Picture of Ayza Shahbaz

Ayza Shahbaz

AIOU ranked among world's largest universities, over 1 million students enrolled

AIOU ranked among world’s largest universities, over 1 million students enrolled

The UNESCO report emphasises that AIOU is on par with some of the largest distance learning institutions worldwide, such as China’s open university system with 4.6 million students, India’s IGNOU with 3.1 million, Türkiye’s Anadolu University with 1 million, Indonesia’s Universitas Terbuka with 0.8 million, and Nigeria’s NOUN with 0.5 million students.

UN: Pakistan urges negotiations to end Ukraine conflict

UN: Pakistan urges negotiations to end Ukraine conflict

The ambassador emphasised the necessity of resuming sustained, structured, and meaningful negotiations, highlighting that a military solution is not viable and that enduring peace can only be attained through dialogue based on the principles of the UN Charter.

IMF in talks with Pakistan for next review

IMF in talks with Pakistan for next review

Ahead of the review, Kozack further stated that the IMF perceives the conflict in the Middle East as introducing new risks for the region, particularly through commodity price channels, which include rising oil and gas prices, increased fertiliser costs, and potential hikes in food prices.

PMD predicts rain, thunderstorms across the country

PMD predicts rain, thunderstorms across the country

It has been warned that hailstorms and windstorms may cause damage to standing crops in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, while heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding in central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan throughout the forecast period.

US delegation to arrive in Pakistan for possible Iran talks

US delegation to arrive in Pakistan for possible Iran talks

“Efforts are being made through back-channel diplomacy to encourage Iran to participate in the negotiations,” stated a source from the ministry, who also mentioned that Pakistan, Türkiye, and Egypt “are collaboratively facilitating this initiative.”

BTS send shockwaves across the world with comeback concert

BTS send shockwaves across the world with comeback concert

The comeback concert comes after three years since all members including RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook had to join the military as part of South Korea’s mandatory military service policy for able-bodied males between ages 18 and 35 years.

Armed Forces congratulate the nation on Pakistan Day

Armed Forces congratulate the nation on Pakistan Day

In their messages on Pakistan Day, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, together with Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, expressed their heartfelt congratulations to the nation.

SUPARCO launches space initiative to tackle climate change

SUPARCO launches space initiative to tackle climate change

According to ISPR, this platform is designed to monitor atmospheric pollutants (such as aerosols, SOx, and NOx), greenhouse gases (including CO₂ and methane), as well as forests, glaciers, coastal dynamics, river systems, and land use.

Electricity bills to climb to Rs1.64 per unit in April

Electricity bills to climb to Rs1.64 per unit in April

The decision comes after a utilities’ request to the country’s energy regulator on Monday for approval of an additional charge of Rs1.64 per unit to recover fuel costs that significantly exceeded the amounts billed to customers in February 2026.

LUMS receives Gates Foundation grant for Pakistan's first National AI Hub

LUMS receives Gates Foundation grant for Pakistan’s first National AI Hub

The press release indicated that LUMS would utilise its expertise in AI, language technologies, gender and technology research, and digital public health innovation, while AKU would offer technical and clinical support, contribute to maternal health datasets, and aid in the field testing of AI-enabled interventions across various care environments.

PSX: SECP to consult market on T+1 settlement

PSX: SECP to consult market on T+1 settlement

This consultation, which is expected to conclude following the Eid holidays, will concentrate on identifying the challenges of implementation and evaluating the effects of T+1 on liquidity, investor engagement, operational preparedness, and heightened capital requirements, as stated in the SECP press release.

Federal govt proposes amendments to Naya Pakistan Certificates rules

Federal govt proposes amendments to Naya Pakistan Certificates rules

The proposed modifications would introduce new definitions in Rule 2, such as “Foreign Currency Business Value Account (FCBVA)” and “Non-Resident Rupee Business Value Account (NRBVA)”, both of which are defined as accounts established in compliance with the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947.

Senate panel warns of gas shortage in Pakistan after April 14

Senate panel warns of gas shortage in Pakistan after April 14

Currently, Pakistan possesses crude oil reserves adequate for 11 days, diesel for 21 days, petrol for 27 days, LPG for nine days, and jet fuel (JP-1) for 14 days, as reported by the Secretary of Petroleum to the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum on Monday, amid the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

FO: Pakistan urges India to stop supporting terrorism on Afghan soil

FO: Pakistan urges India to stop supporting terrorism on Afghan soil

Andrabi stated, ‘The comments made by the spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs concerning Pakistan’s legitimate, targeted, and precise actions against terrorist hideouts and support bases within Afghanistan are not only absurd and unjustified but also shamefully hypocritical.’

New shipping service links Karachi Port to UAE

New shipping service links Karachi Port to UAE

Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced that Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited (KGTL), a significant partner of Karachi Port Trust (KPT), will manage the dedicated feeder service linking Karachi with Fujairah and Khorfakkan in UAE.

Tuba Anwar reveals major financial scam while visiting the UK

Tuba Anwar reveals major financial scam while visiting the UK

Reflecting on the experience, Syeda Tuba Anwar stated, “I was traveling to London after many years, and I was filled with excitement and anticipation for my vacation. I had purchased a brand new iPhone from the Apple Store in the UK, which added to my enthusiasm.”

FBR grants 50% tax reduction to citizens over 60

FBR grants 50% tax reduction to citizens over 60

The rebate extends beyond unpaid taxes, senior citizens who have already settled their tax dues are also eligible to claim the 50% reduction as a refund when submitting their annual tax returns.

