The Bangladesh Air Force chief arrived at Air Headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday for an official visit, where he was accorded a guard of honour and held talks aimed at enhancing bilateral defence collaboration.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu received the visiting Bangladeshi air chief.
Both sides agreed to expand comprehensive training support and discussed fast delivery and long-term support for the Super Mushshaq trainer aircraft.
The visit also included consultations on maintenance of older aircraft fleets, air defence radar systems, and potential acquisition of JF-17 Thunder jets.
The Bangladeshi delegation toured the National ISR, Cyber Command, and Aerospace Technology Park.
Both countries expressed commitment to converting defence relations into a long-term strategic partnership.
ISLAMABAD: The 27th IEEE International Conference on Multi-Topic (INMIC 2025) on Tuesday was held at Riphah International University (RIU) Islamabad, aimed to strengthen research culture, foster innovation and promote academic collaboration across diverse domains of information technology.
The conference was organised by the Faculty of Computing at RIU, bringing together national and international researchers, academics and professionals to deliberate on emerging developments in computing, artificial intelligence and related technologies.
While emphasising the significance of interdisciplinary research, Riphah International University Vice Chancellor Prof Anis Ahmed highlighted the role of higher education institutions in addressing contemporary technological and societal challenges.
Addresses were delivered by University of Michigan–Flint, USA Dr Mohamed Wiem Mkaouer and Water Computing Research Institute Prof Bernard J. Jansen, who shared perspectives on current research trajectories and future directions in computing and artificial intelligence.
In his opening remarks, Prof Muhammad Zubair underscored the central role of technology in an increasingly interconnected global environment and stressed the need for collaborative research to respond effectively to complex societal issues.
IEEE Islamabad section chairman Prof Nosherwan Shoaib highlighted the importance of focusing on AI-driven technological transformations and their expanding impact on the global digital landscape.
The conference also featured a panel discussion titled ‘Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges,’ with Prof Saad Naeem Zafar, Prof Yasir Ayyaz and Prof Naveed Ikram as panelists. The discussion examined practical applications, ethical considerations and future prospects of artificial intelligence.
According to the organisers, the 27th IEEE INMIC 2025 serves as a key forum for researchers, faculty members and professionals to exchange ideas, build collaborations and contribute to shaping the future of computing and intelligent systems.
Participating guests also included Prof Khalid Malik from the University of Michigan–Flint, USA and Prof Syed Irfan Hyder Vice Chancellor of Salim Habib University Karachi.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated that the government is ready for dialogue with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf.
Addressing the Federal Cabinet meeting in Islamabad today, he said harmony amongst all the political parties is important for progress and prosperity of the country.
PM recalled that he repeatedly made the offer for dialogue. He said if the PTI is ready for dialogue, the government is also prepared to sit with the party.
He said that no blackmailing or unlawful actions will be tolerated under the pretext of dialogue, emphasising that discussions should be based on legitimate matters.
On the occasion, the PM also expressed the confidence that the successful bidding of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited privatization (PIACL) would help take forward the privatization agenda. He said PIACL is going to be the biggest transaction in the country’s history, for which the whole process was made transparent.
ISLAMABAD: Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid has emphasised the collective responsibility of society to protect and promote human rights, marking International Human Rights Day with a strong message of equality, dignity and justice for all.
On this occasion, senator Khalid stated that International Human Rights Day reminds the world of the universal principles of equality, dignity, and social justice. “Every individual is entitled to fundamental rights, regardless of race, colour, religion, language or background,” she said.
she noted, while highlighting the importance of participation and freedom of expression, right to speak freely and the right to be part of decision-making processes form the foundation of a strong and progressive society.
“Human rights are not strengthened by individuals alone but through collective struggle and shared commitment,” she added. She underscored BISP’s role in empowering vulnerable communities, stating that the programme is providing financial assistance to nearly 10 million households across the country, without any discrimination. Through initiatives such as Benazir Kafaalat, Taleemi Wazaif, Nashonuma and Benazir Skill Development, BISP is supporting low-income families by expanding access to economic empowerment, education, health and livelihood opportunities.
Reaffirming her resolve, Senator Khalid added, “Keeping fundamental human rights at the center of our vision, we will continue our sincere efforts to uplift marginalized segments of society and ensure their well-being.”
She reiterated that safeguarding human rights is a shared responsibility and essential for building a fair, inclusive, and prosperous Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: On the invitation by the Government of Japan, five Pakistani university students will visit Japan to participate in the JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) program
This year’s program centers on the theme ‘Environmental Sustainability and Disaster Resilience.’ The students are scheduled to visit Japan from December 16 to 23, joining a delegation of 35 high school and university students from SAARC countries.
During their visit, participants will engage in activities designed to deepen their knowledge of Japan’s economy, history, politics and diplomatic relations. They will also experience Japanese culture through lectures, discussions and site visits aligned with the program’s theme.
