Initiate Magazine (2025)

24/10/2025

Event Highlights'
To commemorate a decade of cultural excellence, Shaan-e-Pakistan proudly inaugurated the SEPMA Music Academy, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to offering free and inclusive music education for the visually impaired and specially abled community.

The vibrant Media Meet-and-Greet event was a celebration of art, empathy, and empowerment. The red carpet came alive with notable personalities including Alyy Khan, Nadira Panjwani, Irfan Pardesi, and Jawed Iqbal, among many others, who came together to support this inspiring vision.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Shanaz Ramzi, who has been associated with Shaan-e-Pakistan since its inception. She highlighted the journey of SEPMA and the foundation’s continued efforts in promoting inclusivity through culture and art. A mesmerizing musical presentation followed, featuring a mash-up themed “The World is Different but Emotions are the Same”, produced and directed by Huma Haji Zikar Pardesi.

A deeply emotional highlight of the evening was the performance titled “We Sense” by students of the newly launched SEPMA Academy. Guided by Huma Pardesi, the performance beautifully reflected the power of music in transcending barriers. SEPMA extended heartfelt gratitude to Fragrance Lab for supporting this touching segment.

The event’s Hot Seat Session, themed “The World is Blind”, featured Nadira Panjwani, President of IRWA, and Irfan Pardesi, Co-Founder of SEPMA Academy, in an insightful discussion moderated by Alyy Khan. Alyy’s heartfelt recount of his niece—who despite losing her sight became a talented singer and multi-instrumentalist—moved the audience deeply.

Another engaging conversation between Aiman, a DOW medical student passionate about human development, and Yumna Ikram, an advocate for inclusion and digital literacy for women with disabilities, reinforced the event’s central theme of empowerment and empathy.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Irfan Pardesi, inspiring attendees with his message of unity, compassion, and creative freedom.

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08/10/2025

The Punjab government has officially launched a new public transport helpline — 1071 — to address commuter complaints, including overcharging, driver misconduct, and poor service quality, as part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Vision for Transport 2030.

This initiative, led by the Punjab Transport Department, marks a key step toward building a modern, transparent, and passenger-friendly transport system across the province. The helpline will serve as a direct communication channel between citizens and authorities, ensuring that grievances are recorded and resolved promptly.

Officials stated that the helpline is a cornerstone of the government’s Transport 2030 Vision, which focuses on safer, smarter, and more efficient mobility for all residents. By allowing passengers to report violations instantly, the new system aims to ensure greater accountability among transport operators and fair fare enforcement across routes.

The launch also reflects the government’s broader commitment to improving urban mobility through technology-driven reforms, better service monitoring, and public engagement. With this system, passengers are empowered to take an active role in improving the province’s transport standards.

08/10/2025

The United Arab Emirates has approved its first hospital-based vertiport, setting a major milestone in the region’s push toward advanced air mobility and emergency healthcare innovation. This development will enable air taxis and air ambulances to take off and land directly from hospital grounds, cutting emergency response times dramatically.

The announcement came from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, which has partnered with Archer Aviation Inc. to transform its existing helipad into a dual-use vertiport capable of supporting both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The project aims to revolutionize patient transport and emergency medical services by allowing healthcare teams and passengers to travel between hospitals and nearby destinations in minutes, bypassing road congestion. It will cater to critical missions such as organ transport as well as non-emergency patient and passenger transfers.

Archer’s Midnight aircraft—a fully electric eVTOL capable of carrying four passengers—will power the new service. With a quiet, emission-free design, the Midnight offers a sustainable alternative to conventional helicopters while supporting both medical and passenger operations.

Once operational, Archer will become the first company in the UAE to offer commercial flying taxi services. The hospital vertiport is part of Archer’s wider air mobility network in Abu Dhabi, following the earlier approval of a hybrid vertiport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal.

According to Bryan Bernhard, Archer’s Chief Growth and Infrastructure Officer, this initiative marks “a step toward connecting not just destinations, but essential services that support life in Abu Dhabi.”

08/10/2025

Samsung has officially introduced the ISOCELL HP5, a groundbreaking 200-megapixel smartphone camera sensor featuring the world’s smallest 0.5-micrometer pixels. The innovation promises ultra-detailed, vibrant imagery without compromising on sensor size or light performance.

The ISOCELL HP5 measures 1/1.56 inches, smaller than its previous 200MP counterparts, while maintaining exceptional image clarity. To achieve this, Samsung integrated Front Deep Trench Isolation (FDTI) and Dual Vertical Transfer Gate (D-VTG) technologies — enhancing light absorption and reducing pixel crosstalk. These features help preserve color accuracy and minimize interference even in challenging lighting conditions.

The company further utilized a new DTI Center Cut (DCC) process, which reportedly boosts light sensitivity and reduces image noise. Internal tests show a 150% increase in conversion gain and up to 40% less random noise, marking a significant leap in sensor efficiency and low-light performance.

