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2,162 students complete ALP program in madaris across Pakistan

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2,162 students complete ALP program in madaris across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Jan 24 (ABC): A total of 2,162 students have completed the Accelerated Learning Pathway (ALP) Middle Tech programme in religious seminaries across Pakistan under an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training.

The programme helps students in madaris complete primary and middle-level education in a shorter time. At the same time, it equips them with basic technical skills.

ALP schools set up across the country

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, authorities have established 100 ALP schools nationwide. These schools operate across all provinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and cover 15 districts.

As a result, the programme now reaches students in areas with limited access to formal education. It mainly targets children enrolled in religious seminaries.

Student enrollment and teacher training

Official data shows that around 1,800 students are currently enrolled in the ALP Middle Tech programme. In addition, the ministry has trained 100 teachers in modern teaching methods.

This training helps teachers improve classroom delivery. Moreover, it supports better learning outcomes for students.

Books, computers, and learning support

To support learning, the programme provides textbooks, notebooks, and stationery. It also offers internet access and computers.

As a result, students can use both printed material and digital tools. This approach helps reduce gaps in learning resources.

Strong focus on technical skills

Alongside academic studies, the programme places strong focus on vocational and technical training. Students learn practical skills such as tailoring, electrical work, plumbing, cooking, and beautician services.

These skills help students prepare for jobs. In turn, they promote self-reliance and income generation.

Link to national development goals

A ministry official told Wealth Pakistan that the initiative supports human capital development and poverty reduction. He said it mainly benefits students from underprivileged communities.

According to the official, the ALP Middle Tech programme also reflects the government’s wider effort to align religious education with national development goals. As a result, it promotes inclusive education and long-term economic growth.

Pakistani, Chinese firms sign MoU to upgrade peanut seeds

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Pakistani, Chinese firms sign MoU to upgrade peanut seeds

ISLAMABAD, Jan 24 (ABC): A Chinese agricultural technology firm and a Pakistani agribusiness company have signed an agreement to improve peanut seeds and build a local supply chain in Pakistan. The deal reflects growing cooperation between Pakistan and China in the agriculture sector.

Officials from Shandong Rainbow Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd and Uqab Corporation (Pvt) Ltd said the partnership will support modern peanut farming and long-term growth.

Agreement details

The two companies aim to modernise peanut cultivation across Pakistan. They plan to improve seed quality and support farmers through better inputs.

They also want to develop local capacity instead of relying on imports. As a result, the project focuses on production inside Pakistan.

Seed development focus

Qian Hong, Overseas Project Coordinator at Shandong Rainbow Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd, said the company will select peanut seeds that suit Pakistan’s soil and irrigation systems.

She explained that farming conditions in Pakistan differ from those in China. Therefore, the company will test and adapt seeds locally before wider use.

In addition, she said the firm may supply seeds, invest in farms, grow peanuts locally, and buy the harvest for export to China.

Field trials and local work

Qian said Shandong Rainbow has already worked with local partners on seed development. The company conducted field trials over the past two years.

She also praised the environment and hospitality in Islamabad. According to her, the visit strengthened the company’s interest in Pakistan.

MoU signed, next phase planned

Dr Atif Majeed, Head of Agri Business at Uqab Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, told Wealth Pakistan that both sides have formally signed a memorandum of understanding.

He said the partnership will bring clear benefits to Pakistan’s agriculture sector. Moreover, he said the companies expect to sign more agreements soon.

Supply chain development

Dr Atif said the partners plan to build a full peanut supply chain in Pakistan. This will include research centres, breeding facilities, processing units, cold storage, and warehouses.

He explained that different peanut varieties serve different uses, especially roasting. As a result, seed quality remains critical.

He added that Shandong Rainbow has developed seeds that reduce rancidity while keeping peanuts crisp. The partners will cross-breed these seeds with local varieties.

Benefits for farmers

Finally, Dr Atif said the project aims to improve seed quality and strengthen local skills. He added that the companies want more farmers to adopt improved seeds as work begins on the ground.

Court awards 17-year jail term to Mazari, Chattha in PECA case

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Court awards 17-year jail term to Mazari, Chattha in PECA case

ISLAMABAD, Jan 24 (ABC): A sessions court in Islamabad on Saturday sentenced lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha to a combined 17 years in prison in a case linked to social media posts.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka convicted the couple under Sections 9, 10 and 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The court announced the verdict a day after their arrest in a separate case. Authorities later sent both to Adiala Jail on judicial remand.

Appearance through video link

Police produced Mazari and Chattha before the court through a video link earlier in the day. They cited security risks and travel constraints as reasons for not bringing them in person from jail.

Technical problems at Adiala Jail delayed the hearing for some time. The proceedings resumed once the video link was restored.

