Latest news with #FarooqAfzal
Express Tribune
14-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Rain likely as heatwave eases
Widespread dust storms and scattered rain are expected across much of upper and central Punjab this weekend, bringing temporary relief from the intense heat that has gripped the region in recent weeks. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Saturday that a westerly weather system currently moving across the country is likely to continue influencing weather patterns through Monday. While most of Punjab will continue to experience hot and dry weather during the day, isolated areas — particularly in Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad and surrounding districts — could see dust storms and thundershowers. Kashmir is also likely to receive scattered rainfall and thunderstorms. By Sunday, the weather is expected to remain warm and partly cloudy across most districts, but the chance of dust storms and rain will spread to additional areas, including Gujranwala, Sargodha, Bhakkar, and Jhang. The PMD also noted the possibility of hail in some places during the period, especially in upper Punjab and Kashmir. In the last 24 hours, several areas in Punjab reported light rainfall. Gujrat recorded the highest rainfall at 11.6 millimetress, followed by Mangla with 5.8 and Sialkot Airport with 3.8 millimeters. Light showers were also reported in Murree, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Bahawalpur. Despite these scattered showers, most districts in the province remained hot and dry. Temperatures continued to soar, with Bahawalnagar recording the highest maximum temperature in Punjab at 49 degrees Celsius, while Murree remained the coolest at 17 degrees. The forecast comes as the country begins to see a slight break in the prevailing heatwave. According to the PMD, moist air from the Arabian Sea is interacting with the incoming westerly system, creating conditions for intermittent dust storms and thunderstorms. These weather patterns are expected to affect not only Punjab and Kashmir, but also parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northern Balochistan, continuing through June 16. The authorities have been urged to remain alert as strong winds and thunderstorms could damage trees, power lines, solar panels, and other exposed infrastructure. The public, especially farmers, tourists, and travelers, were advised to take precautionary measures and plan activities with changing weather conditions in mind. The Meteorological Department said the ongoing heatwave is likely to subside during this period, offering much-needed respite to residents across the region. Dengue risk Talking to the participants of an awareness walk at Lahore General Hospital (LGH) about the prevention of dengue virus, Ameerud Din Medical College Principal Professor Farooq Afzal said dengue fever is a medical as well as a social problem and citizens should keep their homes and surrounding environment clean and dry to protect themselves. He asserted that women associated with the health and education sectors should spread awareness about the prevention of dengue virus as well as other diseases.
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Almas Bashir Research & Editorial Office opened at PINS
LAHORE: With prime focus on research initiatives in the Institute, the Almas Bashir Research & Editorial Office has been formally inaugurated here at the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences (PINS) on Saturday. The Chief Guest of the ceremony was Dr. Almas Bashir. Executive Director PINS Prof. Dr. Asif Bashir, Principal Ameer uddin Medical College Prof. Dr. Farooq Afzal and senior professors and health professionals attended the ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Asif Bashir emphasized that PINS is committed to enhancing healthcare services in collaboration with international institutions. The establishment of the Almas Bashir Research & Editorial Office marks a significant step towards expanding the institute's research initiatives, enabling young doctors and professionals to benefit from dedicated facilities and resources for research and editorial work, he said. In his address, Prof. Dr. Farooq Afzal underscored the vital role of medical research in the development of healthcare system worldwide. He emphasized that while Pakistan has no shortage of talent, the focus should now be shifted towards self-reliance, urging professionals to contribute actively to research and innovation across all healthcare domains instead of relying solely on external support. He stressed the importance of research in the field of neuroscience, noting that PINS continues to progress steadily in the domain of neurosurgery. He expressed his confidence that Pakistani surgeons and medical professionals will continue to make the nation proud through excellence in clinical and research fields. Principal LGH and ED PINS jointly reiterated that institutions are strengthened not by infrastructure alone but through mutual cooperation and cohesive teamwork. They highlighted the inseparable relationship between LGH and PINS, describing it as 'two souls in one body,' both committed to ensuring optimal patient care and clinical services through unified efforts. They reaffirmed their dedication to implementing the health initiatives of Chief Minister Punjab Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif by providing integrated treatment platforms for patients at both PINS and LGH. They stressed that delivering high-quality healthcare to all patients without discrimination remains their shared mission and no effort will be spared in achieving this goal. Among others, Prof Qasim Bashir, Prof Mohsin Zaheer, Prof Hafiz Abdul Majeed, Prof Shehzad Hussain Shah, Prof Naghmana Mazhar, Prof Saira Bilal, Prof Mudassar Aslam and Medical Superintendent Dr Umar Ishaq were present. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
KOTRA hosts event to strengthen economic ties with Pakistan
KARACHI: The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Karachi, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Pakistan, Karachi Office, hosted the highly successful Korea Pakistan Industrial Collaboration 2025 event on Tuesday at a local hotel. The event served as a dynamic platform for fostering industrial cooperation, exploring new business opportunities, and strengthening the economic partnership between Korea and Pakistan. The event brought together key stakeholders from both countries, including government officials, industry leaders, business executives, and experts from various sectors. The primary focus was on identifying and promoting collaboration in key industries with high growth potential, such as the automotive sector, medical devices, and information technology. The formal proceedings began with an opening address by Yi Sung-ho, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Karachi, who emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and promoting industrial collaboration between Korea and Pakistan. Yi Sung-ho expressed his belief