Category: General

Following the successful launch of Pakistan's first lunar satellite, iCUBE, another satellite is scheduled for release into space on May 30. The upcoming satellite, MM1, is a collaborative effort between SUPARCO and the National Space Agency and will contribute to the establishment of a cutting-edge communication system. Designed to address the increasing demands of the telecom sector, MM1 is poised to enhance 5G internet services in the country. Notably, Pakistan's maiden lunar mission, ICUBE Qamar, achieved a significant milestone by successfully entering the moon's orbit just three days ago. Operating under extreme conditions, with temperatures plummeting as low as minus 100 degrees Celsius, MM1 is equipped with a 7kg one-megapixel camera specifically tailored for missions with stringent power constraints. Its capacity to transmit images at a modest 1-kbps rate will facilitate surface-level analysis, providing crucial data on crater locations, water, and traces of ice on the moon's surface. These find ings, obtained through various techniques, hold immense promise for global utilization. Source: Pro Pakistani

Tragedy struck as a young Pakistani student, Anthony Shoukat, lost his life during a robbery attempt in Porto, Portugal. Hailing from Lahore, Anthony had gone to Portugal for a research project affiliated with the renowned Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital. The circumstances surrounding Anthony's untimely demise paint a picture of bravery and resilience. Reports suggest that he valiantly resisted the robbery attempt, displaying courage in the face of danger. However, tragically, his efforts to thwart the assailants ultimately led to his demise, leaving his family and loved ones shattered by the loss. As news of Anthony's passing reverberated through his community, his family issued a heartfelt plea to the authorities for assistance. They implored the government to expedite the repatriation of Anthony's remains and ensure that those responsible for his senseless death are swiftly brought to justice. The anguish and sorrow felt by Anthony's family underscore the profound impact of his loss on their lives. An thony's academic journey was marked by notable achievements, reflecting his dedication to scholarly pursuits. Having earned his master's degree in Sweden and completed his PhD in Germany, Anthony was recognized for his scholarly contributions and intellectual prowess. His passion for research and commitment to excellence endeared him to colleagues and peers alike. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by individuals living and working abroad, far from the familiarity and security of home. It underscores the importance of vigilance and caution, even in seemingly safe environments, and highlights the need for greater awareness of personal safety measures while traveling or residing in foreign countries. In a poignant parallel, Anthony's fate evokes memories of another recent loss suffered by the Pakistani diaspora. Fahimuddin, a Pakistani-German resident, was also tragically killed in a knife attack in Ulm, Germany, earlier this year. The parallels between these two incidents serv e as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals living abroad and the importance of community support in times of crisis. Source: Pro Pakistani

Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is endeavoring for introducing reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), expanding the tax base, and implementing a robust track and trace system. With the country's tax collection potential estimated at twenty-four trillion rupees, the current target of nine trillion rupees highlights systemic challenges that must be addressed urgently. Around two times the annual revenue target is being lost due to corruption, incompetence, and negligence within the system. This substantial amount could have been utilized for repaying the country's debts, constructing hospitals, schools, universities, and roads. Recently, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund have also recommended improving Pakistan's tax system to alleviate its financial burden. Tax collection, deemed essential for government operations, is seen as crucial for driving socio-economic progress. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is keen for increasing tax revenue, and to ensure this, the SIFC sta nds hand in hand with the government at every step. Source: Radio Pakistan

A delegation of German Company led by its Vice President Benedik Aneselmann called a Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore today. During the meeting they discussed provision of technical services for development projects and welfare initiative in the province. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz extended an invitation to TUV Rheinland Company to benefit from business opportunities in Punjab. Source: Radio Pakistan

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar will pay a four day visit to Beijing, China from Monday. During the visit, he will co-chair the Fifth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister and Director of the General Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China, Wang Yi. The two sides will comprehensively review Pakistan-China bilateral relations including economic and trade cooperation; high-level exchanges and visits; upgradation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and future connectivity initiatives. The two leaders will also exchange views on the unfolding regional geopolitical landscape and bilateral cooperation at the multilateral fora. On the sidelines of the Strategic Dialogue, Ishaq Dar is expected to meet Chinese leaders, senior Ministers and leading corporate executives. In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the Deputy Prime Minister's visit is part of regular high-level excha nges between Pakistan and China. She said it reflects the importance attached by the two countries to further deepening the "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership", reaffirming mutual support on issues of core interest, enhancing economic and trade cooperation including CPEC and reinforcing joint commitment to regional peace and development. Source: Radio Pakistan

In Gwadar, locals held a rally from Sarbandar Chowk to Jaiti to condemn killing of laborers from Punjab who were shot dead by the terrorists on Wednesday. People were holding banners and placards to show solidarity with the families of the victims. The elders of Baloch Yakjehti Committee and locals chanted slogans against the outlawed organizations including BLA, BLF, BRA and BSO. They demanded to bring the facilitators and perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. They termed the killings of Punjabi laborers as a nefarious attempt to tarnish the harmony among the different people residing in the town. They said that Sarbandar is a peaceful city and the division on the basis of caste, color creed and sect is condemnable. Source: Radio Pakistan