REVOO has launched the C35 Young electric scooter in Pakistan, expanding its electric two-wheeler range for urban commuters and families. The company has set the launch price at Rs. 235,000. Buyers will also receive a free half helmet for a limited period. REVOO says the scooter is now available through its official showrooms across Pakistan. The C35 Young follows a pre-booking campaign that ran from July 6 to July 31, 2026. During that campaign, customers could reserve the scooter for Rs. 10,000 and receive the same amount as a discount. The effective pre-booking price was Rs. 225,000. Motor, Speed and Claimed Range REVOO has equipped the C35 Young with a 1,200W electric motor and a 72V 35Ah graphene battery. The company claims a range of 80 to 115 kilometres per charge. Actual range may vary with speed, load, road conditions and riding style. Its listed top-speed range is 35 to 55 km/h, which positions the scooter mainly for daily city travel. REVOO previously described the model as the “King of Value” within its new C35 family-focused lineup. Kyle Zhang, country head of REVOO Pakistan, said the wider series reflects local travel habits. “Through our ‘Chalo Aik Sath’ campaign, we are introducing electric mobility that reflects the way Pakistan actually travels,” Zhang said. Charging and Everyday Running According to REVOO, a full battery charge takes six to nine hours. One complete charging cycle consumes about 2.52 kWh of electricity. The charging time means most owners may prefer overnight charging at home. However, electricity consumption and real-world cost will depend on the applicable tariff, charger efficiency and battery condition. Read More: Tesla Hits 10 Million EVs as Global Auto Race Intensifies The scooter uses 3.0-10-inch vacuum tyres and front and rear hydraulic suspension. It has a front disc brake and a rear drum brake. REVOO lists ground clearance at 165mm and total vehicle weight at 132kg. The company also highlights a child-lock system, a 40-litre under-seat storage compartment and a 700mm extended seat. These features support REVOO’s effort to market the model as a practical option for shared family travel. Warranty and Nationwide Availability REVOO is offering a 24-month warranty for both the electric motor and graphene battery. Warranty coverage can reduce early ownership risk, although customers should review the company’s terms before purchase. The C35 Young enters Pakistan’s expanding electric two-wheeler market, where buyers often compare charging costs with rising petrol expenses. Prospective customers should also assess charging access, after-sales support, spare parts and expected daily distance. Customers can visit official REVOO dealerships for availability and test-ride information. The launch places the C35 Young below the standard C35, which costs Rs. 279,000 and carries a more powerful 1,800W motor.
SBP Introduces Rs.1 Per Litre Incentive for Digital Fuel Payments
The State Bank of Pakistan has extended concessionary pricing for payment card transactions at fuel stations until January 31, 2027. The measure aims to lower acceptance costs and accelerate the rollout of interoperable Raast QR payments. The SBP has set the Merchant Discount Rate at a maximum of Rs.1 per litre for card-present purchases of fuel and related products. It has capped the Interchange Reimbursement Fee at Re0.20 per litre. The arrangement covers all payment cards issued in Pakistan and took effect immediately. Read More: NBP Expands Digital Payment Push With Raast P2M Launch Banks Directed to Expand Raast QR Facilities The central bank directed banks, microfinance banks, electronic money institutions, payment system operators and payment service providers to engage with fuel retailers. They must help petrol stations activate and maintain Raast QR payment acceptance throughout the concessionary period. The SBP will review the mechanism on or around January 31, 2027. It will consider the market’s response and the progress made in digital payment adoption. All earlier directives on fuel-station payment acceptance will remain unchanged. The pricing model links charges to each litre sold instead of applying only a percentage to the total bill. This gives stations more certainty over transaction costs when fuel prices or purchase amounts change. Read More: easypaisa Introduces Digital Takaful Savings for Pakistanis Petroleum dealers said fuel stations currently pay around 0.8% in bank charges on card transactions. That equals approximately Rs2.40 per litre at prevailing prices. They said high charges had discouraged stations and banks from expanding card-payment facilities. The new cap could lower the cost gap between electronic and cash transactions. It may also encourage more stations to install point-of-sale terminals and display interoperable Raast QR codes. Petroleum Dealers Welcome SBP Decision The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association welcomed the move. It said the decision would promote digital payments and improve financial literacy across the country. PPDA Chairman Malik Khuda Baksh said reduced transaction costs would encourage wider electronic payment acceptance at petrol pumps. “Although our demand was for zero percent charges, we appreciate this initiative and believe that, in consultation with the PPDA, the charges will be reduced further in the future,” Baksh said. He said the PPDA demanded the complete removal of bank charges during a meeting with government and Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority officials in late July. Federal Petroleum Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani assured the association that authorities would address the issue, he added. Read More: Digital Channels Now Handle 90% of Retail Payments, SBP Reveals Baksh said the minister had honoured that commitment through the latest measure. The dealers’ association still hopes the government and central bank will eventually remove the charges altogether. The revised mechanism may give consumers more payment choices while reducing cash handling at fuel stations. Wider Raast QR adoption could also improve transaction records and support greater financial documentation. Its impact will depend on how quickly banks and payment companies equip stations, train staff and maintain reliable services.
