Pakistan to launch first lunar orbit mission on Friday


The Institute of Space Technology of Pakistan would launch a student cube satellite ‘ICUBE-Qamar’ into the lunar orbit aboard China’s Chang’E-6 Mission from Wenchang space launch site, Hainan in China tomorrow.

The launch activity would be telecast live on IST website as well as Institute’s social media accounts.

The ICUBE-Q has two cameras as payload for imaging Lunar Surface, imaging Earth from Lunar Orbit and Moon and Earth together.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Google for Education Team Meets IT Minister

Google for Education team along with their local partner Tech Valley Pakistan called on Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja in her office on Thursday.

The delegation included Paul Hutchings, Regional Head, Google for Education, Tim Paolini, Special Projects, APAC, Harris Suffian, Education Lead Pakistan and Umar Farooq, CEO Tech Valley.

The discussions focused on equipping out-of-school children with the tools they need. Google for Education’s upcoming initiatives aim to bridge the educational gap and ensure everyone in Pakistan has access to quality learning through Google for Education’s tools and Chromebooks.

While talking to delegation, the minister said the government has a larger vision to transform the country into an export hub. This ambitious plan involves not just manufacturing but also knowledge transfer.

The government will actively facilitate this shift, focusing on building Pakistan’s export capacity in human resources, services, and technology, she said.

So
urce: Pro Pakistani

Suzuki Slashes Swift Prices by Up to Rs. 7 Lac in Limited Offer

Pak Suzuki Motor Company has announced a substantial price reduction of up to Rs. 710,000 for Swift in what they’ve termed as a ‘limited-time offer.’ In response to the current market, Suzuki revealed the adjusted retail prices of Suzuki Swift effective May 1, 2024.

The Swift GL MT will now be available at Rs. 4,336,000, marking a reduction of Rs. 85,000 from its previous price of Rs. 4,421,000. Similarly, the Swift GL CVT sees a price drop of Rs. 159,000, now priced at Rs. 4,560,000 compared to its earlier Rs. 4,719,000.

The most significant price adjustment comes with the Swift GLX CVT, which now stands at Rs. 4,719,000, witnessing a notable decrease of Rs. 710,000 from its previous price of Rs. 5,429,000.

It’s important to note that these revised retail prices include FED and Sales Tax but exclude Advance Income Tax, as mentioned in the official notice.

Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh, Head of Corporate Affairs at Pak Suzuki Motor Company, emphasized that these price reductions are temporary, attributing them to t
he company’s aim to restore economic stability and minimize currency fluctuations. He also highlighted the supportive role of government policies and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in this decision.

This move by Pak Suzuki comes amidst other significant price adjustments in the automobile market. Lucky Motor Corporation recently announced a substantial price cut for KIA’s Stonic EX+ in Pakistan, dropping from Rs. 6,280,000 to Rs. 4,767,000, effective April 29.

Industry analysts view these price adjustments as strategic measures to stimulate demand and enhance market competitiveness in the challenging automotive sector. Mohammed Abrar, an auto analyst at Arif Habib Limited, believes that such initiatives aim to capture a larger market share amid evolving market conditions.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Nutshell Group Appoints Fareena Mazhar as Chief Public Engagement Officer

Nutshell Group, a leading player in Pakistan’s communication and strategic engagements domain proudly announces the appointment of Fareena Mazhar as its Chief Public Engagement Officer.

Fareena served as the Federal Secretary for the National Heritage and Culture Division and the Board of Investment, in addition to various senior roles in diverse entities such as the Federal Board of Revenue, the Ministry of Commerce, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, and the Prime Minister’s Office. Her appointment represents a pivotal moment in Nutshell’s commitment to fostering stronger connections and meaningful interactions with the public sector.

Fareena is a seasoned professional with over 37 years of experience in Civil Services. She retired from the esteemed position of Federal Secretary (BS 22) and has contributed across various roles beginning with the Inland Revenue Service in 1986. Her tenure in the Investments department saw significant achievements.

While she was heading the reform team, as
the Additional Secretary, Pakistan climbed 39 positions in the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ ranking within two years, earning recognition as the 6th largest reformer globally. Fareena was acknowledged by the World Bank for her pivotal role in driving essential regulatory reforms – one of five outstanding women in the world in 2020. Under her guidance, milestones such as the framing of rules supporting the Special Economic Zones Act were achieved.

