Viya, Pakistan’s leading omnichannel sexual wellness platform, is expanding its services with the launch of **Viya Telehealth**, a new initiative designed to make sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care more accessible and bring essential healthcare information closer to individuals. In a society where reproductive health often carries stigma, Viya Telehealth offers a safe, confidential space for online consultations with medical professionals. This service empowers individuals to make informed decisions about contraception, family planning, and reproductive health, all while addressing commonly taboo topics. By providing personalized guidance, Viya helps break down barriers to family planning and fosters open conversations about reproductive…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its bullish momentum on Friday, with the market surging over 500 points to set a new record. The benchmark KSE-100 index rose by 532.44 points, or 0.57%, reaching 94,724.33 points, up from the previous close of 94,191.89 at 11:11 am. By 12:06 pm, the index had climbed even further, gaining 768.01 points (0.82%), and reached 94,959.90 points. The index ultimately closed at 94,763.64, up 571.75 points from the previous day. Market experts attributed the rally to a combination of factors, including strong local fund buying following a significant reduction in interest rates. Mohammed Sohail,…
In the wake of the recent fire that caused significant disruption at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, travelers can now breathe easier as international flight operations have resumed. Airport Manager Nazir Ahmad Khan confirmed that the resumption of flights took place earlier today, with two inbound flights from Madinah—PK-761 and PK-757—successfully arriving at the airport. This marks a major step toward restoring normalcy, as both flights were greeted by passengers upon arrival. Federal Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif personally oversaw the restoration efforts at the airport and commended the quick response in addressing the damage caused by the fire. Minister Asif…
The stage is set for a historic showdown in the boxing world as former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson prepares to face YouTube sensation-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul in an eight-round fight this Friday. This event marks Netflix’s debut in the sports arena and has captured the attention of fans and critics alike, sparking widespread excitement. Jake Paul, 27, has rapidly ascended the ranks of professional boxing after transitioning from social media fame to a legitimate fighting career. With a record of 10-1, including seven knockouts, the Ohio native’s rise was solidified with a dominant victory over former UFC and Bare…
### Canada Introduces New Restrictions on International Students’ Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility **Samaa Web Desk, October 15, 2024** Canada has announced new restrictions on international students seeking to work after graduation, narrowing the eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to students who study in fields aligned with long-term labor shortages. The changes, announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), will take effect on **November 1, 2024**. Under the updated rules, international students applying for study permits from this date onward will need to choose academic programs in specific sectors experiencing labor shortages in order to qualify for a…
Efforts to Combat Smog in Punjab Underway, E-buses to Roll Out by June A 10-year provincial plan to tackle smog in Punjab has been in motion for the past eight months, the Lahore High Court (LHC) was informed. Among the initiatives, electric buses are set to be introduced on Punjab’s roads by June 2025. The health crisis caused by smog has escalated, with nearly two million people seeking treatment for respiratory issues in the past month alone. The government is also focusing on long-term measures to reduce air pollution. Smog Causes Chaos: 4 Dead in Gujranwala Accidents Heavy smog…
**Claim** On November 7, a user on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that the Canadian government had banned TikTok, labeling it a national security threat. The user also suggested that Pakistan should follow Canada’s lead and ban the app, saying, “We have long been insisting that Pakistan also consider TikTok a national security threat and ban it, but no one is ready to listen.” The post has since garnered significant attention, with over 18,000 views, 670 shares, and 1,400 likes. **Fact-Check: Misleading Claims About TikTok Ban in Canada** **Fact** While it is true that the Canadian government has taken action against…
Each morning in Lahore, as the city slowly stirs to life, residents reach for their phones—not to check messages, but to check the Air Quality Index (AQI). This ritual, filled with a mix of resignation and anxiety, signals the arrival of “Smog Season 2024,” the worst the city has yet faced. Days with AQI levels exceeding 1,000 have become alarmingly frequent, and are now seen as the new normal. How does one react to such numbers? How does one prepare for a world where even the light streaming in through the windows is tinged brown and grey? In Lahore—and, as…
ICC Demands Written Explanation from BCCI Over India’s Refusal to Tour Pakistan The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide a written explanation for its decision to decline participation in the Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be hosted by Pakistan. Sources confirmed to Geo News on Friday that this request came after the BCCI verbally informed the ICC of its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the high-profile tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had requested the ICC to obtain a written response from the Indian…
### Punjab Declares Health Emergency as Smog Crisis Intensifies The worsening smog situation in Punjab has prompted the provincial government to declare a health emergency in Lahore and Multan, the two cities most severely affected by the pollution. As authorities continue their efforts to combat air pollution, the air quality in these cities has reached alarming levels, posing a serious threat to public health. Lahore has maintained its position as the world’s most polluted city in terms of air quality, while Multan has ranked as the most polluted city in Pakistan, according to data from Swiss air quality monitoring group,…