Boycott of court proceedings

When the court asked the defence to begin cross-examination, Mazari questioned whether journalists were present in the courtroom. She also told the judge that jail staff were mistreating her and her husband.

Mazari said authorities had denied them food and water in custody. She then told the judge that he was “doing his job” and announced a boycott of the hearing.

The judge asked whether they still wished to take part in the trial and advised them to wait for the verdict. Both accused left their seats before the hearing ended. The court then ordered staff to record the entire proceeding and add it to the official record.

Defence plea and court response

Defence lawyer Ashraf Gujjar later requested the court to summon a person linked to the case. Judge Majoka said the person had already appeared online during earlier proceedings.

He added that the court would review the full record before deciding on the request. The judge reserved a written order while the trial process continued.

Reaction from rights groups

The arrests and convictions triggered strong reactions from rights organisations, politicians and journalists. Many raised concerns over due process and fair trial guarantees.

Amnesty International called the cases retaliatory and said they aimed to silence dissent. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also criticised the proceedings and described them as harassment.

Case background

The case began with a complaint filed on August 12, 2025, at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency in Islamabad. Investigators accused the couple of sharing controversial content on social media.

The court indicted Mazari and Chattha on October 30 last year. On January 16, the judge cancelled their interim bail due to repeated absences and issued arrest warrants. The couple later challenged the orders before the Islamabad High Court.

The FIR accused Mazari of promoting narratives linked to banned militant groups. Investigators accused Chattha of reposting some of the content. The complaint said the posts blamed security forces for enforced disappearances in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

It also alleged that the posts portrayed the armed forces as ineffective against groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army and the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

Other related cases

Another case from July 2025 relates to a protest organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. In that matter, the Islamabad High Court granted the couple pre-arrest bail.

Earlier this week, an anti-terrorism court rejected their pre-arrest bail pleas in a separate case over a scuffle outside the Islamabad High Court in September 2025. Authorities arrested them on Friday in connection with the same case.

Parliament urges Sindh to overhaul fire safety after deadly Gul Plaza blaze

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Parliament urges Sindh to overhaul fire safety after deadly Gul Plaza blaze

ISLAMABAD, Jan 23 (ABC): In a joint sitting on Friday, parliamentarians from both houses adopted a resolution expressing solidarity with the victims of Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire and calling on the Sindh government to carry out comprehensive reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The joint session, convened by President Asif Ali Zardari and chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, discussed the aftermath of the blaze that erupted at Gul Plaza last week, claiming at least 67 lives. The affected commercial complex, a ground-plus-three structure with around 1,200 shops spread over 8,000 square yards, partially collapsed following the fire.
Through the resolution, parliament conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and paid tribute to firefighter Furqan Ali, who lost his life while battling the inferno. It also noted reported administrative and safety lapses that turned an accident into a large-scale tragedy.
Lawmakers urged the Sindh government to ensure compensation for the families of the deceased and immediate relief for businesses affected by the incident. The resolution further called for an urgent, citywide fire-risk audit of all commercial and residential buildings, alongside an increase in the number of fire stations and availability of firefighting equipment.
The federal government was also asked to extend all necessary support to the Sindh administration in addressing the crisis. Parliament pledged unanimous solidarity with the people of Karachi and stressed that lasting corrective measures must be taken so that the loss of lives at Gul Plaza does not go in vain.
Addressing the joint sitting, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman backed the resolution, describing the incident as deeply distressing, particularly for families waiting to recover the bodies of their loved ones. She highlighted the need to align resources with population requirements and cautioned against politicising the tragedy.
Responding to calls by MQM-P for handing Karachi over to the federal government, she said criticism was a democratic right but urged political actors not to aggravate the situation. She appealed to all parties to focus on rescue and recovery efforts rather than engaging in political point-scoring.
During the session, parliament also passed three bills: the Daanish Schools Authority Bill 2025, the Human Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill 2025. President Zardari had earlier returned these bills despite their approval by both the National Assembly and the Senate. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said allied parties had been taken into confidence ahead of the joint sitting.
The proceedings were briefly disrupted when opposition members, led by NA Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, staged a protest in front of the speaker’s dais. The session was later adjourned for an indefinite period.
Separately, JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza submitted an adjournment motion in the Senate seeking a debate on Pakistan’s decision to join US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” without parliamentary or cabinet approval. He argued that the move contradicted democratic norms and constitutional principles.
In another development, opposition leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai condemned the arrest of activist-lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in Islamabad, terming it a violation of constitutional rights. He called for their immediate release and demanded a transparent and impartial investigation, warning that such actions erode public trust in state institutions.

FBR lowers customs and PTA taxes on used mobile phones

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FBR lowers customs and PTA taxes on used mobile phones

ISLAMABAD, 23 Jan (ABC)-: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has revised customs values for used and old mobile phones, a move expected to reduce Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) taxes and make imported smartphones more affordable.

