Author: Zahid Karani

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The High Commission of Rwanda in Islamabad, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Export Board, hosted the Rwanda Coffee Festival 2026 at a hotel in the capital, marking the first dedicated effort to introduce Rwanda’s premium specialty coffee to the Pakistani market.The event was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Pakistan’s federal minister for commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and Rwanda’s minister of trade and industry, Prudence Sebahizi, along with Rwanda’s high commissioner to Pakistan, Harerimana Fatou. Diplomats, members of parliament, business leaders and delegates from Rwanda attended the opening. Addressing the gathering, Sebahizi said Rwanda had…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The Akhuwat Foundation held its annual dinner at the Governor House in Sindh, bringing together prominent figures from across society to support its work in poverty alleviation. The Karachi event focused on announcing new-year pledges and raising funds for the organisation’s welfare programs. Akhuwat, a non-profit known for providing interest-free loans, aimed the evening at strengthening support for initiatives that help underprivileged people become self-reliant. Speakers highlighted the foundation’s model of dignity-based assistance and community trust. Founder and chief executive Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib reflected on Akhuwat’s 25-year journey, saying the organization had empowered thousands of…

Press Release By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The English Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP) hosted Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi HI(M), Commander Karachi, as the chief guest at an event on 26 January 2026, where he delivered a keynote address on “Future Expectations from Elites of Karachi.” Vice Admiral Abbasi, an alumnus of Pakistan Navy War College, Naval War College (USA), and the National Defence University Islamabad, highlighted the importance of collective efforts in shaping Karachi’s future. He emphasized the pivotal role of the city’s elites in driving growth and development. The event encouraged dialogue and debate among Karachi’s leading figures…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The Money Matters Wealth Expo has begun to reshape how Pakistan talked about money, investment and financial planning, challenging long-held assumptions that such conversations were only for experts or the financially privileged. What started as a conventional exhibition had evolved into a broader national movement aimed at financial inclusion, awareness and empowerment, reaching communities that had often been left out of the country’s financial mainstream. In a society where discussions about savings, insurance or investment were frequently seen as intimidating or even inappropriate, the Expo sought to normalize those conversations. Its organizers framed financial literacy not…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan Chandra W. Sukotjo along with the Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi Bapak Mudzakir, welcomed Vice Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, on Thursday. The visit of the Indonesian Vice Minister of Trade is part of a series of working engagements in Pakistan aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations between Indonesia and Pakistan, as well as supporting the growth of exports of Indonesia’s flagship products to the Pakistani market. During her stay in Karachi,…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Violence and harassment against women remain a persistent problem in Pakistan, and filmmaker Huma Shaikh has brought the issue boldly to the screen with her new film, Item. Premiered on 24 December 2025 across cinemas nationwide, the film has been praised as a powerful portrayal of women’s courage, dignity, and determination. Item tells the story of Mahnoor, played by Aaliya Ali, the daughter of a disabled father. Forced to abandon her education due to social harassment and slander, she faces the harsh realities of a society governed by double standards. The narrative follows her journey from…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Empower Sports Academy unveiled a landmark program aimed at transforming women’s sports in Pakistan, announcing a partnership with the Prime Minister’s Youth Program to train and empower 10,000 young female athletes annually. The initiative, presented at a high-profile press conference, seeks to provide world-class coaching, education, and international opportunities for girls across the country. Empower Sports Academy’s Alisha Junaid highlighted the barriers she witnessed for talented girls in Pakistan and stressed the need for structured pathways to national and global success. Alisha said the Academy, in collaboration with local Olympians and international institutions such as Stanford…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas had appointed Asad Ur Rehman Khan as its Honorary Consul General Karachi, marking a new step in diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The appointment was formally recognized by the government of Pakistan after the issuance of an exequatur signed by the president, completing the legal and diplomatic requirements for Khan to assume his role. Based in Karachi, Asad Khan was tasked with representing and promoting the interests of the Bahamas in Pakistan at a time when both countries were seeking to broaden their international partnerships beyond traditional…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Airport Hotel Karachi and Pro Skills Academy Karachi have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing educational, professional, and skill development opportunities for young people in the city. The signing ceremony brought together leaders from the hospitality and education sectors, underscoring a commitment to workforce development and vocational training. Chief Guest Hanif Gohar, Chairman of Gohar Group and Air Karachi airline, received a souvenir from Azeem Qureshi, Head of the Board of Directors of Pro Skills, CEO of ChenOne Hospitality, and CEO of Golden Keys Hotels, in recognition of his support for the…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The Khudi Foundation hosted a distinguished ceremony in Karachi to launch “Bazgasht-e-Daroon,” the latest poetry collection by acclaimed poet Muhammad Nasim Mehnavi. The event drew prominent literary figures, intellectuals, and members of the cultural community from across Pakistan, creating an atmosphere of scholarly engagement and celebration of Urdu literature. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Syed Taqi Abidi, an internationally recognized scholar, critic, and researcher of Urdu literature, whose presidential address lent the event significant academic depth. Mahmood Ahmed Khan, a noted literary and social figure, attended as the chief guest, while opening remarks were…