Google launches two new programs to boost Pakistan’s gaming industry

Google launches two new programs to boost Pakistan’s gaming industry
People attend game development session during ‘Think Apps 2024’ hosted by Google in Lahore, Pakistan on August 28, 2024. (Photo courtesy: AZB)
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Updated 29 August 2024
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Google launches two new programs to boost Pakistan’s gaming industry

Google launches two new programs to boost Pakistan’s gaming industry
  • ‘Google Design Masterclass’ and ‘Google Ads Academy’ will help train Pakistani game developers as part of a six-month initiative
  • The programs were launched at a Google-hosted event, ‘Think Apps 2024,’ bringing together Pakistani developers, global experts

ISLAMABAD: Google on Wednesday launched two new programs to support Pakistan’s gaming and app industry by teaching local developers how to create high-quality games, Pakistani state-run media reported.
The two programs include Game Design Masterclass and Google Ads Academy, which have been introduced across major Pakistani cities to train the country’s talented game developers as part of a six-month initiative.
The programs were launched at a Google-hosted tech event, Think Apps 2024, in the eastern city of Lahore that brought together nearly 350 of Pakistan’s top developers alongside global industry leaders and experts.
The event focused on empowering developers to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation, growth and sustainability in the expanding app industry in the South Asian country, the state-run APP news agency reported.
“Pakistan’s app and gaming industry has a high potential for long-term future growth,” Google Director for Pakistan Farhan Qureshi was quoted as saying. “Several Pakistani studios are leading the charge in mobile app development, such as Vyro.”
He said AI, Hazel Mobile, Games District, GeniTeam, and Finz Games were consistently generating millions of downloads daily, employing hundreds of Pakistanis, and garnering global attention.
Pakistan could achieve a $6.6 billion annual increase in revenue potential by 2030 by focusing on digital exports, with the gaming and app industry identified as one of the key growth opportunity areas, according to a recent report by Access Partnership, a global technology-focused public policy consultancy firm.
Pakistan’s gaming and app industry has demonstrated impressive growth, including a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32 percent in global downloads of locally-made apps from 2018 to 2023, in recent years, the APP reported. The industry remained resilient as in-app purchase (IAP) revenue soared by 50 percent when overall app downloads dipped slightly in 2023, placing the country at number 17 globally.
Qureshi said Google aimed to help Pakistani developers create exceptional games and apps, drive profitability and build sustainable businesses by providing access to its AI-powered products and resources.
“This will subsequently unlock the opportunity to improve the country’s economy through digital export proceeds and provide high-value employment,” he said. “Google remains dedicated to investing in Pakistan’s developer ecosystem and supporting its journey to global success.”
Different Google programs like the Google Ads Academy and ‘Google App Academy’ have reached over 800 participants to date, apart from offering in-person offline hackathon workshops in Lahore and Islamabad, according to the APP.
Google is also deepening engagement at key events like the Google Developer Conference (US), CXO meetups in Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), and APAC’s App Summit, connecting leaders of Pakistan’s top gaming and app studios’ talent with global peers, state media said.


Pakistan’s finance minister attends funeral of Aga Khan IV in Portugal

Pakistan’s finance minister attends funeral of Aga Khan IV in Portugal
Updated 9 sec ago
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Pakistan’s finance minister attends funeral of Aga Khan IV in Portugal

Pakistan’s finance minister attends funeral of Aga Khan IV in Portugal
  • The ceremony was attended by over 300 guests, including the Canadian PM and Qatar’s emir
  • Pakistani minister called Aga Khan’s death a ‘monumental loss’ for the underprivileged people

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb attended the funeral ceremony of the late Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV on Saturday in Lisbon, Portugal, according to an official statement.
The ceremony at the Ismaili Center in Lisbon was attended by over 300 guests, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and former Spanish King Juan Carlos I.
The late Aga Khan, who led the global Ismaili community for nearly seven decades, passed away earlier this week at the age of 88. His death was announced by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili religious community.
Following his passing, his eldest son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, 53, was named the Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the community, in accordance with his father’s will.
“Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, attended the funeral of the late Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, in Lisbon, Portugal,” said the statement from Pakistan’s foreign office.
“During the meeting with Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, the Minister conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan,” it added.
Aurangzeb lauded the late Aga Khan’s contributions to philanthropy and development, describing his passing as a monumental loss not only for his family and followers but also for underprivileged people worldwide. He also recalled Prince Karim Aga Khan’s special attachment to Pakistan and its people.
The AKDN, founded by the late Ismaili leader, has been instrumental in various development projects in Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions.
Initiatives such as the Aga Khan Rural Support Program have focused on poverty alleviation, health care, education and cultural preservation, significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of these areas.
The Ismaili community in Pakistan, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, has benefited from these initiatives, which have also had a positive impact on the national economy through improved infrastructure and human development.
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV will be laid to rest during a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt, on Sunday.