Commenting on Fareena’s appointment, Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder and Chairman, Nutshell Group, and Rabia Ahmad, Director and CEO, Nutshell Group said: ‘As we continue to expand our reach and strengthen our connections, Fareena’s experience, expertise, and vision will be invaluable. Her leadership will play a crucial role in shaping our public engagement strategies and further strengthening our brand reputation.’

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman (Rtd), Chief Executive Strategic Engagements, Nutshell Group, welcoming Fareena, stated: ‘On behalf of the entire
Nutshell team, I am delighted to welcome Fareena Mazhar as our Chief Public Engagement Officer. Fareena brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise that will be instrumental in driving our public engagement initiatives. Her passion for community engagement and her innovative approach to communication make her an invaluable addition to our leadership team.’

Fareena’s appointment represents a significant step toward fostering stronger connections and reinforcing Nutshell’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and community engagement.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Chief Minister KP Doubles Assistance Packages for Laborers on Labor Day

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, on the occasion of Labor Day, made several important announcements.

The Chief Minister announced double the assistance packages provided to the laborers by the provincial government.

Furthermore, CM Gandapur directed to appoint magistrates to ensure the labor class is paid the minimum wage set by the government. Ali Amin also gave instructions to the Labour Department to transfer the ownership of 2,056 residential flats in Peshawar to the laborers.

He also highlighted the increase in the Labour Department’s revenue and added that packages for the laborers should also be increased accordingly.

Moreover, the Chief Minister stated that the salaries of laborers must be transferred through bank accounts. He also stressed the importance of establishing an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure the labor class receives the minimum wage.

CM Ali Amin transferred Rs. 177.5 million rupees to the accounts of the Labour Department to pay for the educational expe
nditures of children. According to details, this amount will benefit a total of 22,354 students.

He also announced that the provincial government would protect the rights of laborers by introducing new legislation and reforms within the existing legal framework.

Source: Pro Pakistani

PMD Issues Heatwave Warning in Punjab Starting May 12

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in its monthly outlook for May has announced the possibility of a heatwave in Punjab.

PMD stated that the province is expected to experience a heatwave from May 12 and the temperature will likely soar above 40 degrees Celsius. The Met Department’s monthly outlook stated that atmospheric conditions favor the potential development of heatwaves, particularly in the plain areas of the southern half of the country.

As per PMD, the neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is expected to continue throughout the forecast month, accompanied by the prevailing positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), potentially leading heatwave in Punjab.

PMD further stated that there is a tendency for near-normal rainfall across most parts of the country. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, northern Punjab, and Azad Kashmir may experience slightly above-normal rainfall.

The department forecasted that daytime maximum temperatures are likely to stay slig
htly above normal across the northern and southern regions of the country. However, central parts, including most of Punjab and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, may experience normal to slightly below normal maximum temperatures.

Concurrently warmer than normal minimum temperatures are expected nationwide with maximum departure over northern KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.

The weather department’s projections suggest that above-normal precipitation in May could bring benefits to agriculture in Pakistan. However, precautions are advised to protect standing wheat crops during the harvesting phase from potential hailstorms and windstorms in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Photohar region, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Source: Pro Pakistani

vivo Launched Y100 Smartphone in Pakistan with Unique Color Changing Design and 80W FlashCharge

vivo, a leading technology brand, today officially launched the latest addition to its renowned Y series, the Y100. This smartphone is meticulously designed to offer an exceptional fusion of style, utility, and performance, setting a new benchmark in the tech landscape. For this launch, vivo also partnered with the incredibly talented actress, Durefishan Saleem, as the ambassador.

With standout attributes such as vivo’s distinctive Color Changing Design combined with an Ultra Slim Body, rapid 80W FlashCharge, crystal clear 120Hz AMOLED Display, and a high-resolution 50MP AF Camera, Y100 distinguishes itself from the competition, embodying innovation and superior artistry.

vivo Y100 smartphone presents an impressive design that seamlessly combines style and functionality, making it a popular choice for those who value both aesthetics and performance.

The device is available in two captivating color options – the Crystal Black and Breeze Green editions. To create a dreamier effect for the green color, vivo u
tilized its signature Color Changing Design. This transforms the back of the Breeze Green edition from a light green hue to a deeper shade of green. The magical transformation can be unlocked in sunlight or under UV light.

The Breeze Texture on the back of the device simulates the gentle rustling of grass in the breeze, adding a calming element to the users’ experience.

