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Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Experts seek policy for solar manufacturing base
Listen to article Experts at a high-level consultative session stressed that Pakistan must urgently develop a comprehensive policy framework to strengthen its domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem amid rising energy demands and growing reliance on imports. The session was hosted by the US-Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E) at NUST. The event marked the launch of a study titled "Crafting a Sustainable Business Model to Drive Indigenous Solar PV Panels Manufacturing in Pakistan," presented by Dr Nadia Shahzad, Associate Professor at NUST. The study provides a roadmap for establishing a 100MW solar PV panel manufacturing plant in Pakistan, with scalability up to 1.0GW. Developed through site visits and stakeholder consultations, the model is seen as a practical starting point for local production. Welcoming the participants, Dr Adeel Waqas, Dean and Principal at USPCAS-E, underscored the need for a self-reliant solar manufacturing sector to meet the country's energy needs and reduce import dependency. The session brought together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders, all echoing the urgency to build a strong domestic solar base. Maud Osman Mohammad of LONGi Solar praised the study's clarity and urged aligning policy with market realities. Similarly, Muhammad Basit Ghauri from Renewables First noted that battery imports exceeding Rs90 billion in just three months reflect the market's potential. He emphasised the need for data-driven planning and integration of storage solutions behind the grid. Dr Omais Abdur Rehman supported a role for the Engineering Development Board, while Dr Noor ul Huda Khan of BUITEMS advocated for alignment with next-gen solar technologies such as Perovskite modules. On the technological front, Sohaib Asif Sipra, CEO of SkyElectric, warned that nearly half of Pakistan's solar installations remain informal, risking quality and safety standards. He called for the formation of a dedicated think tank to drive standardisation and innovation in battery and inverter manufacturing. Representing local battery production, Mansoor Jamil Khan of Atlas Battery highlighted their joint venture with Japan's GS Yuasa and advocated for lithium-ion safety protocols alongside continued dominance of lead-acid batteries. Policy-level recommendations were reinforced by M Umer Khan of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), who proposed targeted subsidies and strategic import duties to promote indigenous manufacturing. Hasnat Khan of the Pakistan Solar Association detailed their training and certification drive in partnership with institutions like TEVTA, NUTECH, and PPIB to ensure quality assurance in solar installations. Concluding the event, Dr Majid Ali, Associate Professor at NUST, reaffirmed the university's commitment to advancing indigenous solar manufacturing and called for ongoing collaboration among academia, industry, and government. The session served as a powerful reminder of the need for cohesive action and strategic investment to transform Pakistan into a hub of solar innovation and manufacturing.
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
Pakistan's scorching summer: a nation in the front line of climate breakdown — I
Pakistan is experiencing its hottest and most extreme summer of the decade. This crisis is not a natural occurrence, but the result of years of unchecked environmental degradation that have pushed the climate system to a breaking point. What was once considered an anomaly is now becoming an alarming new norm. In the first half of 2025 alone, Pakistan has been struck by two major climate-related disasters: an extreme heatwave in Sindh and a devastating glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Gilgit-Baltistan. The heatwave pushed temperatures in Jacobabad beyond 52°C, while the GLOF wiped out entire communities in Hunza Valley, displacing thousands. Since April 2025, a series of intense heatwaves have struck Pakistan, with June bringing the most brutal temperatures. Dera Ghazi Khan recorded highs of 50°C, while Lahore, Sargodha, and other urban centers soared around 47°C to 49°C. Even regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, historically known cooler zones, have reported unseasonably high temperatures. Countless factors contribute to the single, predominant challenge of climate change. While Pakistan battles record-breaking heatwaves and growing climate instability, it's important to acknowledge a harsh truth: the country is suffering the consequences of a crisis it did not create. Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan faces some of the most devastating impacts of climate change. Pakistan's climate change vulnerability is deeply linked to its geography. Pakistan lies at the crossroads of melting glaciers, arid zones, and low-lying coastal areas. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2021) places Pakistan among the ten most climate-vulnerable countries. Global warming, which is driven largely by industrialized nations, has raised baseline temperatures around the world, setting the stage for more frequent and intense heat events. Shifts in atmospheric patterns, including high-pressure systems that trap heat, further exacerbate the problem. In Pakistan's rapidly expanding cities, heat is magnified by the urban heat island effect, as concrete structures and reduced green cover retain and radiate warmth. Meanwhile, widespread deforestation and soil degradation leave the land dry and unable to cool naturally. Faiza Riasat (A student of NUST, Environmental Engineering IESE) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Building digital Pakistan beyond big slogans
