The cargo train service between Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan was re-launched on Tuesday, after a 10-year break. These agreements are expected to stimulate trade between the three countries and within the region. Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad (ITI) cargo train started in 2009 but was suspended due to delays in Pakistan in 2011. The journey can be completed in about 14 days.
The prestigious National Order of Merit of France has been awarded to a woman of Pakistani origin. The award is for her services to the French society in the area of education and social welfare. Asma Ashraf has been awarded the National Order of Merit, which is the second-highest national order after the Legion of Honour.
The most ancient Buddhist temple of Pakistan has been discovered in the Bazira area of Barikot tehsil in Swat. Researchers from Ca’ Foscari University and the Italian Archaeological Mission discovered the site with the cooperation of the province’s archaeology department and museums. Italian ambassador Andreas Ferrarese said he was glad to learn that the new discovery was also made by Italian archaeologists.
Former Israeli military intelligence chief says the country was involved in the American airstrike that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Israel’s role in the operation was the first time it had been publicly acknowledged. He led the Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force and helped Iran’s association with paramilitary groups abroad. The US killed him in a drone strike at Baghdad’s airport in January 2020.
The Shoaib Malik’s nephew M. Huraira, became Pakistan’s second-youngest batter to score a triple century in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. A 19-year-old playing in his debut season, he was superb on the field. Huraira is the eighth Pakistani to reach this milestone. Huraira was the 22nd player overall to amass 300 on sub-continent soil, making this the 23rd triple century recorded in Pakistan.
Pakistan has conducted a successful test of its indigenous Babur cruise missile 1B, the military’s media affairs wing announced on Tuesday. It has a range of more than 900 kilometers, twice as far as an earlier missile of the same model. Senior officers from the Strategic Plans Division, Strategic Forces, as well as scientists and engineers from strategic organizations, were present.
Hematologist and bone marrow transplant pioneer Dr Tahir Shamsi passed away in Karachi, according to his family. Earlier this week, Tahir Shamsi suffered a brain hemorrhage and was admitted to the hospital. Despite receiving treatment, his condition deteriorated on Thursday and he was transferred to the ICU of the hospital, where he died today.
Rawalpindi Cantonment Board officials sealed two private schools on Tipu Road while primary students were still inside. Unexpectedly, schools were closed, resulting in panic among students, who cried uncontrollably. Cantonment boards had announced earlier that schools would be closed on January 1. Following the hue and cry, nearby shopkeepers, residents and passers-by gathered in large numbers.
Pakistani artist A.H Ansari has created a piece that will inspire everyone to reach new heights. Ansari hails from Karachi and enjoys working with different mediums of art. The artist created a unique portrait of Quaid-E-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah from a 1 rupee coins. Pakistani artists spent 3 years collecting more than 5000 rupee coins to create a portrait of Quaid-e-Azam.
Cricketer Yasir Shah has been charged with aiding the rape and harassment of a 14-year-old girl in a case filed at the Shalimar Police Station in Islamabad. In her FIR, the girl reported that Yasir’s friend, Farhan, had allegedly raped her at gunpoint, filmed her incident, and harassed her.