Freelancers Rejoice: Interest-Free Loans and E-Working Centers Coming Soon!

Pakistani freelancers have reason to celebrate with the recent announcement of a groundbreaking initiative by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.

The ministry declared plans to provide interest-free loans of Rs. 100,000 to freelancers for establishing e-working centers.

This initiative aims to revolutionize the freelance landscape, fostering economic growth and empowering freelancers.

The objective is to not only offer essential infrastructure but also to create an ecosystem that encourages creativity and productivity.

“It is crucial that we provide freelancers with the necessary tools and environments to thrive in the digital landscape,” stressed an official.

This move comes after earlier announcements by Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Dr. Umar Saif, highlighting efforts to attract global investors for startups.

Dr. Saif also revealed plans to visit Saudi Arabia and set up 5,000 joint e-working centers for freelancers.

These joint e-working centers will be established with the help of interest-free loans, facilitating freelancers and creating millions of job opportunities.

Furthermore, Dr. Saif shared positive discussions with Caretaker Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar regarding a 5-point agenda for the IT sector.

The issue of dollar retention for the IT industry was discussed in detail, and good news is expected soon in this regard.

With these exciting developments, Pakistan’s freelance community can look forward to a brighter future with increased opportunities and support.

Children’s Festival Celebrates a Day of Fun and Joy

Karachi, Pakistan – December 3, 2023 – On Sunday, December 3rd, the Scouts Auditorium came alive with laughter and excitement as children from the MyHome Al-Mustafa orphanage gathered to enjoy the Children’s Festival. Organized by the Secretary General of Al-Mustafa Welfare Society and president of Rotary Club of Karachi Kehkashan Mr Ahmed Raza Tayyab, along with his dedicated team including Vice-President RCK Kehkashan Mr Asif Iqbal, Assistant Governor Rotary Mr Moin Khan, Dr Sarah Ahmed and Mr Khurram Qasmi, this festival aimed to bring happiness to the lives of these young children.

The Children’s Festival was a grand success, offering a multitude of activities that catered to the interests and desires of the children. One of the highlights of the event was the screening of an animated movie that had the children engrossed in a world of fantasy and imagination. The festival grounds were adorned with a wide array of food and game stalls.

The event showcased the creativity and artistic talents of the children, with face painting stations where skilled artists transformed their faces into superheroes and princesses. Moreover, a talent show was organized where the children enthusiastically showcased their skills and received certificates to acknowledge their efforts.

Credit: Rotary Club Karachi Kehkashan

Gracing the occasion were prominent social figures and rotarians, including former federal minister and chairman of Al-Mustafa – Dr Haji Muhammad Hanif Tayyab, Rotary Pakistan’s Fiscal Agent, Chairman Abdullah Builders – Mr Iqbal Qureshi, President Al-Mustafa – Dr Abdul Rahim, Past District Governors of Rotary International – Mr Aftab Imam and Mr Owais Kohari, Trustee Al-Mustafa – Mr Abdul Ghaffar Saeedi, Mr Hanif Nasir, Mr Amin Adamjee, Mr Abdul.Karim Meghani, Mr Yousuf Darbari, and many others. Their presence provided inspiration and encouragement.

As part of the festival, gift distribution allowed each child to receive a special present, filling their hearts with joy and making their day truly memorable. The Children’s Festival is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Mr Ahmed Raza Tayyab, Al-Mustafa Welfare Society, and the Rotary Club of Karachi Kehkashan to make a tangible difference in the lives of children.

Vanessa Hudgens Sparks Marriage Rumors with Cole Tucker

The “High School Musical” Alum Was Spotted Wearing a White Dress on a Beach

Vanessa Hudgens has sparked marriage rumors after she was seen wearing a white dress on the beach, nearly ten months after announcing her engagement to baseball player Cole Tucker.

The photo was surfaced on social media app X (formerly Twitter) showing Hudgens in a white dress as she posed on the beach. While neither Hudgens nor Tucker has confirmed the news, Hudgens’ former co-star, Monique Coleman, fueled the rumors by sharing a video of a tropical setting in Tulum, Mexico, where Hudgens’ photo was taken. Coleman captioned the video, “Last morning in paradise.”

The rumors come after a source revealed that Hudgens and Tucker do not want to have a “shotgun wedding,” but they do think they need to get married soon.

