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Yango Pakistan partners with NowPDP to empower drivers with disabilities

Yango Pakistan partners with NowPDP to empower drivers with disabilities

ISLAMABAD, FEB 18 /DNA/ – Yango Pakistan, part of the global tech company Yango Group, has partnered with NowPDP, a non-profit organization, to launch ‘Baikhtiyar Pakistan’ — an inclusive mobility and livelihood program designed to create earning opportunities for persons with disabilities through the Yango platform.

The launch ceremony took place at the NowPDP Centre of Excellence for Disability Inclusion Karachi and was inaugurated by the Provincial Minister of Sindh for Labour and Information and Human Resources, Mr. Saeed Ghani.

As part of the first phase of the programme, Yango Pakistan has distributed five retro-fitted rickshaws to persons of disabilities shortlisted by NowPDP, with plans to scale the initiative and expand the fleet in future stages.

The initiative reflects Yango Group’s broader commitment to acting as a partner in economic empowerment across its markets. The project aims to remove barriers to earning generation and enable greater financial independence for persons with disabilities.

Speaking at the launch event, Miral Sharif, the Country Head at Yango Pakistan stated, “Disability should never become an obstacle between will and opportunity. A person with a disability is no less capable than any other individual. We are proud to pioneer a program that promotes sustainable earning opportunities for persons with disabilities within the ride-hailing industry in Pakistan. This is only the beginning of our journey in advancing digital inclusion, and we remain committed to expanding such partnerships to create meaningful and lasting empowerment.”

Amin Hashwani, President of NOWPDP, emphasizing the systemic importance of collaboration stated: “Pakistan’s inclusion journey requires strong public-private partnerships. Initiatives like Baikhtiyar Pakistan demonstrate how industry innovation and social development can move together toward a Bashamool Pakistan. However, sustainable change also requires forward-looking legislation that actively accommodates and enables the participation of persons with disabilities in the workforce, this is the need of the time.”

Through initiatives such as “Baikhtiyar Pakistan”, Yango continues to align innovation with impact — strengthening its role as a technology partner committed to enabling economic opportunity and inclusive growth across the communities it serves.

PM Shehbaz leaves for Washington to attend Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ meeting on Gaza

PM Shehbaz leaves for Washington to attend Trump's 'Board of Peace' meeting on Gaza

ISLAMABAD, FEB 18: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for the United States on Wednesday to attend the inaugural global summit of the Board of Peace (BoP), hosted by US President Donald Trump in Washington on February 19.

The prime minister left for Washington from London, where he had arrived on Tuesday for a brief two-day stay following the conclusion of his official visit to Austria.

The sources said PM Shehbaz would have a one-on-one meeting with host President Donald Trump during his stay in Washington, The News reported last week.

They said that one of the key goals of the Washington meeting was to mobilise funding for Gaza’s reconstruction. More than 20 countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Argentina and Hungary, are members of the board.

Last month, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that Pakistan would continue to engage with international efforts aimed at peace and security in Gaza.

“Pakistan will remain engaged with international efforts for peace and security in Gaza, leading to a lasting solution to the Palestine issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions,” he said.

Pakistan has reiterated at international forums its readiness to play a “constructive role” in the US peace plan for Palestine.

US President Trump launched his new board at World Economic Forum in Davos in late January, with world leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, signing on to pursue a lasting agreement for Gaza.

Gaza ceasefire violations
Governments around the world have reacted cautiously to Trump’s invitation to join the initiative. While some of Washington’s Middle Eastern allies have joined, many of its traditional Western allies have thus far stayed away. Permanent membership on the board costs $1 billion.

A UN Security Council resolution, adopted in mid-November, authorised the board and countries working with it to establish an international stabilisation force in Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire began in October under a Trump plan on which Israel and Palestinian resistance group Hamas signed off.

Under Trump’s Gaza plan, revealed late last year, the board was meant to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance. Trump thereafter said it would be expanded to tackle global conflicts.

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza has been repeatedly violated, with over 600 Palestinians reported killed since the truce began in October.

T20 World Cup: Pakistan advance to Super Eights after beating Namibia

T20 World Cup: Pakistan advance to Super Eights after beating Namibia

COLOMBO, FEB 18: Sahibzada Farhan’s century, combined with disciplined bowling, propelled Pakistan to a commanding 102-run win over Namibia in a crucial T20 World Cup group-stage clash at Colombo’s SSC Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

Chasing a challenging target of 200, Namibia were bundled out for just 97 in 17.3 overs.

