KARACHI: The Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD), a non-profit organization dedicated to welfare projects for Pakistanis in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said on Friday its decision in February to collaborate with a Karachi-based education startup would benefit expatriates who have about 20,000 out-of-school children.
PAD, which has been serving overseas Pakistanis in the UAE since 1963, announced plans to work with Learn School Academy, established about four years ago to provide digital schooling to students worldwide.
The Pakistani diaspora in the UAE is the second largest overseas community and one of the oldest expatriate groups in the Arab state.
According to PAD General Secretary Zahid Hassan, about 20,000 expatriate Pakistani children currently remain out of school despite strict reservations by the UAE authorities.
“This project has the potential to make a significant impact on increasing the literacy rate and improving the lives of these children,” he told Arab News on Friday. “PAD aims to facilitate education for overseas Pakistanis in the UAE by partnering with Learn School Academy to provide online tuition to children who are unable to attend traditional schools,” he continued. “With this partnership, we believe we can add even more value for the expatriate community living in the UAE by leveraging our expertise and resources in education.”
The founding CEO of the Pakistani education startup, Wahaj Kayani, explained the high cost of private schools in the UAE was a significant barrier for many Pakistanis to provide education to their children.
“Through this partnership with PAD, we aim to provide a more affordable and accessible solution,” he told Arab News.
“This collaboration is specifically designed to help Pakistani and all other overseas communities gain access to high-quality education at a price point that works for them along with a user-friendly online school model,” he added. “The MoU [memorandum of understanding with PAD] outlines a framework for offering scholarships for online learning, enabling students to benefit from Learn Academy’s curriculum and engaging the platform.”
According to the MoU signed between the two entities, the Pakistani academy will offer a 50 percent discount to PAD, which will bear the fee on behalf of the eligible families to educate their children. Both organizations plan to operationalize their collaboration from the next month.
“We believe this initiative will make a significant contribution to educational attainment in the UAE,” Kayani said. “It will enable students from diverse backgrounds to access quality education, including modern pedagogical approaches like project-based learning. This combination of affordability and innovative learning methods can have a real impact on literacy rates and overall educational achievement.”
Hassan, on the other hand, acknowledged that one project alone could not fully meet the educational needs of the Pakistani community.
“There is a pressing need for more schools to cater to such demands,” he said. “Therefore, PAD is actively exploring the possibility of launching a dream school project in the future to provide a long-term, sustainable solution. Our volunteer education team is fully committed to working on this initiative.”
The project is also Learn School Academy’s first collaboration outside Pakistan.
In addition to the initial launch with PAD, it envisions a deeper and more expansive partnership in the UAE and beyond.
“Looking ahead, we envision replicating this successful model by collaborating with similar organizations in other countries across the globe,” Kayani said. “Our next aim is Saudi Arabia for schooling, followed by the United Kingdom and Canada for Islamic education, which we hope to execute by the start of 2025.”
“Ultimately, our goal is to empower both Pakistani communities abroad and global communities at large by facilitating access to high-quality, affordable education,” he added.
Karachi education startup to help Dubai-based association provide online tuition to expatriate children
https://arab.news/c7v92
Karachi education startup to help Dubai-based association provide online tuition to expatriate children
- The collaboration is expected to benefit the overseas Pakistani community in Dubai, with nearly 20,000 out-of-school children
- The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding in February and plan to operationalize it from next month
Two soldiers, five militants killed during gunbattle in southwestern Pakistan— army
- Militants attacked security checkpost in Balochistan’s Killa Abdullah district on Monday night
- Army’s media wing says two suicide bombers among five militants killed during gunbattle
ISLAMABAD: Two soldiers and five militants— among them two suicide bombers— were killed during an intense gunbattle in southwestern Pakistan, the army’s media wing said on Tuesday as Islamabad grapples with surging militancy in its restive Balochistan province.
The attack took place on Monday night when militants attempted to attack a security forces’ checkpost in Gulistan area of Balochistan’s Killa Abdullah district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army’s media wing, said.
It said army troops thwarted the attempt, forcing the militants to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the checkpost. The fire exchange caused all five militants to die, the ISPR said.
“However, during the intense fire exchange two brave sons of soil, Naik Tahir Khan (Age 39 years; resident of Tank District) and Lance Naik Tahir Iqbal (Age 26 years; resident of Karak District), having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat [martyrdom],” the army’s media wing said.
It said security forces were carrying out a sanitization operation in the area to clear it of any further militants.
“Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded security forces for sacrificing their lives for the country, vowing they would not go to waste.
“The nation is proud of these sons who stand against terrorists like a wall,” Sharif said in a statement. “The government and security forces are determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country.”
After UAE, Saudi Arabia expansion, Pakistan’s ABHI acquires FINCA microfinance bank
- FINCA operates in 108 cities across Pakistan, providing state-of-the-art deposit and payment solutions
- Partnership to help ABHI introduce financial services such as gold backed loans, salary advances for millions
KARACHI: After expanding its services in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Pakistani fintech ABHI has announced on Tuesday it has acquired FINCA microfinance bank to improve financial inclusion for millions of Pakistanis across the country.
Abhi is a Pakistani fintech company that enables people to achieve financial empowerment through various services such as the Earned Wage Access (EWA) facility. Founded in 2021, Abhi has been serving customers in Pakistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh through its credit-bridging products.
FINCA Pakistan, part of a global FINCA network, operates in 108 cities across Pakistan, providing state-of-the-art deposit and payment solutions, including micro-credit facilities aimed at improving livelihoods.
“Together, these three entities are set to redefine financial inclusion in the country,” a statement from ABHI said. “By integrating ABHI’s digital solutions, FINCA’s extensive microfinance network, and TPL Corp’s diversified expertise across retail, insurance, and technology, the partnership paves the way for a new era of accessible and innovative financial services.”
It said FINCA Pakistan has empowered millions of Pakistanis through lending, savings and financial education over the past few years. The statement said the partnership will enable ABHI to introduce several financial services such as gold backed loans, salary advances, savings accounts and value-added offerings like bill payments.
“At Abhi, our mission has always been to create accessible financial solutions for everyone,” Omair Ansari, the chief executive officer and co-founder oof ABHI, said.
“This acquisition represents a significant leap forward, allowing us to reach communities that have historically been excluded from the financial system. Together with TPL and FINCA, we are determined to transform financial access across Pakistan.”
Jeff Smith, chair of the FINCA Pakistan board of directors, said TPL and ABHI will live up to FINCA’s legacy of serving people.
“By combining their expertise and innovation, this partnership will accelerate financial inclusion in Pakistan, particularly for women and small entrepreneurs, empowering them to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the nation’s economic growth,” Smith said.
The statement noted that ABHI has become the first fintech company in Pakistan to be invited to participate in Davos 2025, pointing out that it recently raised its pre-series B round of $25 million with a mix of equity and debt.
Pakistan approves lifetime ID cards with wheelchair logo for people with disabilities
- NADRA to issue juvenile cards for children with disabilities, identity cards with donor logos for registered organ donors
- Around 7.5 million people in Pakistan have disabilities, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics report in 2023
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has approved the issuance of national identity cards with lifetime validity for people with disabilities, a press release said on Tuesday.
The unprecedented amendments to NADRA Rules 2002 are aimed at improving inclusivity, simplifying documentation processes and acknowledging the distinct needs of people living with disabilities in Pakistan.
According to a census report published by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics in 2023, around 7.5 million people in Pakistan have disabilities. An estimated 1.3 billion people – about 16 percent of the global population – currently experience significant disability.
“One of the primary changes involves the issuance of distinct identity cards for special persons with lifetime validity,” NADRA said in a statement announcing the amendments.
“Adult special citizens, whether resident or non-resident, duly recognized by respective federal or provincial entities, will be eligible for national identity cards featuring a wheelchair logo with lifetime validity.”
NADRA will also issue child registration certificates or juvenile cards with the wheelchair symbol for children who have disabilities. Pakistani citizens who register as organ donors will be issued national identity cards featuring a donor logo, also with lifetime validity.
“By introducing lifetime validity for these cards, the federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to simplifying procedures and providing recognition to those who contribute to society in unique ways,” the statement concluded.
People with disabilities in Pakistan face many challenges, including discrimination, exploitation, and mistreatment. However, some recent steps have been taken to improve their situation including the passage of the ICT Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2020 and the ratification in 2011 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Disabled Persons Employment and Rehabilitation Ordinance 1981 also provides job quotas for people with disabilities living in Pakistan.
‘Draconian law,’ says opposition party as Pakistan senate approves controversial cybercrime bill
- Bill proposes Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority to block illegal online content
- Disinformation will be punishable by up to three years in prison and fine of $7,150 under new law
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s upper house of parliament on Tuesday passed a bill to amend the country’s cybercrime law amid a walkout by opposition leaders and journalists who fear the new legislation will be used to censor social media platforms.
