CheerUp Pakistan (2025)

11/02/2025

The School Education Department Punjab organized a Grand STEAM Festival to promote science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education. The event, held in collaboration with FCDO, Global Partnership for Education, UNICEF, and PMIU, featured innovative student projects.

Out of 275,000 participants from across Punjab, 1,100 winners were selected to showcase their work at 'Jashan-e-STEAM." More than 14,000 teachers also took part in the competition.

06/02/2025

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has announced a comprehensive plan to improve roads and replace outdated sewerage lines in Jodia Bazaar and Kapra Market. The initiative aims to use both traditional road materials and high-quality pavers to ensure long-lasting infrastructure. A clear timeline has been set to complete these upgrades on schedule.

During his visit to these commercial hubs on Thursday, Mayor Wahab, along with Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani and other officials, directed the immediate deployment of essential municipal services. These include a dedicated fire tender, a sewerage suction vehicle, and a tow truck. He also appointed focal persons to oversee urban management, including streetlight restoration, sewerage maintenance, and garbage removal in coordination with the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board. A special coordination committee was also formed with representatives from KMC and local traders.

Addressing traders' concerns about the ongoing sewerage and rainwater line construction at Merry Weather Tower, Mayor Wahab assured them that the work would be completed before Ramadan. Road repairs in Jodia Bazaar and Kapra Market will also be finished before then. To avoid disrupting businesses, all revamping activities, including sewerage restoration and debris removal, will take place after midnight.

The mayor also responded to complaints about a completely blocked sewerage line at Bombay Bazaar and the poor condition of Saleh Muhammad Street. He promised immediate repairs, including replacing the clogged line and restoring the street.

To improve parking, Mayor Wahab announced the construction of a ramp at Bolton Market, providing space for 300 vehicles. Additionally, two to three designated motorcycle parking zones have been identified to reduce congestion. He also assured traders that overhead cables would be properly arranged for safety and better aesthetics.

Mayor Wahab emphasized his commitment to improving Karachi’s commercial districts by prioritizing streetlight restoration, clearing blocked sewerage lines, and keeping the area clean. He urged traders and residents to cooperate with the city administration to achieve lasting infrastructure improvements.

KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani appreciated the mayor’s proactive approach in addressing business community concerns. He noted that the mayor’s visit fulfilled a commitment made during KCCI’s election campaign. Bilwani also reaffirmed KCCI’s dedication to working with local authorities to resolve civic issues and enhance Karachi’s commercial areas, ensuring a better business environment for all.

03/02/2025

The Punjab Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, led the balloting ceremony for the first school in Chahar Bagh, Ravi City, at the RUDA Head Office. During the event, he conducted an electronic ballot in the presence of representatives from four shortlisted school chains. Lahore Grammar School (LGS) won the bid over Roots International, American Licestuff, and the School of Islamic Learning.

The minister highlighted the urgent need for educational facilities in new housing societies due to Lahore's rapid expansion. He announced that 8.5 kanal land had been allocated for the first school in Chahar Bagh, and as the area's population grows, more schools will be established. Plans are also in place to set up government schools to ensure affordable education for everyone.

RUDA CEO Imran Amin, Secretary Education Khalid Nazir Wattoo, and other officials attended the event. The minister emphasized that this school project, supervised by RUDA, will be completed soon, marking a major step in improving education in the newly developed Ravi City.

01/02/2025

Saudi Arabia’s new airline, Flyadeal, has started flights to Pakistan. The first flight, F3-661, landed at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport at 8:04 AM.

Flyadeal will run two flights to Karachi every week—one from Jeddah and the other from Riyadh. To mark the occasion, the aircraft was welcomed with a water salute at Karachi Airport.

23/01/2025

The Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, visited the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) for an interactive session with foreign investors and business leaders. The session focused on the government’s initiatives aimed at economic stabilization and enabling a conducive business environment in Pakistan.

During the session, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal provided an in-depth overview of the government’s economic agenda, highlighting Uraan Pakistan – The 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforms aimed at addressing investor challenges and fostering sustainable growth.

“The government is committed to ensuring economic stability and fostering a predictable policy environment for investors,” said Mr. Ahsan Iqbal. “Through initiatives like Uraan Pakistan, we aim to unlock the country’s potential and transform it into a hub for innovation and investment.”

He also highly appreciated the contribution of leading foreign investors, particularly OICCI members, who have played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s economic development. Over the past decade, they have re-invested $23 billion while also leading the transfer of best practices to the country.

Mr. Yousaf Hussain, President OICCI, commended the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy and foster a business-friendly environment for foreign investors. “The focus on structural reforms and economic revival is a positive step forward. We remain optimistic and look forward to continued collaboration to further strengthen Pakistan’s position as an investment destination,” he stated.

