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Babusar Top Opens Early to Boost Northern Tourism

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In a significant move to enhance tourism and connectivity, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has opened the Babusar Top highway nearly two months ahead of schedule, providing easier access to Gilgit‑Baltistan, Skardu, and Kaghan Valley. Travelers can now enjoy a reduced travel time of up to five hours, thanks to cleared glaciers and improved infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Skardu has drawn international attention with Pakistan International Airlines initiating new flights: starting March 31, Skardu–Dubai flights on Mondays and Fridays, and Skardu–Lahore on Mondays and Wednesdays, followed by Skardu–Karachi flights beginning April 2. In addition, Gilgit‑Baltistan has secured global recognition, featuring in CNN’s top 25 travel destinations for 2025 and the Financial Times’ “50 Holiday Places to Visit in 2025.” Tourist numbers surged in 2024, with over 486,000 domestic and nearly 22,000 international visitors—a 117% and 121% increase respectively. Together, improved infrastructure, airline expansion, and global media endorsements are positioning Gilgit‑Baltistan and Skardu as top-tier tourism destinations.

The early opening of Babusar Top highway and new PIA flights linking Skardu with Dubai, Lahore, and Karachi are enhancing access to Gilgit‑Baltistan. Global recognition by CNN and Financial Times is sparking a surge in tourism, supported by improved infrastructure and sharply rising visitor numbers.

infrastructure boost, global tourism recognition, Northern Pakistan accessibility

Pakistan’s AI Policy Sets Sights on $2.7 Billion Market and 12% GDP Boost

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Pakistan has unveiled a new national AI policy aimed at building a $2.7 billion artificial intelligence market and achieving a 12% increase in the country’s GDP. The plan includes investing in AI research and development, fostering innovation through public‑private partnerships, supporting local startups, and upskilling the workforce.

By creating regulatory frameworks and incentives, the policy is designed to attract foreign investment and spur domestic industry growth. It targets education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance sectors to integrate AI solutions and maximize socioeconomic impact. With measurable targets and a phased rollout strategy, Pakistan hopes to become a regional AI hub and significantly enhance its economic trajectory.

Pakistan AI policy, AI market growth, GDP boost through AI

inDrive and Police Team Up to Dismantle Courier Scam Targeting Customers

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inDrive collaborated with law enforcement to dismantle a courier scam targeting its customers in Pakistan. The scam involved fake riders who collected parcels, demanded advance payments, and then disappeared with the goods. After receiving multiple complaints, inDrive worked closely with police to track the culprits, leading to arrests and recovery of stolen items.

The operation highlights inDrive’s commitment to customer safety and fraud prevention, especially as its courier services continue to grow rapidly. The company is now focusing on strengthening verification processes for delivery partners and launching public awareness campaigns to educate users about potential scams.

Customers are advised to always verify rider identity, avoid advance payments, and use secure in-app channels to ensure safe transactions. This incident underscores the importance of trust and accountability in Pakistan’s gig economy and sets a precedent for collaboration between corporations and law enforcement to protect consumers.

inDrive courier scam, customer safety measures, law enforcement collaboration

K-Electric CEO Found Guilty of Workplace Harassment, Ordered to Step Down and Pay Rs. 2.5 Million Fine

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In a landmark decision, the K-Electric CEO was convicted of harassing a female employee and ordered to immediately vacate his position. The court also imposed a Rs. 2.5 million fine as part of the ruling.

This case has brought workplace ethics, corporate accountability, and the need for strict anti-harassment policies into the spotlight. The judgment is expected to set a precedent for addressing such incidents in Pakistan’s corporate environment.

workplace harassment verdict, K-Electric CEO fined, corporate ethics Pakistan

21st HBL P@SHA ICT Awards Highlight Pakistan’s Tech Growth

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The 21st HBL P@SHA ICT Awards will spotlight Pakistan’s diverse technology capabilities by recognizing excellence in various ICT categories. The annual event aims to honor innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation within the country’s growing tech ecosystem.

