Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

Islamabad: The Gandhara Resource Centre Pakistan (GRCP) has announced the third annual Gandhara Citrus Festival, scheduled to take place on January 26, 2025 at the Taxila Garden.

This festival promises to be a unique celebration of the region's agricultural prosperity, cultural heritage, and the ancient Gandhara civilisation, the organisers told reporter.

Following the success of previous events, this year's festival aims to promote agri-tourism, showcase the renowned Khanpur oranges in their many varieties, and highlight the exquisite stonework of the Gandhara civilisation on an international stage.

One of the festival's key objectives is to foster appreciation for the cultural heritage and tourism potential of Gandhara.

By highlighting the historical significance and grandeur of Gandhara's ancient sites, the event seeks to strengthen local tourism while raising global awareness about the importance of preserving this region's rich legacy.

According to organisers, the festival will feature an array of engaging activities, including food stalls, orange stalls, tours of citrus orchards, live painting sessions, exhibitions of stone carvings, book stalls, and displays of traditional clothing and textiles.

A particular focus will be placed on showcasing the diverse varieties of Khanpur oranges to strengthen connections between local farmers and exporters, ultimately boosting the recognition of these citrus fruits on national and international levels.

The event will also serve as a platform for Gandhara's stone carvers, connecting them with global buyers and introducing their unique craftsmanship to the world.

Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown oranges, handicrafts, and other agricultural products.

Meanwhile, artists participating in live painting sessions will creatively interpret themes inspired by Gandhara's cultural and citrus heritage. The exhibition of stone carvings will highlight the extraordinary talent of local artisans.

For exporters, researchers, and academics, the festival offers a vital platform to build networks and exchange ideas on significant issues such as cultural heritage conservation, environmental sustainability, and food security.

The event is not only a celebration of Gandhara's cultural and historical wealth but also a meaningful step towards community development and the promotion of local agriculture and craftsmanship.

Islamabad: Rawalpindi is not only recognized as the twin city of Islamabad and home to the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Pakistan Army but also as a hub for two of the region's most significant auto markets-Sultan Ka Khoo and Mithu Ka Ahata. Together, these markets cater to the diverse automotive needs of customers from across Pakistan.

Sultan Ka Khoo: A Legacy of Spare Parts Sultan Ka Khoo, sprawling across Chaklala, Glass Factory, and Rawal Roads, boasts over 900 shops dealing in spare parts, body components, sound systems, decorative items, and tyres. The market is renowned for its extensive inventory of vehicle components, covering models from 1980 to 2014, and is a lifeline for customers from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, AJK, and beyond.

Historically, Sultan Ka Khoo gained prominence in the 1980s during the Cold War era. Afghan nationals fleeing the Soviet invasion began smuggling used spare parts from Japan to Pakistan through Afghanistan. Traders like Gull Khan recall how containers from Afghanistan's Lahori Darwaza supplied smuggled goods, allowing the market to thrive. 'Back then, diesel was cheaper than petrol, and people often replaced petrol engines with diesel ones, creating a boom in our business,' said Mohammad Bilal, also known as Ostad Billa. 'But now, times have changed with the rise of electric vehicles. The era of electric cars has arrived, and we are witnessing a shift in the automotive industry.

Today, however, smuggling has largely ceased, with traders importing used parts directly from international markets such as Japan, China, and Malaysia. Amin Khan, a dealer, emphasized that Sultan Ka Khoo now contributes billions of rupees in taxes annually. 'The market offers everything from rearview mirrors to entire car bodies for models as recent as 2024,' he said.

Despite its legitimate operations, the market's reputation is marred by allegations of trading stolen or snatched vehicles, a claim that dealers vehemently deny. 'This is a wrong perception,' said Raisat Ali. 'We only deal with vehicles destroyed in accidents from genuine owners.'

Mithu Ka Ahata: The Engine Specialist

Located in the heart of Rawalpindi, Mithu Ka Ahata has carved a niche as the go-to destination for vehicle engines and mechanical components. Unlike Sultan Ka Khoo, which focuses on body parts, Mithu Ka Ahata specializes in high-quality, imported engines.

Salman Khan, a seasoned trader, described Mithu Ka Ahata as the backbone of the city's automotive repair industry. 'Japanese engines are our best sellers due to their reliability, followed by those from Dubai and Australia,' he said, adding that wholesalers like Abdullah Ji Traders and 'Aman Ullah and brothers' at Chungi No. 26 supply most of the inventory.