The Embassy of Japan in Islamabad today held a pre-departure orientation session for the visiting students from Pakistan to provide them useful information before their departure for Japan.
Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi while interacting with the students, conveyed his best wishes, and expressed his hopes that the student’s visit would be enriching and encouraged them to maximize this unique learning opportunity. He highlighted the value of the homestay experience, offering both the students and their Japanese hosts a chance to share and appreciate their respective cultural heritages. The Ambassador emphasised the student’s role as cultural ambassadors, fostering stronger ties and greater mutual understanding between Japan and Pakistan.
Established by the Japanese Government, the JENESYS program is a youth exchange program between Japan and the Asia Pacific region that seeks to enhance mutual understanding and respect between Japan and the Asia-Pacific region
ISLAMABAD: Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) marked a significant milestone as it celebrated two decades of humanitarian service in Pakistan during a ceremony held in Islamabad. Addressing the gathering, Country Director HHRD Pakistan, Muhammad Saleem Mansoori, highlighted that the organisation—founded by Pakistani-Americans—has worked across all four provinces, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, impacting over 45 million lives through its diverse programmes.
Over the past 20 years, HHRD’s extensive initiatives have delivered transformative results. Its emergency relief and disaster management programmes have aided over 10 million people, while seasonal projects have provided essential supplies to 4.8 million families. The organisation has ensured clean drinking water for 2 million individuals, supported the education of 340,000 students, and provided comprehensive care for 122,000 orphans. Additionally, its empowerment programmes have equipped 80,000 youth with employable skills, and its health initiatives have restored eyesight to 31,000 individuals through cataract surgeries.
The event was addressed by notable figures, including Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmed, Vice Chancellor of Riphah International University Islamabad; Chairman of Muawin Foundation, Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila; Special Secretary Health, Dr. Aslam Ghouri; and other dignitaries, including Syed Samar Abbas and Naeem Arshad Awan. The speakers paid rich tribute to HHRD’s twenty years of dedicated service.
Dignitaries commended HHRD’s longstanding contribution, and awards were distributed among high-achieving orphaned and disabled children. The leadership of Helping Hand expressed profound gratitude to all donors and volunteers, reaffirming its commitment to expanding the mission of serving humanity with responsibility and sincerity in the years ahead.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s digital commerce landscape is set for transformation with the launch of LUMU, a new eCommerce platform aiming to redefine how people buy, sell, and connect online. Positioned as a “business empowerment online portal,” LUMU seeks to uplift small enterprises, support local producers, and make quality products accessible to households nationwide.
Built on principles of empowerment, accessibility, and inclusivity, the platform connects manufacturers and producers directly with consumers, eliminating traditional wholesale and retail layers that drive up prices. This model enables customers to access premium-quality products at affordable rates without compromising on authenticity or value.
Founder and CEO Abdullah Shah said the initiative is designed to support Pakistan’s digital economic revival. “LUMU is not just a brand; it is a catalyst for economic revival. Our vision is to create thousands of new job opportunities and open digital doors for small and medium businesses across Pakistan. By connecting local producers and entrepreneurs directly with consumers, we aim to enable sustainable income generation and contribute to the country’s digital growth. LUMU aspires to position Pakistan as a competitive force in global eCommerce through empowerment, innovation, and inclusion,” he stated.
Co-founder and Chief Digital Officer Fahad Malik (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in Digital Media & Technology) highlighted the platform’s commitment to trust, transparency, and quality. “We are leveraging data and personalised digital campaigns to replace generic online selling with a community-focused and engaging shopping experience. We are rigorously vetting local producers to ensure every product is authentic and meets the standards our consumers deserve. By cutting out intermediaries, we are reducing costs while building a direct relationship of trust between creators and consumers. This is eCommerce reimagined for the people,” he said.
Co-founder, Chief Marketing and Communication Officer (CMCO), Mr. Rafiqullah Siddiqui, shared the strategic vision: “The strategy for LUMU is built on scalability and sustainability. By digitizing the producer-to-consumer value chain, we are laying the structural foundation for Pakistan’s next wave of digital exports.
LUMU also aims to advance social responsibility by supporting underprivileged and small-scale producers, offering them a digital platform to showcase their work. The company says this approach will help uplift communities, create sustainable livelihoods, and promote local craftsmanship globally.
ISLAMABAD: The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) is supporting the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to launch a pilot project titled ‘Sustainability & Decent Work in Pakistan’s PET Recycling Value Chain,’providing USD 500,000 for the project, which will be implemented in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)—an area that generates over 3,300 tons of municipal solid waste daily, of which an estimated 79% is recyclable.
The partnership was formalized in Islamabad by Dr Faisal Hashmi, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability, Coca-Cola Pakistan; Jennifer Ankrom, Country Manager, UNOPS Pakistan; and Geir Tonstol, Country Director, ILO Pakistan. Representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNOPS’ key project partner, were also present.