Furthermore, Y100 boasts a stylish and lightweight Metallic High-Gloss Frame that enhances its premium look and feel. vivo always prioritizes user comfort, which is why the Crystal Black edition is designed to be only 7.79 mm thick and weighs 186g, providing a comfortable grip and making it effortless to carry.

vivo Y100 is designed to ensure safe and fast charging, catering to the daily needs of its users and keeping them powered up at all times. The device features a 5000mAh Battery and an 80W FlashCharge that can charge the battery up to 80% in just about 30 minutes, allowing you to regain power quickly. Moreover, the 4-Year Battery Heal
th feature eliminates concerns about battery life while also preserving the longevity of the battery.

Y100 is not just a smartphone, but also a portable cinema in your pocket, providing an ultimate viewing experience for users who love to watch video content on their devices. It boasts a large 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED Display with an impressive 1800 nits Peak Brightness, making it ideal for streaming high-quality videos and movies.

Moreover, the Dual Stereo Speaker delivers up to 300% volume, providing a clear and powerful sound that complements the stunning visuals, for an unparalleled audiovisual experience. Whether you’re watching your favorite TV show or catching up on the latest blockbuster movie, Y100 offers a cinematic experience in the palm of your hand.

In addition, Y100 boasts significant memory and storage capacity. It comes with 8GB + 8GB Extended RAM and a massive 256GB ROM, providing ample space for all your apps, photos, and videos. This combination allows for seamless multitasking and ensures
that you never run out of storage space. The Y100 offers a smooth and efficient user experience, making it stand out from other smartphones.

Y100 is an ideal tool for capturing life’s beauty due to its advanced portrait features. Its 50MP AF Camera, Bokeh Flare Portrait options, distinctive Portrait Light Effects, and Multi-Style Portrait templates can make portraits stand out and create even sweeter memories for users.

Additionally, the Photo Boarder feature adds an artistic touch to images, making them look more professional, and highlights the user’s creativity and aesthetic sense in every snapshot.

With its elegant design, efficient performance, and user-friendly features, vivo Y100 is set to surpass user experiences and delight consumers with each innovative feature.

Price and Availability

The all-new vivo Y100 is available for pre-booking in Pakistan at PKR 59,999 only. Customers can secure their pre-orders at their nearest mobile market. The official sale of the Y100 will commence on May 7, 2024.

v
ivo offers a one-year warranty for Y100 along with 15 days free replacement and 6 months warranty for accessories. vivo Y100 is duly approved by Pakistan Telecommunications Authority and supports all mobile networks in Pakistan. Zong customers can also get 12GB Free Mobile Internet by using their 4G SIM card in Slot 1 (2GB Internet / month for 6 months).

Source: Pro Pakistani

PAF Collaborates With Turkey to Convert Bombardier Global 6000 into SOJ Aircraft

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has decided to transform its solitary Bombardier Global 6000 into a stand-off jamming (SOJ) aircraft in collaboration with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

PAF initially hinted at repurposing the Global 6000 as a special mission aircraft in its latest calendar, labeling the jet as an electronic warfare (EW) platform. Now, these plans have been confirmed by PAF’s unofficial publication – Second-to-None.

Considering the PAF’s collaboration with TAI to convert the Global 6000, it cannot be ruled out that they are planning to procure the Aselsan HAVASOJ. At the moment, TAI is equipping four Global 6000s with the HAVASOJ suite for use by the Turkish Air Force (TuAF).

It is important to mention that the Aselsan HAVASOJ is designed for three primary EW missions: radar jamming, communications jamming, and electronic intelligence (ELINT).

In radar jamming operations, the HAVASOJ would utilize transceivers to disrupt enemy radars by recording their transmission frequencies and re-tra
nsmitting them using the same signal.

The HAVASOJ is equipped with digital radar frequency memory (DRFM) systems to help achieve this capability. In the ELINT role, it would surveil an area to detect all enemy radar and communications transmissions.

The same information will be recorded into a ‘threat library’, which would later be used to inform electronic countermeasures (ECM) tasks, particularly radar and communications jamming.

It remains unclear whether the Pakistan Air Force is pursuing the Aselsan HAVASOJ. As of now, there hasn’t been any mention of the HAVASOJ product or Aselsan.

Thus, PAF might still be in the process of selecting the EW suite. There’s also a chance that the PAF is considering a customized version of the HAVASOJ focused on specific EW roles. In such a case, radar jamming could radar jamming could be prioritized over other functions.

Source: Pro Pakistani