Saudi envoy inaugurates scenic photo display celebrating Pakistan-Saudi friendship


Islamabad:: The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Thursday inaugurated an amazing display of Pakistan’s scenic photos on the boundary wall of the Diplomatic Enclave opposite the Saudi Embassy, symbolizing the enduring friendship and cultural ties between the two brotherly nations.



The inaugural ceremony was attended by the Chairman of Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, along with other dignitaries and officials.



Speaking to the media, Ambassador Al-Malki described the initiative as a tribute to Pakistan’s vibrant culture and rich heritage. ‘This effort highlights the beauty and diversity of Pakistan to the world while celebrating the deep-rooted brotherhood between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan,’ he stated.



The photo display captivated participants with its vivid portrayal of Pakistan’s cultural and natural diversity. Among the highlights were the majestic Badshahi Mosque, the lively Shandur Polo Festival, the rustic charm of desert life, the architectural wonder of the mosque located within the Khewra Salt Mine and K2, the second highest mountain on earth.



Other images showcased traditional activities, such as jaggery-making, and featured Pakistan’s unique wildlife, including the partridge and cheetah providing a window into the country’s lifestyle and biodiversity.



The event underscored the profound and enduring relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, rooted in shared values and mutual respect. This initiative forms part of a larger effort to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the historic ties between the two nations, further enriching their longstanding partnership.



Rain and snow expected in northern Pakistan amid dense fog in plains

Islamabad:: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday forecasted rain and snow over the mountains in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, North Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas.

Meanwhile, moderate to dense fog is expected to persist in most plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh during the morning and night hours.

According to the synoptic situation, a frontal weather system is affecting the upper parts of the country and is likely to persist until January 6.

In the past 24 hours, cold and partly cloudy weather dominated most parts of the country, with very cold conditions in hilly areas. Rain accompanied by snowfall over mountains was reported in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, North Balochistan, Murree, and its surroundings.

Dense fog continued to blanket most districts of Punjab and upper Sindh.

The highest recorded rainfall included 20 mm in Mir Khani, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, followed by 12 mm in Dir (Upper), and 5 mm in Dalbandin, Balochistan.

Other areas also received light rainfall. Snowfall measured 7 inches in Kalam, 3 inches in Astore, and 1 inch in Gopis and Chitral.

The lowest temperatures recorded today were -9 C in Skardu and Gupis, -8C in Leh, and -5 C in Astore, reflecting the biting cold in these regions.

UAE’s technology company launches Smart Automation Experience Centre in Pakistan

Islamabad:: UAE's leading technology company on Thursday successfully launched Pakistan's largest Smart Automation Experience Centre here which considered a significant milestone in the country's technology sector.

The launched event provided the attendees with an exclusive opportunity to explore how AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things)-based smart products were designed globally and how they meet the need of homes and businesses alike, said a press release.

Participants experienced the innovative technology from the future firsthand through integrated products offering touch and voice controls for completely integrated smart homes.

The event also featured insightful discussions by industry experts who shared their perspectives on the future of smart technology in Pakistan. These discussions emphasized how global companies can harness global innovations to address local challenges in Pakistan.

Talking to the media, Company's Chief Executive Officer, Dubai entrepreneur of Pakistani origin, Muhammad Zeeshan Shahzad said that the smart automation industry in Pakistan was at a pivotal moment. There is an all-time high demand for advanced technological solutions that enhance efficiency, security and connectivity.

He said that our approach had been that of a seamless integration of tech into everyday life. The products in the experience center were installation ready, can communicate with other products and were designed to improve energy management, security, and convenience.

With a growing interest in smart technologies across the country, this Experience Centre aims to serve as a hub for showcasing cutting-edge smart automation solutions and providing valuable insights into the future of technology for Pakistan.

Smartinn Technology LLC was a leading provider of smart automation solutions in the UAE, dedicated in enhancing everyday living through innovative technology. With a commitment to quality and freedom of products choice, Smartinn aims to redefine how homes and businesses operate in an integrated world.

PM hopeful of achieving economic targets in next six months


Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed the hope that due to untiring efforts of the economic team, the government would achieve the economic targets in next six months.



Speaking at the cabinet meeting, the prime minister noted that during first five months of current fiscal year, the remittances posted record $15 billion that he hoped would expand to $35 billion by the end of the fiscal year.



He said that the government managed to achieve the macro economic stability despite the fact that the opponents made no stone unturned to sabotage the efforts of the government.



Wishing the participants of the meeting happy new year, the prime minister said that the sun of 2025 will rise with the promise of progress and prosperity for Pakistan.



