Chris Infotainment

Strengthening Ties: Pakistan and China Commit to CPEC 2.0 Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, expressing satisfaction with the positive trajectory of their partnership. During a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, both leaders emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation on the next phase of the upgraded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0). This initiative includes five new corridors aimed at enhancing economic collaboration and mutual growth. The discussions highlighted the strong foundation of the Pakistan-China relationship, which has been characterized by unwavering support and strategic cooperation. The prime minister expressed his gratitude to the Chinese leadership for their steadfast backing in matters of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socio-economic development. He also noted the significant role that China has played in Pakistan’s progress over the years. Build...

Pakistan's Ambitious Bullet Train Project Pakistan Railways has announced its plan to introduce the country's first bullet train, a significant development in the nation's transportation infrastructure. This initiative aims to drastically reduce travel time between Lahore and Karachi, cutting it down to just five hours by 2030. The project, which is estimated to cost $6.8 billion, is being developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with the support of Chinese companies. Authorities believe that this project will revolutionize long-distance travel within Pakistan, offering passengers a faster, cheaper, and more reliable alternative to domestic flights. The bullet train was initially unveiled in June 2025 as part of the Main Line 1 (ML-1) upgrade, a large-scale railway modernization plan. This project involves upgrading 1,215 kilometers of track, rebuilding bridges, and installing advanced signaling systems capable of supporting trains traveling at speeds o...

The Role of AI in Pakistan's Economic Transformation Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has emphasized the significant role that artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to play in Pakistan’s economic development. According to his statements, AI could contribute a staggering Rs24.9 trillion (USD 88.31 billion) to the country's economy by 2030, boosting the projected GDP to Rs171 trillion. This represents a 14.56 per cent increase, showcasing the transformative potential of AI across multiple sectors. The minister made these remarks during the launch of the URAAN AI Techathon 1.0, an initiative organized by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. He described the event as a flagship program under the URAAN Pakistan National Innovation Mission. Its primary goal is to engage Pakistan's youth and professionals in addressing real-world challenges through AI, while also building national capacity in artificial i...

Recognition of Excellence in Pakistan's IT Leadership Pakistan recently hosted the World CIO Summit and Awards 2025 - Pakistan Edition, an event aimed at honoring the country’s top-performing Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and cybersecurity professionals. The summit took place at a local hotel and featured discussions on the critical role of technology in driving national progress. Azfar Ahsan, former state minister and chairman of the Board of Investment, delivered a keynote address highlighting Pakistan’s growing global reputation. He emphasized that while the country is gaining international recognition, there remains a wealth of untapped potential in its human resources and natural assets. Ahsan called for a unified strategy involving all stakeholders to foster sustainable socio-economic development. He urged public and private sector entities to implement institutional reforms, structural changes, and collaborative efforts to enhance efficiency and drive growth. Dr. Erda...

A Glimpse into the World Expo 2025 and Punjab's Vision for the Future Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz recently made a notable visit to the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Her presence at the event was met with enthusiasm, as she received detailed insights into the expo’s goals, projects, and global initiatives. The event, which is one of the most significant international gatherings, attracted attention from various sectors around the world. Maryam praised the theme of the expo, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," calling it an essential platform for advancing human progress and enhancing public services. She expressed admiration for the innovative ideas on display, especially those that focus on modern technology, eco-friendly practices, and improved public infrastructure. These elements reflect a growing global emphasis on sustainability and innovation in urban development. At the Pakistan Pavilion, the Chief Minister engaged with Pakistani expatriates and ...

A Tale of Two Pakistans: The Education Divide in Punjab In a quiet, sunlit classroom in Lahore, high school students in navy blue blazers click through slides for their class presentations. The air conditioner hums overhead, the smart board glows softly, and a teacher trained in the UK offers gentle feedback. These students are preparing to apply to universities in Canada, the UK, and the USA. They speak English fluently, discuss global developments with ease, and reference texts from economics, philosophy, and literature. Two hundred kilometers south in rural Punjab, a Grade 9 student recites his lesson under a fan that barely turns in the July heat. His classroom has no functional toilet, no computer, and no books beyond the government-issued Urdu and science textbooks. His teacher is present today, a welcome change, but speaks more about managing attendance and discipline than higher-order concepts. University abroad is not on his radar. For now, he hopes to finish Grade 10, maybe...