“They want to get married quickly because they’re ready to start a family,” the source told Life & Style. “They joke that they don’t want to have a shotgun wedding, but if they don’t hurry, that’s exactly what it will be.”

Hudgens confirmed her engagement to Tucker earlier this year with photos of her gorgeous diamond ring. “We couldn’t be happier,” she wrote on Instagram beside pics from their engagement.

Xiaomi Unveils Redmi 13C: A Powerhouse for Gen Z’s Creativity

Lahore, Pakistan – Xiaomi today announced the all-new Redmi 13C, offering outstanding entertainment and photographic experiences to satisfy the creative needs of Gen Z. Redmi 13C powers up your photographic experiences to satisfy all your social media needs with its impressive hardware and software enhancements. It features an enhanced 50MP AI triple camera and an upgraded 8MP front camera that ensures perfect portraits and selfies even in low-light conditions and delivers a remarkable 34.9% improved capture speed while using night mode, for both low-light shoots and video capture. Equipped with a powerful MediaTek Helio G85 octa-core processor, Redmi 13C delivers a smoother performance, ideal for gaming and video viewing. Expandable storage of up to 1TB and featuring a Dual SIM and a microSD slot for more versatile functionality, perfect for storing a library of movie files or favorite games. To ensure ease of viewing comfort, Redmi 13C is equipped with eye protection including an LCD display with DC dimming that effectively enhances eye care and minimizes fatigue during extended viewing sessions. The device has also received dual professional eye care certifications from TÜV, including Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technology.

Market Availability

Redmi 13C is now available online at Mistore, Corecart, Daraz, and Xiaomi sale. It will also be available nationwide in all retail outlets.

Our Distributors are Tech Sirat, Airlink Communications, Smartlink Technologies, Core Tech, Phonezo Impex, and Burque.

Redmi 13C has 2 variants available.

Variant 4+128GB. Price is 29,999. 

Variant 6+128GB. Price is 32,999.

Device Specifications

SpecificationsRedmi 13C
Display6.74″ 90 Hz Display
Rear Camera    50MP AI Triple Camera  
Front Camera8MP camera  
Battery5000mAh (typ)
ProcessorMediaTek Helio G85 processor    
ColorMidnight Black, Navy Blue, Clover Green and Glacier White

About Xiaomi Corporation

 Xiaomi Corporation was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018 (1810.HK). Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core.

 With an equal emphasis on innovation and quality, Xiaomi continuously pursues high-quality user experience and operational efficiency. The company relentlessly builds amazing products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.

 As of the second quarter of 2023, Xiaomi ranked among the top 3 in the global smartphone market, in terms of smartphone shipments, according to Canalys. The company has also established the world’s leading consumer AIoT (AI+IoT) platform, with 654.5 million smart devices connected to its platform, excluding smartphones, tablets and laptops, as of June 30, 2023. Xiaomi products are present in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. In August 2023, the company listed as Fortune Global 500 for the 5th consecutive year.

 Xiaomi is a constituent of the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, Hang Seng TECH Index and Hang Seng China 50 Index.

Former Cricketer Basit Ali Believes Pakistan Can Conquer Australia

Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has expressed his confidence in Pakistan’s ability to defeat Australia in the upcoming three-match Test series, despite Pakistan’s poor historical record in Australia.

“Playing in Australia is not as difficult as it is often portrayed to be,” Ali stated on the ARY News show Sports Room. He urged the Pakistani players to adopt a fearless and winning mindset, similar to India’s approach, to secure victory.

Ali praised the Pakistani team’s top-order batsmen, highlighting their consistent performances in Test cricket over the past year. He also expressed optimism about Babar Azam’s performance, predicting that the former captain will thrive at number four without the pressure of captaincy.

Regarding the pitches, Ali noted that Australian tracks have become less bouncy in recent years, with conditions in Sydney and Melbourne resembling those in Asia. He believes that these conditions will favor Pakistan’s spinners and give them a good chance of winning in those cities.

Ali’s comments have injected a dose of optimism into the Pakistani camp ahead of the crucial Test series. Pakistan will undoubtedly look to break their losing streak in Australia and make a bold statement with a series victory.

