China to launch space mission Thursday as Pakistani astronaut selection begins for future flights

China to launch space mission Thursday as Pakistani astronaut selection begins for future flights
A staff member is reflected on a photo of a Shenzhou mission launch during a press conference by Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson of the China Manned Space Program and deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency, ahead of the Shenzhou-20 mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwestern China, on April 25, 2025. (AP)
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Updated 23 April 2025
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China to launch space mission Thursday as Pakistani astronaut selection begins for future flights

China to launch space mission Thursday as Pakistani astronaut selection begins for future flights
  • Pakistani astronaut will visit a Chinese space station under a cooperation pact signed in February
  • Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceflight will carry zebrafish and bacteria for life science experiments in orbit

BEIJING: China is set to launch its Shenzhou-20 mission that will carry three astronauts to the Chinese space station Tiangong at 5.17 p.m. on Thursday local time (0917 GMT), state media said on Wednesday.

The main purpose of the mission is to complete the in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-19 crew which is scheduled to return to the Dongfeng landing site on April 29, China Manned Space Agency officials said at a press conference broadcast on CCTV.

The Shenzhou-20 spaceflight from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China will carry astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, CCTV said.

The spaceflight will be Chen Dong’s third and the first for the other two — a space engineer and a former air force pilot.

They will conduct space science and application experiments, install a space debris protection device as well as extravehicular payload and equipment, and perform recovery tasks.

The mission will also bring with it zebrafish, planarians and streptomyces as research objects to carry out three life science experiments at the space station.

The crew, scheduled to return to Earth in late October, can expect a resupply mission via the unmanned Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft.

The country’s fourth batch of astronauts set to participate in Shenzhou spaceflights is currently in training, featuring for the first time astronauts from China’s special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Pakistan.

The Hong Kong and Macau astronauts are likely to carry out their first mission as early as 2026, state media reported.

China said the selection of the Pakistani astronauts is underway. Both countries signed an agreement for space cooperation in February.

One of the two Pakistani astronauts that will join the Chinese missions is set to focus on payloads and scientific research aboard China’s space station.


Andersen Consulting expands into Pakistan with collaborating Firm NEC Consulting

Andersen Consulting expands into Pakistan with collaborating Firm NEC Consulting
Updated 28 sec ago
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Andersen Consulting expands into Pakistan with collaborating Firm NEC Consulting

Andersen Consulting expands into Pakistan with collaborating Firm NEC Consulting
  • NEC Consultants is an environmental and infrastructure consulting firm based in Pakistan
  • Andersen provides services spanning corporate strategy, business, IT, AI transformation

SAN FRANCISCO: Andersen Consulting bolsters its sustainability offering through a Collaboration Agreement with NEC Consultants (Pvt) Ltd., an environmental and infrastructure consulting firm based in Pakistan.

Established in 2006, NEC Consultants provides environmental and engineering professional services. Their offerings include environmental assessments and audits, wastewater treatment plant design, energy audits, sustainability and circularity consulting, and training in environmental and energy efficiency.

Azher Uddin Khan, managing director of NEC Consulting, said:

“This collaboration with Andersen Consulting marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide innovative and sustainable solutions. By combining our local expertise with the organization’s global reach, we are poised to address complex challenges and drive impactful change in Pakistan and beyond.”

Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen, added:

“Pakistan is a rapidly growing economy with enormous potential in infrastructure development and environmental sustainability. As the country continues to invest in large-scale public and private projects, the need for multidimensional services is greater than ever. By collaborating with NEC Consultants, we gain a competitive edge in a high-growth market.”

Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 20,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 500 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. 

Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member firms and collaborating firms around the world.


Pakistan’s largest port operator issues monsoon safety measures

Pakistan’s largest port operator issues monsoon safety measures
Updated 10 min 21 sec ago
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Pakistan’s largest port operator issues monsoon safety measures

Pakistan’s largest port operator issues monsoon safety measures
  • Upcoming monsoon season is expected to begin earlier than usual and bring heavier rainfall, disaster authority says 
  • Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change, floods in 2022 killed more than 1,700 Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s largest port operator, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), on Tuesday issued a list of precautions to be taken in case of heavy rains, winds and flooding during the upcoming monsoon season, including monitoring the safety of ships and boats and securing dredges, barges and cargo.