Phillips powers New Zealand’s 78-run win over Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy

Phillips powers New Zealand’s 78-run win over Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy
Updated 3 min 26 sec ago
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Phillips powers New Zealand’s 78-run win over Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy

Phillips powers New Zealand’s 78-run win over Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy
  • Glenn Phillips smashes unbeaten 106 off 74 balls in maiden ODI century 
  • Fakhar Zaman scores 84 off 69 balls as Kiwis dismiss Pakistan for 252 runs

LAHORE: Glenn Phillips warmed up for the Champions Trophy with his first one-day international century as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening game of the tri-nation cricket series on Saturday.
Phillips smashed an unbeaten 106 off 74 balls, including six boundaries and seven sixes, at a newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium. The No. 6 batter propelled New Zealand to 330-6 in its 50 overs on a flat wicket with Daryl Mitchell (81) and Kane Williamson (58) also getting the feel of the wickets for the upcoming Champions Trophy with half centuries.
In reply, Fakhar Zaman, playing his first international in more than seven months because of illness, made a belligerent 84 off 69 but the rest of the top-order batters struggled against spin.
Pakistan was bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs.
Phillips capped a perfect day by trapping Zaman leg before wicket with his off-spin and also took a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Babar Azam early in Pakistan’s run chase.

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips, right, plays a shot as Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan watches during the tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 8, 2025. (AP)

Babar struggled in his new role as opener in ODIs for the first time since 2015 and scored a painstaking 10 runs off 23 balls.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner (3-41) clipped the top-order with his left-arm spin while Bracewell took 2-41.
New Zealand, which is already sweating on the fitness of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, had another injury scare when the ball hit Rachin Ravindra in the face as he misjudged a catch of Khushdil Shah in the outfield and had to leave the field.
Fast bowler Matt Henry chipped in with 3-55.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan walks off the field as New Zealand’s players celebrate after his dismissal during the tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 8, 2025. (AP)

No. 10 batter Abrar Ahmed hit an unbeaten 25 that included three successive boundaries off Henry.
Phillips unleashed his power-hitting against Pakistan’s two premier fast bowlers – Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah — in the last five overs that cost the home team 84 runs.
Pakistan, which lost the toss, had kept New Zealand in check at 246-5 before Phillips cut loose against the two pacers.
Williamson, playing his first ODI since November 2023, took his time to settle down. He reached the slowest ODI half century of his career in 82 balls before he edged Afridi after sharing a 95-run stand with Mitchell.
Mitchell survived a close run-out at the non-striker’s end before he had scored when Babar couldn’t hit the stumps from close range, but settled in well to score nearly a run-a-ball before chipping a catch to mid-wicket against a low full toss from Ahmed (2-41).

Pakistan’s Babar Azam (R) and Fakhar Zaman run between the wickets during the tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 8, 2025. (AP)

Pakistan suffered a major blow in the latter half of the innings when Haris Rauf (1-23) had to leave the field due to side strain after he fell in his follow-through during his seventh over. He took no further part in the match.
Phillips switched gears when he smashed three sixes against Agha, who filled in for Rauf, and then hit an audacious reverse scoop against Afridi which went for a flat six over third man.
Phillips reached his hundred in an expensive 25-run last over of Afridi, who ended up with 3-88 in 10 overs. Michael Bracewell hit 31 in 23 balls.

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips (R) is congratulated by Mitchel Santner after scoring a century during the tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 8, 2025. (AP)

Gaddafi Stadium is one of the three venues to be upgraded for the Champions Trophy.
Karachi and Rawalpindi will also host Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan.
Lahore hosts the second game of the tri-nation series between South Africa and New Zealand on Monday. Karachi then hosts the remaining two games, including the final on Feb. 14.