The story of transformation begins with a single keystroke, a child's first coding lesson, and a nation's unwavering belief in its future. South Korea's digital transformation began with massive investments in educational infrastructure. Singapore's smart nation initiative started with comprehensive teacher training. Estonia's digital society emerged from a commitment to technological innovation in schools. For decades, successive governments have treated education as an afterthought rather than the foundation of national development. The question isn't whether Pakistan can join the digital revolution or not, the more fundamental worry is whether we have the courage to reorder our priorities and invest in the minds that can lead it? While billions have been invested in the infrastructure and so called e-governance systems, the Pakistani government continued to neglect the education sector. The Digital Pakistan vision focused heavily on connectivity and digital services but failed to adequately address the fundamental challenge of preparing Pakistan's human capital for the digital age (who fundamentally are the users of this infrastructure). With over 60% of its population under the age of 30, Pakistan holds what economists call a 'demographic dividend', a youthful, dynamic workforce capable of driving prosperity. But this advantage is only meaningful if we equip our young people with the right skills, and the vision to use them. The foundation crises The transformation must begin where every great journey starts, in the classroom of a six-year-old. Pakistan's primary education system, serving over 22 million children, needs more than incremental improvements on paper, it demands a complete reimagining. The first pillar of Digital Pakistan lies in universal digital literacy. Every primary school student should have access to tablet-based learning platforms loaded with interactive content in Urdu, English, and regional languages. Countries like Rwanda have successfully implemented one-laptop-per-child programs that cost less than $200 per student annually, a fraction of what Pakistan spends on non-essential government projects. Teacher training represents the most critical investment. Every primary school teacher should receive certification in basic digital pedagogy, not as an additional burden but as an empowering tool. Master trainers from leading universities like LUMS and NUST could develop cascading training programs, creating a network of digitally fluent educators reaching every corner of Pakistan. Certainly. Here's a concise and impactful version: Digital transformation will break down geographical barriers, enabling students and educators from remote villages to access the same high-quality resources, lectures, and expertise that have long been confined to major urban centres. This democratization of knowledge can level the playing field and unlock the full potential of talent across the entire nation. Building digital citizens As students progress to secondary education, the focus shifts from digital literacy to digital fluency. Secondary schools should establish 'Innovation Labs' where students learn coding, robotics, and digital design. What is being taught at colleges should move down to school level. These labs don't require massive investments, they need strategic partnerships with leading tech companies who could sponsor equipment and provide mentorship through rotation programs serving multiple schools per district. The curriculum overhaul must be comprehensive yet practical. Computer science should be mandatory, but equally important are digital literacy modules integrated into traditional subjects. Students could create documentary films about local heritage, develop apps for identifying local flora and fauna, and publish digital magazines showcasing regional writers. Pakistan's linguistic diversity (with over 70 languages spoken) could become a competitive advantage in creating multilingual digital content. Centres of excellence and innovation – blockchain and beyond The final stage of transformation is with the Higher Education in Pakistan. Local universities must transform from knowledge consumers to knowledge creators. The country's 200+ universities vary dramatically in quality, but this diversity can become a strength through strategic resource sharing. Leading institutions like NUST, the University of Punjab and Quaid-i-Azam University should establish 