Nemrah Ahmad Urges Fans to Report AI Videos of Her Books
Pakistani novelist Nemrah Ahmad has warned creators to delete AI-generated videos based on her novels, especially Jannat Kay Pattay. She called the practice “extremely illegal” and unethical, while threatening copyright complaints and possible legal action. YouTube and Instagram pages have used generative AI to recreate scenes, characters and settings from the bestselling Urdu novel. The clips present animated interpretations without Ahmad’s permission or involvement. Copyright Complaints and Legal Warning In an Instagram statement, Ahmad directly addressed the pages producing such videos. “PSA: All the YouTube channels/Instagram pages making AI videos on my novels, especially Jannat Kay Pattay, need to delete those because one by one we are going to report them for copyright violations,” she wrote. She also said complaints could lead to the removal of channels and Instagram accounts. She also warned that legal processes could reveal creators’ identities. Read More: Big Tech Under Fire as Australia Investigates Under-16 Ban Violations “Not only will your channel/Insta be taken down, you will also be traced legally through Meta. You cannot hide behind keyboards because Meta has a responsibility when it comes to such copyright violations, and they are supposed to provide details about YOU to the government that requests it,” she added. Instagram allows rights holders or authorised representatives to report suspected copyright violations. YouTube also treats a copyright removal request as a legal process and may remove content after a valid complaint. No Permission for Visual Adaptations Ahmad stressed that she had never authorised visual adaptations of her novels. “You have no right to make video content on my novels. I never gave my novels to TV productions. Doing this with AI is not only illegal, unethical but extremely cheap.” She also urged readers to report AI-generated videos based on her work. Ahmad is one of Pakistan’s best-known contemporary Urdu novelists. Her major works include Jannat Kay Pattay, Namal and Mus’haf. Her fiction blends suspense, mystery, romance and Islamic themes. Her official platform provides authorised access to her writing. Why AI Book Videos Raise Copyright Concerns Using AI does not automatically make an adaptation lawful. Pakistan’s Copyright Ordinance, 1962 gives literary copyright owners exclusive rights over reproduction, cinematic use and adaptation. It treats unauthorised use of those rights as potential infringement. A creator may therefore face legal risk when a video copies distinctive dialogue, characters, plot sequences or scenes from a protected novel. Changing the visual style or generating images through AI may not remove that risk. Read More: How to Challenge a Wrong E-Challan Through the PSCA Portal However, each case depends on its content and purpose. Pakistani law permits limited fair dealing for criticism, review, research and current-event reporting. A brief review differs from a scene-by-scene visual retelling that recreates a novel’s story. The dispute reflects wider publishing concerns as generative AI makes unofficial adaptations faster and cheaper. The technology does not erase an author’s underlying rights. Creators seeking to produce book-based videos should obtain permission, use licensed material or remain within a genuine legal exception.
Why foodpanda Built a Premium Rest Space for Delivery Riders
foodpanda Pakistan has opened its first Flagship Rider Rest Station at Gold Crest Mall in Lahore, giving delivery riders a dedicated place to rest and recharge between orders. The announcement described foodpanda as Pakistan’s leading online delivery platform and called the facility a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. It aims to provide riders with a comfortable, dignified and dependable space during demanding shifts. Riders often spend hours on the road through intense summer heat, heavy traffic, evening rushes and sudden weather changes. The company said the initiative seeks to turn its appreciation for riders into practical support for their wellbeing. A Purpose-Built Space for Riders The facility offers air-conditioned comfort, dedicated seating and clean drinking water. It also has high-speed charging points to keep delivery phones powered throughout each shift. Gold Crest Mall sits in DHA Phase IV and combines shopping, dining and entertainment facilities. Its location places the station near commercial and residential areas where delivery riders regularly operate. foodpanda said the station recognises the role riders play in delivering meals and essential goods to households. “Months of meticulous planning and a deep commitment to our delivery fleet have brought this ambition to life,” said Muntaqa Peracha, CEO foodpanda Pakistan. “Our riders serve our communities every single day with resilience and dedication. They deserve spaces thoughtfully designed for their comfort and care. This flagship station at Gold Crest Mall is just the beginning of a broader movement to elevate standards for last-mile workers across Pakistan.” Partnership Focuses on Rider Welfare Hasaan Pardesi, CEO of Gold Crest Mall, said cooperation between businesses could create meaningful support for workers who spend much of their day outdoors. “Real social impact happens when industry leaders work together for the greater good. We are pleased to partner with foodpanda on this ground breaking initiative at Gold Crest Mall. By providing dedicated hydration, cooling, and charging facilities, we are ensuring that the hardworking delivery riders are given the respect and comfort they truly deserve.” Read More: foodpanda Launches Karachi Jobs Drive With Free Rider Kit The flagship facility follows foodpanda’s wider efforts to support riders during extreme temperatures. In July, the company announced 2,500 rest points at partner restaurants across Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. The Lahore flagship offers a dedicated, premium environment rather than a basic partner rest point. Nationwide Rider Rest Network Planned foodpanda now wants to expand the concept across Pakistan’s major urban centres. It is seeking partnerships with corporations, shopping malls, commercial property owners, fuel stations, real estate developers and municipal bodies. The company believes these partnerships can accelerate the rollout and bring fully equipped facilities closer to riders’ working areas. The initiative forms part of its long-term plan for a nationwide Rider Rest Station network. Read More: Petrol Hike Forces Krave Mart to Raise Free Delivery Limit to Rs999 foodpanda also runs an online Rider Hub with information about earnings, equipment, insurance, benefits and support. The physical station adds on-road facilities to that existing system. The Lahore launch marks the first step in the flagship network. foodpanda wants riders to have reliable access to safe and fully equipped rest spaces wherever they operate.