The Directorate General of Customs Valuation in Karachi updated the valuation of 62 models from major brands including Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus. The changes bring customs values closer to international resale prices, reflecting realistic depreciation rather than domestic retail rates.

For Apple devices, the revision is particularly significant. iPhone valuations have been reduced between 32% and 89%. For instance, the iPhone 13 ProMax now carries a customs value of $290, down from $450, while the iPhone 12 Pro’s valuation dropped from $280 to $155. Older models like the iPhone 11 and iPhone XS also saw substantial reductions.

High-end used models, including the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series, were included in the new schedule. For the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the PTA tax under the revised valuation is set at Rs50,604 via CNIC and Rs44,984 via passport, bringing the total expected market price to around Rs175,000. Other Apple models such as the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have also seen PTA taxes adjusted downward, with total market prices ranging from Rs130,000 to Rs145,000.

Samsung Galaxy models were set between $41 and $255, Google Pixel phones between $98 and $260, and OnePlus devices between $65 and $184, depending on the model.

Officials said the earlier valuation framework had caused disputes at the import stage, including disagreements over pricing, grading of used devices, and under-invoicing claims, which delayed clearances and increased costs for consumers.

By aligning customs values with actual market rates and applying uniform values irrespective of a phone’s physical condition, authorities aim to reduce import costs, improve supply, and ease price pressures in the secondary mobile phone market.

Policymakers noted that the changes could benefit students, freelancers, gig workers, and lower-income users who rely on used smartphones for internet access, digital payments, and online work. They argued that while tax collection per handset may decrease, broader economic benefits such as higher smartphone penetration and increased digital participation outweigh immediate revenue concerns.

Leonardo DiCaprio responds to viral Golden Globes clip: ‘I’m not a rat’

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Leonardo DiCaprio responds to viral Golden Globes clip: ‘I’m not a rat’

Loss angelise, 23 Jan (ABC)-Leonardo DiCaprio has addressed the viral video of his animated expressions at the 2026 Golden Globes, insisting the clip was taken out of context.

The 51-year-old actor, who received an Oscar nomination for his role in One Battle After Another, was seen making exaggerated faces and laughing during a conversation with someone off-camera at the awards ceremony. The clip quickly circulated online, sparking speculation about who he was interacting with.

Speaking to Deadline, DiCaprio clarified that he was simply talking to a friend. “It was directed to a friend, but at the end of the day, who knows if this other person that I was talking to wants me to even mention their name? So, as the lead character says in A Bronx Tale, I’m not a rat,” he said.

Co-star Teyana Taylor, who appeared alongside DiCaprio in One Battle After Another, previously told Access Hollywood that the conversation had been about her daughters, Junie, 10, and Rue, 5, and their enjoyment of the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters. She was unaware at the time that their interaction was being filmed.

Taylor later shared on The Tonight Show that DiCaprio had actually been speaking to someone else in the viral footage. “I was like, ‘You can’t be talking to me, were you talking to me?’ Apparently he had two KPop Demon Hunter conversations that night, so the film was just in his mouth all night,” she joked.

She added that DiCaprio’s animated gestures are just part of how they talk. “I had a little friendly jealousy, I was like, ‘Who else are you chewing your invisible gum with?’ He didn’t even remember who he was talking to. He was like, ‘I don’t even know,’” Taylor said.

China makes breakthrough in lithium extraction from salt lakes

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China makes breakthrough in lithium extraction from salt lakes

BEIJING, Jan 23 (ABC): China has achieved a major industrial breakthrough in lithium extraction with the launch of the world’s first 20,000-tonne production line using new technology to recover lithium from salt lake brine, a development expected to strengthen supply for the country’s fast-growing electric vehicle sector.

The facility, built by Qinghai CITIC Guoan Technology Development Co., Ltd. in Qinghai Province, has reached full operational capacity, according to a report published by People’s Daily on Thursday.

The successful commissioning of the production line is expected to significantly improve the comprehensive utilisation rate of China’s salt lake lithium resources and extend their sustainable development lifespan. The project is also being viewed as a model for advancing the industry toward greener, smarter and larger-scale operations.

Lithium, often referred to as “white gold,” is a key raw material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics and large-scale energy storage systems. The breakthrough is seen as an important step in enhancing China’s self-reliance and security in lithium supply, supporting the strategic stability of its new energy industry.

According to the report, the core technology — a proprietary process protected by multiple patents — has increased lithium recovery rates at the salt pan stage from an industry average of below 50 percent to more than 78 percent. Overall lithium recovery across the full production process has risen from 75.38 percent to 90.41 percent.

Processing lithium from salt lakes has long posed technical challenges due to high loss rates associated with traditional solar evaporation methods. The new production line represents a major advance in overcoming these limitations.

