Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: The useful handling of social media platforms has empowered youth to earn sufficient money for supporting themselves and their families too.

Nowadays social media has emerged as an effective platform for generating income, offering numerous opportunities and businesses ideas.

The positive use of social media can lead to financial awareness for youth who are in search of new jobs and opportunities.

Now they can earn money through different social media platforms while sitting at home as social media has engaged people to generate income, creating new opportunities and shifting traditional income streams.

A social media influencer Sana Tanveer shared her thoughts that "social media platforms have played a pivotal role in my success, enabling me to connect with a vast audience and generate significant income".

She said, "After facing a prolonged period of unemployment, I have successfully leveraged social media to generate a handsome income from the comfort of my own home".

She said, "Now I can support myself financially it is like a game changer for me".

"People love my cooking tips and recipes and I am loving the income that comes with it". She added. She continued that whether you are staying home, a student, or simply looking for a way to supplement your income, social media offers a world of possibilities.

Sohail Tanveer another content creator said, "Previously, I worked at a hospital as a technician with limited resources, but now I have found success as a social media influencer, earning a substantial income".

He commented, "I inspire through moral stories, spreading positivity to make a difference in people's lives." Viewership of my content has crossed one million and all my struggles have finally paid off, he said. For many, social media has become a lifeline, providing a way to support their families and achieve financial stability, he expressed.

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Islamabad: Pakistan's youth are flocking to digital currencies, hoping to strike it rich quickly. However, the extreme volatility, lack of regulations, and limited education make this venture highly risky, often leading to heavy financial losses and exposure to scams.

Experts have warned that while digital currencies offer potential rewards, young investors must exercise caution. Proper education on market dynamics, security protocols, and regulations is essential to avoid falling victim to fraud and crashes. Although some Pakistani investors have seen profits from Bitcoin and Ethereum, the high-risk, high-reward nature of cryptocurrencies demands thorough research before diving in.

Hamza Anwaar, Manager of Public Relations at Zahid Latif Khan Securities (Pvt) Ltd, told REPORTER that cryptocurrency trading is akin to stock trading but without any physical assets backing it. He described it as "fake" and highlighted the risks, noting, "Several people came into our office seeking advice on recovering funds from their banned accounts."

Despite the rising popularity of cryptocurrencies, policymakers and financial institutions in Pakistan remain opposed to digital currency trading. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has clarified that virtual currencies are not legal tender and has advised banks and financial institutions not to facilitate cryptocurrency transactions.

Globally, digital currencies have gained significant recognition. Over the past few years, several countries have adopted or are considering regulations to integrate cryptocurrencies into their financial systems. The U.S., Japan, Germany, and Switzerland are leading the charge, with cryptocurrencies being fully legalized in these nations. The European Union is also progressing toward a unified regulatory framework, while nations like El Salvador have even declared Bitcoin as legal tender. This global acceptance underscores the transformative potential of digital currencies in reshaping finance, business, and global trade.

In terms of global investment, the cryptocurrency market has surged to an estimated value of over $2 trillion as of 2024. The rapid growth is driven by institutional investors, large tech companies, and retail traders, with Bitcoin and Ethereum remaining the dominant players. However, market volatility continues to be a challenge, as cryptocurrencies can swing drastically in value, making long-term stability uncertain.

To benefit from the growing global crypto ecosystem, Pakistan needs a clear regulatory framework that encourages innovation while protecting investors. Developing guidelines for cryptocurrency trading and enhancing investor education on risks will help guard against scams and fraud. Additionally, creating secure platforms for trading digital currencies will boost investor confidence and reduce vulnerability to market crashes.

Pakistan should also focus on increasing access to digital currency knowledge, providing training programs, and fostering partnerships with global financial institutions and tech companies. This will allow the country to tap into cryptocurrencies not just as an investment, but as a tool for entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. If regulated properly, digital currencies could play a vital role in Pakistan's financial future, offering new opportunities for youth to engage in the global economy while managing market risks.

However, the country's regulatory bodies need to act quickly to balance innovation with investor protection. With the right approach to regulation, education, and infrastructure, Pakistan has the potential to be a key player in the crypto landscape.

