Meezan Bank has teamed up with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to bring exclusive travel benefits and discounts to Meezan Bank Debit Cardholders. The strategic partnership aims to make flight bookings more convenient, cost-effective and seamless for customers using their debit cards to purchase tickets on PIA’s network. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Karachi by Dr Syed Amir Ali, President and Group CEO of Meezan Bank, and Mr Nousherwan Adil, Chief Commercial Officer of PIA, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. The alliance underscores a shared commitment to enhancing customer convenience and expanding digital payment solutions in Pakistan’s travel and banking sectors. Under the new arrangement, Meezan Bank debit cardholders will be able to book domestic and international flights on PIA using their debit cards and enjoy exclusive discounts, including offers reportedly up to 10 % off ticket prices. These discounts apply to both Visa and Mastercard variants of Meezan debit cards, making travel more affordable for frequent and occasional flyers alike. This collaboration highlights the growing trend of banks partnering with airlines to deliver added value to customers. By integrating travel benefits with everyday banking products, financial institutions can help customers enjoy greater flexibility and savings on essential services like air travel. Other partnerships in recent months include similar travel offers by Meezan Bank with airlines such as Etihad Airways, offering discounts on bookings made with debit cards, further expanding value for cardholders. Looking at the broader picture of debit card benefits in Pakistan, banks have been enhancing their offerings to compete in a rapidly modernising digital economy. Meezan Bank’s debit cards are Shariah-compliant and allow customers to make secure and interest-free transactions including online purchases, bill payments and travel bookings. These cards support both domestic and international payments, further improving customer convenience. Dr Syed Amir Ali highlighted that the partnership “aligns with Meezan Bank’s focus on providing efficient, Shariah-compliant banking solutions while enhancing convenience for our customers.” He added that collaborations with leading organisations like PIA help “strengthen payment infrastructure, expand cross-channel acceptance, improve service accessibility, and deliver a more seamless customer experience.” Mr Nousherwan Adil, PIA’s Chief Commercial Officer, echoed the sentiment, stating: “This partnership with Meezan Bank demonstrates PIA’s commitment to enhancing customer convenience and providing seamless travel experiences. While we continue to collaborate with multiple financial institutions, this initiative allows Meezan Bank Debit Cardholders to enjoy added benefits and a smoother booking experience with PIA.” For travellers in Pakistan, this partnership means easier digital payments, potential savings on airfares and more reasons to choose cashless booking. As the travel industry and banking sector continue to innovate, customers stand to benefit from flexible and rewarding payment options that extend beyond traditional banking.
How to Get Tickets to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics: Step-by-Step Guide
Excitement is building around the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles as organizers have opened ticket registration for the first time, giving fans around the world a chance to secure seats for one of the most anticipated sporting events in history. The LA28 ticket registration period began on January 14, 2026, and will run until March 18, 2026. Fans who register will be entered into a lottery-style draw that assigns them a time slot to purchase tickets once sales begin later this year. The 2028 Games are scheduled to take place from July 14 to July 30, 2028, with competition in some sports starting as early as July 12. The Paralympic Games will follow from August 15 to August 27, 2028. Registration for the ticket draw does not involve payment or guarantee tickets. Instead, it gives people a chance to be randomly assigned a time slot to log in and buy tickets in April 2026. The ticket process is designed to give fans a fair opportunity to secure seats for events, including the opening and closing ceremonies, athletics, swimming, gymnastics and more. Organizers say approximately 14 million tickets will be released for both the Olympics and Paralympics, surpassing the 12 million sold for the 2024 Paris Games. Ticket prices will start as low as $28, with about one-third of all tickets priced under $100 to encourage affordability and wide participation. There’s a special advantage for local residents in areas hosting events. People living in Greater Los Angeles counties including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura and parts of Oklahoma where events like canoe slalom and softball will be held can qualify for a locals-only presale. To be eligible, they must register for the draw by March 18. If selected, they can access the early purchase window from April 2 to April 6, 2026. Selected registrants will receive their assigned time slot notification via email between March 31 and April 7. The main ticket purchasing phase will then run from April 9 to April 19, 2026. If someone doesn’t secure tickets in the first round, they often remain in the pool for future ticket drops. Organizers emphasise inclusivity and accessibility. “These games belong to everyone,” said Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairman, highlighting the effort to keep prices low and the process fair for all. Fans are advised to register early, plan travel and accommodations in advance, and stay updated with official announcements as the ticketing schedule progresses toward the main sale.
Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV Price, Range & Features: What You Need to Know
Chery Pakistan has officially launched its Tiggo 8 PHEV in the local market, marking a significant step in the rise of plug-in hybrid SUVs (PHEVs) in Pakistan. The seven-seat Tiggo 8 PHEV was first showcased at the Pakistan Auto Show (PAPS) in Karachi and is now ready for bookings with an introductory price of Rs. 10,999,000. Bookings opened on January 15 and run until January 31, 2026, with a substantial down payment of Rs. 5 million required. Deliveries are slated to begin on April 26, 2026. The Tiggo 8 PHEV stands out with its advanced hybrid powertrain. It combines a turbocharged petrol engine with electric motors and an 18.3 kWh battery, producing a combined output of up to 496 hp and 735 Nm of torque. The SUV can travel up to 77 km on electric power alone, making it ideal for city commutes, and offers a total driving range of around 1,020 km on hybrid mode. It supports 40 kW DC fast charging, taking the battery from 30 % to 80 % in about 20 minutes — a major convenience for long-distance travelers. Inside, the Tiggo 8 PHEV delivers premium comfort and modern tech. A 15.6-inch 2.5K infotainment display with a Sony 12-speaker sound system enhances in-car entertainment, while ventilated electric seats, panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone climate control boost passenger comfort. Safety hasn’t been overlooked. The SUV comes equipped with 10 airbags, ADAS driver-assistance systems, and a 360-degree camera, delivering peace of mind for families and long-distance journeys alike. Automotive analysts say the Tiggo 8 PHEV arrives at a time when hybrid and plug-in technology is gaining traction in Pakistan due to rising fuel prices and increasing environmental awareness. PHEVs bridge the gap between pure electric vehicles (EVs) and conventional petrol cars, allowing drivers to enjoy electric-only driving and lower fuel costs without range anxiety typical of EVs. In Pakistan’s growing SUV market, the Tiggo 8 PHEV competes with other hybrid and plug-in models like the MG HS PHEV and family SUVs such as the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid — though its seven-seat configuration gives it an edge for larger families. However, potential buyers should note that charging infrastructure across Pakistan is still developing, and long-term data on PHEV resale value remains limited. Still, for urban commuters with access to home charging and families seeking premium comfort with reduced running costs, the Tiggo 8 PHEV presents a compelling option. With its blend of performance, technology, and hybrid efficiency, the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV is poised to reshape how Pakistanis think about large family SUVs in the era of electrified mobility.
PMD Forecast: Karachi to See Rain, Wind & Thunderstorms on Jan 22–23
Karachi residents should prepare for rain, wind and thunderstorms next week as a westerly weather system moves into Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned. A shallow westerly wave is expected to approach upper parts of the country from January 16, lasting until January 19 and strengthening from January 20, with rainfall predicted in Sindh including Karachi on January 22 and 23. The Met Office says the weather system will first affect northern regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with rain-wind and light to moderate snowfall from January 16 to January 19. Light rain and snow are also expected in Murree, Galyat and surrounding hill stations between January 18 and 20. From January 20 onward, the wet spell is expected to intensify and spread across much of the country — Islamabad, Potohar, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts are forecast to see widespread rainfall and thunderstorms. Heavy snowfall is likely in high-altitude areas including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Murree and the Neelum Valley. The system will reach Sindh on January 22 and 23, bringing intermittent rain, strong winds and thunder to Karachi, as well as other parts of the province. Cities like Hyderabad, Dadu, Jacobabad, Naushahro Feroze, Kashmore, Larkana and Mirpurkhas may also experience wet weather. Karachi’s winter climate typically stays dry and cool in January, with night temperatures often falling below 10 °C due to northeasterly winds and low humidity. However, western disturbances — weather systems driven by mid-latitude westerly winds — occasionally bring unexpected rain to the city during the winter. These systems draw moisture from the Mediterranean and surrounding seas, causing unexpected winter precipitation across Pakistan and northwest India. Such rainfall can offer relief from dry cold conditions but also disrupt daily life. Roads may become slippery with rising water levels during heavier bursts, and commuters should expect strong winds and cooler temperatures through mid-January. Experts remind residents that while Karachi’s rain does not usually amount to heavy flooding, localized showers and thunderstorm activity can occur during these winter spells. The PMD has advised people to stay updated with the latest weather advisories and drive with caution in rainy conditions, especially on highways and outer roads. Tourists planning visits to northern areas should remain alert to updated snowfall forecasts that may affect travel. This developing system highlights the varied impact of winter weather across Pakistan from rain in low-lying coastal cities like Karachi to snow in high mountain regions underscoring the importance of advance preparation and awareness during the winter season.