M. Abdul Aleem, Secretary-General OICCI, acknowledged the progress made and stressed the importance of policy continuity to maintain investor confidence. “While the initiatives being undertaken by the government are commendable, it is crucial to ensure policy consistency. We urge the government to actively engage with key stakeholders like OICCI members so as to maximize the impact of these initiatives,” he remarked.

Foreign investors also shared their perspectives on navigating challenges in Pakistan and provided recommendations to enhance the ease of doing business. The dialogue reinforced the need for constructive engagement between the government and the private sector to build a sustainable economic future.

Following a productive meeting with OICCI representatives, the Minister addressed the media, emphasizing Pakistan's economic growth.

The Minister credited the invaluable services of various companies that pay taxes and generate profits. He stressed the importance of foreign direct investment, political stability, policy continuity, and reforms in achieving progress.

The government's efforts have stabilized the exchange rate, boosting investor confidence, and Pakistan's economy is moving upward. A working group has been established to review progress on a quarterly basis.

The Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private sector and the government, focusing on exports, and prioritizing product exports from Pakistan. He also announced the launch of an internship program to enhance skills among youth and training programs to equip youth with skills.

The government aims to double exports to $60 billion in five years, increase remittances to $60 billion, and tap into the Blue Economy's potential. Pakistan's institutions recognize the need for stability, ensuring no further destabilization occurs. The government is launching training programs to equip youth with skills. Only 5% of the Blue Economy's potential has been tapped. Pakistan's political transition must occur through constitutional and legal means, he added.

23/01/2025

Pakistan achieved a landmark moment in its aviation history on Monday as the first commercial flight successfully landed at the New Gwadar International Airport. PIA flight PK-503, departing from Karachi at 9:50 AM, touched down at the state-of-the-art Gwadar facility at 11:15 AM, carrying 46 passengers, officially marking the commencement of operations at the newly inaugurated airport.

Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the Chief Guest, was joined by Governor Balochistan Jafar Khan Mandokhel and Chief Minister Sarfaraz Ahmad Bugti to welcome the historic flight and its passengers. Addressing the gathering, Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized the strategic importance of the New Gwadar International Airport in driving economic growth, fostering regional tourism, and strengthening international connectivity.

Other notable attendees included Director General of the Airports Security Force (ASF) Maj Gen Adnan, Director General of Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Zeeshan Saeed, General Officer Commanding 44 Division Maj Gen Adnan Sarwar Malik, Rear Admiral Adnan from the Pakistan Navy, Deputy Director General of Airports Sadiq u Rehman, and District Commissioner of Gwadar Hamod u Rehman.

During the ceremony, Minister Khawaja Asif distributed certificates and shields to distinguished guests for their contributions to the airport’s success. Recipients included Chief Minister Bugti, Governor Mandokhel, Secretary of Aviation Mangi, CEO of PIA AVM Amir Hayat, DG ASF Maj Gen Adnan Sarwar Malik, Rear Admiral Adnan, and various project officials.

The Secretary of Aviation Mangi and DG PAA AVM Zeeshan Saeed presented a shield to Minister Khawaja Asif in recognition of his leadership in advancing Pakistan’s aviation sector.

The New Gwadar International Airport is poised to play a pivotal role in connecting Pakistan to global markets and facilitating trade, tourism, and economic development. The successful landing of PIA flight PK-503 is a significant step toward realizing Gwadar’s potential as a regional and global hub for commerce and connectivity.

23/01/2025

The Oil Companies Advisory Council has expressed its gratitude to Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab for the restoration of infrastructure around the Keamari Oil Terminal and invited him to visit the Oil Companies Advisory Council office so that the process of developing infrastructure and facilities in areas of importance to the oil and gas sector can be continued more quickly with the mutual cooperation of the Karachi Metropolitan Municipality, the Oil Companies Advisory Council and the member companies of OCAC.

Secretary General of the Oil Companies Advisory Council, Dr. Syed Nazir A. Zaidi, in his letter to the Mayor of Karachi, acknowledged that the efforts of the Mayor of Karachi have greatly improved the basic infrastructure in the oil installations area in Keamari and the leadership of the Mayor of Karachi has not only fulfilled the long-standing demand for the restoration of the dilapidated infrastructure of this important area but has also helped in improving the safety and operational efficiency of this area.

He said that these efforts of yours will benefit Karachi and its surrounding areas. He said that we also appreciate your efforts in resolving the issue of long-standing dues of Karachi Metropolitan Municipality through the Oil Companies Advisory Council and the interaction of the Mayor Karachi team with oil refineries and OMCs, which can be considered as a major target achieved during the financial year 2023-24, in which almost two decades of dues have been paid and Rs. 482 million has been paid in the form of municipal utility tax charges.