Imran Khan’s party vows to continue protests against alleged Pakistan election rigging 

Imran Khan’s party vows to continue protests against alleged Pakistan election rigging 
Updated 30 min 6 sec ago
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Imran Khan’s party vows to continue protests against alleged Pakistan election rigging 

Imran Khan’s party vows to continue protests against alleged Pakistan election rigging 
  • Thousands of Khan supporters mark “Black Day” to protest Pakistan’s 2024 controversial election
  • Government spokesperson Irfan Siddiqui accuses Khan’s party of heading toward “violent protests”

KARACHI: Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Saturday vowed to continue protests against alleged vote manipulation in the 2024 general elections, as the party held protests to mark a “Black Day” on the first anniversary of the polls.

Hundreds of Khan supporters took part in a rally in Pakistan’s northwestern Swabi city on Saturday evening, responding to the PTI’s call to mark Feb. 8 as a Black Day with anti-government protests and rallies. 

National polls held last year on Feb. 8 were marred by a countrywide shutdown of cell phone networks and delayed results, leading to widespread allegations of election manipulation by opposition parties like the PTI and opposition faction Jamaat-e-Islami.

The caretaker government, which oversaw the electoral exercise, and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), deny the charges. However, the US House of Representatives and several European countries have called on Islamabad to open a probe into the allegations — a move Pakistan’s current government has thus far rejected.

The PTI initially planned to hold a rally in Lahore but, after being denied permission by the local administration, relocated it to Swabi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where the party is in power.

“When we proceed and raise the slogan of revolution and hold the colors of our flag, you will not tolerate it,” KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said at the Swabi rally. 

Talks between Khan’s party and the government, which began in December, broke down last month after the PTI said it would not negotiate unless the government formed commissions to probe violent anti-government protests of May 2023 and November 2024. 

“If you’re not ready for talks, we also know how to respond,” Gandapur said. “If you use people and arms bought with our tax money, we will also have arms.”

Junaid Akbar the president of PTI’s KP chapter, warned the party will continue protests further.

“When Khan gives the order this time, we will take care of both your approach and your defense,” he warned the federal government. 

In Karachi, the PTI had planned to hold a rally at the Karachi Press Club but police attempted to halt the protest, forcing hundreds of Khan supporters to reach Empress Market to stage a rally.

Separately, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a member of the government’s negotiating committee, wrote on social media platform X that it now stands non-functional and ineffective, alleging that the PTI wants to proceed with violence. 

“PTI has also rejected the prime minister’s offer after unilaterally walking out of the negotiation process,” he said. 

“Now it wants to go to the home ground of violent protests.”

In Karachi, the JI protested outside the election commission’s office, demanding the electoral body fix the results of the polls.

“Whoever has won elections should be declared the winner. The people who have reached assemblies are certainly not the winner,” Muslim Pervez, the vice president of JI’s Karachi chapter, told Arab News.

PTI candidates contested the elections as independents after the party was barred from contesting polls under its symbol. While they won the most seats, they fell short of a majority, allowing a coalition of rival parties, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to form the government.

Pakistan’s government reiterates it won the general elections on the basis of popular support and has repeatedly rejected the PTI’s allegations of rigging. 


Phillips powers New Zealand’s 78-run win over Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy

Phillips powers New Zealand’s 78-run win over Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy
Updated 36 min 30 sec ago
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Phillips powers New Zealand’s 78-run win over Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy

Phillips powers New Zealand’s 78-run win over Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy
  • Glenn Phillips smashes unbeaten 106 off 74 balls in maiden ODI century 
  • Fakhar Zaman scores 84 off 69 balls as Kiwis dismiss Pakistan for 252 runs 

LAHORE, Pakistan: Glenn Phillips warmed up for the Champions Trophy with his first one-day international century as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening game of the tri-nation cricket series on Saturday.

Phillips smashed an unbeaten 106 off 74 balls, including six boundaries and seven sixes, at a newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium. The No. 6 batter propelled New Zealand to 330-6 in its 50 overs on a flat wicket with Daryl Mitchell (81) and Kane Williamson (58) also getting the feel of the wickets for the upcoming Champions Trophy with half centuries.