The innings had a promising start as openers Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck put together a 32-run partnership. Frylinck contributed 9 off 11 balls, including a boundary off Salman Mirza, before being clean bowled.

Namibia’s troubles intensified when Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton was run out for five in the final over of the powerplay, leaving the visitors at 39-2 in 5.2 overs.

The slide continued as Steenkamp fell for 23 off 22 balls, hitting three fours and a six before Mohammad Nawaz dismissed him. Skipper Gerhard Erasmus managed only seven before Shadab Khan took his wicket.

Alexander Busing-Volschenk tried to stabilise the innings with 20 off 20 deliveries but was soon trapped by Shadab, who claimed his second wicket. Namibia were reduced to 79-5 in 12.3 overs.

Usman Tariq further tightened Pakistan’s grip, dismissing JJ Smit for nine and Ruben Trumpelmann for a duck, leaving Namibia at 81-7 in 13.3 overs.

Shadab then claimed his third, removing Zane Green (7), while Tariq picked up two more wickets, dismissing Bernard Scholtz (1) and Willem Myburgh (8) to complete a comprehensive Pakistan bowling performance.

Tariq recorded impressive figures of 4/16 in 3.3 overs, while Shadab Khan claimed three wickets. Salman Mirza and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with one wicket each.

Batting first, Pakistan got off to a solid start, with openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan scoring freely from the outset to provide an early advantage.

However, the 40-run opening stand was broken when Saim Ayub was dismissed by Jack Brassell for 14 off 12 balls, including two fours.

Captain Salman Ali Agha then joined Farhan and put together a 67-run partnership for the second wicket, easing the pressure and taking the team past the 100-run mark.

Farhan was in fine form, continuing to pile on crucial runs with boundaries, reaching his 10th T20I fifty.

The partnership was eventually broken as Brassell struck again, removing Agha for 38 off 23 balls, with three fours and two sixes, leaving Pakistan at 107-2 in 12.1 overs.

Surprisingly, Babar Azam did not come in at number three; instead, Khawaja Nafay was sent to the crease.

However, his innings was brief, as he was dismissed for a run-a-ball five, which included one boundary, by captain Gerhard Erasmus.

Shadab Khan came to bat and initially struggled, but Farhan continued his sublime form, hitting boundaries and taking Pakistan past the 150-run mark.

Farhan kept the momentum going, bringing up his maiden T20 century and joining Ahmed Shehzad as only the second Pakistani batter to score a ton in a T20 World Cup.

The duo added a 50-run stand for the fourth wicket, with Shadab gaining momentum and piling on runs.

The innings concluded with Farhan unbeaten on 100 off 58 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and four sixes, while Shadab finished on 36 off 22 balls, including one four and three sixes.

Govt assures uninterrupted gas supply during Sehr and Iftar

Govt assures uninterrupted gas supply during Sehr and Iftar

ISLAMABAD, FEB 18: The federal government on Wednesday announced that it would ensure gas supply during Sehri and Iftar hours to facilitate consumers across the country during the holy month of Ramadan.

Addressing a joint press conference alongside Power Minister Awais Leghari, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said that all arrangements were in place to ensure gas supply at “maximum pressure” from 3am to 10:30pm throughout the fasting month.

In order to facilitate consumers, the minister said that “additional volume” of gas have been arranged.

The petroleum minister said “situation rooms” have been established at the head offices of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to ensure uninterrupted gas supply and a swift response to complaints.

The minister said that the regional offices have been directed to monitor the gas supply, especially on the tail ends.

All the complaint would be addressed as per the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) regulations, he added.

“With all these efforts, the Power Division and the Petroleum Division are trying to become a source of ease during the holy month,” the minister added.

Speaking on the occasion, Power Minister Awais Leghari assured the nation that there would be no power loadshedding during Sehr and Iftar in the holy month.

The minister said that the decision has been taken on the special instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to facilitate people across the country.

He said the Power Division and the Petroleum Division, after a detailed review of the situation, have finalised arrangements to ensure that no power and gas outage occur during Sehri and Iftar timings anywhere in the country.

The minister said the government has decided that even in high-loss or technically sensitive areas, electricity supply will remain uninterrupted during these hours.

He added that in case of any major technical fault, immediate action will be taken to restore power supply so that the people do not face any inconvenience.

Leghari said a special control room has been established to effectively monitor the situation and oversee all electricity feeders across the country.

