Skardu Times (2024)

03/05/2024

ICUBE-Qamar, Pakistan's inaugural lunar mission, has successfully entered orbit today. Developed in collaboration with the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Shanghai University SJTU, and SUPARCO, Pakistan's national space agency, ICUBE-Qamar launched from Hainan, China, aboard China's Chang'E6 spacecraft. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's space exploration endeavors and was broadcast live on the IST website. Following rigorous qualification and testing, the ICUBE-Qamar orbiter, equipped with dual optical cameras for lunar surface imaging, was integrated into the Chang'E6 mission, the latest installment in China's lunar exploration program.

The primary objective of Chang'E6 is to land on the far side of the Moon, collect samples, and return them to Earth for further analysis. Notably, this mission also carries Pakistan's CubeSat satellite, iCube-Q, developed by IST. CubeSats, known for their compact size and standardized design, play a crucial role in scientific research, technology development, and educational activities related to space exploration. These small satellites, often weighing just a few kilograms, are deployed for various missions, including Earth observation, remote sensing, atmospheric research, communications, astronomy, and technology demonstration. Pakistan's participation in this lunar mission highlights its growing prominence in the global space arena and its dedication to advancing scientific exploration beyond Earth's boundaries.
'E6

03/05/2024

A devastating bus accident occurred in Chilas early morning 3rd May 2024 , resulting in a significant loss of life and injury. A Hunza-bound passenger bus veered off a turn and plummeted into a 600-foot-deep ravine. The rescue operation was initiated approximately 20 minutes after the incident was reported by a trailing vehicle.

Fortunately, local residents and youth played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, responding promptly to announcements made in mosques. The accident has claimed 23 lives, and injured passengers are receiving treatment at RHQ Hospital Chilas and in Gilgit. The swift response and assistance from the local community were instrumental in the rescue operation.

01/05/2024

KFC has closed over 100 outlets in Malaysia due to challenging economic conditions. However, local media reports suggest that a consumer boycott may have played a significant role in this decision. The boycott is believed to have been initiated by some consumers due to KFC's alleged connections to the ongoing conflict in the region. As a result, many Muslims in the region have been actively avoiding Western brands associated with the conflict.

The closure of KFC outlets in Malaysia is a significant development, and while the exact number of affected outlets has not been officially confirmed, employees have been offered transfers to busier locations. This move by KFC is likely an effort to mitigate the financial impact of the boycott and economic challenges.

The boycott and subsequent closure of KFC outlets in Malaysia highlights the power of consumer activism and the importance of brands being mindful of their associations and connections in sensitive times. It also underscores the economic impact of geopolitical tensions and conflicts on businesses and industries.

30/04/2024

The Federal Communications Minister, Abdul Aleem Khan, has reaffirmed his commitment to completing the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, which is a top priority for him. This project aims to improve transportation infrastructure in the region.

In addition to this, Minister Khan has announced plans to build a new motorway that will connect Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu. This new motorway will further enhance the region's connectivity and accessibility.

Speaking at a ceremony for patrol officers at the National Highways and Motorway Training College, Minister Khan highlighted the significance of these infrastructure projects. He emphasized that they have the potential to bring about transformative change to the region.

Minister Khan also took the opportunity to commend the Motorway Police for their integrity and professionalism. He expressed his hope that their example would inspire other institutions to adopt similar standards.

Finally, Minister Khan congratulated the graduating officers on their achievements and announced a reward for their dedication. This recognition aims to motivate and encourage them as they begin their careers in maintaining and managing the country's transportation infrastructure.

22/04/2024

"Iran aims to boost its trade with Pakistan to a significant $10 billion, a substantial increase in bilateral trade, emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two nations."

Iranian President Raisi highlighted the shared interests between Pakistan and Iran on various global issues, including counter-terrorism efforts and supporting Palestine's human rights. During his upcoming visit to Islamabad, discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including trade, economics, and security. He expressed his ambition to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion and offered opportunities for Pakistan to explore the Iranian market. According to the Foreign Office Spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, President Raisi will be accompanied by his wife, foreign minister, cabinet members, senior officials, and a significant business delegation, indicating a comprehensive and high-level engagement between the two nations.