In reply, Fakhar Zaman, playing his first international in more than seven months because of illness, made a belligerent 84 off 69 but the rest of the top-order batters struggled against spin.
Pakistan was bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs.

Phillips capped a perfect day by trapping Zaman leg before wicket with his off-spin and also took a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Babar Azam early in Pakistan’s run chase.

Babar struggled in his new role as opener in ODIs for the first time since 2015 and scored a painstaking 10 runs off 23 balls.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner (3-41) clipped the top-order with his left-arm spin while Bracewell took 2-41.

New Zealand, which is already sweating on the fitness of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, had another injury scare when the ball hit Rachin Ravindra in the face as he misjudged a catch of Khushdil Shah in the outfield and had to leave the field.

Fast bowler Matt Henry chipped in with 3-55.

No. 10 batter Abrar Ahmed hit an unbeaten 25 that included three successive boundaries off Henry.

Phillips unleashed his power-hitting against Pakistan’s two premier fast bowlers – Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah — in the last five overs that cost the home team 84 runs.

Pakistan, which lost the toss, had kept New Zealand in check at 246-5 before Phillips cut loose against the two pacers.

Williamson, playing his first ODI since November 2023, took his time to settle down. He reached the slowest ODI half century of his career in 82 balls before he edged Afridi after sharing a 95-run stand with Mitchell.

Mitchell survived a close run-out at the non-striker’s end before he had scored when Babar couldn’t hit the stumps from close range, but settled in well to score nearly a run-a-ball before chipping a catch to mid-wicket against a low full toss from Ahmed (2-41).

Pakistan suffered a major blow in the latter half of the innings when Haris Rauf (1-23) had to leave the field due to side strain after he fell in his follow-through during his seventh over. He took no further part in the match.

Phillips switched gears when he smashed three sixes against Agha, who filled in for Rauf, and then hit an audacious reverse scoop against Afridi which went for a flat six over third man.

Phillips reached his hundred in an expensive 25-run last over of Afridi, who ended up with 3-88 in 10 overs. Michael Bracewell hit 31 in 23 balls.

Qaddafi Stadium is one of the three venues to be upgraded for the Champions Trophy.

Karachi and Rawalpindi will also host Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan.

Lahore hosts the second game of the tri-nation series between South Africa and New Zealand on Monday. Karachi then hosts the remaining two games, including the final on Feb. 14.


Pakistan’s finance minister attends funeral of Aga Khan IV in Portugal

Pakistan’s finance minister attends funeral of Aga Khan IV in Portugal
Updated 09 February 2025
Follow

Pakistan’s finance minister attends funeral of Aga Khan IV in Portugal

Pakistan’s finance minister attends funeral of Aga Khan IV in Portugal
  • The ceremony was attended by over 300 guests, including the Canadian PM and Qatar’s emir
  • The ceremony was attended by over 300 guests, including the Canadian PM and Qatar’s emir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb attended the funeral ceremony of the late Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV on Saturday in Lisbon, Portugal, according to an official statement.
The ceremony at the Ismaili Center in Lisbon was attended by over 300 guests, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and former Spanish King Juan Carlos I.
The late Aga Khan, who led the global Ismaili community for nearly seven decades, passed away earlier this week at the age of 88. His death was announced by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili religious community.
Following his passing, his eldest son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, 53, was named the Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the community, in accordance with his father’s will.
“Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, attended the funeral of the late Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, in Lisbon, Portugal,” said the statement from Pakistan’s foreign office.
“During the meeting with Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, the Minister conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan,” it added.
Aurangzeb lauded the late Aga Khan’s contributions to philanthropy and development, describing his passing as a monumental loss not only for his family and followers but also for underprivileged people worldwide. He also recalled Prince Karim Aga Khan’s special attachment to Pakistan and its people.
The AKDN, founded by the late Ismaili leader, has been instrumental in various development projects in Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions.
Initiatives such as the Aga Khan Rural Support Program have focused on poverty alleviation, health care, education and cultural preservation, significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of these areas.
The Ismaili community in Pakistan, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, has benefited from these initiatives, which have also had a positive impact on the national economy through improved infrastructure and human development.
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV will be laid to rest during a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt, on Sunday.