He advised consumers to lodge complaints on helpline number 118 in case of any difficulty regarding electricity supply, adding that complaints will be addressed promptly.

PR reservation office timings to observe temporary change

Pakistan Railways announces 'massive reduction' in fares on Eid

LAHORE, Feb 18 (DNA): The Railways reservation offices across the country will observe a temporary change in working hours during the holy month of Ramazan.

According to an announcement made on Wednesday, reservation offices will remain open from 7:30am to 5:30pm to facilitate passengers from Thursday (February 19). On Fridays, a special break for prayers will be observed from 12:30pm to 2pm.

Officials clarified that there will be no change in the timings of single-shift reservation offices, which will continue to operate under their existing schedule.

The revised timings will remain in effect until the 15th of Ramadan, after which normal working hours are expected to resume.

Uzbek President to visit US for inaugural peace council

Uzbek President to visit US for inaugural peace council

TASHKENT, FEB 18 /DNA/ – At the invitation of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a working visit to Washington, D.C. on February 17–19 of this year to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council. The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) has prepared an infographic presenting key indicators of trade, economic and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States over the past 9 years.  

Uzbek President to visit US for inaugural peace council

History of visits

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has visited the United States several times on working visits aimed at expanding bilateral Uzbek-American cooperation, as well as participating in events organized by the United Nations. The first official visit of the Head of our State to the United States took place on May 15–17, 2018 at the invitation of the U.S. President. During the visit, negotiations were held at the White House, the U.S. Congress and the Pentagon, and agreements were signed that marked the beginning of a new stage in the development of Uzbek-American relations.

In subsequent years, dialogue between the two countries developed through bilateral meetings and regional initiatives, including the C5+1 platform.

On September 20–24, 2025, a historic visit of the President of our country to New York took place to participate in events of the юбилейной 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The central event of the visit was the meeting between the Head of our State and U.S. President Donald Trump. The leaders of the two countries agreed to further strengthen Uzbek-American strategic partnership relations and expand practical cooperation.

During his stay in the US, the President of Uzbekistan also held a roundtable with representatives of the U.S. business community, as well as negotiations with executives of a number of leading multinational companies, corporations, investment funds and financial institutions, and took part in a ceremony for the exchange of signed bilateral trade contracts and investment agreements, including in the fields of critical minerals, civil aviation, chemical industry, energy and other priority sectors.

In order to create favorable conditions for the further development of bilateral interstate relations in trade, economic and tourism spheres, by Presidential Decree dated November 3, 2025, a visa-free regime for U.S. citizens entering Uzbekistan was introduced effective January 1, 2026.

Mutual trade indicators

The two countries operate under a Most Favored Nation trade regime.

Over the period 2017–2025, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and the United States increased 4.7-fold, from $215 mln to $1 bn. Exports grew 9.1-fold, from $32.1 mln to $291.7 mln, while imports increased 3.9-fold, from $182.9 mln to $712.3 mln.

The share of the United States in Uzbekistan’s foreign trade over this period rose as follows: in total trade turnover from 0.8% to 1.2%, in exports from 0.3% to 0.9%, and in imports from 1.3% to 1.5%.

In the structure of exports to the United States, the main share is accounted for by services — 81% (programming, financial, information and transport services), as well as petroleum products — 8.6% (aviation kerosene and others). These are followed by machinery and equipment — 3.7%; food products — 3.5% (dried fruits and vegetables, spices, rice and others); industrial goods — 3.3% (aluminum bars and profiles, rhenium metal and others); miscellaneous manufactured articles — 0.9%; chemicals — 0.4%; beverages and tobacco — 0.2%; and non-food raw materials — 0.1%.

In imports from the United States, machinery and equipment dominate — 59% (aircraft, automobiles and their parts, computer units, engines, pumps, machine tools and industrial installations). A significant share is also accounted for by services — 20.5% (financial, licensing, leasing and transport services). These are followed by chemicals — 9.7% (pharmaceuticals, binding agents and cosmetic substances); industrial goods — 3.8% (plastic and ferrous metal products and others); food products — 3.2% (poultry meat and by-products); miscellaneous manufactured articles — 2.2% (devices, instruments, paper products); non-food raw materials — 1.1% (cellulose and others); as well as beverages and tobacco — 0.5%.

Investment cooperation

As of February 1, 2026, there are 346 enterprises with U.S. capital operating in Uzbekistan, which accounts for about 2% of the total number of enterprises with foreign investment. Of these, 146 are joint ventures and 200 are foreign companies with U.S. capital participation.