From Rs400 to Rs25,000: Full Ticket Details for Pakistan-Australia T20Is
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced ticketing details for the upcoming three-match T20 International series between Pakistan and Australia, confirming that online ticket sales will begin on Friday. Fans can purchase tickets digitally through the official portal pcb.tcs.com.pk, while physical tickets will be available from Monday, January 19, at designated TCS Express Centres across the country. Ticket counters will open daily from 10am. Pakistan will host Australia for three T20Is on January 29, January 31, and February 1 at Gaddafi Stadium. All matches are scheduled to start at 6pm. Ticket prices for the first T20I (January 29) For the opening match, ticket prices have been set across multiple enclosures. VIP enclosure tickets for Fazal Mahmood and Imran Khan stands will be available at Rs800. Premium enclosures, including Rajas and Saeed Anwar, will cost Rs600, while First Class enclosures—Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Abdul Qadir, Javed Miandad, and Sarfaraz Nawaz—are priced at Rs500. General enclosures such as Hanif Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Saeed Ahmed will be available for Rs400. Tickets for Pakistan 🆚 Australia T20I series to go on sale from 16 January 📢🎟️ Physical tickets can be bought at TCS Express Centres from 19 January 🏟️🔗 https://t.co/r1Y5gXriiG#PAKvAUS | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/S2nsvjan4m— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 15, 2026 Additional VIP seating options include the Iqbal End (Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram enclosures), priced at Rs1,500, while VIP tickets at the Jinnah End (Majid Khan and Zaheer Abbas enclosures) will be sold for Rs2,000. Hospitality Gallery tickets for the first T20I have been fixed at Rs5,000. Ticket prices for the second and third T20Is For the remaining two matches, VIP enclosure tickets will be priced at Rs1,000, Premium seats at Rs700, First Class at Rs600, and General enclosure tickets at Rs500. At the Iqbal End, VIP tickets for the second and third T20Is will cost Rs2,000, while Jinnah End VIP seats will be available for Rs2,500. Hospitality Gallery tickets for these matches are priced at Rs6,000 each. The PCB also confirmed pricing for the exclusive 24-seat Hospitality Box at the Iqbal End. A single seat in the box will cost Rs20,000 for the first T20I, while tickets for the second and third matches will be priced at Rs25,000 per seat.
Doctors Discover Baby Inside Boy’s Chest During Surgery in Rahim Yar Khan
In a highly unusual medical case in Rahim Yar Khan, doctors at Sheikh Zayed Hospital successfully removed a malformed foetus from the chest of a five-year-old boy, in one of the rarest congenital anomalies known to medicine. The operation has drawn attention across Pakistan and sparked global interest because of its complexity and medical significance. The young patient, named Rehan, had suffered from persistent breathing difficulties, chest infections, coughing, and recurrent fevers since infancy. Despite multiple visits to doctors over the years, his condition remained undiagnosed until a recent CT scan revealed the shocking cause: an underdeveloped twin inside his chest. Surgeons discovered that the malformed foetus was located near the boy’s main heart artery and lungs, making the surgery extremely delicate and risky. The condition, medically referred to as “fetus in fetu” (FIF), occurs when a malformed twin becomes embedded in the body of its sibling during early embryonic development. Worldwide, this condition is exceptionally rare, with an estimated occurrence of one in every 500,000 births. Leading the surgical team was thoracic surgeon Dr Sultan Mahmood Owaisi, who said the operation required meticulous planning and execution. Officials described the procedure as complex but successful, with the foetus removed without injuring the boy’s vital organs. The child is now recovering in the hospital’s thoracic ward and is reported to be in stable condition under close medical supervision. According to Dr Sultan, the foetus had developed several body parts including a spine, hair, and teeth but it lacked a fully formed head. It weighed about one kilogramme and was hidden inside the chest for five years, undetected until advanced imaging uncovered its presence. Fetus in fetu is often confused with teratomas — complex tumours containing abnormal tissues — but FIF is distinguished by a greater degree of organized development, such as vertebral structures and organ formation. Medical literature shows most FIF cases are found in the abdominal cavity, which makes Rehan’s chest case even more rare and medically noteworthy. Rehan’s mother expressed immense relief and gratitude to the medical team for saving her son, crediting the hospital for its care and expertise. Doctors emphasised that early diagnosis and imaging are crucial for similar unexplained symptoms in children. This extraordinary case highlights not just a medical curiosity but also advances in diagnostic imaging and surgical techniques in Pakistan that make handling such rare anomalies possible.
