Tag: Pakistan

  • Pakistan’s IT exports poised to surpass $3 billion this year

    Pakistan’s IT exports poised to surpass $3 billion this year

    Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, expressed optimism on Monday that Pakistan’s IT exports will exceed the $3 billion mark this year.

    Addressing the National Assembly, she outlined ambitious targets, projecting IT exports to reach $25 billion within the next five years, aligning with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision.

    Highlighting the strategic importance of the IT sector during Prime Minister Shehbaz’s international engagements, Khawaja noted significant developments. She announced a pivotal agreement with Huawei of China to transform Islamabad into a smart city, with plans to expand the Safe City project nationwide.

    Under this initiative, 300,000 youths are set to undergo specialised training starting next month, in collaboration with global tech giants such as Google and Microsoft, aiming to certify 1.5 million IT professionals over the next five years.

    Khawaja also underscored the expansion of the DigiSkills program and plans to establish a Centre for Excellence for Gaming, aimed at fostering the local gaming industry and creating a conducive startup environment.

    On the legislative front, she highlighted key initiatives including Pakistan’s first Cyber Emergency Policy, draft National Artificial Intelligence policy, and the Personal Data Protection Bill. Additionally, efforts are underway towards a National Semiconductor policy, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to digital transformation.

    The Minister further elaborated on Pakistan’s National Digitisation plan, encompassing Digital Economy, Governance, and Society. Recently, a high-level delegation from Google met with Khawaja to discuss enhancing technology’s role in education, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the digital economy.

    The delegation included Andrew Ure, Kyle Gardener, and Farhan Qureshi, reaffirming Google’s commitment to advancing Pakistan’s digital landscape.

  • Sajal Aly, Sheikh Mubashir steal the show in latest episode of ‘Zard Patton Ka Bunn’

    Sajal Aly, Sheikh Mubashir steal the show in latest episode of ‘Zard Patton Ka Bunn’

     

    Zard Patton Ka Bunn is a new drama that’s getting a lot of attention. It’s about significant issues like girls not getting educated, and needing more medical help in rural areas of Pakistan. These are issues that many people deal with and the drama is portraying reality in a beautiful way.

     
    The drama has a talented cast, including Sajal Aly, Hamza Sohail, Ali Tahir, Samiya Mumtaz, and Rehan Sheikh.

     

    They’re doing a fantastic job of bringing the story to life. Sajal Aly and Sheikh Mubashir Mehmood are outstanding as Meenu and Roshan.

    Episode 07 was particularly amazing. The performances were excellent, and the story was engaging. Hamza Sohail and Rehan Sheikh also stand out as great performers.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The drama takes a political turn with the entry of Doctor Nofil, played by Kaesar Kallan, making the story even more captivating. The upcoming episodes promise to be exciting.
    The drama, written by Mustafa Afridi and directed by Saif Hassan, airs every Sunday at 8:00 PM on HUM TV and is produced by Kashf Foundation and Momina Duraid Productions.

  • From Tharparkar to Times Square: Mai Dhai’s journey celebrated on global stage

    From Tharparkar to Times Square: Mai Dhai’s journey celebrated on global stage

    Folk singer Mai Dhai, a renowned figure from the deserts of Tharparkar, has reached a new milestone by being featured on the iconic Times Square billboard in New York City.
    Times Square is well-known for its famous digital billboards and commercials, which include pictures of notable celebrities and a variety of well-known brands. It is acknowledged as one of the world’s busiest travel destinations. 
     
    Mai Dhai belongs to the Manganhar Muslim community, known for its rich musical heritage in Pakistan’s Tharparkar district and India’s Rajasthan state.
     
    Since her breakthrough appearance at the 2013 Lahooti Live Sessions, her unique look and soulful voice have captured the attention of audiences worldwide. With her appearances at the prestigious SXSW Music Festival in 2015 and the City University Graduate Centre in New York, Mai Dhai’s global profile increased even further.
     
    Dhai unexpectedly rose to fame in Pakistan in 2016 after making her Coke Studio season 8 debut and receiving critical acclaim for ‘Aankhaṛli Phaṛookai’ and ‘Kadi Ao Ni,’ which featured Karam Abbas Khan and Atif Aslam.
     
    The official account of Spotify Pakistan posted a picture of Mai Dhai with the captioned, #Koyal jaisi awaaz pohanchi seedha Times Square
    Listen to @MaiDhai_Official on the #EQUALPakistan playlist
      Another singer from Pakistan, Talal Qureshi, was featured on a Spotify billboard at Times Square in October 2023. Spotify promoted his album ‘Turbo’, showcasing his blend of contemporary techno sounds and traditional Pakistani music.

  • A woman’s smoking habits are her own business, stresses Sadaf Kanwal

    A woman’s smoking habits are her own business, stresses Sadaf Kanwal

    Famous actor Sadaf Kanwal stirred attention with her frank talk on an Eid special interview with ‘IQE’. Known for her directness and strong opinions, Sadaf spoke openly about her industry’s reputation, thoughts on Pakistani cinema, and unwavering support for personal freedom, notably concerning smoking.

    Addressing accusations of insincerity, Sadaf clarified, “I am genuine in every way. I am true to myself. If you approach me, I will respond respectfully. Some say I’m fake, but that’s not accurate.”

    She continued, “If you show me love, I will show it back. There are people in the industry I don’t interact with or don’t get along with. They call me fake in return, and I accept that. Everyone has moments where they’re not entirely genuine, including myself.”

    The standout moment in the interview was Sadaf’s passionate remarks on personal freedom and respect, especially regarding smoking. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I used to smoke, but I’ve quit now. However, it’s not right to judge others.”