'Digital Knowledge Hubs' that smaller universities can access, providing online courses, virtual laboratory access, and research collaboration platforms. The higher education curriculum needs radical and urgent updating. Engineering programs should integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning from the first year. Business schools should focus on digital entrepreneurship and e-commerce. Medical schools should incorporate telemedicine and digital health technologies. International partnerships can amplify these efforts exponentially through dual degrees, research collaborations, and faculty exchanges. Universities must take the lead in exploring and integrating cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, quantum computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) into their academic and research agendas. Blockchain, for instance, offers transformative potential for secure digital identities, transparent public services, and tamper-proof academic credentials , innovations that can directly address many of Pakistan's governance and trust deficits. By establishing dedicated research centres and industry partnerships around these emerging technologies, universities can position Pakistan not just as a consumer, but as a creator of next-generation solutions. This academic leadership is essential to ensure the country keeps pace with global innovation and builds a future-ready economy. Economic transformation Digital Pakistan's economic impact extends far beyond education. A digitally literate workforce attracts international investment, creates high-value jobs, and develops innovative solutions to local challenges. Countries like Estonia, Singapore, and South Korea have demonstrated how educational transformation drives economic growth. The IT sector could become Pakistan's largest export industry. With improved education, the country could produce world-class software developers, digital marketers, and tech entrepreneurs. Pakistani firms could compete globally in artificial intelligence, fintech, and e-commerce. The current IT exports of $2.6 billion could grow to $25 billion within a decade with proper educational investment. Traditional industries would also benefit from digital transformation. Agriculture could adopt precision farming techniques, manufacturing could implement Industry 4.0 technologies, and services could leverage digital platforms for growth. Small businesses could access global markets through e-commerce platforms developed by Pakistani entrepreneurs. The social revolution Digital transformation has the power to weave the entire nation into a unified digital golden thread, connecting regions, communities, and individuals through shared platforms for learning, collaboration, and innovation. By breaking down geographical and social barriers, it allows students in Gilgit to access the same quality of education as those in Lahore, and entrepreneurs in Balochistan to connect with global markets just as easily as their counterparts in Karachi. Crucially, it also opens doors for women and girls, especially in conservative or underserved areas, to learn, earn, and lead from within their own homes, reducing gender inequality and empowering a new wave of social mobility. A unified, inclusive digital ecosystem doesn't just modernise Pakistan, it redefines who gets to shape its future. The path forward Beyond big slogans, the journey toward Digital Pakistan requires immediate action across multiple fronts. Infrastructure development comes first, every school needs reliable internet connectivity through expanded fiber optic networks and subsidized access. Funding mechanisms must be innovative and sustainable. The government should establish an 'Education Technology Fund' supported by taxes on digital services and international partnerships. Private companies should receive tax incentives for educational investments, while alumni networks contribute to scholarship funds and infrastructure development. Public-private partnerships can accelerate implementation. International tech companies establishing operations in Pakistan should contribute to educational development. Local companies should adopt schools and provide ongoing support. Diaspora communities should engage as mentors and funding sources. The moment of truth Pakistan possesses unique advantages that other digitally transformed nations lacked. Our large population provides scale for digital solutions. Our cultural diversity offers rich content for educational platforms. Our diaspora community provides global connections and expertise. Our young demographic ensures rapid adoption of new technologies. The timeline for digital transformation is surprisingly short. With dedicated efforts, Pakistan could achieve universal digital literacy in primary schools within five years, comprehensively digitize secondary education within seven years, and bring universities to international standards within a decade. The economic benefits would begin appearing within three years and accelerate rapidly thereafter. The roadmap is quite clear, train teachers, update curricula, and foster innovation. The resources are available through creative partnerships and international cooperation. What's missing is the political will to prioritise education over short-term gains and the social commitment to embrace change. The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners
Muscat Daily
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Oman yet to get acquainted with Dubai chocolate
'Dubai chocolate' is a chocolate bar filled with pistachio and knafeh – a traditional Arabic dessert – that instantly became a rage in the gulf and has now gained popularity in other parts of the world. First created in 2021 by Fix Desserts chocolatier, which branded it as 'Can't Get Knafeh of It', this product, however, has not yet made any dent in Oman As foodies and chocolate connoisseurs have had enough of the experiments with 'fruit n nut', orange, red chilli, basil, mint, and even hints of frankincense in chocolate bars, here comes an innovative venture from Arabia, of enclosing milk chocolate with a sumptuous filling of pistachios and Knafeh – the popular Arabic dessert made with spun pastry dough. What began as a combination of pistachio, knafeh, and milk chocolate to satisfy Fix Desserts' chocolatier Sarah Hamouda's pregnancy cravings has now evolved into a chocolate bar worth millions of dollars, propelling the family-business to expand exponentially in ways they couldn't imagine. After a viral influencer campaign by TikTok influencer Maria Vehera gathered millions of views from followers now yearning for a bite, the world affectionately gave it the nickname of 'Dubai chocolate'. The name can be seen as an ode to the place of origin of this chocolate as well as a celebration of the Middle East cuisine. Though popular in Dubai, the chocolate bar – which doesn't bear the name 'Dubai Chocolate' – went viral internationally from late 2023 through to 2024 when it was promoted online by influencers and social media personalities. After multiple popular videos, a surge in demand led to 30,000 online orders, briefly crashing the Fix Desserts chocolatier delivery platform. So if you are looking out for 'Dubai Chocolate', look for the title – 'Can't Get Knafeh of It'. In Oman, the demand for this product is picking up as retailers as well as consumers are yet coming to terms with this new chocolate that offers a welcome deviation from what other chocolate brands offer. Muscat Daily checked out the propularity of this chocolate among young consumers in the capital. Students from The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) like Maryam al Saadi, Pooja Mathiarasan, Ishaan Gupta and Muhammad Osman felt that the price for the authentic Dubai chocolate is too expensive and generally, inaccessible in Oman. Some students from Muscat University, like Deema al Mamari, assert, 'I haven't tried the chocolate from Fix Desserts, but a similar one I tried from Oman was too sweet for me.' The taste of the pistachio filling seemed unauthentic, she said. Fatima Amri, another student from NUST, said, 'I haven't tasted Dubai chocolate, but I'd recommend getting chocolate from shops like Le Chocola because I prefer the taste of slightly bitter dark chocolates.' Ahmed al Tamibi from Muscat University added, 'I have not seen this product yet in supermarkets in Muscat. However, every culture has products we grow more attached to, even if it is a product you may not enjoy as much. I personally enjoy the taste of Al Nassma chocolates because of how they use camel milk to enhance the flavour of its products.' This demand for chocolates from local brands has unintentionally brought light to a discrepancy caused by the demand and supply of these bars to the wider public. Especially when stores like KM, Spar and Lulu Hypermarkets promote and carry other brands like Galaxy, Bounty, Cadbury, Lindt and Hershey's because of their widely recognisable brand names and the wide array of popular flavours they provide for Chocolate enthusiasts in Oman. Retail Manager of KM Trading, Dinesh Nair clarifies 'We tend to place chocolates from brands like Kit-Kat, Galaxy and M&M near the cash counters as these are the brands that are popular amongst younger children and families. We try to increase their visibility in these areas, as they are smaller bars which are easier to miss in our regular chocolate and confectionary aisles.' An assistant store manager at a Lulu Hypermarket outlet explained, 'Recently, we started to promote Pistachio-Kunafa chocolates from brands like Choco Lake which is a popular brand from UAE, to give our customers special access to this kind of trendy chocolate that is too expensive to purchase otherwise. The quantity over quality model proves a big barrier for local Omani chocolatiers to be carried in these supermarket chains as their focus is to create a culturally enriching experience with their products.' The market is, however, seeing a proliferation of lower quality imitations of the Dubai chocolate. But, Omani chocolatiers and consumers alike are not concerned over it. Instead, they wish to remain authentic to their culture by sharing their rich flavors with the rest of Oman. Salma al Hajri, business