Tag: Pakistan

  • Pakistan inks $107 million deals with Saudi Fund for hydropower projects

    Pakistan inks $107 million deals with Saudi Fund for hydropower projects

    Pakistan and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) have recently finalised significant agreements aimed at bolstering the country’s energy infrastructure.

    In a ceremonial signing event held on Friday, two pivotal loan agreements were formalised.

    The first agreement, valued at $66 million, pertains to the Shounter Hydropower Project, boasting a capacity of 48 MW.

    The second agreement, worth $41 million, is dedicated to the Jagran IV Hydropower Project, with a capacity of 22 MW.

    The signing ceremony, attended by key figures from both parties, including Sultan Bin Abdul Rehman Al Marshad, Chief Executive Officer of SFD, and Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Economic Affairs, marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.

    In a statement issued following the event, Minister Ahad Khan Cheema expressed gratitude towards the SFD delegation and commended their unwavering support in various sectors, including health, energy, infrastructure, and education, particularly amidst recent challenges such as flooding incidents.

    These collaborative efforts are geared towards tapping into Pakistan’s abundant hydropower potential, with the aim of generating an additional 70 MW of electricity to be integrated into the national grid.

    Beyond mere energy production, the projects also seek to address environmental concerns by offering an alternative to deforestation practices.

    By providing electricity as a viable substitute for wood-based energy sources, local communities, predominantly reliant on forest resources, will benefit. This initiative is expected to catalyze economic growth and uplift the socio-economic landscape of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

    Minister Ahad Khan Cheema reiterated Pakistan’s appreciation for the pivotal role played by SFD during challenging times and pledged to further strengthen bilateral relations in the future.

    In response, Sultan Bin Abdul Rehman Al Marshad reaffirmed SFD’s steadfast commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development endeavours.

  • World Bank approves $149.7 million financing for key projects in Pakistan

    World Bank approves $149.7 million financing for key projects in Pakistan

    The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has greenlit a significant sum of $149.7 million in financing for Pakistan, marking a milestone in bolstering the nation’s development efforts.

    The approval, granted on Friday, will allocate funds to support two vital projects aimed at enhancing the country’s infrastructure and digital landscape.

    According to a press statement released by the international financial institution, a substantial portion of the funding, totaling $78 million, has been earmarked for the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP).

    This initiative seeks to bolster digitally enabled public services delivery for both citizens and businesses, thereby fostering greater accessibility and efficiency.

    Simultaneously, an allocation of $71.7 million has been designated as second additional financing for the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project. This endeavor aims to fortify resilience against floods while enhancing the reliability, safety, and management of the Sindh barrages, crucial components of Pakistan’s water management infrastructure.

    Najy Benhassine, the World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, emphasised the imperative of fortifying infrastructure in the wake of catastrophic events such as the floods of 2022. He underscored the importance of bolstering barrages and their management to mitigate the impact of such disasters effectively.

    Additionally, Benhassine highlighted the significance of nurturing Pakistan’s burgeoning digital economy. He stressed that fostering connectivity and access to government and financial services is pivotal for economic and social development, particularly for marginalised groups like women and entrepreneurs.

    The Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP) aims to develop robust digital authentication and data-sharing platforms.

    These platforms will enable Pakistan to respond more effectively to shocks, deliver enhanced e-government services, and facilitate regulatory reforms to promote private participation in the sector while strengthening personal data protection and online safety.

    Moreover, the project endeavors to promote financial inclusion, particularly among women, by facilitating access to banking services and credit through smartphone applications. It also seeks to address barriers such as limited mobility and digital literacy, ensuring inclusivity in the digital realm.

    Shan Rehman, Task Team Leader for the project, emphasised the comprehensive nature of the initiative, which adopts a holistic approach to digital transformation. He emphasised the importance of inclusivity and trust in digital platforms to meet the evolving needs of the populace.

    Meanwhile, the second additional financing for the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP) aims to complete and commission rehabilitation works for barrages, including Guddu and Sukkur. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the management of three barrages in Sindh, namely Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri.

