Author: Zahid Karani

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Sri Lanka has intensified efforts to boost its presence in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, by organizing a major business-to-business (B2B) roadshow and networking evening focused on tourism. The event aimed to foster collaboration with the Pakistani travel industry and inject fresh energy into bilateral tourism relations. Speaking at the occasion, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi Sanjiva Patiwella said that historical, cultural, and friendly ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always been strong. He invited Pakistani travelers to experience Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, beaches, forests, historical sites, and renowned hospitality, and thanked Pakistan for…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The Consulate General of the State of Qatar in Karachi hosted a grand reception to mark the National Day of Qatar, celebrating the legacy of the country’s founder, Sheikh Jassim Bin Muhammad Bin Thani. The event, held at a five-star hotel in the city, brought together senior officials, diplomats, and business leaders in a ceremony underscoring the deep and enduring ties between Qatar and Pakistan. The occasion was marked by a ceremonial cake-cutting attended by His Excellency Nayef Shahein R.M Al-Sulaiti, Consul General of Qatar in Karachi, alongside the Governor of Sindh, Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori,…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: An exclusive exhibition showcasing the economic and commercial potential of Qazvin, a province in Iran, is set to open in Karachi this week, organizers said. The event, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture of Qazvin in collaboration with the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, is being coordinated with the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi. Scheduled to run from 12 to 14 December at the KATI office, the exhibition aims to highlight Qazvin’s industrial and commercial strengths while promoting bilateral trade and provincial-level diplomacy between Iran and…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi, Mudzakir M.A, has described Pencak Silat—Indonesia’s traditional martial art—as a growing bridge of friendship between Indonesia and Pakistan. Speaking at the Pencak Silat Exhibition Game on Saturday, Mudzakir welcomed the sport’s inclusion as an exhibition event for the first time at Pakistan’s 35th National Games 2025. He said the milestone offers a significant opportunity to introduce Pencak Silat to a wider audience, attract new athletes, and expand its presence nationally. The Consul General expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Sports Board, Pakistan Olympic Association, and Sindh Olympic Association for supporting…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The Tea Square community came together for Reach to Teach 2.0 – Ride for a Better Tomorrow, an event celebrating progress in education and reaffirming a shared commitment to empowering learners across Pakistan. The event highlighted achievements including over 1,600 learners across 33 learning centers in nine cities, 200 graduates, and the growing impact of TeeSquare’s programs. More than 200 cyclists participated, bringing energy and purpose to the ride. Thanks to this year’s sponsorships, TeeSquare will support 50 out-of-school children, enabling them to continue education up to primary levels and strengthen foundational literacy skills. This initiative…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Sri Lanka issued an urgent appeal for international assistance after Cyclone Ditwah swept across the island, unleashing devastating floods and landslides that claimed at least 159 lives, with more than 200 people reported missing. The cyclone left tens of thousands displaced and affected over 833,000 people, or roughly 230,000 families, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency to coordinate relief efforts more effectively. Sanjeewa Pattiwila, Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Karachi, called on the global community to support emergency operations, stressing the critical need for both financial contributions and essential material aid. The Sri Lankan…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Shaan e Pakistan celebrated its 10th anniversary with the inauguration of the SEPMA Academy, a new initiative offering free music education to visually impaired and specially-abled individuals. The Media Meet-and-Greet event featured a red carpet attended by prominent personalities including Alyy Khan, Nadira Panjwani, Irfan Pardesi, and Jawed Iqbal. Shanaz Ramzi opened the event with a welcome address, highlighting SEPMA’s achievements and future plans. Performances included a musical presentation by SEPMA, a thematic mash-up “The World is Different but Emotions Are the Same” directed by Huma Haji Zikar Pardesi, and the SEPMA Academy’s “We Sense” performance.…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The SBC Group of Companies hosted an exclusive dinner and Qawwali evening in honour of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, bringing together prominent political, corporate, and diplomatic figures in Karachi. The event drew distinguished guests including Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, former FBR Chairman Shabbar Zaidi, Senator Khushbakht Shujaat, MNA Asad Alam Niazi, MPAs Bilal Jadoon and Asif Khan, and senior executives from Sindh Bank, Jubilee General Insurance, and EFU Insurance. Also in attendance were honorary consuls from Ivory Coast and Tajikistan, former CPLC chief Ahmed Chinoy, ex-IG Sultan Ali Khawaja, and several leading bankers…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The Karachi Women Entrepreneurs Group, led by Shama Rashid, held the fourth edition of the Pinktober Women Festival at the Sindh Governor House, focusing on breast cancer awareness and women’s well-being. The event opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran and Naat by Nazma Javed. Advisor to the Governor, Tariq Mustafa, conveyed the message of Governor Kamran Tessori, praising Shama Rashid’s efforts in organising the festival. Shama Rashid highlighted ongoing initiatives to combat breast cancer, stressing the importance of early detection and timely treatment amid rising new cases. Sessions covered women’s mental and physical health,…

Sindh delegation signs $22.9m trade deals with Indonesia at TEI 2025, boosting cooperation across automotive, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food sectors. By Zahid Karani JAKARTA: A business delegation from Sindh Province, Pakistan, secured trade and cooperation agreements worth USD 22.9 million at the 2025 Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) in BSD City, officials said. The visit was coordinated by the Indonesian Consulate General in Karachi. The agreements, formalized through several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), cover sectors including natural commodities, automotive parts, textiles and fashion, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and food and beverages. Major deals included a partnership between Mehran Commercial Enterprises (Pakistan) and…