Pakistan’s Cotton Arrivals Surge 32% in Strong Start to Season
Pakistan’s seed-cotton arrivals rose 32.33% year-on-year to 785,822 bales by July 31, signalling a stronger start to the 2026-27 season. The Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association recorded 593,821 bales during the same period last year. The association released the report on Monday. The PCGA describes itself as the only body providing “Cotton Arrival Figures in Pakistan on Fortnightly basis.” Its latest report showed sharply different provincial trends, with Sindh driving growth while Punjab posted a slight decline. Read More: Pakistanis to Face Rs15 per Kg Hike in Ghee and Cooking Oil Prices Sindh Surge Offsets Punjab Decline Sindh’s arrivals jumped 66.82% to 487,672 bales despite recent monsoon rains. Punjab received 298,150 bales, down 1.1% from last year. Balochistan recorded 22,900 bales, an increase of 52.67%. Sanghar alone delivered 398,000 bales. That represented 82% of Sindh’s arrivals and 51% of Pakistan’s total. Farmers in Sindh’s coastal districts planted cotton during February and March, allowing their crop to reach ginning factories earlier. Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq raised questions about conflicting Punjab estimates. The PCGA placed provincial arrivals at about 298,000 bales by July 31. Punjab’s Crop Reporting Service claimed nearly 435,000 bales by July 30, around 32% above the PCGA figure. Haq urged authorities to clarify the difference. He also highlighted a steep decline in Bahawalpur Division, once Pakistan’s leading cotton belt. Crop Reporting Service data showed production of only about 17,000 bales there. Read More: The Climate Threat That Could Shake Pakistan’s Textile Industry Haq linked the decline to expanding sugarcane cultivation and the concentration of sugar mills. He said this shift had turned traditional cotton areas into a sugarcane belt and weakened domestic supply. Pest Risks Could Test Early Recovery Textile mills bought 704,000 bales, while exporters purchased 3,400. Ginning factories held 78,044 unsold bales. Across Pakistan, 231 ginning factories operated, including 108 in Punjab and 123 in Sindh. Financial and commercial pressures forced some units to reduce or suspend operations. Haq warned that shrinking cotton acreage was increasing reliance on imported cotton and edible oil. He urged federal and provincial authorities to restrict sugarcane cultivation in designated cotton zones. Pakistan imported 3.482 million tonnes of palm oil worth $3.785 billion in 2025-26. A year earlier, imports stood at 3.214 million tonnes worth about $3.40 billion. Read More: The Best Flowers and Vegetables to Plant in July Sajid Mahmood of the Central Cotton Research Institute said timely sowing, harvesting and better crop management supported Sindh’s performance. However, August and September would offer a clearer picture of final production, he cautioned. Mahmood warned that prolonged rain and humidity could increase whitefly, pink bollworm and crop diseases. These threats could damage lint quality and reduce yields. He advised growers to improve drainage, monitor pests and consult agricultural extension officials before applying protection measures. The early increase offers relief after years of weak cotton output. However, experts say weather, pests, acreage losses and conflicting estimates could still reshape the season.