Young traders like Ashraf, who started investing in Bitcoin when it was worth just $700, are turning to digital currencies to escape traditional financial systems. Sharing his success story, with reporter of buying a new expensive car and a home from investing in crypto, he highlights the lucrative rewards of cryptocurrency investment. However, the risks remain certain, and many young Pakistanis view digital currencies as a chance to participate in the global economy.

A report by the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2020-21 estimated that Pakistan holds around $20 billion in cryptocurrencies-a staggering 700% increase. As Pakistan's tech-savvy youth continue exploring crypto, a balanced approach that combines enthusiasm with caution will be essential for long-term success in the ever-evolving financial landscape.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam has said that it is shameful for India to call itself a republic despite its illegal occupation of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

In his special statement regarding the celebration of India's Republic Day as a black day, the Federal Minister said that on the one side, India is celebrating Republic Day today, and on the other side, it has usurped the fundamental rights of Kashmiris.

India is committing the worst atrocities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. It is regrettable that India has been illegally depriving the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their right to self-determination for more than seven decades and is subjecting them to oppression, violence and barbarity.

Despite these atrocities, the spirit of the Kashmiri people is unbreakable and their struggle for freedom cannot be suppressed.

He said that he calls on the international community to stop India from committing atrocities and human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan will continue to provide full political, diplomatic and moral support to the brave Kashmiri people in their just struggle and right to self-determination.

He said that the United Nations has passed a resolution to grant the Kashmiris the right to self-determination, therefore it is the duty of the international organization to implement its resolutions and grant the Kashmiris their right to self-determination.

He said that the Indian army is breaking mountains of atrocities in occupied Kashmir and has usurped the political, religious and democratic rights of the Kashmiris.

Islamabad: The ongoing severe winter drought, which has adversely affected winter sowing, particularly wheat in the country, is in fact a part of the larger trend of increasing climate variability that threatens to disrupt agriculture, exacerbate water shortages and elevate the risks of future droughts across the country.

But building more water reservoirs, restoring wetlands, and promoting drought-tolerant crop varieties can go a long way in mitigating recurring and intensifying drought risks in the country.

This was stated by Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, a climate policy expert and spokesperson for the climate change and environmental coordination ministry, in a press statement issued here on Sunday.

He said that the country is currently grappling with a unusual winter drought because of 40pc below normal rains between September 2024 to January 2025, which has put productivity of winter crops and livelihoods of farming communities at risk.

Due to acutely low rains, water stress has already exacerbated further in cultivated lands in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, in particularly in rain-fed regions, due to the limited supply of irrigation water from river system for Rabi crops, he added.

'If the rainfall situation does not improve anytime soon, wheat production may suffer up to 50pc,' the ministry official Muhammad Saleem Shaikh warned, urging farmers to use water resources available for irrigation in any form more judiciously.

He highlighted that reduced water availability due to low rainfall was adversely impacting the growth of crops like wheat, a staple food as well as vital cash crops like potato, leading to fears of lower production and rising food prices and their shortages in future.

He said that the ongoing winter drought conditions in the country underscore the urgent need for a unified response to address the country's water crisis. 'It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to build a sustainable future, strengthen water resilience and safeguard the livelihoods of millions of people depending on agriculture and water resources for survival,' the ministry official emphasised.

He said that the national climate change policy has already highlighted that country's socioeconomic circumstances further augment its vulnerability to projected temperature increases, more variable rainfall patterns and a greater risk of more intense and frequent droughts.

'While droughts in future are likely to grow more frequent and intense in the country, large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the construction of water reservoirs and restoring wetlands for storing excessive flood and rainwater as a part of larger drought mitigation strategy are inevitable,' the climate policy expert and spokesperson Muhammad Saleem Shaikh suggested.

Nonetheless, he cautioned that such water storing initiatives are unlikely to yield desired results as long as adequate investments in water conservation and efficient irrigation technology are not made and its dissemination to farmers is not ensured.