He prayed that the economic, political and law and order crises that the world faced in 2024 would be overcome by positive progress in the new year.



He said the ambitious homegrown five-year plan titled “Uraan Pakistan” that was launched yesterday would prove to be a milestone for the country’s future provided “we remain on track and work hard to achieve the goals set in the plan”.



He specifically appreciated the efforts of Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and other cabinet members along with the relevant government officials.



He said having achieved economic stability, the country had now entered the growth stage. “If we want to achieve the economic development, then we will have to focus on export-led growth and we have no other option.



The prime minister also appreciate the efforts of Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Finance Minister and Chairman FBR for collecting additional Rs 72 billion under ADR (advance-to-tax ratio) due to which the government’s target of tax revenue for December 2024 had almost been achieved.



Similarly, he said due to funding by the Bill Gates Foundation of $6 million, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would become completely digitized.



The early results of this project were that the the 39% time duration of container inspection had been reduced while the businessmen got relief of 89%.



Additionally, he said smuggling of sugar through Afghanistan had been reduced to zero which was a positive sign for the country’s economy. He gave the credit of reducing the smuggling to Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanvir Hussain, the institutions and the Army Chief.



He said during first nine months of the government, no scandal surfaced which reflected the government’s commitment to ensure transparency in all sectors.



As regards, terrorism in the country, the prime minister vowed that the law enforcing agencies were fully committed to halt the nefarious designs of the enemies.



PM hopeful of achieving economic targets in next six months


Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed the hope that due to untiring efforts of the economic team, the government would achieve the economic targets in next six months.



Speaking at the cabinet meeting, the prime minister noted that during first five months of current fiscal year, the remittances posted record $15 billion that he hoped would expand to $35 billion by the end of the fiscal year.



He said that the government managed to achieve the macro economic stability despite the fact that the opponents made no stone unturned to sabotage the efforts of the government.



Wishing the participants of the meeting happy new year, the prime minister said that the sun of 2025 will rise with the promise of progress and prosperity for Pakistan.



He prayed that the economic, political and law and order crises that the world faced in 2024 would be overcome by positive progress in the new year.



He said the ambitious homegrown five-year plan titled “Uraan Pakistan” that was launched yesterday would prove to be a milestone for the country’s future provided “we remain on track and work hard to achieve the goals set in the plan”.



He specifically appreciated the efforts of Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and other cabinet members along with the relevant government officials.



He said having achieved economic stability, the country had now entered the growth stage. “If we want to achieve the economic development, then we will have to focus on export-led growth and we have no other option.



The prime minister also appreciate the efforts of Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Finance Minister and Chairman FBR for collecting additional Rs 72 billion under ADR (advance-to-tax ratio) due to which the government’s target of tax revenue for December 2024 had almost been achieved.



Similarly, he said due to funding by the Bill Gates Foundation of $6 million, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would become completely digitized.



The early results of this project were that the the 39% time duration of container inspection had been reduced while the businessmen got relief of 89%.



Additionally, he said smuggling of sugar through Afghanistan had been reduced to zero which was a positive sign for the country’s economy. He gave the credit of reducing the smuggling to Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanvir Hussain, the institutions and the Army Chief.



He said during first nine months of the government, no scandal surfaced which reflected the government’s commitment to ensure transparency in all sectors.



As regards, terrorism in the country, the prime minister vowed that the law enforcing agencies were fully committed to halt the nefarious designs of the enemies.



ISSI holds roundtable on Pakistan-China relations

Islamabad: The China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted an In-house Roundtable discussion titled 'Pakistan-China relations' here on Wednesday.

Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi was the Keynote Speaker.

The event brought together senior diplomats and renowned scholars to reflect on the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China and evaluate its future trajectory in the wake of the evolving bilateral, regional and global context, said a press release issued.

In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood reaffirmed the Institute's commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue on Pakistan's strategic relationships, particularly the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

He highlighted the steady progression of Pakistan-China relations since the founding of the People's Republic in 1949, the salience of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the implications of the evolving global order marked by major-power contestation and growing multi-polarity.

Ambassador Khalil Hashmi provided a comprehensive analysis of China's rise, Beijing's engagement with the region and globally, and the current state of play in bilateral relations.

He also underlined the efforts of the Pakistan mission in Beijing towards imparting greater depth and substance to the trade, investment and economic dimensions of the relationship.

The participants engaged in a wide-ranging exchange of ideas during the interactive session, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration, improvement of the business-to-business (B2B) interface, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges.

The participants stressed the vital importance of policy foresight and preparedness to maximize the potential of this critical partnership in a changing global order.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to further strengthening the Pakistan-China relationship in light of contemporary challenges and opportunities.