Businesses, startups, and IT professionals will compete for top honors, with winners advancing to represent Pakistan at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards. The ceremony reflects the industry’s rapid growth and its increasing impact on both national and global technology markets.

Pakistan ICT sector, technology excellence awards, digital innovation in Pakistan

PSX Climbs Nearly 1,000 Points After Pakistan‑US Trade Deal

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The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a sharp rally after a landmark U.S.–Pakistan trade agreement was announced. The KSE‑100 Index surged close to 1,000 points during the day, driven by investor optimism over reduced tariffs, energy collaboration, and strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Trading activity and volumes spiked significantly.

PSX surged nearly 1,000 points after Pakistan finalized a trade deal with the U.S. The agreement includes tariff cuts on exports and joint development of energy resources, boosting investor confidence and fueling a strong rally in the market.

PSX rally, Pakistan-US trade deal, stock market surge

How to Watch the First T20I Between Pakistan and West Indies

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Cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the first T20 International between Pakistan and the West Indies, set to be played at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida. The match promises high-intensity action as both teams aim to start the series with a win.

Match Details

  • Date: August 1, 2025
  • Venue: Central Broward Regional Park, Florida
  • Time: 8:00 PM local time (Pakistan: 5:00 AM next day)
  • Pakistan: Live streaming available on Tapmad and expected broadcast on PTV Sports.
  • India: Fans can watch via the FanCode app and website with no TV telecast.
  • USA: Coverage available on ESPN+.
  • Caribbean: Live on ESPN Caribbean and Disney+.
  • UK: Likely to be aired on TNT Sports or ARY Digital UK.

The series opener is expected to draw massive viewership as both sides bring in their strongest squads. With Pakistan’s bowling attack facing West Indies’ explosive batting lineup, fans can expect a thrilling contest under the lights.

Pakistan vs West Indies T20I, live streaming guide, cricket series 2025

TikTok’s New “Digital Well‑Being” Tools May Fuel Deeper Usage

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TikTok is rolling out an expanded suite of digital well‑being features—like guided meditation after 10 PM, Screen Time dashboards, break reminders, and Well‑Being Missions—that are marketed as tools to help users manage screen habits. Ironically, critics warn these features might deepen engagement, making the app feel even more compelling and habit‑forming.

TikTok introduces meditation prompts for late-night users under 18, screen-time analytics, guided breaks during viewing sessions, and interactive Well‑Being Missions with badges. While intended to support mindful usage, experts caution the nudges may act as engagement loops rather than truly reducing addictive behavior.
TikTok digital well‑being, screen time features, guided meditation prompts

Viral Video Shows Terrifying Amusement Park Accident in Saudi Arabia

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A shocking video from a Saudi Arabian amusement park has gone viral online, capturing the moment a ride malfunctioned, leaving visitors in panic. The clip shows the ride abruptly halting mid-air before tilting dangerously, causing screams from passengers and onlookers rushing to help.

Eyewitnesses reported that emergency teams quickly arrived at the scene to secure the ride and assist those stuck. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the malfunction and ensure safety protocols are reinforced across all amusement parks in the country.

No fatalities have been reported, but several people sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site. The incident has sparked widespread debate over ride maintenance standards and public safety measures in entertainment venues.

The viral footage continues to circulate on social media, drawing attention to the importance of strict inspections and safety regulations to prevent such terrifying accidents in the future.

Saudi Arabia accident, amusement park safety, viral video

PTA Denies Installment Plan for Collecting Pending Dues from LDI Companies

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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has rejected requests from Long Distance and International (LDI) service providers to pay their outstanding dues via an installment plan. According to PTA officials, the dues must be settled in full and within the regulatory deadlines. The regulator emphasized strict compliance and warned that non-payment may trigger penalties or legal actions.

PTA denies LDI firms’ installment requests for clearing pending dues, insisting on full payments within the stipulated timelines. The authority reaffirms enforcement measures and emphasizes that delays may result in fines or legal proceedings.

PTA, LDI dues, installment refusal