The volume of foreign direct investment and loans from the United States over the past nine years has increased nearly 64-fold — from $8.6 mln in 2017 to $383.2 mln in 2025.

Overall, in 2017–2025 the cumulative volume of attracted U.S. FDI and loans into Uzbekistan’s economy exceeded $2.9 bn.

Investments were directed primarily into manufacturing industries (metallurgy, production of motor vehicles, beverages and textile products), mining industry, construction, services (real estate operations, education), as well as agriculture.

CERR Public relations and media sector

Pakistan eyes Thai UHC model to reduce medical expenses

Pakistan eyes Thai UHC model to reduce medical expenses

ISLAMABAD, FEB 18 /DNA/ – Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister of Health, to discuss the establishment of strategic cooperation on health issues through bilateral exchange of knowledge for sustainability while promoting Thailand as a world class medical centre for Pakistani people.

The two sides agreed to expand their scope of cooperation in various areas; in particular, the systemic promotion of UHC in Pakistan through the Thai model in order to reduce out-of-pocket spending on medical expense as much as possible from the usual average of 53%.

This would entail the promotion of preventative health measures to reduce in-patients in hospitals and wider access to primary health care through village health volunteers or other community-based approaches.

The Federal Minister commended the achievement of the Thai UHC model and has expressed interest to apply it to Pakistan so that Pakistan’s public health system would be stronger and more equitable in the long run as UHC and promotion of preventative measures are already the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination’s main objectives.

They also discussed Thailand as a medical tourism destination for Pakistanis in which the Ambassador reiterated that medical services in Thai medical facilities, with modern technology and expert medical professionals, are of world class standard while remaining affordable and accessible for Pakistanis’ demand for sophisticated and high-quality treatments.

This meeting is an important step towards establishing a firm health partnership between the two countries.

T20 World Cup: Sahibzada Farhan’s ton helps Pakistan hand Namibia 200-run target

T20 World Cup: Sahibzada Farhan's ton helps Pakistan hand Namibia 200-run target

COLOMBO, FEB 18: Sahibzada Farhan’s stunning century on Wednesday powered Pakistan to 199-3 setting a 200-run target against Namibia in crucial T20 World Cup group stage match being played at the SSC Cricket Ground in Sri Lanka’s Colombo.

Batting first, Pakistan got off to a solid start, with openers Saim Ayub and Farhan scoring freely from the outset to provide an early advantage.

However, the 40-run opening stand was broken when Saim was dismissed by Jack Brassell for 14 off 12 balls, including two fours.

Captain Salman Ali Agha then joined Farhan and put together a 67-run partnership for the second wicket, easing the pressure and taking the team past the 100-run mark.

Farhan was in fine form, continuing to pile on crucial runs with boundaries, reaching his 10th T20I fifty.

The partnership was eventually broken as Brassell struck again, removing Agha for 38 off 23 balls, with three fours and two sixes, leaving Pakistan at 107-2 in 12.1 overs.

Surprisingly, Babar Azam did not come in at number three; instead, Khawaja Nafay was sent to the crease.

However, his innings was brief, as he was dismissed for a run-a-ball five, which included one boundary, by captain Gerhard Erasmus.

Shadab Khan came to bat and initially struggled, but Farhan continued his sublime form, hitting boundaries and taking Pakistan past the 150-run mark.

Farhan kept the momentum going, bringing up his maiden T20I century and joining Ahmed Shehzad as only the second Pakistani batter to score a ton in a T20 World Cup.

The duo added a 50-run stand for the fourth wicket, with Shadab gaining momentum and piling on runs.

The innings concluded with Farhan unbeaten on 100 off 58 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and four sixes, while Shadab finished on 36 off 22 balls, including one four and three sixes.

Playing XIs
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza and Usman Tariq.

Namibia: Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), Alexander Volschenk, JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Ruben Trumpelmann, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz and Jack Brassell.

RCCI pushes for reforms as U.S. investors show strong interest in Pakistan

RCCI pushes for reforms as U.S. investors show strong interest in Pakistan

RAWALPINDI, FEB 18 /DNA/ – President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Usman Shaukat, addressed a press conference following the Chamber’s high-level trade delegation visit to the United States, highlighting strong investor interest across multiple sectors and emphasizing that structural economic reforms are essential to unlock large-scale foreign investment.