22/04/2024

Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi is on a three-day visit to Pakistan, arriving on Monday and departing on April 24. The aim of his trip is to boost bilateral ties, hold talks with top Pakistani officials, and discuss regional issues. This visit is significant as it's the first by a head of state since Pakistan's general elections in February 2024. During his stay, President Raisi will meet with key leaders, including the President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of the National Assembly, as well as visit Karachi and Lahore to engage with local authorities. The discussions will focus on strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations in areas like trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges, with an emphasis on enhancing cooperation on regional and international issues.

21/04/2024

Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan made history in the second T20I match against New Zealand at Pindi Cricket Stadium, becoming the fastest player to reach 3,000 runs in T20I cricket. He achieved this milestone in his 79th innings, surpassing the records of Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, who both reached 3,000 runs in 81 innings. This feat also made Rizwan the second Pakistani cricketer to cross the 3,000-run mark in T20I cricket, with Babar Azam being the first with 3,712 runs."

09/04/2024

EID MUBARAK🎉🌙

03/04/2024

A strong earthquake in Taiwan on Wednesday caused damage to dozens of structures, triggered tsunami warnings that reached as far as Japan and the Philippines before being lifted, and left at least four dead and almost sixty wounded. Ahead of additional tremors in the coming days, officials indicated that the earthquake was the worst to strike the island in decades.

31/03/2024

Civil Society Karachi staged a demonstration calling for prompt action, Falak Noor's safe return, and an impartial inquiry into the Innara issue. Nearly 70 days have passed since Falak Noor was supposedly kidnapped.
Innara's lifeless body was recently found in Gilgit, close to Degree College Danyor, along a river. Before her finding, 18-year-old Innara had been missing for twenty-four days.

On January 20, 2024, Falak Noor, a 12-year-old, was reportedly kidnapped from Sultanabad, Gilgit. Not much has been done to locate the missing kid, even though the Gilgit Police have supposedly been working on the matter for more than two months.

31/03/2024

Shahid Afridi, a former captain of Pakistan, has commented on the selection of Babar Azam as the white-ball forms' captain.

Re-instated as captain, the 29-year-old cricketer took Shaheen Afridi's place, who captained the side in just one Twenty20 International Series against New Zealand in January 2023.

It was the team's four-match losing streak in the five-match series that cast doubt on the left-armer's leadership qualities.

Afridi said in his statement that he was taken aback by the selection committee's decision, which was decided by the more seasoned players. If a change was considered essential, he insisted that Mohammad Rizwan would have been the best option.

Afridi, however, wished team Pakistan and Babar Azam well and pledged his whole support now that the choice has been taken.
The PCB said, "Babar Azam appointed as white-ball captain," on X (formerly Twitter).

Babar Azam was named the Pakistan men's cricket team's white-ball (ODI and T20I) captain by Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi on the unanimous recommendation of the PCB's selection committee.

31/03/2024

Prior to the next T20I series against New Zealand at home, Pakistan's white-ball cricket team has restored star batsman Babar Azam as captain. Following a unanimous recommendation from the PCB's selection committee, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced via X (previously Twitter) that Babar Azam has been named the captain for both the ODI and T20I formats.

According to reports, 29-year-old Babar Azam asked the PCB to give him consideration for captaincy in all three forms. Following the end of the ICC World Cup 2023, Babar was demoted as captain in all forms, which prompted this request.

Following Pakistan's 4-1 loss to New Zealand in the Twenty20 International series, Shaheen Afridi was named the new captain for the shorter format. Under Shan Masood's captaincy, Pakistan played just one Test series against Australia in December 2023, losing 3-0.

Though he did not win any ICC or Asia Cup championships, Babar Azam has previously captained Pakistan in five international competitions, including the T20 World Cup 2021 and 2022, Asia Cup 2022 and 2023, and the World Cup 2023.

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