Pakistan adopted the much-criticized Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in 2016, granting sweeping powers to regulators to block private information they deemed illegal. The law provided for up to seven years in prison for “recruiting, funding and planning of terrorism” online. It also allowed “authorized officers” to require anyone to unlock any computer, mobile phone or other device during an investigation.
The government said at the time restrictions under the new law were needed to ensure security against growing threats such as terrorism and to crackdown on unauthorized access, electronic fraud and online harassment. However, journalists and rights activists complain that the law has been largely used to go after journalists, bloggers and other people critical of the government and state institutions like the military.
The new amendment bill now proposes the establishment of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority to perform a range of functions related to social media, including awareness, training, regulation, enlistment and blocking. SMPRA would be able to order the immediate blocking of unlawful content targeting judges, the armed forces, parliament or provincial assemblies or material which promotes and encourages terrorism and other forms of violence against the state or its institutions. The law also makes spreading disinformation a criminal offense punishable by three years in prison and a fine of two million rupees ($7,150).
After being passed by both houses of parliament, the bill now needs the president’s ascent to become law.
“I have heard more ‘yes’ than ‘no’, so the bill is approved,” Syedaal Khan, deputy chair of Pakistan’s Senate, said amid protests from the opposition and journalists who walked out of the gallery.
The main opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, called the law “draconian,” saying it would be used to suppress media freedom.
“Second battle will be a constitutional battle in the courts and for that the [party] leadership is consulting lawyers,” the PTI said in a statement shared with reporters.
“We will challenge this and we will keep resisting till this black law is taken back.”
A copy of the bill seen by Arab News has set imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of Rs2 million or both for “whoever intentionally disseminates, publicly exhibits, or transmits any information through any information system, that he knows or has reason to believe to be false or fake and likely to cause or create a sense of fear, panic or disorder or unrest in general public or society.”
The bill was presented in the National Assembly on Thursday by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party of premier Shehbaz Sharif.
“The bill will not harm but protect working journalists,” Information Minister Ataullah Tarar told reporters after the passage of the bill by the lower house of parliament last week. “This is the first time the government has defined what social media is. There is already a system in place for print and electronic media and complaints can be registered against them.”
He said “working journalists” should not feel threatened by the bill, which had to be passed because the Federal Investigation Agency, previously responsible for handling cybercrime, “does not have the capacity to handle child pornography or AI deep fake cases.”
Tarar said the government was also aiming to bring social media journalists, including those operating YouTube accounts, under the tax framework.
The operative part of the new bill outlines that the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority would have the power to issue directions to a social media platform for the removal or blocking of online content if it was against the ideology of Pakistan, incited the public to violate the law or take the law in own hands with a view to coerce, intimidate or terrorize the public, individuals, groups, communities, government officials and institutions, incited the public to cause damage to governmental or private property or coerced or intimidated the public and thereby prevented them from carrying on their lawful trade and disrupted civic life.
The authority will also crackdown on anyone inciting hatred and contempt on a religious, sectarian or ethnic basis as well as against obscene or pornographic content and deep fakes.
Rights activists say the new bill is part of a widespread digital crackdown that includes a ban on X since February last year, restrictions on VPN use and the implementation of a national firewall.
The government says the measures are not aimed at censorship.
PCB chairman meets USA Cricket CEO, discusses tri-series with Canada
- Discussions also held on bilateral series between Pakistan and US men and women’s cricket teams
- Naqvi offers to train US coaches, invites Atkeison to ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan next month
KARACHI: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi, met USA Cricket Chief Executive Officer Johnathan Atkeison in Washington and discussed a tri-series with Canada and the training of American coaches in Pakistan, the PCB said on Tuesday.
Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister, has been on a visit to the US since last week.
“Naqvi and CEO USA Cricket discussed possibilities of a tri-series between Pakistan, Canada and USA. Discussions regarding arrangement of bilateral series between Pakistan and USA men’s and women’s cricket teams also took place,” the PCB said.
Naqvi assured Atleison of “all possible support” for the development of American players and the promotion of cricket in the US. He also offered to train US coaches in Pakistan and invited Atkeison to visit Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which starts next month.
Cricket in the US is a sport played at the amateur, club, intercollegiate and international competition levels with little popularity, with 200,000 players across the country.
Major League Cricket is the highest level of domestic T20 cricket currently played in America, with T20 being the format of the game that much of the recent growth in American cricket is occurring in.