The demand for popular engine models such as the Toyota 2 NZ1500cc 1NZ, Honda L15, and Honda L13 is particularly high in the market. According to Inayat, another dealer, Honda and Toyota engines, especially the 1300cc models and 18 Fc61800, are the most sought after by customers. 'We source engines from top markets like Japan and Dubai. Engines from Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea are also commonly sold, but Japanese engines remain the top choice for durability,' he said.

Japanese engines are particularly prized for their durability, with prices ranging from PKR 200,000 to PKR 300,000 for second-hand units. Customers like Daud, who recently purchased a Japanese engine, appreciate the value for money. 'New parts are either unavailable or too expensive. Imported engines are the best option,' he said.

Islamabad: The first fully indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) Satellite, launched by Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on Friday, is expected to enhance country's capabilities in agriculture, disaster management, environmental monitoring and other sectors, symbolizing its growing expertise in space sciences.

The landmark event took place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) in China, symbolizing a significant leap in Pakistan's space journey and its commitment to achieve self-reliance in advanced sciences. Designed and developed entirely by Pakistani engineers, EO-1 represents a breakthrough in the country's space science capabilities.

The satellite, equipped with cutting-edge imaging technology, is expected to provide substantial benefits across various sectors, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management.

This achievement aligns with Pakistan's National Space Policy and reinforces its commitment to harnessing advanced technologies for national progress.

'This is a historic milestone for Pakistan,' said Zain Bukhari, an expert at SUPARCO, in an interview with reporter. 'EO-1 is equipped with a high-resolution camera that will capture detailed images of Earth, offering multiple applications. It is the first satellite fully designed and manufactured locally by SUPARCO's engineers, demonstrating the nation's capability to achieve self-reliance in space technology.'

'The satellite launch after rigorous testing was a proud moment for the whole nation', he observed.

Recalling the country's achievements, Zain Bukhari who is General Manager at SUPARCO, shared that Pakistan's space journey began in 2011 with the launch of PakSat-1R, a communication satellite developed with the support of China, which continues to function effectively.

SUPARCO achieved another milestone in 2018 by launching two satellites-PakTES-1A and Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite-1-on the same launcher with China's assistance.

In 2024, the successful launch of PakSat-MM1-a communication satellite- brought high-speed internet to remote areas, further solidifying Pakistan's space ambitions.

The expert shared that SUPARCO also facilitated the development of the iCube Qamar satellite in 2024, a project led by students of the Institute of Space Technology (IST).

The satellite, which observed the lunar surface and captured real-time images, not only showcased local talent but also encouraged the younger generation to pursue careers in space science.

As an agrarian country, Pakistan stands to benefit significantly from the EO-1 satellite.

According to Zain Bukhari, the satellite's capabilities will revolutionize agricultural practices by providing data on crop suitability, water requirements, and efficient resource use.

This will help educate farmers and minimize resource wastage.

In addition to its agricultural applications, EO-1 will play a critical role in disaster management. 'During floods and earthquakes, it is often impossible to assess damages immediately. Satellites like EO-1 can provide crucial data in real time, enabling authorities to make informed decisions about relief and rescue operations,' he explained.

He also emphasized the satellite's importance in addressing climate change. With advanced technology to monitor deforestation, glacier melting, and other environmental changes, EO-1 will provide valuable insights to tackle global warming and drive sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Aisha Rabia, another expert from SUPARCO, highlighted the satellite's potential to benefit sectors like urban development, resource extraction, and conservation.

'EO-1 will aid in monitoring minerals, oil and gas fields, glacier recession, and water resources. It reflects Pakistan's ability to achieve self-sufficiency in satellite manufacturing despite economic challenges,' she said.

About the agency's programs for students, Aisha Rabia shared that SUPARCO's efforts extend beyond satellite launches, with initiatives to nurture the next generation of space scientists.

The programs like the Space Education Awareness Drive (SEAD) and the annual celebration of World Space Week aim to engage students from primary schools to universities in space-related activities.

Looking ahead, Zain Bukhari said that SUPARCO has ambitious plans for deep space missions and scientific research to further expand Pakistan's presence in the global space arena.

Such projects are expected to inspire greater investment in space technology, create job opportunities for youth, and strengthen Pakistan's position in the global space arena, he said.

For him, the launch of EO-1 was undoubtedly a historic occasion, symbolizing Pakistan's determination to advance in space technology and contribute to national progress.