to play matches while the rest have sat on the bench and watched the matches.

A team in the league can field up to 4 foreign players in the playing XI, New Zealand players are rarely selected to be part of the playing XI.

New Zealand media quoted the country’s cricketer as saying that Kiwi cricketers seem to run for water and only practice.

The surprising thing is that Kane Williamson sat out in three matches while in two matches he scored 27 runs. Fast bowler Trent Boult has taken 5 wickets in 4 matches.

Rachin Ravindra, who performed well in the World Cup, has scored 112 runs in 5 matches, New Zealand’s most expensive player Daryl Mitchell has added 118 runs in 5 matches.

Mitchell Santner, Dion Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry are yet to get a match in the IPL.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently passed controversial remarks about the Guardian article on Indian extra-judicial killings inside Pakistan in defiance of International rules and norms, stating that if a person commits crimes in India and then runs to Pakistan for safety then, “we will enter their home and kill them there.”

Interestingly enough, India’s ministry of external affairs denied all allegations put forth in the Guardian article and condemned the “false and malicious anti-India propaganda.” Yet the defence minister’s statements are in stark contrast with the official statement.

Internet users reacted by condemning the minister’s statements and many users on X, formerly Twitter, pointed out that the Indian General Elections 2024 is taking place so such empty bravado was expected of a BJP minister.

An Indian account replied, “The mere statement will take Modi beyond 400 seats.” Similarly, someone else wrote “Why are you hell-bent on helping Modi and BJP?” while another user said “Not the India Nehru dreamt of.”

It must be underscored that the defence minister’s statement is highly irresponsible and begets a rogue state that does not believe in international norms.

The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan strongly condemned Singh’s statement: “India’s ruling dispensation habitually resorts to hateful rhetoric to fuel hyper-nationalistic sentiments, unapologetically exploiting such discourse for electoral gains.”

The BJP government is often accused of heating up the pot with Pakistan before the elections, for instance the 2019 Balakot event happened before the elections.

Former supermodel Zainab Qayoom, also known as ZQ, has talked openly about marriage and happiness in a recent Ramadan show. The ex-model and host from Pakistan shared her honest thoughts on relationships, highlighting the importance of faith and being content with whatever life brings.

During a chat with Nadia Khan and actor Aijaz Aslam, Zainab shared her views on finding love later in life. When asked about marriage, she spoke with a mix of self-reflection and faith in God’s plan. ‘I’ve left it to Allah,’ she said.

Zainab talked more about her thoughts on marriage, saying that as you grow older, you become more used to your ways. “The older you get, you’re more set in your habits,” she explained. “It’s quite difficult. It’ll probably be a miracle.” She also mentioned that even though she might want it, she doesn’t want to feel bad about something that might not be meant for her. “I talk to God, I act, which I love, and I meet diverse, interesting people on sets. I’m happy,” she added.

Talking about proposals, Zainab asked Aijaz if she seems unapproachable. She said, “I think my prayer has come true. I told Allah that I am not a good judge of character, keeping in mind my past record. I said, ‘Whatever You send should reach me, otherwise, let it go.’ It’s been thirteen years since my first divorce.” She stopped talking, accepting that this is how things have turned out for her so far. “I can’t go back in time,” Zainab concluded.

The National Commission on the Rights of Children (NCRC) has issued an update that the man who had reportedly raped a 13-year-old boy during aitekaf in Muzaffargarh has been arrested.

NCRC shared the report on social media.

“Taking cognisance of the case, NCRC followed up with the district police office Muzaffargarh and it has been informed that the culprit has been arrested.” the post stated.

The commission added that it would “ensure that justice prevails and the perpetrator is held accountable”.

Background

A man reportedly raped a 13-year-old boy during aitekaf in a mosque located at Sanawan Bukhi Chowk, Muzaffargarh.

According to media reports, the boy, who was observing aitekaf, was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man who was sitting in aitekaf.

The suspect is said to have escaped after he threatened the Imam of the masjid of “dire consequences”.

The young boy was rotely learning the Holy Quran at the mosque.

Following the incident, the boy was taken to hospital for medical examination.

Station House Officer Shahid Rizwan Mahota claims that the suspect will be arrested.