In terms of imaging performance, the HP5 supports Smart ISO Pro and staggered HDR, balancing exposure between bright and dark areas for more consistent results. The sensor enables 8K recording at 30 fps, 4K at 120 fps, and 1080p at 240 fps, making it one of the most versatile smartphone sensors available.

Moreover, it supports 8-bit, 10-bit, 12-bit, and 14-bit RAW output, catering to both mobile manufacturers and professional-grade creators. It also offers 2x in-sensor zoom and up to 6x lossless zoom when paired with a 3x telephoto lens.

Samsung confirmed that the ISOCELL HP5 has entered mass production and will feature in several upcoming devices. The Vivo Y500 Pro is expected to be among the first smartphones to launch with this new sensor later this year, followed by Samsung’s own flagship models in 2026.

08/10/2025

The government has officially barred cellular mobile operators in Pakistan from sharing consumer data with any third party, reinforcing the country’s commitment to protecting user privacy.

According to a written reply submitted to the National Assembly, the Minister-in-Charge of the Cabinet Division clarified that telecom operators are legally bound by strict confidentiality clauses under their licenses and relevant telecom regulations. These clauses prohibit the disclosure of subscriber information to any third party — including their own affiliates or subsidiaries — except under specific, legally defined circumstances.

Under Clauses 7.7.1 and 7.7.2 of the Long Distance & International (LDI) and Local Loop Licenses, operators may share data only for limited purposes such as debt collection, inter-operator services, or compliance with legal obligations, and even then, only with the customer’s prior informed consent.

The minister further cited Regulation 16 of the Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations, 2009, which mandates operators to ensure the confidentiality and security of all user information. Additionally, Clause 10.1 of the Third Party Service Provider License requires telecom companies to protect users from fraud, privacy breaches, and service delays, while maintaining a transparent complaint-handling mechanism.

Any disclosure outside the specified legal exceptions or without informed consent is considered a violation of license terms and a breach of consumer protection laws.

In light of rising digital scams and fraudulent calls, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has intensified public awareness efforts — issuing over 1.065 billion awareness messages to mobile users. The regulator has also introduced fraud-prevention ringback tones from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to educate consumers on digital fraud risks.

08/10/2025

Gold prices in Pakistan continued their record-breaking streak on Wednesday, climbing sharply in line with international market gains as investors turned to safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty.

According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price of gold per tola surged by Rs. 8,400 in a single day to reach Rs. 425,178. Similarly, 10-gram gold rose by Rs. 7,202, hitting Rs. 364,521 — both figures marking historic highs for the local market.

The rally follows Tuesday’s sharp rise, when gold prices had already jumped by Rs. 1,500 per tola to touch Rs. 416,778.

The increase mirrors movements in the global bullion market, where the international gold rate reached $4,039 per ounce (including a $20 premium), showing an intraday rise of $84.

Silver prices in Pakistan also edged higher, with the per tola rate increasing by Rs. 55 to Rs. 4,984.

Market analysts attribute the surge to heightened demand for safe assets as investors hedge against economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and currency volatility. With global prices climbing steadily, local traders expect gold in Pakistan could soon approach the Rs. 450,000 per tola mark if the trend continues.

08/10/2025

Pakistan’s economy expanded by 3.04 percent in the fiscal year 2024–25, marking an upward revision from the previously estimated 2.68 percent, according to data released after the 114th meeting of the National Accounts Committee (NAC).

The NAC attributed the improvement to robust industrial growth, recovery in agriculture, and steady performance in services, with the economy recording a sharp 5.66 percent growth in Q4. The updated figures place Pakistan’s total economic output at $407.2 billion, while per capita income has risen to $1,812.

The committee noted that all three major sectors contributed positively:

Agriculture grew 1.51 percent, up from 0.56 percent, driven by higher yields in secondary crops such as vegetables, fruits, and to***co, which offset a 13 percent decline in major crops.

Industry expanded 5.26 percent, compared to 4.77 percent earlier, supported by large-scale manufacturing, mining, and a notable 28.5 percent increase in electricity, gas, and water supply.

Services recorded 3.0 percent growth, reflecting steady gains in trade, finance, transport, and public administration.

Quarterly figures were also revised upward — Q1 at 1.8%, Q2 at 1.94%, and Q3 at 2.79%, up from 1.37%, 1.53%, and 2.4%, respectively.

The fourth quarter showed particularly strong momentum, with a 19.95 percent surge in industry and 3.72 percent growth in services, while agriculture remained stable at 0.18 percent. Analysts say the acceleration was fueled by improved energy availability, higher cement and industrial output, and increased public infrastructure spending.

The NAC credited the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Finance, and State Bank of Pakistan for their collaborative role in updating the national accounts.

Overall, Pakistan’s real GDP has expanded to Rs. 113.7 trillion in FY2025, up from Rs. 105.2 trillion in the previous year — signaling a modest but steady economic recovery.