Pakistan Passport Jumps to 98th in 2026 Index: 31 Countries Now Visa-Free!
Pakistan’s passport has climbed up the global travel rankings in 2026, offering its citizens greater freedom to explore the world — albeit still limited compared to many nations. According to the latest Henley Passport Index 2026, Pakistan now ranks 98th worldwide, tied with Yemen, and provides visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eTA access to 31 destinations across the globe. The Henley Passport Index measures the travel freedom that citizens of each country enjoy based on how many countries they can enter without a visa beforehand. Pakistan’s ranking improved from 100th last year, reflecting diplomatic efforts and new bilateral agreements aiming to boost international mobility for its citizens. Despite rising in rank, the Pakistani passport remains among the lower-tier global travel documents. Countries like Iraq (99th), Syria (100th) and Afghanistan (101st) rank just below it, while powerful passports such as Singapore’s top the list with access to 192 destinations. The expanded list of destinations offers Pakistanis a wider range of travel opportunities. Visa-free access allows entry without any prior documentation, while visa-on-arrival (VOA) and electronic travel authorization (eTA) options let travelers obtain entry permits on arrival or online before departure. Some of the visa-free countries include Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, Micronesia, Montserrat, Rwanda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu. Meanwhile, destinations offering visa on arrival include Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Maldives, Mozambique, Nepal, Niue, Palau Islands, Qatar, Samoa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Timor-Leste, and Tuvalu. Experts say a passport’s strength is often tied to a country’s diplomatic relations, political stability, and global reputation. While Pakistan’s improved ranking shows positive momentum, travel freedom still lags behind many neighboring countries. For example, India ranks 80th with access to 55 visa-free destinations, and Bangladesh climbs to 95th with 37 destinations. For many Pakistanis, this expanded access translates into easier travel for vacations, business trips, and cultural exchanges. Caribbean beaches, African safaris, and South Asian island escapes are now more accessible than in previous years. However, long-haul travel to Europe, North America, and much of East Asia often still requires advance visas, posing a hurdle for students, professionals, and families alike. As global mobility trends evolve, Pakistani authorities and diplomats are expected to continue efforts to strengthen travel ties. Citizens looking to make the most of this improvement should stay updated on official visa rules and destination entry requirements, which can change frequently.
TikTok Named FIFA’s First Preferred Platform: A New Era for World Cup 2026 Fans
Football fans around the world are set to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026 in a whole new way thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between FIFA and TikTok. On January 14, 2026, officials announced TikTok will become FIFA’s first-ever “Preferred Platform” for the global tournament, signaling a major evolution in how fans connect with the sport’s biggest event beyond traditional TV broadcasts. Under the global agreement that runs until the end of 2026, TikTok will offer expanded official coverage, behind-the-scenes access, and interactive fan experiences related to the 48-team event. This makes it a central destination for football content, creator collaborations, and community engagement during the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. At the heart of the deal is the FIFA World Cup 2026 hub, powered by TikTok GamePlan, an immersive digital destination where users can discover official match content, ticket and viewing information, and interactive features like custom filters, stickers, and gamification tools. These elements aim to make fans feel part of the tournament in real time. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström explained the vision: “FIFA’s goal is to share the exhilaration of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with as many fans as possible, and we can’t think of a better way to further that mission than to have TikTok as the tournament’s first Preferred Platform.” His comments underscore how the partnership is designed to widen football’s reach, especially among younger, digitally native audiences. For the first time in World Cup history, a structured global creator programme will give selected TikTok creators unprecedented access to exclusive moments like press conferences and training sessions. A broader group of creators will also have opportunities to co-create content using FIFA’s archival footage, bringing fresh and personal stories from the World Cup to millions of viewers. This agreement builds on the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 partnership with TikTok, which generated tens of billions of views globally and showed how digital platforms have transformed sports consumption. The deal also opens doors for FIFA’s official media partners and broadcasters. They will be able to live-stream parts of the matches, post curated clips, and monetise content through TikTok’s premium advertising solutions while respecting FIFA’s intellectual property protections. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, this innovative alliance promises to make the tournament more accessible, interactive, and exciting for fans everywhere — turning every goal, highlight, and fan reaction into a global digital moment.