Thousands observe Itikaf during last Ashra of Ramzan

Thousands observe Itikaf during last Ashra of Ramzan

During the Last Ashra, worshippers will remain in solitude within mosques, devoting their time solely to prayer, reflection, and the recitation of the Quran in search of Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, which is believed in Islamic tradition to offer rewards greater than a thousand months of worship.

Weather forecast: Hailstorm predicted in parts of Islamabad

Weather forecast: Hailstorm predicted in parts of Islamabad

Weather forecast reveals rain, along with wind and thunderstorms, expected in Islamabad, the Pothohar region, Murree, Galliyat, and nearby areas from the night of the 9th to the 11th of March, with occasional breaks in precipitation.

Could Pakistan get pulled into war with Iran?

Could Pakistan get pulled into war with Iran?

This warning followed the incident where Iranian drones targeted the US embassy compound in Riyadh, along with attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including the Ras Tanura oil complex.

Pakistan passes new law for crypto growth

Pakistan passes new law for crypto growth

The legislation, which has recently received parliamentary approval, officially creates the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority as the national governing body for virtual asset markets and service providers.

Britney Spears arrested for driving under the influence

Britney Spears arrested for driving under the influence

“We are optimistic that she can receive the assistance and support she requires during this challenging period. “Her children will be spending time with her. Her family will devise a much-needed plan to ensure her success and well-being”, he added.

Lahore High Court dismisses three civil judges over misconduct charges

Lahore High Court dismisses three civil judges over misconduct charges

After receiving approval from the court’s administrative committee, the registrar released a notification indicating that Civil Judge Lahore Naseem Akhtar Naz and Civil Judge Rawalpindi Muhammad Aslam were dismissed following the substantiation of the misconduct allegations against them.

Iran: Damage to Natanz nuclear complex confirmed

Iran: Damage to Natanz nuclear complex confirmed

Satellite images of the nuclear facility reveal damage to three buildings on the premises, providing the first visual confirmation of the effects that US and Israeli strikes have had on Iran’s nuclear program.

FM: No immediate threat to Pakistan amid US Iran war

FM: No immediate threat to Pakistan amid US Iran war

During a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), he mentioned that the government has implemented comprehensive and urgent measures to assist and support Pakistanis who are stranded in Iran and other Gulf States following the US-Israel strikes on the Islamic State.

Karachi port activity intensifies

Karachi port activity intensifies

The import cargo, amounting to 166,782 tonnes, consisted of 71,198 tonnes of Containerized Cargo, 6,388 tonnes of Canola, 4,144 tonnes of DAP, 17,534 tonnes of Rock Phosphate, 452 tonnes of Soya Bean Seeds, and 67,066 tonnes of Liquid Cargo.

IMF Pakistan , IMF, Pakistan,

IMF shortens visit to Pakistan amid regional conflict

The US government has recommended that its citizens reassess travel to Pakistan and “exercise caution, avoid large gatherings,” while designating certain areas as Level 4, which are deemed off-limits for travel.

Pakistan wins gold, silver at World Indoor Rowing Championship

Pakistan wins gold, silver at World Indoor Rowing Championship

Representing Pakistan, athletes Abdur Rehman and Zarq Khan from Punjab University showcased exceptional performance in the 1-Minute Sprint Event of the World Rowing Indoor Virtual Championship, achieving significant milestones in the Under-21 Men categories. Gold Medal – 21-22 Lightweight Men (1 Minute).

Diverted Gulf flights to take off from Karachi airport

Diverted Gulf flights to take off from Karachi airport

According to aviation sources, a significant number of foreign carriers, including Gulf flights were rerouted to Karachi airport due to regional airspace restrictions and security concerns that necessitated precautionary diversions.

Pakistan-Russia business forum cancelled amid Pak Afghan war

Pakistan-Russia business forum cancelled amid Pak Afghan war

While there has not yet been an official announcement regarding the cancellation of the Prime Minister’s visit to Russia, the decision to cancel the business forum is being regarded as a significant development in the context of the current circumstances.

Karachi: Fire breaks out at factory in SITE

Karachi: Fire breaks out at factory in SITE

Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javed Alam Odho also acknowledged the incident and instructed personnel to immediately arrive at the scene, secure the area, and ensure the safety of the surrounding locations.

Karachi: Three members of Ladha gang arrested

Karachi: Three members of Ladha gang arrested

Among the items seized from their possession were two unlicensed pistols with ammunition, a dagger, a stolen motorcycle, mobile phones, cash, a bottle of liquor, and two grams of hashish.

Islamabad airport facility , Pakistan , Islamabad Airport,

Sindh: New rule introduced at Karachi airport

The Home Minister noted that the issue of overcrowding at the airport necessitates enhanced security measures and confirmed that only one or two individuals will be permitted for pick-up and drop-off.

PTCL Group announces loss of Rs9.7 billion

PTCL Group announces loss of Rs9.7 billion

The primary factor contributing to the group’s loss was the accelerated expected credit loss (ECL) provisioning at Ubank, which followed revisions to the Prudential Regulations.

Moscow-Islamabad Media Forum takes place before PM's visit

Moscow-Islamabad Media Forum takes place before PM’s visit

Speakers participating from Moscow will feature the Director of the Information and Press Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, along with a geopolitical analyst and expert in diplomacy and international relations, Dr. Roxolana Zigón.

Tecno Spark GO 3 released in Pakistan

Tecno Spark Go 3 released in Pakistan

To add a unique design element, the left-aligned pill-shaped camera module is set within a rectangular cutout that showcases a contrasting color from the rest of the device.