Author name: Yasir Zubairi

Yasir Zubairi is the founder and publisher of NEN Agency (News Era Network). He leads NEN's coverage of Pakistan's national affairs, economy, foreign relations and sports, and is responsible for the accuracy and standards of every story published on nenagency.com.

Crypto Minister Bilal Bin Saqib Speaks at Civil Services Academy
Pakistan

Crypto Minister Bilal Bin Saqib Speaks at Civil Services Academy

/

LAHORE — Bilal Bin Saqib, the Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain and Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), addressed the 54th Common Training Programme (CTP) at the Civil Services Academy in Walton, Lahore. Blockchain Integration in Government Bilal Bin Saqib focused on the integration of modern technologies, with a special emphasis on blockchain, into governmental operations. He detailed how these technologies can significantly enhance efficiency and transparency. Role in Future Economic Growth The minister underscored the critical role digital currencies and assets will have in Pakistan’s economic development. He stressed that by embracing these innovations, the country can forge ahead in technological advancements. Need for Regulatory Frameworks Saqib highlighted the necessity of establishing robust regulatory frameworks. These frameworks are essential to safeguarding interests and ensuring the secure national adoption of virtual assets. Interactive Session with Government Officials Government officials from various departments actively participated in the session. They gained valuable insights into the evolving digital landscape and its implications for policy and governance.

PHF Enhances Global Exposure for Youth Hockey Players
Sports

PHF Enhances Global Exposure for Youth Hockey Players

/

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is introducing new initiatives to increase international exposure for youth hockey players in Pakistan. This strategic effort is aimed at providing competitive opportunities by integrating emerging hockey talents into global events. International Tournament Participation The PHF is backing the Pakistan Under-18 Boys Team in their quest to participate in the Five-a-Side Hockey Tournament in Oman. This event offers crucial international playing experience, allowing the youth team to compete with foreign opponents. Skill Enhancement for Young Players Diverse Playing Styles These initiatives are focused on improving the skills of younger players. Exposure to a variety of playing styles enables players to enhance their competitive edge on the world stage. International Competitions Involvement in international tournaments encourages skill development and provides a platform for young athletes to experience different levels of competition. PHF’s Ongoing Commitment to Talent Development The PHF remains dedicated to fostering the growth of hockey in Pakistan. Continuous support for youth participation in international events is essential to the PHF’s strategy for nurturing hockey talent nationwide.

Seminar Explores Conventional and Islamic Banking at NTUF
Business

Seminar Explores Conventional and Islamic Banking at NTUF

/

FAISALABAD — The National Textile University Faisalabad (NTUF) collaborated with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to host an insightful seminar on the dual banking system. This event aimed to bridge the gap between conventional and Islamic banking for budding finance leaders. Objectives and Audience Held at the Faisalabad Business School, the seminar targeted students in the BS Accounting & Finance and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs. It served as an educational platform for participants to grasp the complexities of both banking systems. Insights into Banking Systems Participants engaged in discussions that provided a comprehensive overview of the operational dynamics and regulatory frameworks distinguishing conventional banking from Islamic banking. This exploration aimed to deepen their understanding of the financial sector. Collaboration with Industry Experts Partnering with the SBP offered students a unique opportunity to interact with industry experts. Participants explored potential finance career paths and gained valuable insights into the financial industry’s opportunities.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal Calls for Enhanced Market Monitoring
Business

Minister Ahsan Iqbal Calls for Enhanced Market Monitoring

/

ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, has emphasized the need for enhanced market monitoring and improved supply chain mechanisms. This call to action was made during a National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) meeting on Thursday, where the minister assessed the current pricing of essential commodities. Addressing Price Stabilization In the meeting, Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the critical role of price stabilization in safeguarding consumer interests, especially during fluctuating market conditions. Senior officials have been tasked with developing effective strategies for closely monitoring market dynamics. Ensuring Consistent Supply Chains Discussions during the session centered on maintaining a steady supply of essential goods to avert sudden price increases. A reliable supply chain is fundamental to maintaining economic stability and consumer confidence. Enhancing Transparency and Accountability The NPMC is exploring several initiatives aimed at boosting transparency and accountability within the supply chain. These measures are intended to directly address consumer concerns, making the market more predictable and trustworthy.

Pakistan, Germany Seek Enhanced Cooperation in Agriculture, Food Security
Pakistan

Pakistan, Germany Seek Enhanced Cooperation in Agriculture, Food Security

/

ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, recently met with German Ambassador Ina Lepel. They discussed enhancing cooperation in agriculture and food security between Pakistan and Germany. Focus on Agriculture and Livestock Development The discussions focused on agriculture, livestock development, and agricultural modernization. Key areas of interest included sustainable farming methods and adopting advanced agricultural technologies. Sustainable Farming Methods They explored various sustainable farming techniques keen on increasing productivity while maintaining environmental health. Advanced Agricultural Technologies The conversation highlighted the adoption of cutting-edge technologies aimed at modernizing traditional agricultural practices. Advancing Food Security The collaboration aims to enhance food security in both countries. By sharing expertise and innovative practices, Pakistan and Germany seek to promote sustainability and strengthen the livestock sector. Commitment to Bilateral Relations After the talks, Minister Hussain presented a souvenir to Ambassador Lepel as a gesture of goodwill. This demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to building international partnerships in crucial sectors like agriculture, livestock, and biotechnology.

