Winter’s bite brings taste of tradition in Pakistan’s North : report

Islamabad: Pakistan's north, transforms into a breathtaking winter paradise as snow-covered mountains captivate citizens nationwide, filling the air with the enticing aroma of local cuisine that grips the attention of tourists and locals alike.

From the snow-capped peaks of the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges to the frozen lakes of Hunza and Skardu, Pakistan's winter landscape is a sight to behold where whole region's rich cultural heritage is also on full

display, with colorful festivals, traditional cuisine and warm hospitality adding to the magic of the season, said a report aired by PTV news channel.

As the evening falls, tourists used to gather around bonfires, sharing stories and laughter, while enjoying the local cuisine and the breathtaking scenery.

"And the beauty of the north is simply breathtaking where the snow-covered peaks, the serene lakes, and the picturesque valleys," he added.

"I have been to many places around the world, but the natural beauty of Pakistan's north is unmatched," said a tourist from abroad.

"The people are warm and welcoming, the food is delicious and the scenery is simply stunning," said a tourist family in GB.

"The winter season is a special time for us in the north," said Gulshan, a resident of Gilgit.

"We celebrate the festivals of snow and light and we welcome tourists from all over the country and the world.

It is a time of joy, a time of celebration and a time of connection with nature and with each other," she added.

"In the evenings, the streets of various cities of the country are filled with the aroma of traditional food, a tourist said.

"The aroma of freshly baked Hunza bread is irresistible," said Sarah, a tourist from Karachi. "We have been having it for breakfast, lunch and dinner it is that amazing."

In Skardu, the fragrance of traditional Balti dishes, such as thukpa and momos, wafts through the streets, enticing tourists to try the local specialties, said another resident.

"It is a truly magical experience," said a resident of Azad Kashmir, "the snow-covered mountains, the delicious food and the warm hospitality of the locals."

"I've traveled to many countries, but Pakistan's north is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen," said Rachel, a tourist from the US.

"The people, the food, the scenery it is all just incredible," he added.

"The aroma of freshly caught trout, grilled to perfection over an open flame is incredible," said a tourist from the UK.

"I have had it every day since I arrived and I still can't get enough," he added.

There is nothing like a steaming cup of traditional Pakistani tea, known as "kahwa" in these regions are amazing, said a family tourist in Qila Abdullah.

"The kahwa here is like nothing I have ever tasted before," said Sophia, a tourist from Germany.

"The combination of black tea, green cardamom and cinnamon is absolute perfection," she added.

‘Team Eco-EduTech from Daharki’ wins entrepreneur competition in British High Commission

Islamabad: In annual inter-School business Competition 'Team Eco-EduTech from Daharki' has won eighth cycle of enterprise challenge Pakistan, organized by British high Commission in Islamabad.

The Eco-EduTech from Daharki, Sindh showcased an inspiring business idea centered on using waste material to make learning materials for children with disability.

The event was hosted by British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMB OBE, in Islamabad with King's Trust International and SEED Ventures.

Their innovative approach highlights the power of inclusion and creativity in addressing real-world challenges.

Enterprise Challenge Pakistan is the largest entrepreneurship national competition for students under the age of 18.

This year, the finals, held in Islamabad on 18 January, featured promising start-up ideas from five teams selected from regions throughout Pakistan.

Some of the innovative ideas included Peshawar, Green Sprout Farm - an innovative solution focused on maximizing agricultural yields while minimizing water and space usage.

Multan, Paws on Wheels - a viable business idea revolving around delivering professional pet healthcare services at the doorstep.

In competition Quetta, Nutribites - nutrient-packed gummies offering a convenient alternative to traditional pills and tablets.

As well Islamabad: Aqua Wave - a portable water purifying bottle ensuring instant access to clean drinking water anytime, anywhere.

Prizes were handed out celebrating innovation, climate friendliness, financial viability and impact.

The King's Trust Global Young Achiever Award Asia 2024 was presented to Mahnoor for her creative business idea of harnessing fly larvae and food waste to create new sustainable products such as organic chicken feed and powdered chitosan.

Meanwhile addressing to the annual inter-School business Competition, British High Commissioner in Pakistan, Jane Marriott said that meeting these extraordinary young finalists and hearing their innovative business ideas, and how they are helping their communities, has left me energised and hopeful going into 2025.