This achievement of the Mayor Karachi is a reflection of his vision for public service and the policy of taking everyone along. He invited Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab to the office of the Oil Companies Advisory Council and said that this visit of the Mayor Karachi will not only give us an opportunity to personally thank him on behalf of our organization, but also to take this opportunity to thank KMC Oil Companies.

The mutual cooperation between the Advisory Council and its member companies will be further expanded and thus steps will be taken towards further improving the facilities required for the oil and gas sector in Karachi. He said that as a strategic center of Karachi, the Keamari Oil Installations area deserves continuous and complete attention and investment and it is a matter of happiness that the Karachi Metropolitan Municipality under the leadership of Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab not only realizes this need but is also taking all possible steps for it.

The Oil Companies Advisory Council is with Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab in his efforts for the betterment and development of Karachi and our mutual cooperation will continue in the future.

15/01/2025

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired the 22nd provincial cabinet meeting, where a record 91 agenda items were discussed. Key decisions included the approval of the Punjab Hindu Marriage Act Registration Rules 2024, initiatives to boost cotton and sugarcane production, and a vehicle registration campaign across Punjab. Motorcycles' speed limit was set at 60 km/h, with inspections mandated after 12 months.

The cabinet launched the “Punjab Asaan Karobar Finance” scheme, offering interest-free loans up to Rs. 3 crore and free land to promote startups, targeting one lakh new businesses. It also approved policies to establish e-vehicle charging stations and create a comprehensive electric vehicle policy. Laptops and scholarships for merit students will be increased, benefiting second- and third-year students.

The meeting approved raising Kisan card numbers and cash limits, finalized dialysis program funds, and supported property-related dispute courts for overseas Pakistanis. Amendments to several laws and administrative policies, including the Stamp Act and Motor Vehicle Ordinance, were approved.

The cabinet also endorsed new recruitment in education, forestry, and healthcare, and supported flood relief and infrastructure projects.
Key development initiatives included the establishment of a Punjab Science Enclave, a hydropower project in Taunsa, and a new bus depot for electric buses in Multan.

Farmers were lauded for their success with Kisan cards and green tractors, while increased support for journalists and literacy teachers was also approved. The cabinet ensured funds for medical assistance and ratified decisions from previous meetings, reflecting its commitment to public welfare and development.

03/01/2025

The Pakistan Aerospace Council (PAeC) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 28th, 2024, at Trojans Head Office in Islamabad. The gathering brought together prominent figures from Pakistan's burgeoning aerospace and high-tech sectors, fostering a dynamic environment for discussions, collaborations, and strategic planning to propel the industry forward.

Focus on High-Tech Export & Private Sector Empowerment
Air Marshal (Rtd) Farhat Hussain Khan, CEO of ADIC, NASTP Kamra, and the event's Chief Guest, underscored the critical need to empower the private sector and minimize reliance on government-led initiatives to ensure sustainable growth within Pakistan's aerospace sector. He emphasized the importance of:

Professionalizing the Civil Aviation Authority: Streamlining regulations and fostering a conducive environment for private sector participation.
Indigenous Avionics Development: Prioritizing R&D in cutting-edge avionics technologies to enhance aircraft performance and competitiveness.
Streamlining Bureaucratic Processes: Reducing administrative hurdles and fostering a more agile and responsive ecosystem for innovation.

Drawing inspiration from successful models like Turkey and China, Air Marshal Khan highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and leveraging global best practices to accelerate the growth of Pakistan's aerospace and high-tech industries.

Outgoing President Emphasizes Export-Oriented Strategy
In his farewell address, Dr. Haroon Javed Qureshi, outgoing President of PAeC, expressed gratitude for the support and trust of the executive members. He urged aerospace and defense companies to aggressively pursue export markets to overcome challenges and showcase Pakistan's advanced manufacturing capabilities to the world. Dr. Qureshi extended his best wishes to the incoming executive committee and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting PAeC's continued growth and success.

"Power of the Flock" – A Call for Unity and Shared Vision
Mr. Imtiaz Rastgar, Founder Convener of PAeC, emphasized the "Power of the Flock" – a collective approach that prioritizes unity, shared vision, and collaborative efforts as cornerstones for advancing Pakistan's aerospace and high-tech sectors. He advocated for a dedicated platform for dialogue with policymakers to address industry-specific challenges and foster a supportive regulatory environment. Mr. Rastgar stressed the importance of transitioning to system-driven business models to achieve global recognition and sustainable growth.

Leveraging Human Capital and Public-Private Partnerships
Convener of PAeC, Mr. Mansoor Malik, expressed gratitude for Mr. Rastgar's foundational role in establishing PAeC. He emphasized the critical importance of leveraging Pakistan's pool of highly skilled aeronautical engineers and technicians to drive private sector growth. Mr. Malik outlined PAeC's vision to utilize existing public sector infrastructure and skilled human resources to foster a thriving aerospace ecosystem. He urged the new leadership to ensure a smooth generational transition to ensure the continued progress and sustainability of the industry.