He said U.S. investors expressed keen interest in Pakistan in areas including rare earth minerals, mining, information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, medical devices, construction, and data infrastructure. He stressed that targeted policy support—particularly for the mining sector—can position Pakistan as a competitive destination for global capital.

Underscoring the broader context, he noted that countries worldwide are strengthening economic engagement with the United States, while Pakistan maintains approximately $10 billion in bilateral trade. He emphasized that the strong diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and the United States should be effectively leveraged to expand trade, investment, and technology partnerships.

The RCCI delegation comprised leading business figures from IT, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, medical devices, construction, and allied sectors. During meetings with U.S. lawmakers, government agencies, and business organizations, American stakeholders highlighted the importance of investor protection, legal certainty, and policy continuity to facilitate investment in Pakistan.

Usman Shaukat announced that a major business conference will be held in the United States on March 24, bringing together prominent Pakistani entrepreneurs to promote bilateral investment and commercial collaboration.

He observed that pharmaceutical prices in the United States are among the highest globally, creating opportunities for Pakistan to expand cooperation in medical devices and healthcare products. Various U.S. states also signaled readiness to deepen trade ties with Pakistan, while expecting reciprocal facilitation for American investors.

Reaffirming RCCI’s non-political role, he stated that the Chamber supports reforms that improve the cost of doing business, strengthen regulatory transparency, and build investor confidence. The Chamber seeks accelerated progress in B2B trade linkages that ensure mutual economic benefit for Pakistan.

Prior to the U.S. visit, RCCI held consultations with an IMF delegation, which sought private sector input on the upcoming federal budget, business cost reforms, and policy priorities. He expressed optimism that continued engagement with international institutions will support economic stability and business facilitation.

Highlighting domestic challenges, he pointed to regulatory burdens, taxation pressures, and limited institutional support for SMEs. He emphasized the need for effective arbitration mechanisms and trust-building measures to strengthen the investment climate.

ICCI to expand facilitation desks for business community: Sardar Tahir Mehmood

ICCI to expand facilitation desks for business community: Sardar Tahir Mehmood

ISLAMABAD, FEB 18: President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Sardar Tahir Mehmood has reiterated that the Chamber, being the mother body of the business community, is fully committed to promoting business growth by playing an effective advocacy role between the public and private sectors to ensure ease of doing business.

He expressed these views while addressing a large delegation of Traders Welfare Association I-8 Markaz, which visited the Chamber under the leadership of its President, Chaudhry Waheed Mushtaq Cheema.

Highlighting the Chamber’s facilitation initiatives, the ICCI President said that various facilitation desks are already operational at the Chamber and efforts are underway to establish additional desks for MOFA, Passport, Excise and Taxation, and driving licenses to further facilitate the business community.

He emphasized that the Chamber’s leadership remains in constant contact with the high-ups of relevant government institutions, which has enabled ICCI to successfully resolve several pressing issues relating to CDA and the Federal Board of Revenue, in addition to matters concerning the district administration, IESCO, and Sui Gas.

Sardar Tahir Mehmood urged traders and industrialists to become members of the Chamber, stating that a larger membership base would strengthen the Chamber’s voice and enhance its effectiveness in resolving community issues.

Speaking on the occasion, President Traders Welfare Association I-8 Markaz Chaudhry Waheed Mushtaq Cheema thanked the ICCI leadership for its proactive role and highlighted key issues faced by traders in the markaz. He called for the construction of a multi-storey parking plaza, installation of a tube well, allocation of space for a flower market, improved cleanliness and sanitation, laying of new sewerage lines, and restoration of street lights.

General Secretary Rana Mohammad Bilal pointed out harassment by officials of certain departments as a major concern for traders, particularly in connection with the installation of POS systems by the FBR.

Chairman Yasir Jameel Abbasi expressed pride in being associated with ICCI, describing it as the apex body of the business community. He outlined the benefits of Chamber membership, including one-window solutions to business issues and cash discounts at hospitals, cash and carry outlets, and hotels.

President All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajraan Ajmal Baloch also reaffirmed his commitment to stand firmly with the business community and pledged close collaboration with ICCI leadership to address traders’ concerns.

ICCI Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, in his vote of thanks, assured the participants of the Chamber’s full support in promoting ease of doing business.

Among those present on the occasion also included Council Member Chaudhry Masood, Executive Members Zulqurnain Abbasi, Ishaq Sial, former Senior Vice President Khalid Mehmood Chaudhry, Tauseef Zaman, and others.

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