From College Student at 10 to Record-Breaking Professor at 18
An American engineering prodigy has become the world’s youngest male professor, breaking a record that stood for more than three centuries. Nathan Thomas earned the Guinness World Records title after joining Miami Dade College at 18 years and 346 days. Guinness verified the achievement in Miami, Florida, on August 21, 2023. His appointment ended a 306-year record set by Scottish mathematician Colin Maclaurin, who became a professor at 19 in 1717. Thomas was also 16 days younger than Alia Sabur when she became the youngest female professor in 2008. The remarkable journey has drawn comparisons with Sheldon Cooper, the fictional child genius from The Big Bang Theory. Thomas’ story, however, unfolded in real classrooms and laboratories. College at 10, Engineering Graduate at 18 Thomas began higher education long before most children enter secondary school. At 10, he enrolled in two courses at Miami Dade College through a dual-enrolment programme. He later transferred to Florida International University at 14. By 16, he had completed a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. FIU named him its Outstanding Undergraduate in Electrical Engineering for spring 2021. Thomas continued studying and earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering at 18. Guinness said he completed both degrees with honours. Read More: Phillips Sets All Time Watch Auction Record in Just Six Months In August 2023, he returned to Miami Dade College as a professor. He taught COP 2270: C for Engineers, which covers computing and programming for engineering students. Many students were close to his age, but Thomas said this never affected the classroom. “You are all there to learn,” he said, adding, “That is it. Age does not come into play.” Teaching and Law Become His Next Challenges Thomas said his favourite part of teaching is seeing students grasp ideas they initially found difficult. He enjoys watching the moment when a complicated concept finally makes sense. He also believes teaching improves his own command of a subject. Explaining material forces him to examine each idea at a deeper level. As a result, he feels that he learns as much from teaching as his students do. Both of Thomas’ parents are engineers, and he grew up around their approach to problem-solving. Mathematics attracted him because it was the subject that naturally “clicked.” Thomas has not slowed down since setting the record. Now 21, he continues teaching online while pursuing a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Miami School of Law. Read More: Debutant Azan Awais Enters Record Books With Brilliant 103 He expects to graduate in 2028 and plans to work in intellectual property law, focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Thomas said engineering taught him to break complex problems into structured parts. He now applies that same approach to his legal studies. Despite his unusual academic timeline, Thomas has urged others not to compare their progress with someone else’s. His record may give Sheldon Cooper vibes, but his message remains practical: consistent effort matters more than age.
PCB Names Michael Smith as Pakistan’s New Batting Coach
The Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed former South African domestic cricketer Michael Smith as the national men’s batting coach. The 46-year-old will work with Pakistan’s Test, ODI and T20I sides under a two-year contract. He will join the squad before the three-Test series against England, starting at Headingley on August 19. Smith arrives with experience across South African, Australian and Pakistani cricket. The PCB has turned to him as Pakistan seek greater consistency from their batting unit in red-ball and white-ball cricket. Read More: PCB Shifts to Data-Driven Contracts and New Salary Categories Smith Brings Extensive Domestic and Franchise Experience Smith played domestic cricket in South Africa from 2003 to 2013. The right-handed batter appeared in 89 first-class matches, 72 List A games and 16 T20 contests. He scored 7,029 runs across the formats, including nine centuries and 40 half-centuries. After retiring, Smith moved into coaching and earned a Level 4 qualification. He has held specialist batting and assistant coaching roles with Islamabad United, Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans in the HBL Pakistan Super League. He joined Multan as an assistant coach for HBL PSL 11 earlier this year. That role expanded his knowledge of Pakistan’s leading players and franchise environment. Smith has also worked with the Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania. Cricket Tasmania appointed him assistant batting coach in its men’s programme in 2023. He previously coached South Africa’s DP World Lions and served as head coach of the Tuskers. Read More: Pakistan Cricket’s Two-Year Collapse Leaves Fans Furious “We are really excited by Michael’s appointment,” Cricket Tasmania’s general manager of high performance, Salliann Beams, said when the organisation hired him. She highlighted his experience and suitability for a high-performance coaching structure. Smith has also worked as a consultant with KZN Inland and Eastern Province. Those assignments gave him experience in player development across South African domestic cricket. England Tests Provide Immediate Challenge Smith’s first assignment will bring significant pressure. Pakistan begin the England series at Headingley from August 19 to 23. Lord’s hosts the second Test from August 27, while Edgbaston stages the final match from September 9. The series forms part of the 2025 to 2027 ICC World Test Championship. It follows Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies, where batting failures again drew scrutiny. Pakistan lost the opening Test in Tarouba by 90 runs after collapsing to 120 while chasing 211. Shan Masood then fractured a finger, placing his availability for the England opener in doubt. Read More: Pakistan Reshuffles Coaching Setup as Sarfaraz Takes Charge for Bangladesh Tests Smith will focus on technique, preparation and decision-making across formats. His familiarity with Pakistan’s players through the PSL should help him settle quickly. The two-year appointment gives the PCB continuity beyond one tour. Smith will work with the wider coaching group during a demanding international schedule. His immediate task will involve helping batters adjust to English seam and swing conditions. Pakistan will hope his specialist background can improve partnerships, reduce collapses and build greater consistency away from home.