PIA’s Bank Accounts Unblocked After Settling Tax Dues with FBR

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has unblocked the bank accounts of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) after the national carrier assured the tax collection body of clearing all pending dues, ARY News reported.

The FBR had blocked PIA’s bank accounts over non-payment of taxes amid an “all-important” audit from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). However, the accounts were unblocked after PIA submitted written assurance to the FBR that it would clear all pending dues.

This is a significant development for PIA, which has been grappling with a severe financial crisis in recent years. The airline has been struggling to pay its debts and has been forced to cut back on flights. The unblocking of its bank accounts will provide PIA with much-needed liquidity and will help it to resume normal operations.

The news of the unblocking of PIA’s bank accounts comes as a delegation from the European Commission and EASA is currently in Pakistan to assess the country’s aviation safety standards. There is hope that the delegation’s visit will lead to the lifting of the ban on PIA flights to Europe, which was imposed in 2020 following a plane crash in Karachi.

The lifting of the ban would be a major boost for PIA, as it would allow the airline to resume flights to some of its most lucrative destinations. It would also help to restore confidence in the airline and could lead to an increase in passenger numbers.

Overall, the unblocking of PIA’s bank accounts is a positive development for the airline and for the Pakistani aviation industry. It is a sign that the airline is making progress in addressing its financial problems and that it is committed to improving its safety standards.

Pakistan’s Caretaker PM Calls for Improved Taxation System for Economic Growth

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has emphasized the importance of improving Pakistan’s taxation system to stimulate economic growth. He believes that the private sector should be the primary driver of wealth creation, while the government focuses on policymaking and taxation.

Kakar also highlighted the need for responsible government spending of tax revenue. He visited the PTV headquarters on the occasion of the institution’s 59th anniversary and commended its role in promoting Pakistan’s soft image and identity globally.

Addressing Balochistan’s natural resources, Kakar stated that most valuable minerals, such as gold and copper, remain untapped. He noted that the issue of mineral resource exploration and exploitation had been resolved following the 18th amendment, allowing for a 50:50 division between the province and the federation.

The prime minister emphasized that the timing for mineral exploration is opportune, as Pakistan was previously unprepared due to capacity, financial, and technical expertise limitations.

Regarding his future plans, Kakar expressed openness to contributing in the parliament after the caretaker setup concludes. He indicated that he enjoyed serving as a parliamentarian more than in an executive role.

Kakar praised PTV’s legacy of producing exceptional dramas, music, and informative programs. He suggested that PTV effectively document and present the region’s ancient civilization, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of poetry, music, dance, and renowned figures like Khushahl Khan Khattak, Shah Latif Bhttai, Bullhay Shah, and Waris Shah.

Karachi Board Launches Digital Portal to Facilitate Students and Improve Efficiency

The Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) has launched a digital portal to facilitate students. The portal will provide students with access to a variety of services, including:

  • Online form submission
  • Result checking
  • Fee payment
  • Admit card download
  • Syllabus and textbooks
  • Past papers
  • Online learning materials

The portal will also provide students with a platform to communicate with the BIEK and get their queries resolved.

The launch of the digital portal is a welcome step by the BIEK. It will make the process of applying for exams, checking results, and accessing other services easier and more convenient for students.

The portal is expected to benefit over a million students each year. It is also expected to reduce the workload on the BIEK staff.

Here are some of the benefits of the digital portal for students:

  • Convenience: Students can access the portal from anywhere with an internet connection, 24/7.
  • Transparency: The portal will provide students with real-time information on their applications, results, and other services.
  • Efficiency: The portal will help students to complete tasks more quickly and easily.
  • Accuracy: The portal will reduce the risk of errors in manual data entry.

Overall, the launch of the digital portal is a positive development for the BIEK and its students. It will make the process of applying for exams, checking results, and accessing other services easier and more convenient for students.

Xiaomi 13T Series Photo Exhibition: A Night of Visual Mastery and Celebration!

Lahore, Pakistan – October 7th, 2023 – Xiaomi, a global leader in consumer electronics, hosted an unforgettable evening of visual artistry and celebration at the highly-anticipated Xiaomi 13T Series Photo Exhibition. The event took place on October 7th, 2023, at Packages Mall with a repeat performance scheduled for October 8th, offering attendees multiple opportunities to experience the power of photography and the Materpiece in Sight: Xiaomi 13T Series smartphones.

