Author: yasir

The Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) proposal to lower taxes on beverages and tobacco is a reckless gamble with public health. As part of ongoing negotiations, the FBR has presented these tax cuts to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), justifying them as revenue-generating measures. In a country already drowning in preventable diseases, this move ignores overwhelming evidence and contradicts global best practices. While the government justifies the decision as a way to increase sales and generate Rs90-100 billion in revenue, the real cost will be measured in lives lost, hospitals overwhelmed, and families devastated by illnesses that could have been…

In a remarkable tribute to scientific innovation and national pride, Pakistan Post and Siemens Healthineers are set to issue a commemorative postage stamp on March 23, 2025—Pakistan Day—to mark 130 years since the discovery of X-rays. This historic initiative not only honours over a century of medical innovation but also coincides with Pakistan Day, commemorating the Lahore Resolution of 1940 that laid the foundation for the country’s creation. By intertwining these two significant milestones, this initiative reflects both the power of scientific progress and the spirit of national determination. Since Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen’s groundbreaking discovery in 1895, X-ray imaging has…

Symbolizing the spirit of compassion and generosity, Pakistan State Oil (PSO), the nation’s leading energy company, hosted a heart-warming Iftar gathering with SOS Village residents at their vicinity in Karachi. This event marked the commencement of PSO’s ‘Tohfaa e Ramadan’ campaign, a reflection of the company’s commitment to giving back to the community. Last year, PSO’s ‘Tohfa e Ramadan’ campaign distributed Iftar boxes at its retail outlets, bringing convenience and comfort to Pakistanis across the nation. This year, the company has taken its initiative a step further by engaging with the community and creating unforgettable experiences. It was an evening…

Infinix, a trendy tech brand for young consumers, has officially unveiled its “Infinix AI∞ Beta Plan” alongside the launch of the brand-new NOTE 50 Series, marking a significant step into the wave of the AI-powered Gen Beta era. This launch marks the brand’s first-ever vertical-format launch event and is powered by Infinix AI∞, making it a groundbreaking initiative. Under the theme “Welcome to Gen Beta,” Infinix invites young users worldwide to embrace the Beta·AI era, symbolized by the codename “Gen Beta” — a generation driven by curiosity, innovation, and limitless possibilities in AI technology. At the heart of this transformation…

IBA held an inaugural ceremony for the newly curated net practice cricket pitches at the IBA Cricket Ground, Main Campus. The event was graced by Test Cricketer and Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Selection Committee member, Mr. Asad Shafiq, who officially inaugurated the facility. Mr. Shafiq engaged with IBA’s official student cricket team, playing a few deliveries and sharing valuable insights. As a symbol of growth and sustainability, he also planted a tree, reinforcing the importance of nurturing both talent and the environment. The ceremony provided an opportunity for students to interact with the cricketing icon and gain inspiration from his…

Water is life, yet every drop is under threat. This World Water Day, the Aga Khan University (AKU) is spotlighting the urgent need for water conservation through its annual climate competition, the President’s Challenge for Climate Solutions. With the theme ‘Every Drop Counts’, 16 student groups across four of AKU’s campuses will present their innovative ideas and adaptations to expert judges, demonstrating how creative solutions can drive meaningful change. The initiative aligns with World Water Day and Sustainable Development Goal 6: Water and Sanitation for All, emphasizing that sustainable water management is key to a stable and equitable future. As…

Jazz is at the forefront of Pakistan’s digital transformation, accelerating its shift to a digital-first ServiceCo while fueling financial inclusion and digital adoption at scale. With a record PKR 53.9 billion investment in 2024—a 46.2% year-on-year (YoY) increase—Jazz is redefining how Pakistanis connect, transact, and engage in an increasingly digital economy. In 4Q24, Jazz recorded 16.6% YoY revenue growth, driven by a 53.1% surge in digital revenues, reflecting the strong performance of fintech, entertainment, and enterprise solutions. The DO1440 strategy continues to gain traction, with 4G users up 15.3% YoY to 50.6 million, 4G penetration climbing to 70.7%, and multiplay…

– ConnectHear, South Asia’s leading assistive technology startup, renowned for its innovative use of AI and optimization in accessibility solutions, officially launched its groundbreaking ‘AI for Inclusive Disaster Response’ project today at its Access.Ability.Tech. event, held in Karachi. The initiative, supported by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges and in partnership with HANDS and Ufone 4G, leverages ConnectHear’s cutting-edge AI technology and virtual interpretation platform to ensure Pakistan’s Deaf community has access to life-saving information and communication during emergencies. Pakistan, amongst the ten countries most affected by climate-related disasters, faces significant challenges in ensuring timely communication during emergencies, particularly…

Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank and NED University of Engineering and Technology have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Centre for Islamic Finance and FinTech (CIFFT) at NED University. The MoU was signed by Syed Amir Ali, Deputy CEO – Meezan Bank and Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Vice Chancellor – NED University. To commemorate this partnership, a plaque unveiling ceremony was held, highlighting the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing Islamic finance and fintech. This strategic partnership aims to offer higher education and professional development programs at the graduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels in…

Tetra Pak Pakistan has extended its official nutrition partnership with Islamabad United for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10. This marks the seventh consecutive year of this successful collaboration. The agreement signing ceremony was held at Tetra Pak’s head office in Lahore, where Mr. Awais Bin Nasim, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Pakistan, and Mr. Ahsan Latif, CEO of Islamabad United, formalized the partnership. Through this continued alliance, Tetra Pak aims to promote the importance of safe and healthy packaged milk in maintaining an active lifestyle. Islamabad United players will benefit from the high-quality nutrition provided by packaged…