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ISLAMABAD ( DI NEWS) : Mastercard has once again collaborated with foodpanda, a Delivery Hero-owned online food and grocery delivery platform, to boost digital payment in Pakistan and support the nation’s transition toward a cashless economy. This collaboration with one of Pakistan’s leading delivery platforms underscores Mastercard’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion and strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem. According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan, currency in circulation (CIC) in the country increased by 11.2% during the first half of 2024. By addressing the gap between cash and digital payments, Mastercard and foodpanda are uniquely positioned to accelerate…

The World Bank has revised its forecast for Pakistan’s GDP growth for the fiscal year 2024-25 to 2.8% marking a notable improvement of 0.5% from its previous estimate of 2.3% in June 2024. This prediction, however, lags behind the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) growth projection of 3%, and is also lower than the government’s target of 3.6%. According to the World Bank’s World Economic Prospects Report 2025, Pakistan’s growth remains relatively subdued compared to regional neighbors. India is expected to lead the South Asian region with a growth rate of 6.7%, followed by Bhutan at 7.2%, Maldives at 4.7%, Nepal at…

By: Maarij Farooq China has once again demonstrated its role as a responsible and stabilising force in global diplomacy by mediating the 7th round of peace talks between the Myanmar government and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). Held in Kunming, Yunnan Province, the talks culminated in a historic ceasefire agreement, halting hostilities as of 12 a.m. on January 18, 2025. This agreement is a significant milestone in ending years of bloodshed and conflict in Myanmar’s northern regions. Yet, the global response has been strikingly muted, exposing the double standards in the international community when it comes to acknowledging…

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court’s Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has raised concerns over the implications of withdrawing cases from judicial benches, suggesting it would undermine judicial independence. Referring to recent developments, he questioned whether committees can withdraw cases if it appears that a decision might go against the government. Justice Mansoor made these remarks during a contempt of court hearing led by a two-member bench he headed. The case arose after the Registrar of the Supreme Court failed to schedule a hearing for a matter related to bench powers despite a judicial order. At the start of the hearing, the judges questioned…

Three senior judges of the Supreme Court including Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Ayesha Malik, and Justice Aqeel Abbasi have written a letter to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi. All judges in a letter expressed concerns over the non-scheduling of the important “bench powers” case, terming the issue a violation of judicial orders and contempt of court. The letter also addressed to Justice Aminuddin Khan raised objections to the failure to hear the case on January 20, despite prior directives. It noted that Justice Aqeel Abbasi, who had been added to the bench on January 16, had previously heard the case…

Security forces have intensified operations against terrorists in multiple areas of Lower Kurram, deploying gunship helicopters to target hideouts in the region. The two days of the operation have caused significant disruption to civilian life, with food and medical supplies running critically low due to road closures. According to the district administration, security forces have focused their efforts in areas such as Bagan, Charkhel, Pistavani, and the mountains of Zarana in Central Kurram. Gunship helicopters have shelled suspected terrorist hideouts. Tribal elders in the region have welcomed the operation, though concerns about its impact on civilians persist. Meanwhile, a case…

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States. In a statement issued by the Presidency, Zardari conveyed his best wishes to President Trump, expressing hope for a prosperous tenure that strengthens ties between Pakistan and the United States. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended his “warmest congratulations” to Trump, emphasizing the enduring partnership between the two nations. In a post on his official X account, Shehbaz said: “Over the years, our two great countries have worked together closely to…

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States in a momentous ceremony at Capitol Hill, marking a return to power with a bold vision for America’s future. Trump declared the beginning of a “Golden Age” for the nation, promising sweeping reforms and immediate action to address economic, energy, and immigration challenges. ‘Golden age begins now’ Delivering his inaugural address, Trump proclaimed, “The Golden Age of America begins right now.” He vowed to restore national pride, prosperity, and strength, asserting, “From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world.…

Teaching activities remain suspended for the third consecutive day in more than 17 universities across Sindh, including the University of Karachi, following protests against the appointment of bureaucrats as vice chancellors. The shutdown was called by the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) Sindh chapter, demanding reforms in university governance and appointments. Key demands of protesters FAPUASA has called for the appointment of qualified individuals from academia, rather than bureaucrats, as vice chancellors, citing the need to prioritize academic leadership. The federation has demanded the regularization of university teachers and an end to hiring on a contract basis.…

The Punjab government has introduced new subjects for matriculation, offering students diverse options beyond the traditional science and arts streams. Starting this academic year, students will have the opportunity to pursue matriculation in innovative fields such as information technology, technology entrepreneurship, health sciences, agriculture science, and fashion designing. The decision aims to align the education system with international standards and provide students with skills that cater to contemporary demands. According to the Punjab education minister, the introduction of these courses marks a shift from conventional education methods to more practical, career-oriented learning paths. Key features of new courses Students can…