The upcoming monsoon season is expected to begin earlier than usual and bring heavier rainfall, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said last week. The season is likely to begin around June 26–27, roughly three to four days ahead of its typical onset. Rainfall across the country is likely to exceed normal levels by up to 5 percent, with northeastern Punjab bracing for a 50 percent increase.

“Monitor the safety of ships at berths closely and assess their security and ensure mooring lines are properly set,” the KPT said in an advisory. 

“Pilots should be on standby to cast off vessels to sea in heavy weather. Tugs, pilot boats, and shipping boats must be ready for emergencies.”

Small boats should be parked in less exposed locations and properly secured and dredgers and barges must also be well secured, with doubled-up mooring ropes and manned appropriately, KPT said. 

All cargo such as vehicles, appliances, sensitive and lightweight goods, should be secured and covered with tarpaulin. 

“Ensure technical staff is available 24/7 for support. Medical team and ambulance must be on standby,” the advisory added. 

“Roofs should be maintained to prevent leakages and seepage. High winds and lightning can damage power lines and transformers; maintenance of electrical items is necessary.”

KPT also recommended the availability of standby generators and backup power on short notice during heavy rain.

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change. In 2022, devastating floods blamed on climate change killed more than 1,700 Pakistanis, affected another 33 million and caused the country over $30 billion in economic losses.


No breach reported by any Pakistani government, private agency amid global data leak — official 

No breach reported by any Pakistani government, private agency amid global data leak — official 
Updated 27 May 2025
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No breach reported by any Pakistani government, private agency amid global data leak — official 

No breach reported by any Pakistani government, private agency amid global data leak — official 
  • Massive data breach has exposed 184 million passwords for Google, Microsoft, Facebook, other platforms
  • NCERT spokesman recommends changing all passwords, especially if they were reused across accounts

ISLAMABAD: A spokesperson for Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) said on Tuesday no breach had been reported by any government agency or private company following a data breach affecting 184 million Internet users worldwide.

NCERT released an advisory on May 25 regarding a major global data exposure incident involving a publicly accessible, unencrypted file containing more than 184 million unique account credentials. The breach exposed usernames, passwords, email addresses, and associated URLs linked to services from Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, as well as government portals, banking institutions, and health care platforms worldwide.

“As of now, no incidents of data breach have been reported to NCERT by any government or private organization within Pakistan,” Syed Imran Haider, the NCERT spokesperson, told Arab News, adding that his organization’s incident management response team was “vigilant, in contact with all relevant departments, and working around the clock” to monitor the situation.

“We are closely engaged with global CERTs and international cybersecurity platforms.”

NCERT had provided cybersecurity guidelines to all government departments, and each organization had established its own infrastructure for data protection, Haider said. 

The leaked database is believed to have been compiled using infostealer malware, malicious software that extracts sensitive information from compromised systems, with the data then stored in plain text and left completely unprotected, with no encryption or password safeguarding, Haider explained. 

The NCERT advisory had recommended changing all passwords, especially those reused across accounts, and to activate multi-factor authentication on all services, particularly financial, email, and administrative accounts.

“Users are advised to use unique, complex passwords for every online service, avoid storing passwords in emails or unprotected files, consider a password manager to securely handle account credentials,” the NCERT spokesman said. 

Users were also advised to monitor account login activity for any anomalies and use credible online services that can help determine whether their email addresses, phone numbers, or other personal data have been exposed in a data breach.

Commenting on the potential impact of the breach, cybersecurity expert Dr. Shahid Sultan said Pakistani users were at risk of personal account hijacking, identity misuse, and targeted scams due to the leaked login credentials.

“Banking and financial service accounts may be compromised, enabling unauthorized transactions and potential financial loss,” he told Arab News, calling on all users and organizations to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and act on the precautionary measures suggested by NCERT.


Pakistani superstars Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed honored in UAE amid ‘Love Guru’ promotions 

Pakistani superstars Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed honored in UAE amid ‘Love Guru’ promotions 
Updated 2 min 10 sec ago
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Pakistani superstars Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed honored in UAE amid ‘Love Guru’ promotions 

Pakistani superstars Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed honored in UAE amid ‘Love Guru’ promotions 
  • Pakistani Ambassador Tirmizi presents commemorative shields to artists
  • Khan and Saeed are starring in romantic comedy set to release on Eid 

KARACHI: Pakistani superstar actors Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed, currently in the UAE to promote their upcoming romantic comedy ‘Love Guru,’ were honored at a special ceremony by Pakistani Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, the envoy’s office said on Tuesday.