08/10/2025

Pakistan is set to host its first-ever Maritime Investment Conference 2025, marking a major step toward advancing the country’s blue economy and unlocking new opportunities in the maritime sector.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the initiative during a high-level meeting focused on showcasing Pakistan’s maritime potential. The event aims to attract both local and international investors by highlighting key opportunities in port development, shipbuilding, fisheries, marine transport, and coastal tourism.

According to the minister, the conference will serve as a strategic platform to position Pakistan as a regional hub for maritime investment and innovation, while driving sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship. The meeting also finalized the thematic focus, potential venues, and promotional strategies for the event.

A major highlight of the discussion was the approval of a comprehensive global media and branding campaign to engage investors, financial institutions, and development partners. Officials emphasized that public-private collaboration will play a central role in revitalizing Pakistan’s maritime sector and expanding its role in the global blue economy.

Minister Chaudhry directed relevant departments to finalize standard templates for investment proposals to ensure transparency and efficiency in evaluating new projects. He described the upcoming conference as a “milestone event” that reflects Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development and economic diversification through maritime innovation.

06/10/2025

Good news for bike lovers across Pakistan — Atlas Honda has teamed up with Standard Chartered Bank to make owning your favorite Honda motorcycle easier than ever! Through the SC Aasan Instalment Plan, customers can now ride home a brand-new Honda with 0% markup and flexible payment options of 3, 6, or 12 months — starting at just Rs. 13,000 per month.

This scheme is designed especially for conventional credit card holders, offering complete convenience and affordability. Whether it’s the reliable CD 70, the stylish Dream, or the powerful CB 150F, the deal applies across multiple models. A one-time processing fee applies at booking — 1.99% for 3-month plans, 5.99% for 6-month plans, and 11.99% for 12-month plans, along with a Federal Excise Duty (FED) that varies by region.

The numbers speak for themselves:

Honda CD 70: Rs. 13,000/month

Honda Dream 70: Rs. 13,965/month

Honda Pridor: Rs. 17,308/month

Honda CG 125: Rs. 19,480/month

Honda CG 150: Rs. 37,583/month

Honda CB 150F: Rs. 40,833/month

With inflation tightening budgets, this 0% markup plan brings major relief to students, professionals, and delivery riders looking for cost-effective transport. Atlas Honda’s goal is simple — make two-wheel mobility more accessible and affordable for Pakistan’s middle class without compromising quality or trust.

So, if you’ve been eyeing that shiny red Honda, now might be the perfect time to kickstart your ride — literally!

06/10/2025

Luxury meets electrification as Bentley’s first all-electric vehicle has finally been spotted testing on public roads — marking a historic milestone for the legendary British automaker. Set to debut in mid-2026 and reach customers by early 2027, this model signals the dawn of a new era where heritage design and high performance unite with zero-emission innovation.

Early glimpses reveal a bold and muscular design — a squared front fascia, wide rear fenders, and a flat hood — showcasing Bentley’s signature presence while introducing a futuristic touch. Interestingly, the prototype retains traditional door handles, setting it apart from most modern EVs that favor aerodynamic flush designs. Positioned below the Bentayga, it’s described as a “luxury urban SUV” — compact yet commanding, crafted for those who want elegance without excess.

While technical details remain under wraps, insiders suggest the EV shares its platform with the upcoming Porsche Cayenne EV, featuring an 800-volt system, 108-kWh battery, and 400-kilowatt charging capability — possibly even wireless inductive charging. If accurate, Bentley’s first EV could combine lightning-fast charging with ultra-refined performance, redefining what electric luxury feels like.

Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser reaffirmed the brand’s ambitious plan to launch a new plug-in hybrid or EV every year until 2030, emphasizing a strategic commitment to sustainability despite fluctuating luxury EV demand. The model’s unveiling marks a pivotal step toward Bentley’s fully electric future, proving that timeless craftsmanship can indeed coexist with cutting-edge innovation.

06/10/2025

Meta has launched the Instagram Map feature in Pakistan, giving users an interactive way to explore stories, reels, and posts tagged by location — from concerts and cafés to events and hangouts.

Located at the top of the DM inbox, the Map lets users share their location privately or explore nearby content safely. Privacy is off by default, with clear indicators and full parental controls for teens.

Meta says updates to the feature, such as no profile photos on the map and improved location indicators are part of its effort to make social discovery safer and more transparent for all users.

06/10/2025

In academia, LUMS has made a high-profile addition to its University Advisory Board by welcoming Amir Husain — a globally recognized AI visionary, inventor, and entrepreneur based in Austin, Texas.

Founder of SparkCognition and SkyGrid (with Boeing), Husain is known for shaping the future of AI, robotics, and automation. With over 30 patents and bestselling books like The Sentient Machine and Generative AI for Leaders, he brings a wealth of global experience to Pakistan’s leading university.

Husain said it was an “honor to help steward LUMS into a future brimming with possibility for Pakistan and the world.” His appointment reflects Pakistan’s growing presence in the global tech landscape and LUMS’ mission to redefine innovation for the Global South.

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