    “Whether a woman smokes or not is her own business. She has the right to make her own choices. She’s not your sister or daughter. It’s her life. Just because you can see someone’s Instagram, doesn’t mean you should criticize them. Stop doing that,” she asserted firmly.

    Sadaf also shared her views on the current state of Pakistani cinema, praising directors Nadeem Baig and Nabeel Qureshi for their entertaining films. “Every Eid, I eagerly await movies from two directors: Nadeem Baig and Nabeel Qureshi. Their films are lively and enjoyable.”

  • Marwat calls ex-COAS Bajwa ‘traitor’

    Marwat calls ex-COAS Bajwa ‘traitor’

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s maverick Sher Afzal Marwat called ex-Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa a “traitor” while criticising his policies in a PTI protest at 10 Downing Street, London.

    “May God never give us such a treacherous and shameless army general as General Bajwa,” said Marwat to a charged audience in the British capital.

    He then blamed the current COAS General Asim Munir for continuing the alleged oppressive policies of General Bajwa.

    “Shehbaz Sharif’s appointed COAS General Asim Munir has carried on the legacy of Bajwa’s oppressive policies in the country,” said Marwat.

    Sher Afzal also stated that the public has always supported the Pakistan Army and expected the same from its institution.

  • NDMA warns of floods during monsoon

    NDMA warns of floods during monsoon

    The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert for floods and landslides as both heavy and light rains are expected in different parts of Pakistan in the first week of July.

    As per the NDMA forecast, moderate to heavy rains may increase water flows in streams and rivers, causing flash flooding in low-lying areas.

    Monsoon rains may cause torrents in areas of Dera Ismail Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and the Suleman and Kirthar mountain ranges. Meanwhile, urban flooding in major cities is also possible.

    Rains could also trigger landslides in mountainous areas of Murree, Galiyat, Azad Kashmir, GB and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    Increased temperatures and rainfall in GB and KP are expected to cause glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) events in at-risk valleys.

    The NDMA further said that dust, wind, thunderstorms, and heavy showers may damage structures such as electrical poles, solar panels, hoardings, trees, and under-construction buildings.

    Citizens, especially travellers and tourists, have been advised to check forecasts regarding weather and flood conditions before setting out for any travel.

  • Take a sneak peek into Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir’s ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’

    Take a sneak peek into Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir’s ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’

    The highly anticipated drama ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’, starring Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir, released its latest teaser, promising a mix of romance and drama.
    The new teaser shows the growing relationship between the two main characters. Excited fans are eager to see more of the couple’s chemistry on screen.

    Fahad Mustafa will be back on TV after 10 years. The drama is written by Farhat Ishtiaq, directed by Badar Mehmood and produced by Big Bang Entertainment. It will premiere soon on ARY Digital.

    Badar Mehmood has also directed hit projects like ‘Dunk’, ‘Cheekh’, ‘Balaa’, ‘Ishqiya’, ‘Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha’ and ‘Mein.’

  • Punjab govt distributes lunch boxes, water to prisoners

    Punjab govt distributes lunch boxes, water to prisoners

    To accelerate Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s jail reforms agenda, concerned authorities distributed meal boxes and water among prisoners today before they appeared in courts.

    Almost 7000 inmates were provided lunch boxes and cold water in 43 jails of the province.

    Furthermore, flour-grinding machines and tractors are being placed in jails to cultivate jail land.

    Dunya News reported that the jails’ authorities are dedicated to cultivating fresh vegetables and wheat for healthy meals for inmates, adding that the Punjab government also takes care of the people behind bars.

  • What’s more precious than your child? Imran Ashraf discusses single fatherhood

    What’s more precious than your child? Imran Ashraf discusses single fatherhood

    In a heartfelt interview, Pakistani actor Imran Ashraf, celebrated for his role in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, shared his journey as a single father. Despite personal challenges, he has maintained a positive relationship with his ex-wife, actor and model Kiran Ashfaque.

    Appearing on the talk show Khabar, Imran shared his approach to raising his son in today’s world. He makes his son, Roham, a central part of his life, often bringing him to film sets. This has created a strong bond between them. Imran described caring for his son as natural and fulfilling.

    “He meets his mother whenever he wants to, of course. This is a very difficult situation, but we are handling it with love. My son is very happy because of both his parents. He is my prince,” Imran said with a smile. “Raising a child isn’t hard. What’s more precious than your child?”

    The actor added, “God has given me everything I ever asked for, including my career. With such a loving child like mine, what more could I ask for?”

    Imran emphasized that both he and Kiran are committed to co-parenting Roham. His main focus is ensuring that the child grows up with a healthy view of both his parents. He stated, “I answer all of Roham’s questions honestly, show him love and care, and avoid any harmful or unethical behavior.”

  • PPP, PML-N to run Punjab together

    PPP, PML-N to run Punjab together

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Ali Haider Gillani has said on Sunday that the Shehbaz Sharif-led federal government accepted all the demands of his party related to development funds and shares in governmental committees in Punjab.

    The young MPA confirmed that the government will give development funds to the PPP and obliged his party by giving it key administrative positions.

    Earlier, the PPP has asked the government for development fund allocation and party’s representation in administrative committees including market committees, zakat committees and Baitul Maal committees.

    The negotiating committees of both parties met in the federal capital on Sunday. Raja Parvez Ashraf, Ali Haider Gilani and Hassan Murtaza were representing PPP while Malik Ahmed Khan, Rana Sanaullah, and Khawaja Saad Rafique joined the huddle from the PML-N side.