Pakistan is home to around 225 nationally-significant wetlands, which cover 0.78 million hectares (9.7% of the country's land area). Nineteen of these wetlands are declared as Ramsar sites for being wetlands of global significance due to unique landscape, biodiversity (flora and fauna) they harbour. But, unfortunately, many of them are degraded or blocked by encroachments.

'Restoration and sustainable management of degraded or encroached wetlands in the country can be a paramount drought and flood risk mitigation policy measure as well as for tackling the country's water security, stemming biodiversity loss and a vital step towards building country's flood and drought-resilience,' the climate ministry official Muhammad Saleem remarked.

Referring to national climate change policy recommendations for mitigation of drought impacts, particularly on agriculture sector, Mr. Shaikh emphasised that rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and the adoption of modern irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems are no longer optional; they are critical tools in our survival weaponry.

The ministry official also said that overall last a few years there has been adequate research on developing new drought-tolerant high-yield varieties of crops in the country in collaboration with international agricultural research organisations.

'Efforts should also be made by the country's agricultural scientists for plantation of such drought-tolerant food crop varieties through unhampered provision of such crop seeds to the farmers and dissemination of information among farmers through their agricultural extension department about its proper plantation for achieving desired crop yields,' the climate change ministry official Muhammad Saleem Shaikh urged.

He also said that while the drought has already been acknowledged as a major climate risk and threat to the country's agrarian economy, various policy measures have been recommendation for drought risk mitigation.

'Tackling growing risk of droughts in the country will not be any herculean task for the country, if drought mitigation measures, as recommended in the national climate change policy, are implemented in true spirit by provincial authorities as well as federal and provincial agricultural, irrigation and water organisations as a unified response,' the ministry's climate policy expert Muhammad Saleem remarked.

Islamabad: The two-day event of 19th Convocation, organized by Riphah International University, concluded successfully at the Jinnah Convention Centre, here on Sunday.

Addressing the students, the Vice-Chancellor of Riphah International University, Professor Dr. Anis Ahmad, highlighted the university's dedication to the education and training of students and faculty.

"Riphah International University not only provides modern education but also fosters a comprehensive system based on Islamic principles," he emphasized.

"The university has allocated scholarships to support students financially and expressed his gratitude to the Heads of Departments (HODs) and Deans for their contributions to improving academic programs," he further mentioned.

The Vice-Chancellor advised graduates to implement the knowledge and values they have learnt in their practical lives, to honor their parents who have made immense sacrifices for their success, and to work diligently in their future endeavors.

The guest of honor, Professor Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, also addressed the gathering.

He felicitated the graduates and their parents, acknowledging their sacrifices that enabled their children to acquire knowledge and secure a bright future.

He reminded the students of their privilege in receiving quality education from Riphah International University, while more than 2.5 million children in Pakistan lack access to basic education.

He urged the graduates to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.

"They are fortunate to live in a free and independent country-a privilege earned through countless sacrifices," he added.

Dr. Choudhary further encouraged the students to utilize their education and skills to contribute to the nation's progress, striving to make Pakistan a country that the world looked up to.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam has said that it is shameful for India to call itself a republic despite its illegal occupation of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

In his special statement regarding the celebration of India's Republic Day as a black day, the Federal Minister said that on the one side, India is celebrating Republic Day today, and on the other side, it has usurped the fundamental rights of Kashmiris.

India is committing the worst atrocities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. It is regrettable that India has been illegally depriving the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their right to self-determination for more than seven decades and is subjecting them to oppression, violence and barbarity.

Despite these atrocities, the spirit of the Kashmiri people is unbreakable and their struggle for freedom cannot be suppressed.

He said that he calls on the international community to stop India from committing atrocities and human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan will continue to provide full political, diplomatic and moral support to the brave Kashmiri people in their just struggle and right to self-determination.

He said that the United Nations has passed a resolution to grant the Kashmiris the right to self-determination, therefore it is the duty of the international organization to implement its resolutions and grant the Kashmiris their right to self-determination.

He said that the Indian army is breaking mountains of atrocities in occupied Kashmir and has usurped the political, religious and democratic rights of the Kashmiris.