China Shares Advanced Waste Paper Recycling Technologies with BR Partners China recently hosted an International Training Workshop on Waste Paper Recycling Technology, where it shared its advanced solutions for waste paper recycling with Pakistan and other members of the BR group. The event was organized by the International Cooperation Department of China's Ministry of Science and Technology and carried out by the China National Pulp and Paper Research Institute. The workshop aimed to promote knowledge exchange and technological collaboration in the paper industry. The 15-day program brought together professionals from 11 countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nepal. Participants were introduced to China’s state-of-the-art technologies, engineering designs, products, and equipment in the pulp and paper industry. The initiative focused on enhancing understanding and practical skills in waste paper recycling, which is crucial for sustainable development and reso...

Pakistan's New Remote Sensing Satellite Achieves Operational Success Experts from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SPARCO) have confirmed that Pakistan’s newly launched remote sensing satellite has successfully reached orbit and is now fully operational. The satellite, which was deployed from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China on July 31, 2025, has already established stable communication with ground stations and begun acquiring high-resolution images. These images are being transmitted to the ground for further analysis and application. The successful launch marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s space program. The satellite is equipped with advanced imaging capabilities that will transform several key areas of national interest. Its high-quality resolution will support urban planning, infrastructure development, and regional planning by providing accurate data on land use and environmental changes. It will also help monitor urban expansion and ...

The Intersection of Space Exploration and Geopolitical Strategy Throughout history, humans have been captivated by the vastness of space and the mysteries it holds. The desire to explore beyond Earth has driven technological advancements for decades, culminating in the historic Moon landing. This achievement was not just a scientific milestone but also a powerful demonstration of national prowess. However, the question remains: why did subsequent Moon missions take so long, and why have we yet to set foot on Mars? The answer is deeply rooted in the geopolitical context of the time. During the Cold War, space exploration was as much about political power as it was about science. Nations used their space programs to showcase technological superiority, with the ability to reach beyond Earth's atmosphere serving as a symbol of advanced missile technology. The technology required to launch a satellite into orbit is nearly identical to that needed to deliver a missile, with the only di...

Pakistan Cracks Down on Extremist Social Media Accounts Pakistan has taken significant steps to combat extremist propaganda by blocking over 500 social media accounts linked to banned militant groups. This nationwide crackdown aims to disrupt the spread of extremist content and limit the reach of radical organizations operating within the country. The government reported that more than 850 accounts were blocked, with many allegedly connected to groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF). These groups are already designated as terrorist organizations by international bodies, including the United Nations, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The blocked accounts had a combined following of over two million users, highlighting the potential reach of extremist messaging. Coordination Between Authorities and Platforms The action was carried out through collaboration between the newly established National Cyb...

Pakistan's Vision for a Digital Future On August 15, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, presented the nation's "Digital Future" vision during Independence Day celebrations. The event, organized by the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication and its allied organizations, brought together leaders from various sectors to honor the country's progress. The minister reflected on the legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, emphasizing his dream of a strong, progressive, and self-reliant Pakistan. She highlighted how this vision continues to inspire the nation's technological and social advancements. This year's Independence Day also marked a significant milestone: the success of Marka-e-Haq-Pakistan in May, where courage, professionalism, and technical expertise led to a historic victory. This achievement not only became a defining moment in Pakistan's history but a...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Urges Acceleration of Islamabad Technology Park Project Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently visited the under-construction Islamabad Technology Park, where he voiced concerns over the project's slow progress. During his inspection, the prime minister emphasized the need for an accelerated pace of work to meet the original completion deadline. He made it clear that any delays in such a critical development would not be accepted, as the park is considered vital for Pakistan’s technological and economic advancement. The prime minister highlighted the strategic importance of the technology park, stressing that it must meet international standards in both infrastructure and services. He pointed out that creating a world-class environment would not only support the country's digital economy but also serve as a hub for innovation, attract foreign investment, and enhance Pakistan’s standing in the global IT market. Key Features of the Technology Park...