owner of Salma's Chocolates, said, 'As we are a proud Omani company, we wish to share a piece of Oman with the rest of the world by combining past flavours in each season with the present to make new flavours that chocolate lovers around the world can appreciate.' This sentiment is echoed in similar shops, such as the employees in Fuala Chocolate, who believe in improving the experience customers have with their brand through their special attention to aroma and visual appeal of their chocolates to reflect the values of hospitality that is associated with the people of Oman. Owner of Prestige Chocolate, Khawla al Bahri claims, 'Even if people like me prefer local Omani brands of chocolate, we settle with imported products because we feel like the Omani brands are not as well-known. That is why, when I started the company in 2015, I wanted to give people good custom-engraved chocolates that they can enjoy for any occasion. We currently sell them in a variety of fillings like Pistachio, Hazelnut and Saffron as those flavors are associated with other food we enjoy, like Halwa and other nutty sweets.' From customisable chocolates that have consumer's names written on the chocolate to Chips Oman and Halwa-flavoured chocolate bars that capture the culinary extravagance of Omani cuisine, these brands continue to grow and flourish within the country. Reshaping the nation's perspective of success within the confectionary industry is something that cannot be quantified or easily replicated through cheap imitations but as something sweet that brings consumers together for their love of their own culture and their love of chocolates. Capitalising on popularity Jumping in to make hay while the Sun shines is The Turkish Delight Mediterranean Sweetery, a family-owned and run business that began as a successful pop-up stall at the Central Market in Adelaide (Australia) in 2016. This confectionary has been dedicated to serving up authentic Mediterranean treats to Adelaide's sweet-tooths from their brick-and-mortar location on Rundle Street while shipping nationwide. The store, run by the mother-son duo of Mona and Mohammad Hassan, has now added another delectable treat to their arsenal by bringing 'Dubai chocolate' to the hungry foodies of Adelaide. When you visit their stall at the Adelaide Central Market, you won't miss the new 3-tier silver platter tower covered in pristinely wrapped chocolate bars that have been branded as 'Dubai Chocolates', indeed! So, whether you're a chocolate connoisseur, someone who simply appreciates fine things, or someone eager to try something new, this Dubai's viral chocolate is a must-try for those visiting Adelaide who are probably unaware that this sweetery has created a new product inspired by the original and branded it with the popular nickname. Though deceptive, this venture has instantly struck a chord with buyers in Adelaide Central Markets at The Turkish Delight Mediterranean Sweetery at Stall 8. (Contributed by: Ishita Shetty)
Express Tribune
20-06-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
18 Pakistani universities ranked among world's best for 2026
Listen to article Eighteen universities from Pakistan have secured places in the 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings, released by UK-based higher education analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). The rankings include over 1,500 institutions from more than 100 countries, making it one of the most prestigious global assessments of universities. Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, remains Pakistan's top-ranked institution, placed at 354 globally. It is followed by the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), tied at 371. Other institutions in the top 600 include the University of Punjab at 542 and the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) at 555. The QS rankings evaluate universities on several indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-to-student ratio, citations per faculty, international student and faculty presence, and sustainability performance. Here is the full list of Pakistani universities featured in the 2026 rankings: 354 : Quaid-e-Azam University 371 : National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) 542 : University of Punjab 555 : Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) 654 : University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 664 : COMSATS University Islamabad 721–730 : Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) 761–770 : Government College University, Faisalabad 801–850 : University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore 901–950 : University of Peshawar 951–1000 : The University of Lahore 1001–1200 : Aga Khan University 1001–1200 : University of Karachi 1201–1400 : Bahauddin Zakariya University 1201–1400 : International Islamic University, Islamabad 1201–1400 : Riphah International University 1201–1400 : University of Management and Technology 1401+: The Islamia University of Bahawalpur The rankings underscore the continued growth of Pakistan's higher education sector and its expanding global academic presence.