    Francois Onimus, Task Team Leader for the SBIP, stressed the critical role of barrages in ensuring the livelihoods and climate-resilience of the Sindh Province. He highlighted the project’s focus on bolstering canal systems fed by these barrages, thereby mitigating the adverse impacts of extreme weather events.

    In essence, the approval of financing for these projects underscores the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development agenda, spanning both infrastructure and digital innovation, in its journey towards sustainable growth and resilience.

  • Why did Mahmood Aslam reject the role of Nauman Ijaz’s father?

    Why did Mahmood Aslam reject the role of Nauman Ijaz’s father?

    Veteran actor Mahmood Aslam has shared that he was asked to play Nauman Ijaz’s father, but he turned it down.
    Recently, Aslam participated in a ‘Life Green Hai’ show Ramazan transmission in which he discussed contemporary dramas and raised objections to the casting of actors.
    The host asked the actor, “How do you feel when you’re asked to play the dad of actors who are just a few years younger than you?”
    Aslam said, “I was recently offered the role of Nauman Ijaz’s father, even though he’s just a bit younger than me. So, I refused to take that part.”
    At the same time, he said to Nadia Khan in a humorous manner, “Look Nadia, please take a stand on these kinds of roles.”

  • Man assaults sister-in-law, nieces with shovel

    Man assaults sister-in-law, nieces with shovel

    A Rawalpindi native, identified as Riaz Shah tortured his widow sister-in-law and her daughters along with other accomplices by attacking them with shovels. The incident occured in Sher Zaman Colony of the Garrison City.

    SSP Operations Kamran Asghar has that the suspect Riaz Shah is the brother-in-law of the victim. A house dispute erupted between the two parties when the suspect asked for a share while the house is in the name of the late husband of the victim, reports Geo News.

    Riaz Shah has been arrested and a case has been registered.

    Taking notice of the incident, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has asked for immediate action against the accused. While seeking a report from police authorities, she has said that violence against women is not going to be tolerated.

    SSP Operations Kamran Asghar and other police officers also visited the house of the victim’s family and inquired about their well-being. They sought information about the incident and assured them of cooperation.

  • Iran Ambassador fears US may hinder Pak-Iran gas pipeline project

    Iran Ambassador fears US may hinder Pak-Iran gas pipeline project

    Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moqaddam has said that the United States may create obstructions in the payment procedure of Pak-Iran gas project, however, both countries could find a solution to this.

    The Ambassador’s statement came after US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, in a congressional hearing, gave caustic remarks regarding the gas pipeline project and emphasized that the US would try to halt the mega project.

    “I fully support the efforts by the US government to prevent this pipeline from happening,” he said during a congressional hearing on 19 March. “We are working toward that goal.”
    “We are tracking this planned pipeline between Iran and Pakistan … Honestly, I don’t know where the financing for such a project would come from. I don’t think that many international donors would be interested in funding such an endeavor,” the US official added, highlighting that the White House “will uphold both in letter and spirit all sanction laws related to Iran.”

    The Iranian envoy pointed out that Iran had already completed its side of the agreement by constructing a 1,000 kilometers gas pipeline on its side and Pakistan had yet to start it. “The Iranian gas pipeline is in the wider interest of people of both countries,” he added.

  • Haroon Shahid reveals Mahira’s role in ‘Verna’ was first offered to this Bollywood actress

    Haroon Shahid reveals Mahira’s role in ‘Verna’ was first offered to this Bollywood actress

    Haroon Shahid was on the show ‘Life Green Hai’ where he surprised everyone by saying that a well-known Bollywood actress was first chosen to play Sara in the movie ‘Verna’, which is about women’s rights.

    During the show, the musician and actor revealed that Bollywood sensation Kareena Kapoor was initially cast to portray the female protagonist. However, she withdrew from the project due to her marriage to Saif Ali Khan and impending motherhood. Consequently, Mahira Khan assumed the role of the leading lady.

