How Pakistan’s startups finance survival outside equity and banks
Pakistan’s banking sector has limited structural appetite for startup lending. The reasons are institutional. In recent conversations with founders and investors, I’m seeing six-month debt facilities for working capital priced…
China launches new internet satellite group
A Long March-12 carrier rocket carrying the 19th group of low-orbit internet satellites blasts off from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in south China’s Hainan Province, Jan. 19, 2026.…
Xinjiang leads China in cross-border rail traffic, and central Asian connectivity in 2025
Ports across northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region recorded robust traffic in 2025, leading the nation in cross-border rail traffic volume, local authorities said on Friday. Xinjiang also cemented its…
Pakistan achieves major AI milestone with launch of World’s largest Urdu language model
Qalb empowers 230 million Urdu speakers with cutting-edge artificial intelligence Lahore: Pakistan’s own Urdu ChatGPT, “Qalb”, has officially been launched, marking a historic milestone in the country’s digital journey. Developed…
China reaches semifinals for first time in AFC U23 Asian Cup
Team China celebrates winning the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup quarterfinal match between China and Uzbekistan in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) China beat Uzbekistan 4-2 on…
Pakistan, US agree to enhance collaboration in security, border management
Pakistan and the United States on Saturday agreed to enhance collaboration in bilateral security and border management. The agreement was reached as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with…