Author: Zahid Karani

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Sindh’s minister for local government and housing and town planning, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, has pledged full support for women entrepreneurs, saying that empowered women are the foundation of a strong and progressive society. He was speaking as chief guest at the Women Empowerment Award Ceremony Sinf-e-Aahan, held at a local hotel in Karachi to honor women from diverse fields across Pakistan for their contributions to society. The event brought together professionals, achievers and guests in what organizers described as a well-organized and impactful ceremony. Addressing the gathering, Shah congratulated the award recipients and said platforms…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The 9th meeting of the FPCCI Central Standing Committee on Corporate Relations and Communication was held at the FPCCI head office in Karachi, with Convener Shujaat Ali Baig and Deputy Convener Syed Turab Shah leading discussions on upcoming events. Members reviewed preparations for programs marking Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday and Christmas. Farhan Ahmed, president of the Communications Association of Pakistan, was appointed Secretary of Corporate Relations and Communications, replacing Imran Rana due to scheduling conflicts. It was agreed that the Quaid-e-Azam birthday cake would be cut on December 24 at Quaid-e-Azam House, hosted by Executive…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Indonesia encouraged its business community to explore Pakistan’s largely untapped markets as a means of fostering balanced and sustainable trade relations, the Indonesian Consul General in Karachi, Mudzakir, M.A, said on Sunday. He made the remarks while addressing the “Networking Dinner for the Indonesia Business Delegation for the International Consumer Products Fair (ICPF) 2025,” hosted by the Indonesian Consulate at a local hotel. The dinner formed part of a broader series of trade-promotion activities linked to the strong presence of the Indonesian Pavilion at the 7th ICPF 2025. The pavilion showcased Indonesian products and provided a…

By Nuzhat Abid Jaffri RIYADH: Pakistan’s cultural and culinary heritage was placed in the global spotlight at the 2025 Gourmand Awards in Riyadh, where writers, chefs and cultural storytellers from around the world gathered to celebrate food as a reflection of identity and history. Held annually for nearly three decades, the Gourmand Awards recognize outstanding food books and cultural narratives from across continents. This year’s ceremony brought together participants from dozens of countries, each presenting stories rooted in tradition, memory and national heritage. Among them, Pakistani author Sayeeda Leghari received an award for her book Pakistan Heritage – A Food…

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…