Embracing the Intelligent Era: Pakistan's Vision for AI and Digital Transformation In a significant address during an event marking Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized the critical importance of preparing the nation for the challenges and opportunities of the intelligent era. She highlighted that the world is undergoing a profound transformation, moving from the digital to the intelligent age, which is reshaping every aspect of life. The minister pointed out that this new era is characterized by revolutionary changes in lifestyles, jobs, industries, education, and economies. She noted that the transition from the analog to the digital age was already a major shift, but now the focus must be on adapting to the intelligent era. This requires equipping the youth with the necessary skills to meet future demands, especially as global labor markets are rapidly evolving due to advancements in...

Pakistan's Leadership in Advocating for Fair Access to Green Resources Pakistan has emerged as a strong voice in the global conversation on fair access to green financing and technology for developing nations. This stance was clearly articulated during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5.2) in Geneva. The event, chaired by Federal Climate Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, brought together delegates from Bangladesh, Egypt, Malaysia, Sudan, and Tajikistan. The discussions centered on ensuring that the upcoming Global Plastics Treaty promotes equitable treatment for all countries, with particular attention to those most affected by plastic pollution. Addressing the Imbalance in Green Financing Dr. Malik strongly criticized the current distribution of green financing, highlighting the stark disparity between developed and developing nations. He pointed out that wealthy countries, which a...

Japan Explores New Investment Opportunities in Pakistan's Automotive and IT Sectors Japan is actively seeking new avenues for investment in Pakistan, particularly in the automotive and information technology sectors. During recent meetings held in Tokyo, Japanese officials emphasized the importance of regulatory clarity and well-defined investment incentives. These measures, according to them, are crucial for enabling Japanese companies to expand their exports from Pakistan and reduce their dependence on traditional markets. Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries, and Pakistan's Ambassador to Japan, Abdul Hameed, met with Matsuo Takehiko, Japan's Vice Minister for International Affairs. The discussions centered around enhancing industrial collaboration between the two nations. They highlighted Pakistan's vast and youthful population, as well as the increasing demand for modern technology and vehicles. Over 70 Japanese companies are ...

Strengthening Ties Between Azerbaijan and Pakistan Through Education and Culture A significant meeting took place in Pakistan on August 16, where Elchin Babayev, the Rector of Baku State University (BSU), engaged in discussions with key representatives from Pakistan. The meeting included Ambassador of Pakistan to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohiuddin and Ashfaque Hasan Khan, Principal at the School of Social Sciences & Humanities of Pakistan's National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). The purpose of the gathering was to explore new opportunities for enhancing scientific and cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. During the meeting, the participants focused on the potential for collaboration in various sectors, particularly science, education, and culture. Elchin Babayev provided detailed insights into the current cooperation between BSU and higher education institutions in Pakistan. One notable initiative is the teaching of the Urdu language at the Faculty of O...

The Rise of Solar Power in Pakistan and the Energy Crisis In recent years, the shift towards solar power in Pakistan has become increasingly evident. Every day, new industries are embracing this renewable energy source, signaling a significant transformation in the country’s energy landscape. This trend is not just a sign of environmental awareness but also a response to the growing challenges faced by the national electricity grid. Currently, Pakistan's electricity production capacity exceeds 45,000 MW, yet the demand remains at around 20,000 MW, and this number is steadily decreasing. This imbalance presents a critical juncture for the government, as it must decide how to address the mounting pressures on the energy sector. The current model of electricity distribution is proving unsustainable. If the government continues with its present approach, it risks plunging into a financial crisis and facing backlash from investors. However, there is an alternative path—one that invol...