Key project activities include a comprehensive analysis of sectoral challenges, occupational safety and health training for waste pickers and handlers, facilitation of cooperative formation for waste pickers, and a diagnostic study to map the PET value chain. ILO, as the UN agency for decent work, will contribute essential expertise on labor rights, occupational safety, and worker formalization.
“This collaboration with UNOPS demonstrates The Coca-Cola Foundation’s commitment to advancing waste collection and management systems while ensuring that those at the heart of the system—the informal waste pickers—receive the recognition, protection, and opportunities they deserve,” said Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation.
Dr Faisal Hashmi senior director Public Affairs Communication and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Pakistan, echoed this commitment, “We thank TCCF for their support. This project represents a tangible step forward in creating shared value in the local community.”
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Ms Jennifer Ankrom, Country Manager, UNOPS Pakistan, said: “By strengthening the PET recycling value chain, this initiative not only addresses the urgent challenge of plastic pollution but also empowers Pakistan’s informal waste pickers with safer, more dignified livelihoods. Together with The Coca-Cola Foundation, we are establishing a model to transform waste into opportunity.”
Geir Tonstol, Country Director for the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Pakistan, emphasized that improving the PET recycling value chain requires both technical solutions and a strong focus on people. He stated that this partnership offers an important opportunity to enhance working conditions for informal waste pickers and promote decent work practices throughout the system, drawing on ILO’s core expertise.
According to WWF, Pakistan generates nearly two million tonnes of plastic waste each year, 86% of which is not properly managed. Like many developing countries, Pakistan faces major challenges in waste collection and management, resulting in significant environmental impacts. The outcomes of this pilot project are expected to promote the adoption of a similar framework for more sustainable and inclusive waste collection, management, and recycling at the national level.
ISLAMABAD: OxfordAQA organanized its serious of ‘Continuous Professional Development’ (CPD) training sessions across Pakistan’s major educational hubs, Lahore and Islamabad, reinforcing its commitment to empowering teachers with world-class teaching methodologies.
the OxfordAQA, which conducted serious of sessions, is an international exam board that provides International GCSEs and A-levels to schools across the world. Created as a partnership between Oxford University Press, a department of the University of Oxford, and AQA, the UK’s largest provider of GCSEs and A-levels, OxfordAQA is built on unrivalled experience and expertise in education and assessment. OxfordAQA qualifications are designed specifically for international students, to equip them with the higher-order skills they need to succeed, at university and beyond.
Led by Jamie Kirkaldy, Head of Teaching and Learning Support at OxfordAQA, the sessions brought together teachers to explore practical strategies for embedding critical thinking into classroom practice.
“Critical thinking is at the heart of OxfordAQA’s qualifications,” said Jamie Kirkaldy. “Our CPD programme is designed to help teachers embed these skills into everyday teaching, so students learn to question, evaluate, and think independently.” He also elaborated how CPD, particularly CPD that focuses on enhancing higher-order critical thinking skills is a powerful catalyst for educational transformation.
Teachers who engage in CPD are better equipped to model critical thinking behaviors, design learning experiences that challenge students to move beyond surface-level understanding and facilitate deeper classroom discussions that encourage analytical reasoning – all of which are key components to success in examinations and higher education.
In the rapidly changing educational landscape, Continuous Professional Development serves as the bridge between traditional teaching methods and the dynamic needs of 21st-century learners. It enables educators to reflect on their practice, learn new strategies, and implement evidence-based approaches that directly impact student outcomes.
Salma Adil, Director OxfordAQA mentioned at the occasion “Embedding critical thinking into everyday teaching is not just important—it’s essential for preparing students to thrive in a complex, globalised world. At OxfordAQA, we believe this is the foundation for lifelong learning and success”. He added.
King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit to Pakistan, marking the first visit by a Jordanian monarch in 21 years. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received the King at Nur Khan Airbase.
Expressing his views on the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari said that King Abdullah II’s visit would give Pakistan-Jordan relations a new strategic dimension. He said that the ties between the two countries are built on historical brotherhood, mutual trust and shared values.
King of Jordan is undertaking a two day state visit to Pakistan on the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Earlier, as the King’s aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, a formation of Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder aircraft provided a protective escort and accompanied the royal flight to Islamabad.
During his visit, King Abdullah will hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
During the meetings, complete range of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries will be discussed.
A special investiture ceremony to confer the highest civilian award upon King Abdullah II will also take place at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
King Abdullah II’s visit to Pakistan reflects the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Jordan. This visit will further strengthen the political, economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein arrived in Islamabad on a two-day visit to Pakistan. It is the first official visit by a Jordanian monarch in 21 years.The King of Jordan,
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received the King at Nur Khan Airbase.