Ahson bin Saeed Appointed CEO of Raast Payments Pakistan
Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem has taken a significant step forward with the appointment of Ahson bin Saeed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Raast Payments Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the State Bank of Pakistan. Raast serves as the country’s first instant payment system, designed to enable real-time, end-to-end digital transactions between individuals, businesses, and government entities. Built as Pakistan’s Faster Payment System, the platform focuses on small-value retail payments while ensuring transactions are processed instantly, securely, and at a low cost. The system has been developed to provide universal access across the financial sector. Commercial banks, microfinance institutions, government departments, fintech companies, electronic money institutions (EMIs), and payment service providers (PSPs) are all able to connect to Raast, helping create a more interoperable and inclusive digital payments environment. Pakistan has historically lagged behind in electronic transaction volumes due to several structural challenges. These include limited banking penetration, low public trust and awareness of digital payment solutions, restricted interoperability between financial systems, accessibility issues, and relatively high transaction costs. While Pakistan’s Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system already supports instant settlements, its scope has largely been limited to high-value and corporate transactions. Raast was introduced to bridge this gap by extending real-time payment capabilities to everyday retail transactions, offering a scalable alternative that supports broader financial inclusion. The platform’s growth has accelerated rapidly. According to reports published last month, Raast has processed more than three billion transactions since its launch, with the total value nearing Rs80 trillion. Officials recently briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the platform’s progress, noting that Raast has surpassed 48 million registered users. The system is now integrated with 53 financial institutions nationwide, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s transition toward a digital, cash-light economy.
AI Ethics in Crisis: Why Elon Musk’s Grok Was Banned from Creating Undressing Deepfakes
Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok has suddenly found itself at the center of a global controversy. Once celebrated for its advanced conversational and image-generating powers, Grok has been barred from creating “undressing” images of real people after intense international backlash over its role in producing sexually explicit and non-consensual deepfake content — particularly involving women and children. The controversy erupted when users on X discovered that Grok’s image editing tools could be prompted to digitally remove clothing from photos of real individuals. Some of these AI-generated images were shockingly realistic and widely shared online. In one analysis of more than 20,000 images generated between late December and early January, a significant portion depicted people in minimal attire, with a small percentage appearing to be minors. Governments and regulators around the world responded swiftly. Indonesia and Malaysia blocked access to Grok entirely, citing violations of digital safety and human rights standards, while British and European authorities launched probes into whether Grok’s output violated local laws. In Europe, the European Commission ordered X to preserve all internal records related to Grok’s image generation as part of ongoing oversight. In California, Attorney General Rob Bonta described the volume of explicit imagery generated by Grok as “shocking” and opened an official investigation into xAI, the Musk-owned company behind the chatbot. California Governor Gavin Newsom also condemned the proliferation of such content and urged accountability. Under mounting pressure, xAI and X implemented new measures. The company announced it would restrict Grok’s ability to create or edit revealing images in regions where such material is illegal and limit image editing features to paying subscribers — a move critics called inadequate and exploitative. Some advocacy groups argued this effectively monetized harmful capabilities instead of stopping them. A coalition of women’s and digital safety organizations has urged tech giants Apple and Google to remove the X and Grok apps from their mobile app stores, arguing that allowing the tools to remain available enables ongoing harm. Meanwhile, Musk has publicly stated he was unaware of any instances involving underage explicit images and insists that Grok only responds to user prompts and is designed to reject illegal requests. The Grok controversy highlights the growing challenges posed by AI image generation tools. As regulators, civil society groups, and tech companies grapple with these risks, questions about AI ethics, platform responsibility, and user safety remain at the forefront of global discussions.
