Author: Zahid Karani
By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Centrum Air will begin direct scheduled flights between Karachi and Tashkent from 3 September 2026, marking a new step in air connectivity between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The airline said the service will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, providing travellers with a direct link between the two cities while strengthening business, tourism and cultural exchanges. The new route is also expected to support trade and investment by improving connectivity between the two countries. Passengers travelling through Tashkent will have access to onward connections across Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The…
By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Karachi-based makeup artist Mona J has unveiled a new beauty offering inspired by advanced training at the New York Makeup Academy (NYMUA), bringing a Manhattan-style glamour look to her clients. The new style draws on contemporary New York beauty trends while incorporating classic glamour techniques. According to Mona J, the look features smoky eyes, defined contouring, sculpted cheeks and bold, carefully shaped lips, designed to create an elegant finish for bridal wear, evening events and other special occasions. She said the latest addition to her portfolio reflects the skills gained during a recent masterclass at the…
By Zahid Karani KARACHI: France celebrated its National Day in Karachi with a ceremony marking Bastille Day, highlighting more than seven decades of friendship between France and Pakistan while announcing a major change in its diplomatic presence in the city. Addressing diplomats, government officials, business leaders and invited guests, the Consul General of France commemorated the 237th anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille, describing it as a symbol of liberty, democracy and national unity. He reflected on the longstanding relationship between France and Pakistan, noting that France was among the first countries to recognise Pakistan following its independence in…
By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Community Policing Karachi (CPK), Plant a Million Pakistan and the Sindh Forest Department have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch the CPK Urban Forest Project, an initiative aimed at expanding Karachi’s green cover and promoting environmental sustainability. The partnership seeks to improve the city’s environment through coordinated tree plantation and conservation efforts, bringing together government institutions and civil society organisations to create cleaner and healthier public spaces. Under the first phase of the project, Community Policing Karachi will facilitate the planting of 3,000 trees along Shahrah-e-Bhutto. The Sindh Forest Department will provide technical expertise,…
By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Indonesia and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to building a more sustainable and investment-driven economic partnership, with leaders from both countries calling for stronger trade links, greater private-sector collaboration and progress towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The commitment was reiterated at the Indonesia–Pakistan Investment and Business Forum in Karachi, organised by the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad and the Indonesian Consulate General in Karachi, with support from the Indonesia Investment Promotion Centre (IIPC) Abu Dhabi. The forum brought together government officials, investment authorities, business leaders, investors, chambers of commerce and academics to explore new opportunities…
By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Javaid Alam Odho chaired a high-level meeting to establish the Sindh Police Sports Board, outlining a strategy to promote sports, youth engagement and healthy activities across the province. The meeting brought together members of the newly formed board to discuss its vision, objectives and future roadmap, with a focus on strengthening community development through collaborative initiatives. During the meeting, DIG Traffic Sindh Pir Mohammad Shah was appointed chairman of the Sindh Police Sports Board. Other board members include Zahid Hameed, Chief Executive Officer of Apparel Zone; Dr Danish Aman, Chairman of PTA South…
By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Pakistan–China economic cooperation took centre stage at a high-level seminar held in Karachi to mark the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), with speakers calling for deeper collaboration in trade, investment, industrial development and technology. The third high-level seminar was organised by the Economic Diplomacy Forum (EDF) in collaboration with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi under the theme, “Celebrating 105 Years of the Communist Party of China: Lessons, Opportunities and the Future of Pakistan–China Economic Cooperation.” The event brought together members of the consular corps, senior government…
By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Rotary International District 3271 has launched its 2026–27 Rotary year with the installation of Shahzad Sabir as District Governor during a ceremony at the PC Hotel in Karachi, attended by more than 1,000 Rotarians, diplomats, business leaders, development professionals and community representatives from Pakistan and abroad. The event also marked the unveiling of Rotary District 3271’s flagship community initiatives for the coming year. These include the Million Trees Project to support environmental sustainability, an expanded District Medical Outreach Programme, intensified polio immunisation campaigns, Pink Washrooms to improve menstrual hygiene and sanitation, hearing aid initiatives for people with hearing impairment, expanded…
By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Rotary International District 3271 formally began its 2026-27 year on Wednesday with a wreath-laying ceremony at the mausoleum of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, led by District Governor Shahzad Sabir. Sabir was accompanied by members of his family as well as the district’s leadership team, including Vice Governor Past District Governor Dr Aftab Imam, Mentor Past District Governor Muhammad Hanif Khan, District Secretary Arif Siddiqui, advisers to the governor, deputy governors, assistant governors and other office-bearers. The ceremony was hosted by the Rotary Club of Karachi Bay. Addressing the gathering, Sabir said paying tribute at the…
By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Pakistani energy sector leader Tara Uzra Dawood has completed the Austrian Leadership Programme and has been recognised by Austria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an emerging international leader in the field of energy, according to a statement issued on her achievement. Dawood, who is the founder of LADIESFUND Energy Pvt. Ltd., was selected to represent Pakistan among a group of global participants in the programme, which brings together professionals from different countries who have demonstrated leadership potential and a focus on innovation, sustainability and international cooperation in their respective fields. In an official message, Georg Lack,…