Business Observer

The Institute of Space Technology of Pakistan would launch a student cube satellite 'ICUBE-Qamar' into the lunar orbit aboard China's Chang'E-6 Mission from Wenchang space launch site, Hainan in China tomorrow. The launch activity would be telecast live on IST website as well as Institute's social media accounts. The ICUBE-Q has two cameras as payload for imaging Lunar Surface, imaging Earth from Lunar Orbit and Moon and Earth together. Source: Radio Pakistan

Google for Education team along with their local partner Tech Valley Pakistan called on Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja in her office on Thursday. The delegation included Paul Hutchings, Regional Head, Google for Education, Tim Paolini, Special Projects, APAC, Harris Suffian, Education Lead Pakistan and Umar Farooq, CEO Tech Valley. The discussions focused on equipping out-of-school children with the tools they need. Google for Education's upcoming initiatives aim to bridge the educational gap and ensure everyone in Pakistan has access to quality learning through Google for Education's tools and Chromebooks. While talking to delegation, the minister said the government has a larger vision to transform the country into an export hub. This ambitious plan involves not just manufacturing but also knowledge transfer. The government will actively facilitate this shift, focusing on building Pakistan's export capacity in human resources, services, and technology, she said. So urce: Pro Pakistani

Pak Suzuki Motor Company has announced a substantial price reduction of up to Rs. 710,000 for Swift in what they've termed as a 'limited-time offer.' In response to the current market, Suzuki revealed the adjusted retail prices of Suzuki Swift effective May 1, 2024. The Swift GL MT will now be available at Rs. 4,336,000, marking a reduction of Rs. 85,000 from its previous price of Rs. 4,421,000. Similarly, the Swift GL CVT sees a price drop of Rs. 159,000, now priced at Rs. 4,560,000 compared to its earlier Rs. 4,719,000. The most significant price adjustment comes with the Swift GLX CVT, which now stands at Rs. 4,719,000, witnessing a notable decrease of Rs. 710,000 from its previous price of Rs. 5,429,000. It's important to note that these revised retail prices include FED and Sales Tax but exclude Advance Income Tax, as mentioned in the official notice. Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh, Head of Corporate Affairs at Pak Suzuki Motor Company, emphasized that these price reductions are temporary, attributing them to t he company's aim to restore economic stability and minimize currency fluctuations. He also highlighted the supportive role of government policies and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in this decision. This move by Pak Suzuki comes amidst other significant price adjustments in the automobile market. Lucky Motor Corporation recently announced a substantial price cut for KIA's Stonic EX+ in Pakistan, dropping from Rs. 6,280,000 to Rs. 4,767,000, effective April 29. Industry analysts view these price adjustments as strategic measures to stimulate demand and enhance market competitiveness in the challenging automotive sector. Mohammed Abrar, an auto analyst at Arif Habib Limited, believes that such initiatives aim to capture a larger market share amid evolving market conditions. Source: Pro Pakistani

Nutshell Group, a leading player in Pakistan's communication and strategic engagements domain proudly announces the appointment of Fareena Mazhar as its Chief Public Engagement Officer. Fareena served as the Federal Secretary for the National Heritage and Culture Division and the Board of Investment, in addition to various senior roles in diverse entities such as the Federal Board of Revenue, the Ministry of Commerce, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, and the Prime Minister's Office. Her appointment represents a pivotal moment in Nutshell's commitment to fostering stronger connections and meaningful interactions with the public sector. Fareena is a seasoned professional with over 37 years of experience in Civil Services. She retired from the esteemed position of Federal Secretary (BS 22) and has contributed across various roles beginning with the Inland Revenue Service in 1986. Her tenure in the Investments department saw significant achievements. While she was heading the reform team, as the Additional Secretary, Pakistan climbed 39 positions in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' ranking within two years, earning recognition as the 6th largest reformer globally. Fareena was acknowledged by the World Bank for her pivotal role in driving essential regulatory reforms - one of five outstanding women in the world in 2020. Under her guidance, milestones such as the framing of rules supporting the Special Economic Zones Act were achieved. Commenting on Fareena's appointment, Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder and Chairman, Nutshell Group, and Rabia Ahmad, Director and CEO, Nutshell Group said: 'As we continue to expand our reach and strengthen our connections, Fareena's experience, expertise, and vision will be invaluable. Her leadership will play a crucial role in shaping our public engagement strategies and further strengthening our brand reputation.' Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman (Rtd), Chief Executive Strategic Engagements, Nutshell Group, welcoming Fareena, stated: 'On behalf of the entire Nutshell team, I am delighted to welcome Fareena Mazhar as our Chief Public Engagement Officer. Fareena brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise that will be instrumental in driving our public engagement initiatives. Her passion for community engagement and her innovative approach to communication make her an invaluable addition to our leadership team.' Fareena's appointment represents a significant step toward fostering stronger connections and reinforcing Nutshell's commitment to transparency, accessibility, and community engagement. Source: Pro Pakistani

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, on the occasion of Labor Day, made several important announcements. The Chief Minister announced double the assistance packages provided to the laborers by the provincial government. Furthermore, CM Gandapur directed to appoint magistrates to ensure the labor class is paid the minimum wage set by the government. Ali Amin also gave instructions to the Labour Department to transfer the ownership of 2,056 residential flats in Peshawar to the laborers. He also highlighted the increase in the Labour Department's revenue and added that packages for the laborers should also be increased accordingly. Moreover, the Chief Minister stated that the salaries of laborers must be transferred through bank accounts. He also stressed the importance of establishing an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure the labor class receives the minimum wage. CM Ali Amin transferred Rs. 177.5 million rupees to the accounts of the Labour Department to pay for the educational expe nditures of children. According to details, this amount will benefit a total of 22,354 students. He also announced that the provincial government would protect the rights of laborers by introducing new legislation and reforms within the existing legal framework. Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in its monthly outlook for May has announced the possibility of a heatwave in Punjab. PMD stated that the province is expected to experience a heatwave from May 12 and the temperature will likely soar above 40 degrees Celsius. The Met Department's monthly outlook stated that atmospheric conditions favor the potential development of heatwaves, particularly in the plain areas of the southern half of the country. As per PMD, the neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is expected to continue throughout the forecast month, accompanied by the prevailing positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), potentially leading heatwave in Punjab. PMD further stated that there is a tendency for near-normal rainfall across most parts of the country. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, northern Punjab, and Azad Kashmir may experience slightly above-normal rainfall. The department forecasted that daytime maximum temperatures are likely to stay slig htly above normal across the northern and southern regions of the country. However, central parts, including most of Punjab and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, may experience normal to slightly below normal maximum temperatures. Concurrently warmer than normal minimum temperatures are expected nationwide with maximum departure over northern KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. The weather department's projections suggest that above-normal precipitation in May could bring benefits to agriculture in Pakistan. However, precautions are advised to protect standing wheat crops during the harvesting phase from potential hailstorms and windstorms in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Photohar region, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Source: Pro Pakistani