'They are a true credit to Pakistan. I have no doubt our paths will cross again as they go onto even bigger innovations.'

The envoy said this is my second time hosting these finals, and it really is one of the most inspiring events I have been lucky enough to join.

She said that over 8,000 Pakistani students have been reached by this programme over its lifetime, and the 1,700 students who took part this year, are the future.

This is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Pakistan and the success of the programme, she said.

We are extremely proud to host the Kings Trust International today and I hope this partnership carries on in the future, she added.

Global Young Achiever Award Winner Mahnoor said 'Enterprise Challenge Pakistan provided me with skills to establish and run a business. I understood the concept of social enterprises and a sense of giving back to the community. This platform offered both a commercial sense and an ethical perspective, helping us realize how we could benefit society.'

To date, the Enterprise Challenge programme has reached over 8,000 young people, including over 1,700 young people this year.

Public schools were engaged through an arrangement with the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training, making up 31% of the total schools.

The King's Trust International delivers interventions in 20 countries, providing opportunities for young people to develop the skills and confidence to learn, earn and thrive.

The SEED Ventures (Social, Entrepreneurship, and Equity Development) are social impact ecosystem developers and impact investors dedicated to nurturing an ecosystem where social entrepreneurs can thrive and where the social impact of traditional entrepreneurship can be enhanced and scaled.

Faculty development workshop at WU on Jan 20

Multan: A one-day workshop under the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) of Women University to improve leadership among teachers is scheduled to be held on January 20. According to university spokesperson, the event would involve faculty members from all departments and QEC members. The workshop aims to enhance leadership skills and improve the professional capabilities of QEC members. It will also provide an opportunity to faculty members share their experiences and insights. Department heads have been directed to submit the names of selected faculty and other members to the Quality Enhancement Cell and ensure their participation in the workshop.

Two suffered gunshot wounds

Multan: Unknown armed suspects opened fire and injured two citizens during an attempted dacoity near Rasheedabad Chowk,Khanewal Road here on Sunday.

According to Rescue officials, the control room received a call reporting bullet injuries in the area.The rescue team responded promptly, and local people informed them that unknown armed suspects had intercepted the victims for a robbery and fired shots during the attempt.The injured --Abdul Ghafoor and Saifullah were shifted to Nishtar hospital after providing first aid.

West Indies to bounce back in next match: Brathwaite

Multan: West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite shared his thoughts on the challenging conditions his team faced during the first Test against Pakistan, which resulted in a 127-run defeat for the visitors. Addressing a press conference after the match, Brathwaite attributed the loss to the spinning nature of the pitch, which heavily favored the hosts. He acknowledged that Pakistan made full use of the home advantage by preparing a pitch that posed difficulties for the visiting batters. The West Indies skipper admitted that his team's performance could have been better, particularly in the first innings where their bowling lacked precision. He felt that restricting Pakistan to a lower total in their opening innings would have put his side in a stronger position.

However, he also pointed out that Pakistan's second-innings batting was not dominant, which created opportunities for the West Indies, though they were unable to capitalize on them. Brathwaite praised the efforts of Jomel Warrican, whose exceptional seven-wicket haul in Pakistan's second innings was a bright spot for the visitors. He expressed confidence in Warrican's abilities, hoping the spinner would deliver another strong performance in the upcoming match. Reflecting on the lessons learned, Brathwaite sounded optimistic about his team's chances in the second Test, expressing determination to stage a comeback and level the series. He also took a moment to appreciate the Multan crowd for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Brathwaite remarked that the fans supported both teams and their passion for cricket was inspiring. As the focus shifts to the second Test, Brathwaite was confident that the West Indies can bounce back and put up a much-improved performance against a formidable Pakistan side .

Blast hits police vehicle in Bannu, no casualties reported

Islamabad: A powerful blast hit a police mobile near Azad Mandi in Bannu District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday afternoon

fortunately, no casualties were reported.

According to details from local police, the blast occurred when the police vehicle was patrolling the area.

The police have cordoned off the site and launched an investigation into the incident, a private news channel reported.

The cause of the blast is yet to be ascertained.