The Freedom House has declared Pakistan ‘Not Free’ in terms of internet use for the ninth consecutive year, with the country score decreasing from 27 to 26 out of 100 in 2019. The country scored 5 out of 25 for obstacles to access, 14 out of 35 for limits on content, and 7 out of 40 for violation of user rights index and is the third worst country after Vietnam and China in its region.
Aqsa Kausar, an accomplished graduate of NUST School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (SEECS), has beaten the odds by becoming the first female Google Developer Expert in Machine Learning from Pakistan. She is currently working as an Artificial Intelligence (AI) developer with a software organisation named Red Buffer. Aqsa has done her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from NUST.
The report highlights that the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has played a key role in shrinking India’s export of cotton yarn by 38.8%. The free trade agreement (FTA) was signed in April this year. Under which, Pakistani goods worth $64 billion got duty free access to the Chinese market, large part of these goods belonged to the textile sector.
An 11-year old boy Aima’az Ali Abro who hails from Karachi, attained a new Guinness World Record during an international competition. The record he holds was for ascertaining the highest number of nations i.e. 57 just by their outline in one minute. Ali views his Guinness World Record as a stepping stone to achieving more greatness and has set his eyes on one day winning the Nobel Prize.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has raised electricity prices by Rs. 1.82 per unit, due to fuel price adjustment for September 2019. Electricity consumers will be paying an additional Rs. 24 billion after this adjustment. However, K-Electric consumers will remain unaffected by NEPRA’s decision. The new tariff will be applicable for the month of Novembe
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched a mobile application in collaboration with Turkish IT company Hitit, that will let users book and confirm flights through their smartphones. The application is available on Google Play Store and allows user to book flights, view booking details, check flight status and schedules etc.
Shooting of the super hit drama Ehd-e-Wafa has wrapped up for 15 episodes. However, the script for the next episodes are not yet ready, only till the 17th episode and the director is not sure about them either. The entire situation seems problematic as apparently Ahad Raza Mir and Wahaj Ali two main cast members are suffering from dengue and to cope up, shootings need to be planned for 5 episodes in a row which seems impossible.
During a meeting with Minister for States & Frontier Regions and Narcotics Control Shehryar Khan Afridi, Chinese Minister showed interest in investing in the halal meat industry in Pakistan, exporting it to China and Middle Eastern countries. He vowed to showcase Pakistani products and halal food in Chinese markets. According to Afridi, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision will benefit the underdeveloped countries.
PTI-led federal government has finalised the strategy for introducing auto-disabling syringes in all public and private hospitals in the country, according to Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, Dr. Zafar Mirza. Single-use syringes will be replaced in all public and private health facilities by the end of April 2020. Government has held talks with syringe manufacturers and importers for successful implementation along with media campaign to create awareness among general population.
Model and anchor Iffat Omar appeared as a character witness in court on Saturday on behalf of Meesha Shafi to support the allegations of sexual harassment against Ali Zafar. Meesha Shafi, having a good reputation in the industry was very disturbed over the issue before she went public with her allegations, according to Iffat Omer