In addition to boosting yields, the new technology significantly shortens the production cycle for battery-grade lithium carbonate and sharply reduces lithium losses compared with conventional evaporation processes.

The method also preserves the comprehensive utilisation of associated resources such as potassium and boron, supporting a balance between resource efficiency, economic returns and environmental sustainability, the report said.

Schalke sign Edin Dzeko in bid to strengthen promotion push

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Schalke sign Edin Dzeko in bid to strengthen promotion push

Germany ,23 jan (ABC)-Schalke have completed the signing of Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko on a six-month contract as the club looks to reinforce its attacking options in the race for promotion.

The Bundesliga 2 leaders sit four points clear at the top of the table but have struggled in front of goal, scoring only 22 times in 18 matches — a tally bettered by just three teams in the division.

Dzeko, 39, arrives from Serie A side Fiorentina, where he featured sparingly during the current season. Despite his limited role, Schalke believe the veteran striker’s experience and goal-scoring pedigree can provide a timely boost.

In a statement, Dzeko said he had closely followed the club since initial talks began and had watched several of Schalke’s recent matches. He praised the team’s progress this season after what he described as difficult years for the club.

Schalke, seven-time German champions, have endured a turbulent decade that has included two relegations, most recently at the end of the 2022–23 campaign. They are now aiming for a swift return to the top flight.

Dzeko previously enjoyed a successful spell in Germany with VfL Wolfsburg, winning the Bundesliga title in 2009. He scored 85 goals in 142 appearances and finished as the league’s top scorer in 2010 before moving to Manchester City, where he went on to win two Premier League titles.

China’s development to boost cooperation with Brazil: Xi

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China’s development to boost cooperation with Brazil: Xi

BEIJING, Jan 23 (ABC): Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday that China’s pursuit of high-quality development through high-level opening-up would generate more opportunities for cooperation with Brazil.

Xi made the remarks during a phone conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

He recalled that in 2024 the two leaders jointly announced the elevation of China-Brazil relations to a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. Over the past year, Xi said, efforts to build this community have gathered strong momentum, marked by closer alignment of development strategies and serving as an example of unity and cooperation among Global South countries.

Xi noted that 2026 marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period and said China is ready to work with Brazil to comprehensively deepen mutually beneficial cooperation across a wide range of sectors. He added that both sides should continue advancing bilateral relations to achieve greater development outcomes and open up an even brighter future.

Against the backdrop of a complex and turbulent international environment, Xi said China and Brazil, as major countries in the Global South, represent a constructive force in safeguarding global peace and stability and improving global governance.

He called on both countries to firmly stand on what he described as the right side of history, step up efforts to defend the common interests of their peoples and the broader Global South, and jointly uphold the central role of the United Nations, as well as international fairness and justice.

Xi said China remains committed to being a reliable friend and partner to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and to working together to advance the building of a China–Latin America and Caribbean community with a shared future.

US pulls Canada’s Board of Peace invite after Davos remarks

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US pulls Canada’s Board of Peace invite after Davos remarks

WASHINGTON, Jan 23 (ABC): United States President Donald Trump on Thursday withdrew Canada’s invitation to join his proposed Board of Peace, following critical remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Trump’s decision came after Carney used his Davos address at the World Economic Forum to criticise powerful nations for using economic integration as a political weapon and employing tariffs as leverage in global affairs.

In a post on Truth Social directed at Carney, Trump said the Board of Peace was rescinding its invitation to Canada’s participation, describing the body as what he called “the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled.”

Neither Carney’s office nor the White House immediately responded to requests for comment.

Only last week, Carney’s office had said the prime minister was invited to join the board and intended to accept. During his Davos speech, Carney received a standing ovation after urging countries to recognise what he described as the decline of a rules-based global order. He also said Canada, which has recently signed a trade agreement with China, could show how middle powers might cooperate to avoid being sidelined by US dominance.

Trump responded by saying Canada “lives because of the United States” and told audiences in Davos that Carney should be thankful for past US support. Addressing the Canadian leader directly, Trump said he should remember that point when making future statements.

The withdrawal of Canada’s invitation came just hours after Trump formally launched the Board of Peace, which was initially conceived to help solidify a ceasefire in Gaza. Trump has said permanent members of the board would be required to contribute $1 billion each to fund its operations.

“Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do,” Trump said while in Switzerland, adding that the initiative would work in coordination with the United Nations.

The board’s creation was endorsed through a United Nations Security Council resolution tied to Trump’s Gaza peace plan. UN spokesperson Rolando Gomez said UN engagement with the board would be limited strictly to that context.

Countries named as members include Argentina, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan and Türkiye. Other US allies, such as Britain, France and Italy, have indicated they do not plan to join at this stage.

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