in the potential for both nations to amplify their bilateral trade and investment activities, particularly in Automobile Engineering, Medical Equipment & IT Sector. Following the opening address, Farooq Afzal, Founding President of Diplomatic Forum International and Member of the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations, delivered his welcome remarks. Afzal highlighted the immense potential for Korean and Pakistani industries to collaborate and leverage their respective strengths for mutual economic growth and prosperity. He stated, this collaboration holds the key to unlocking new opportunities, driving innovation, and creating a win-win scenario for both our nations. A key highlight of the event was the series of insightful presentations, which showcased specific opportunities for collaboration in high-growth sectors. Aasif Hussein, General Manager Localization at Pak Suzuki, presented the company's vision for the future of the automotive industry in Pakistan, with a focus on localization strategies. The presentation emphasized the potential for Korean automotive companies to partner with Pak Suzuki in developing the local automotive supply chain and enhancing technological capabilities. Dr Tasmia Abeer Billo, Member Executive Committee of the Health & Development Association of Pakistan (HDAP), provided an overview of Pakistan's rapidly increasing medical device industry and highlighted the significant opportunities for strategic collaboration with Korean counterparts. The presentation underscored the potential for joint ventures, technology transfer, and investment in this critical sector. Dr Dabeer Khan, Director of Foreign Aid Projects, Government of Sindh, presented the exciting opportunities for Korean companies available at the IT Park in Karachi. He emphasized the government's commitment to developing the IT sector and invited Korean IT companies to invest in and collaborate with Pakistani tech firms. Min Joon Ho, Director General of KOTRA Karachi, noted the vibrant participation and positive engagement from both Korean and Pakistani stakeholders, underscoring the significant potential for future collaboration. He reaffirmed KOTRA's unwavering commitment to facilitating business partnerships and helping companies from both nations capitalize on the opportunities identified through today's event. The participants expressed strong optimism about the future of Korea-Pakistan industrial cooperation and pledged to work together to translate the ideas and connections presented at the event into tangible business outcomes. KOTRA Karachi and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Pakistan, Karachi Office, reiterated their commitment to supporting and facilitating these collaborations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
2025 Korea-Pakistan industrial collaboration event held
The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Karachi, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Pakistan, Karachi Office, proudly hosted the highly successful Korea Pakistan Industrial Collaboration 2025 event on 29th Apr, 2025 at Hotel Marriott, Karachi. The event served as a dynamic platform for fostering industrial cooperation, exploring new business opportunities, and strengthening the economic partnership between Korea and Pakistan. The event brought together key stakeholders from both countries, including government officials, industry leaders, business executives, and experts from various sectors. The primary focus was on identifying and promoting collaboration in key industries with high growth potential, such as the automotive sector, medical devices, and information technology. The formal proceedings began with an opening address by H.E. Yi Sung-ho, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Karachi, who emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and promoting industrial collaboration between Korea and Pakistan. H.E. Mr. Yi Sung-ho expressed his belief in the potential for both nations to amplify their bilateral trade and investment activities, particularly in Automobile Engineering, Medical Equipment & IT Sector. Following the opening address, Mr. Farooq Afzal, Founding President of Diplomatic Forum International and Member of the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations, delivered his welcome remarks. Mr. Afzal highlighted the immense potential for Korean and Pakistani industries to collaborate and leverage their respective strengths for mutual economic growth and prosperity. He stated, this collaboration holds the key to unlocking new opportunities, driving innovation, and creating a win-win scenario for both our nations. A key highlight of the event was the series of insightful presentations, which showcased specific opportunities for collaboration in high-growth sectors. Mr. Aasif Hussein, General Manager Localization at Pak Suzuki, presented the company's vision for the future of the automotive industry in Pakistan, with a focus on localization strategies. The presentation emphasized the potential for Korean automotive companies to partner with Pak Suzuki in developing the local automotive supply chain and enhancing technological capabilities. Dr. Tasmia Abeer Billo, Member Executive Committee of the Health & Development Association of Pakistan (HDAP), provided an overview of Pakistan's rapidly increasing medical device industry and highlighted the significant opportunities for strategic collaboration with Korean counterparts. The presentation underscored the potential for joint ventures, technology transfer, and investment in this critical sector. Dr. Dabeer Khan, Director of Foreign Aid Projects, Government of Sindh, presented the exciting opportunities for Korean companies available at the IT Park in Karachi. He emphasized the government's commitment to developing the IT sector and invited Korean IT companies to invest in and collaborate with Pakistani tech firms. The Korea Pakistan Industrial Collaboration 2025 was a resounding success, achieving its objectives of promoting bilateral industrial cooperation and identifying concrete opportunities for collaboration. The event facilitated meaningful dialogue between Korean and Pakistani businesses, laying the foundation for future partnerships and investments. Mr. Min Joon Ho, Director General of KOTRA Karachi, noted the vibrant participation and positive engagement from both Korean and Pakistani stakeholders, underscoring the significant potential for future collaboration. He reaffirmed KOTRA's unwavering commitment to facilitating business partnerships and helping companies from both nations capitalize on the opportunities identified through today's event. The participants expressed strong optimism about the future of Korea-Pakistan industrial cooperation and pledged to work together to translate the ideas and connections presented at the event into tangible business outcomes. KOTRA Karachi and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Pakistan, Karachi Office, reiterated their commitment to supporting and facilitating these collaborations
