First of its kind- LUMS to introduce Cryptocurrency academic program in Pakistan

One of Pakistan’s leading universities, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has introduced for the first time, an academic program on Cryptocurrency. LUMS will use five million STX tokens (currently equivalent to about PKR 670 million or US $4.1 million) granted by Hiro to develop and build educational programmes that will enable faculty and students to research blockchain, cryptocurrencies, distributed-ledger technology and more.

After 24 long years cricket Australia confirms tour of Pakistan

Australia’s first visit to Pakistan since 1998 has received a final all-clear. The tour, which comprises three Tests, three ODIs and a T20I, has been on the cards since November 2021. Both boards have been making steady progress towards the series going ahead, and now after a final pre-trip security briefing Cricket Australia has given its full endorsement.

Karachi-based start-up Truck It In raises $13 mn in seed funding

Truck It In, a road freight tech platform, has raised another $13 million in seed funding. According to the startup, it is the “largest” funding in the trucking space in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan (MENAP) region. The latest round brings the total raised capital by the company to $17.5m, which will support Truck It In’s mission to transform Pakistan’s road freight industry.

Mohammad Hasnain suspended from all forms of cricket due to illegal bowling action

Youngster Mohammad Hasnain has been barred from all form national and international cricket due to illegal bowling action. The PCB banned Hasnain from further participation in the ongoing seventh edition of the Pakistan Super Leaginue (PSL) as well as any form of international cricket after a bowling examination found that his right arm exceeds the permissible 15-degree limit.

Quran Mahal for protection of sacred pages to be established in Sindh

A Quran Mahal (Quran Palace) in order to protect the sacred pages of the Holy Quran from desecration is expected to be established in Sindh. During the meeting, CM Sindh’s Advisor on Religious Affairs, Zakat, and Ushr, Fayyaz Ali Butt also ordered to ensure error-free printing of the Holy Quran in the province and implement the Sindh Holy Quran Act 2018 in true letter and spirit.

Hockey Olympian banned for 10 years for using ‘abusive language’ against PM Khan

Hockey Olympian Rashid-ul-Hasan was shockingly banned by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for ten years for his apparent use of abusive language against the country’s Prime Minister. Rashid had reportedly offensively criticized the decline of the country’s hockey on a social media platform. The 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games gold medallist, has however categorically denyied the allegations of using offensive language.

Historic bridge in Netherlands to be partly dismantled to let through Jeff Bezos’ pleasure yacht

A historic steel bridge in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam is to be partly dismantled to allow a superyacht built for Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to pass. Bezos’s gigantic, 430-million-euro ($485m) yacht is too big for the iconic Koningshaven Bridge, which dates from 1878 and was rebuilt after being bombed by the Nazis in 1940 during the second world war. 

Disputed Islands of Karachi declared ‘protected forests’ by Sindh

Sindh government has declared two islands off the coast of Karachi “protected forests” while instructing its wildlife department to notify the decision. The proclamation was made against the backdrop of an ownership dispute on Bundal and Buddo islands between the federal and provincial authorities. Sindh Governor Imran Ismail announced in October 2020 the federal government was interested in developing new cities over the islands.

Ban on co-education in Punjab: minister makes clarification

News of ban on co-education in BS (Hons) degree programs in private colleges in Punjab had been making rounds on social media. However, focal Person to Chief Minister (CM) Punjab on Digital Media, Azhar Mashwani, has termed the news completely fake. Mashwani shared screenshots of the reports which claimed that the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) has notified a ban on co-education and debunked them.

Is Facebook era coming to an end? Platform losing 1mn users daily first time in history

Facebook parent Meta’s quarterly earnings report on Wednesday revealed a startling statistic: For the first time ever, the company’s growth is stagnating around the world. Facebook lost daily users for the first time in its 18-year history — falling by about half a million users in the last three months of 2021, to 1.93 billion logging in each day.