Khan and Saeed have recently toured the US, UK and Canada for red carpet events, fan meet-and-greets and exclusive press interviews to promote Love Guru, which will hit cinemas during the Eid Al-Adha holiday next month. 

Pakistani superstars Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed in the UAE to promote their upcoming romantic comedy ‘Love Guru,’ on May 26. 2025. (Photo courtesy:  @PakinUAE_/ X) 

“During the ceremony, Ambassador Tirmizi presented commemorative shields to the artists, celebrating their dedication and achievements,” the Pakistan Embassy in the UAE said in a statement.

“In his remarks, the ambassador highlighted Pakistan’s rich cultural and artistic diversity, underscoring the vital role of the creative industry as a form of soft power in shaping global perception of Pakistan.”

Love Guru made history last week when its trailer was showcased at New York City’s Times Square, the first time a Pakistani film has ever been featured on the landmark’s giant digital screens. The trailer launch attracted a crowd of onlookers, fans, and members of the South Asian diaspora who gathered to watch the film’s stars unveil the preview in person.

In the upcoming film, Saeed plays the character of a flirt pretending to be a relationship expert who is striving to win over Khan, who is playing an architect. 


Pakistan condemns Israeli strike on Gaza school, assault on Palestinians at Al-Aqsa mosque

Pakistan condemns Israeli strike on Gaza school, assault on Palestinians at Al-Aqsa mosque
Updated 27 May 2025
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Pakistan condemns Israeli strike on Gaza school, assault on Palestinians at Al-Aqsa mosque

Pakistan condemns Israeli strike on Gaza school, assault on Palestinians at Al-Aqsa mosque
  • Rally in Jerusalem marking Israel’s capture of city’s east in 1967 war descended into chaos on Monday
  • At least 35 reported were killed when a school in Gaza was hit by Israeli airstrikes on Monday

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday condemned in the “strongest possible terms” an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school building where dozens of Palestinians sheltering inside were killed as well as the recent episode of far-right Israeli Jews assaulting Palestinians outside the Al-Aqsa mosque. 

A large rally in Jerusalem marking Israel’s capture of the city’s east in the 1967 war descended into chaos on Monday as far-right Israeli Jews confronted and assaulted Palestinians, fellow Israelis and journalists.

The annual “Flag March” drew tens of thousands of people, chanting, dancing and waving Israeli flags after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, a longtime flashpoint of Israeli-Palestinian tensions. 

Violence broke out in the walled Old City of East Jerusalem shortly after midday when young marchers began harassing the few Palestinian shopkeepers who had yet to shutter their stores ahead of the rally. The marchers, mostly young Israelis who live in settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, then began to target Israeli left-wing activists and journalists observing the rally. Reuters reported that the demonstrators shouted nationalistic slogans and called for violence against Palestinians, chanting: “Death to Arabs,” while a Palestinian woman and journalists were spat on by a group of young settlers, and nearby Israeli police did not intervene.

“Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the latest provocative actions by Israeli occupying power as well as illegal settlers that aim to undermine the religious, historical and legal status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque,” the foreign office said in a statement.

“Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a flagrant violation of international law and have the potential to further escalate an already volatile situation in the region. Pakistan calls for upholding the sanctity and historical status of the holy sites, and preventing Israel from any further provocations.”

Separately, at least 54 Palestinians have been killed, most of them in a school building sheltering displaced families, during Israeli air strikes on Gaza overnight on Monday. 

The Fahmi Al-Jargawi School in Gaza City was housing hundreds of people from Beit Lahia, currently under intense Israeli military assault. At least 35 were reported to have been killed when the school was hit.

“The latest reprehensible attack against a school sheltering displaced families in Gaza is an example of continued Israeli impunity.” the foreign office said. 

“The harrowing images being witnessed by the world in the aftermath of the attack that resulted in dozens of deaths, many of them children, should be a wake-up call for the international community. These attacks must end forthwith, and Israel must be held accountable for its heinous crimes.”

Pakistan has for decades supported the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.