    Watch the video:

  • Capturing candid moments: The unseen bond of ‘Khaie’ cast

    Capturing candid moments: The unseen bond of ‘Khaie’ cast

     

    The ‘Khaie’ cast isn’t just close on set, they shares special moments when they’re not acting. A peek at their gathering shows how they’re friends off-camera, making their bond even stronger.

    The cast often shares videos and pictures on their social media accounts, letting us see what goes on behind the scenes.

    Faysal Quraishi and Osama Tahir were caught sharing a hearty laugh, with Faysal playfully teasing Osama about his on-screen character’s antics.

     

    Shuja Asad and Mahenur Haider were spotted in a deep conversation, showcasing their close friendship and mutual respect off-screen.

     

    Nabeel Zuberi and Durefishan were seen sharing a light-hearted moment, with Nabeel trying to mimic Durefishan’s signature dialogue from the show, much to everyone’s amusement.

     

    Late Khalid Butt and Hina Bayat were captured sharing a warm hug, reflecting the strong bond they share as co-stars on “Khaie.”

     

    Uzma Hassan and Laila Wasti were spotted rehearsing a scene together, showcasing their dedication and professionalism as seasoned actors in the industry.

     

    Shamyl Khan and Saba Faysal were seen enjoying a friendly game of chess during their break, highlighting their camaraderie beyond the camera lens.

    Noor Ul Hassan and Javed Jamal were captured engaged in a serious discussion about their characters’ dynamics, showcasing their commitment to delivering compelling performances.

     

    These candid moments behind the scenes of “Khaie” reflect the genuine friendships and camaraderie that contribute to the success and charm of the drama serial.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ali Azmat’s family did not want him to pursue music career

    Ali Azmat’s family did not want him to pursue music career

    Ali Azmat, the lead singer of Junoon, is one of the icons of Pakistan music industry. Though the legendary singer has many hits to his credit, he’s not always had the support he wanted.

    The singer recently talked about how his family criticized him when he started his music career.
    Talking to Nida Yasir, he said, “My relatives used to taunt me to become a mechanic or learn some other vocation if I wanted to become financially stable. My grandmother used to say, ‘Just go out and make money by singing’ as I am not good at anything.”

    “She felt bad because relatives didn’t like to meet us because of my interest in music. Later, when I became a star, I took my grandmother to a concert. She was very proud and emotional seeing my success.”

  • Is Aurangzeb being pushed in background to give Dar more control?

    Is Aurangzeb being pushed in background to give Dar more control?

    In a surprising move, the Finance Minister of Pakistan finds himself cut from two major financial decision-making committees, while paving the way for a much bigger role in financial matters for Ishaq Dar, Express Tribune has reported.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reshuffled four cabinet committees. As a result, Finance Minister Aurangzeb now heads only one committee instead of three.
    PM Shehbaz kept the chairmanship of the very important Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet instead of giving the Finance Minister the portfolio.

    Meanwhile, the PM has given Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar the chairmanship of Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCOP) – a post normally headed by the Finance Minister of the country.

    Tribune reported that there was some apprehension within the ruling party Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) regarding the appointment of Aurangzeb as the Finance Minister and it was decided within the party leadership that Dar would stay in charge of economic affairs but in a different capacity.

    Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb now chairs only the Cabinet Committee on State-owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs).

  • PPP stops Punjab chapter from making alliance with PTI for senate elections

    PPP stops Punjab chapter from making alliance with PTI for senate elections

    PPP’s top leadership has prevented its provincial chapter from attempting to persuade Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to form a non-political alliance in the upcoming Senate election.

    PPP Punjab chapter suggested forming an electoral alliance with PTI for women and technocrat seats in Punjab.

    The PTI proposed it to the special committee of the PPP after receiving a conditional offer. They asked the PPP to vote for Yasmin Rashid.

    Sources told SAMMA that in return, the PPP offered to support Faiza Malik in women’s seats. 

    PPP instructed the party leadership in Punjab to form an alliance with the political allies Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) instead of PTI.