 The exhibition venue was filled to the brim with an enthusiastic and diverse audience. From photography enthusiasts to smartphone aficionados, the event brought together individuals from all walks of life who share a passion for creativity and innovation. The vibrant atmosphere buzzed with excitement and conversation. Xiaomi created more than 2000 live portraits in  true style today.

Masters Behind the Lens:

The event featured an impressive lineup of guest photographers, each a master in their own right:

Qamar Pervaiz:  Qamar Parvez is a pioneer photographer who possess unequalled artistic and aesthetic sense. His admirable photography exhibits the elegance, grace and charm of radiant individuals, thus unveils the concealed beauty. Not many artists enjoy the faculty of illuminating their portraits, which is truly a matchless characteristic of his genius.

Irfan Ahson: Irfan Ahson is an award-winning photographer in Pakistan. He runs a studio in Lahore named “Fine Art Weddings by Irfan Ahson”. A colleague of Ahson was getting married and it was the moment from where he got an opportunity to start his wedding photography journey. “The fleeting nature of life encouraged me to indulge into photography,” he says. Ahson has a team of twenty people working with him for the last three years, full-time. Learning something new every day through YouTube tutorials and books is a part of Ahson’s daily life routine

Arfa & Usman: We are Usman and Arfa, a couple who shares their passion of photography. We believe that together our versatility in photographic styles adds spunk and life to the images, like none other. We enjoy photography because it gives us the opportunity to share in people’s most special moments on a regular basis and record them in eternal beauty. We enjoy photography because it has made us fall in love with light and see the world with fresh eyes every single day. 

One of the evening’s highlights was the live portrait sessions, where guests witnessed the photographers at work, demonstrating the art of capturing captivating portraits using the Xiaomi 13T Series smartphones. The intimate sessions allowed attendees to gain firsthand knowledge and inspiration.

The event witnessed the presence of prominent bloggers, influencers, and media icons, who played a pivotal role in amplifying the event’s impact. They interacted with guest photographers, shared live updates, and contributed to the event’s social media presence. Their presence added an extra layer of significance to the evening. Media coverage of the Xiaomi 13T Series Photo Exhibition was extensive and far-reaching. Journalists and reporters from leading publications and television networks were on-site to capture the essence of the event. The exhibition received widespread coverage, further solidifying its position as a remarkable cultural and technological milestone.

The Xiaomi 13T Series Photo Exhibition was an evening of inspiration, innovation, and creative exploration. It brought together photography enthusiasts, smartphone users, and art lovers to witness the seamless fusion of technology and creativity.

About Xiaomi Corporation

Xiaomi Corporation is a global leader in consumer electronics and smart manufacturing, committed to making innovative technology accessible to all. With a dedication to delivering high-quality user experiences and operational excellence, Xiaomi continues to innovate and enhance lives worldwide.

Sofitel Hiring for Many Positions Across UAE with Salaries Up to 10,000 Dirhams

Sofitel, a luxury hotel brand, is hiring for a variety of positions across the UAE, with salaries up to 10,000 dirhams. The company is looking for candidates with a variety of skills and experience, and is offering a competitive salary and benefits package.

To be eligible for a Sofitel position, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Education: Depending on the role, you may need a high school diploma, vocational training, or relevant academic qualifications. Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or a related field.
  • Experience: The experience requirements vary depending on the position. Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply for entry-level roles, while experienced professionals with a background in the hospitality industry are highly valued.
  • Language Skills: Proficiency in English is generally required for most positions, and knowledge of other languages, such as Arabic or French, can be advantageous.
  • Work Authorization: Applicants must possess the necessary work authorization to work in the UAE.

To apply for a Sofitel position, please follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official website: Go to the Sofitel website or access the careers section of the Accor Group’s website.
  2. Browse job openings: Explore the list of available job openings in the UAE.
  3. Choose your position: Select the desired position and click on the “Apply Now” or “Submit Your Application” button.
  4. Create an account: Either create an account on the Accor Group’s careers portal or log in if you already have one.
  5. Complete the application: Fill out the online application form with accurate information and upload the required documents.
  6. Review and submit: Carefully review your application, ensuring all details are accurate, and then submit it.

Sofitel is a great place to work if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the hospitality industry. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development.