Key Industry Leaders and Stakeholders in Attendance
The AGM was attended by several prominent figures, including Dr. Mohammad Mujahid, Rector of PAF-IAST; Mr. Ilyas Malik of Fazal Steel; Air Cdr Waqar Haider; Mr. Noman Waseem; Ms. Sarah Qureshi; Mr. Iftekhar Yezdani; Mr. Asif Ahmed; and Mr. Umair Aslam of Global Defence Insight. The PAeC leadership team, including Dr. Haroon Javed Qureshi, President; Mr. Asif Jah, Secretary General; Engr. Tanveer Ahmed, Treasurer; Mr. Imtiaz Rastgar, Founder Convener; Engr. Mansoor Malik, Dr. Javaid Ahsan Bhatti, Mr. Inayat Ali Shah, Javaid Anwar, and representatives from Teresol and AKSA Solutions, were also present.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for 2025 and Beyond
The meeting provided a comprehensive review of PAeC's significant achievements and milestones throughout the year. It also served as a platform for members to share innovative proposals and strategies for advancing the aerospace sector. The council outlined a strategic vision for 2025, focusing on:
Accelerating Collaboration: Fostering stronger partnerships between industry, academia, and government.

Resolving Industry Challenges: Addressing critical issues such as access to finance, skilled workforce development, and regulatory hurdles.
Driving Innovation: Promoting R&D in cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, and space exploration.

New Leadership and Advisory Board Appointed

The AGM concluded with the election of Mr. Shahid Rafiq as President, Mr. Inayat Ali Shah as Vice President, and Dr. Javiad Ahsan Bhatti as Secretary General of PAeC. The establishment of an Advisory Board further strengthens the organization's leadership. These appointments and developments augur well for the future of Pakistan's aerospace community as the sector continues its dynamic growth and ascends to new heights.

31/12/2024

Punjab's Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, has declared 2024 a transformative year for the province's education system. In just 10 months, the government implemented wide-ranging reforms, claiming to have outperformed the achievements of the previous administration’s four-year tenure.

Key initiatives included slashing textbook costs from Rs 14 billion to Rs 6 billion by removing middlemen, installing cameras in examination centers to curb cheating, and introducing technology-focused education like AI and IT certification courses for 300,000 youth in collaboration with Google.

Efforts to boost enrollment brought out-of-school children back, while Rs 2.1 billion in stipends under the Zewar-e-Taleem program significantly advanced girls’ education. The government also launched Pakistan’s largest scholarship scheme, benefitting 30,000 students annually.

Public schools in South Punjab saw the introduction of a nutrition program for 400,000 children, and initiatives like transport and scooter schemes made education more accessible for girls. Merit-based hiring and Punjab’s first e-transfer policy improved the system’s transparency and efficiency.

Other milestones included converting commerce colleges to e-commerce institutions, outsourcing low-performing schools to boost enrollment, and launching EdTech-based pilot schools for out-of-school children. A laptop distribution scheme is set to roll out in January 2025.

The Minister reiterated the government’s pledge to make public schools symbols of quality education within two years.

29/11/2024

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially lifted the suspension on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), allowing it to resume flights to Europe. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) Director General, Nadir Shafi Dar, also announced that Airblue has received Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization.

He thanked the Prime Minister, Aviation Minister, and Secretary Aviation for their support in achieving this important milestone. The DG praised his team for their hard work and commitment to ensuring safety standards and congratulated the Pakistani nation, airlines, and the aviation sector on this achievement. He also expressed gratitude to the European Commission and EASA for their cooperation and assistance throughout the process.

29/11/2024

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has reached a historic milestone as its KSE-100 Index crossed the 100,000-point mark, showing a remarkable 142% growth in just 17 months. This growth reflects rising investor confidence, better economic policies, and an improved business environment.

By the close of trading, the index climbed 813.52 points to reach 100,082.77, up from the previous day’s 99,269.25. This rally is driven by lower inflation, recent cuts in interest rates, and increased capital inflows, boosting market performance. Over the past five years, the PSX has delivered strong returns, averaging 20.9% annually in Pakistani rupees and 7.7% in US dollars.

PSX CEO Farrukh H. Sabzwari called this milestone a proud moment, showcasing the trust of investors and the strength of Pakistan’s economy. He emphasized the need to attract more small investors and list companies from underrepresented sectors to ensure sustainable market growth and long-term economic benefits.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited the PSX to celebrate this achievement and congratulated the management team. He was warmly welcomed by CEO Farrukh Sabzwari and the PSX team, who are committed to using this momentum to further boost the market and contribute to the country’s economic progress.

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