Ahsan Iqbal Leads National Price Monitoring Committee Meeting
Business

Ahsan Iqbal Leads National Price Monitoring Committee Meeting

/

ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal led a session of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) on Monday, focusing on reviewing current price trends to assess measures for inflation control. Strategies for Price Stabilization The meeting gathered key stakeholders to discuss strategies for stabilizing prices. A priority was ensuring the nationwide availability of essential goods. Participants extensively reviewed relevant data. Various policy measures were considered to address economic challenges from rising cost pressures. This collaborative approach is essential for maintaining market stability. Role of the National Price Monitoring Committee The NPMC acts as a crucial forum for government interaction with various sectors. Its primary goal is maintaining affordability and accessibility of products for the public. The outcomes of this meeting aim to guide future planning and development initiatives, fostering economic growth. Focus on Economic Stability Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the importance of collective efforts to manage price fluctuations and support economic stability. He emphasized the need for all sectors to contribute effective solutions. These efforts are vital for combating inflation and ensuring a steady economic landscape, benefiting consumers and the broader economy.

Zidane Iqbal’s FIFA World Cup Role Inspires Pakistani Fans
Sports

Zidane Iqbal’s FIFA World Cup Role Inspires Pakistani Fans

/

ISLAMABAD — Zidane Iqbal, a talented footballer of Pakistani origin, has captured the imagination of millions of football enthusiasts worldwide. Competing in the FIFA World Cup, Iqbal represents Iraq on the international stage, marking a significant achievement. He is celebrated as the first footballer of Pakistani descent to participate in this prestigious tournament, according to a British broadcaster. Football Journey and Heritage Once a player for Manchester United, Zidane Iqbal attributes his remarkable success to the core values instilled by his Pakistani father. These guiding principles have been crucial in shaping his career path. Despite playing for Iraq, Iqbal acknowledges his father’s dream of seeing him represent Pakistan on an international level. Inspiring Future Generations Iqbal’s presence in the World Cup is a beacon of inspiration for Pakistani children across the globe, motivating them to pursue their sporting dreams. His recognition on the world stage elevates him to a role model status, symbolizing perseverance, dedication, and achievement in international football.

Pakistan Shines in Asian Doubles Squash Championships Opener
Sports

Pakistan Shines in Asian Doubles Squash Championships Opener

/

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan delivered a stellar performance at the 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championships 2026, kicking off with decisive victories in Sarawak, Malaysia. Opening Match Victories Team 1, with Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal, triumphed over Japan’s Naoki Hayashi and Ren Makino. They secured the match 2-0 with scores of 11-8 and 11-10 within 25 minutes. Meanwhile, Team 2, composed of Muhammad Hamza Khan and Muhammad Asim Khan, claimed victory against Chinese Taipei’s Yu-Wei Lin and Pan Hong Rui, winning 2-0 (11-5, 11-3) in a rapid 14-minute match. Sustaining a Winning Streak Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal maintained their momentum by defeating Singapore’s Samuel Quek Wei Yi and Justin Yap. They emerged victorious 2-0, with scores of 11-1 and 11-8, in just 12 minutes, keeping an unbeaten record in the pool stage. Encountering Challenges Conversely, Muhammad Hamza Khan and Muhammad Asim Khan faced difficulties against Singapore’s Aaron Liang and Jerome Aw Jin Ming. They were defeated 0-2 (8-11, 7-11) after 26 minutes. Both Pakistani teams are gearing up for their final pool stage matches on Friday, aiming to sustain their impressive performance throughout the tournament.

PTBF Unveils 2026-27 National and International Sports Calendar
Sports

PTBF Unveils 2026-27 National and International Sports Calendar

/

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation (PTBF) has released its sports calendar for the 2026-27 season. The schedule includes a mix of national and international tenpin bowling events. International Championships PTBF President Ijaz-ur-Rehman has revealed important dates for notable international championships. The 25th Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championship is set for August 21-30 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Following this, the IBA World Cup will take place from October 1-12 in Germany. Major National Events The sports calendar outlines several significant national competitions: Azadi Cup Tenpin Bowling Championship: August 8-14, 2026, in Islamabad. Pakistan Open Tenpin Bowling Championship: November 25-30 in Karachi. 19th National Tenpin Bowling Championship: February 9-14, 2027, in Islamabad. Specialized One-Day Tournaments Throughout the year, various one-day tournaments will be held: Defense Day Tenpin Bowling Championship on September 6. Quaid-e-Azam Tenpin Bowling Cup on December 25. Inter-School Tenpin Bowling Championship on January 10, 2027. Additional events include the Kashmir Solidarity Day Championship on February 5, 2027, the Ramadan-ul-Mubarak Championship on February 28, the Women’s Day Championship on March 8, and the Inter-University Championship on March 30, 2027.

FIFA Scrubs Hundreds of Thousands of Hate Comments Online
Sports

FIFA Scrubs Hundreds of Thousands of Hate Comments Online

/

ATLANTA — FIFA, the global governing body for football, has made significant strides in combating hate speech online. Recent efforts led to the removal of 388,000 hateful comments from social media platforms. These decisive actions commenced with the World Cup events in the United States, Mexico, and Canada on June 11. FIFA remains determined in addressing hate during major football events. Comprehensive Review and Removal Initiative Since the tournament’s beginning, FIFA has reviewed 3.8 million social media posts. Among these, over 30 million were flagged as harmful, highlighting FIFA’s strong stance against online abuse. This action reflects their prior removal of 287,000 posts during the 2022 World Cup. Collaborative Efforts to Combat Hate Speech An important announcement occurred during a panel discussion in Atlanta. Co-hosted by FIFA, TikTok, and the City of Atlanta, this event took place at the National Centre for Civil and Human Rights. It united players, policymakers, and technology experts to devise solutions for combating hate speech. Promoting Unity Through Football The panel coincided with the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. Participants committed to local actions designed to protect the game’s integrity, while fostering unity through football initiatives.

Scroll to Top