Female truck drivers break cultural norms in coal mines of Thar
Pakistani women are challenging cultural barriers set by men as they overcome poverty working as female truck drivers in the largest open-pit coal mine in Thar desert. The image of women is therefore also changing, who were once restricted to the walls of their homes in the Thar district.
“At the beginning, I was a bit nervous but now it’s normal to drive this dumper,” said Gulaban, a mother of three who works as a truck driver in the mines. Read here further about her story as she fights gender norms and poverty in the largest desert region of Pakistan.
Thanks to CPEC, Pakistan’s ranking rose in the Global Competitiveness Report
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has helped boost Pakistan’s economy as the country’s position changed from 122nd to 115th in the Global Competitiveness’ rankings published in the World Economic Forum Report. However, the report also indicated that China’s infrastructural quality has dropped since the last two years consecutively, which might make the future of the CPEC partnership bleak, resulting in potential debt for Pakistan as well.
Pakistan’s young workforce driving retail stores market around the world
Two-thirds of Pakistan’s population is under 30 years old which translates to an untapped potential of the millennials into what is now the world fastest growing retail market. According to Euromonitor International, the market size is predicted to expand by 50% from 2016-2021 due to high market consumption by the middle class. Pakistan’s improving GDP, security, and low consumer prices are the driving forces behind investing in big numbers. “We have a new millennial shopper at hand. They don’t mind spending to have the kind of lifestyle they would like,” reported Shabori Das, senior research analyst at Euromonitor.
Cellular services blocked on account of Ashura
Security measures for Muharram processions and congregations have been implemented as the government has blocked cellular services in several cities across Pakistan. The services will remain blocked on 8th, 9th and 10th of Muharram.
Kulsoom Nawaz discharged from hospital in London
“Shukar Alhamdulillah, Ami is better, discharged from the hospital and back home. Her further treatment including chemotherapy starts next week.” daughter Maryam Nawaz said in a tweet regarding former first lady Kulsoom Nawaz who recently underwent surgery as part of her cancer treatment in London
Pakistan to pay back $100 billion to China by 2024
Pakistan has a deadline of 2024 to pay back $100 billion of a total of China’s $18.5 billion investment made on account of banks’ loan in 19 early harvest projects mostly relating to energy sector under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). According to sources in the Chinese Embassy, the loans are a ‘special subsidy’ from the Chinese government and are only 1.1% of Pakistan’s total foreign debt. 60,000 Pakistanis have gained employment in CPEC related jobs and 20,000 are being educated in China, which has positively contributed in decreasing the number of unemployed workforce in the country.
US considers Pakistan an important country : Zakaria
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said the United States considers Pakistan an important country in the region. In an interview with a state television, Zakaria talked about Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi meeting with the Vice-President of the US, saying that both the countries agreed to engage each other. According to Zakaria, ‘There were no safe havens for terrorists in Pakistan. Afghanistan is the country where these safe havens existed” 20 injured in Peshawar Ring Road blast 
According to an official from the Paharipura police station, the explosion occurred outside a private hospital on Peshawar’s Ring Road near Shinwari Town after Jummah Prayers. At least 20 people were injured and were taken to the Lady Reading Hospital for treatment. The hospital owner Osman Maqsood was the real target of the attack as he was on the receiving end of life-threatening calls. The case is still being investigated.