ARY Digital Network acquires majority stake in Nukta

 

 

ARY Digital Network, one of Pakistan’s most influential and widely viewed television networks, has acquired majority shares of the digital media platform Nukta as part of ARY Group’s broader strategy to expand its leadership in the evolving digital media landscape.

 

The move reflects ARY Group’s continued commitment to innovation in journalism, combining its decades-long strength in broadcast media with the growing importance of digital storytelling and audience engagement.

 

Through this integration, Nukta will join ARY Group’s expanding media ecosystem, which currently reaches millions of viewers across television, digital platforms and international markets.

Salman Iqbal, Founder of the ARY Digital Network & CEO of the ARY Group, said: “The media landscape is changing rapidly, and ARY has always been at the forefront of that evolution. By bringing Nukta into the ARY ecosystem, we are strengthening our digital presence while building on ARY’s global broadcast leadership. We are confident this integrated platform will deliver powerful journalism and innovative storytelling for the digital age.”

 

While continuing to operate from its Dubai headquarters, Nukta will now become part of ARY Group’s broader international media network, leveraging the group’s scale, credibility and production capabilities to expand its audience and content offerings.

 

Originally launched as Nukta Pakistan and Nukta Dubai, the platform includes verticals such as Nukta Business, Nukta Crime and Nukta Life. These platforms have already built strong digital audiences and are expected to expand further as part of ARY’s strategy to strengthen its digital content ecosystem across Pakistan and the wider South Asian region.

 

Kamran Khan, founder of Nukta and a veteran journalist with over 42 years of experience across print and television, now joins ARY as Chairman of ARY News & Nukta.

 

“This partnership creates an exciting opportunity to combine ARY’s unmatched broadcast reach with Nukta’s fast-growing digital platform. Together, we aim to build a modern media platform that delivers credible journalism, sharp analysis and compelling storytelling for audiences across Pakistan and the global South Asian community,” added Kamran Khan, Chairman of ARY News & Nukta.

 

As part of the integration, Nukta’s flagship program On My Radar (OMR) with Kamran Khan will soon appear on ARY News, bringing the show to a significantly larger television audience.The acquisition marks another step in ARY Group’s evolution as a multi-platform media leader, combining its strong television network with an expanding digital media presence to serve audiences across Pakistan and beyond.

 

PDA and United Nations University Sign MoU for GovAI, launching a Scalable AI Training Model to Empower Governments Globally

 

The Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) and the United Nations University (UNU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Indus AI Week 2026 to accelerate Project GovAI, a Digital Micro-Learning & Upskilling Program for Civil/Public Servants. Coordinated by UNU-EGOV, the collaboration will draw on experts across the UNU system, including UNU-IAS (Tokyo, Japan), UNU-MERIT (Maastricht, the Netherlands) and the UNU Institute in Macao, among others.

 

GovAI is designed to help enable the AI upskilling of 1+ million Pakistani civil servants by 2028. This supports PDA’s leadership role in Pakistan’s five-year Digital Master Plan by focusing on the capability layer needed to deliver modern, trusted digital public services. The MoU establishes a time-bound discovery and testing phase to assess learning design, curriculum architecture and platform options; run early pilots (micro-trainings, webinars and e-learning) to validate localisation, engagement and measurement; and produce an evidence-based decision package and sustainability model for potential scale-up.

 

The partnership reflects the global economic stakes of digital and AI transformation. The IMF notes AI could “jumpstart productivity” and boost growth, while major analyses estimate generative AI could add US$ 2.6 – US$ 4.4 trillion annually in economic value and potentially lift global GDP by around 7% over time.

 

Over time, PDA and UNU will explore whether GovAI can evolve into a reusable and sustainable national and global digital public good, including modular learning pathways, implementation playbooks and governance approaches that other countries can adapt for responsible AI capacity building in government.

 

Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Information Technology & Telecommunication (MoITT), Pakistan, said:“AI is a national priority for Pakistan, and we will use it to make government services faster, simpler and fairer for everyone. With this MoU between Pakistan Digital Authority and the United Nations University, GovAI will build practical skills across the public sector so we can cut bureaucracy, make it easier to do business, and widen access to services for all citizens. This is how we accelerate inclusive growth and deliver a future-ready Digital Nation Pakistan under the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan.”

 

Mohammad J Sear, Vice Chairperson, PDA, said: “Digital transformation is moving faster than ever. GovAI will help ensure our civil service has the practical AI skills and governance capability needed to deliver the Digital Master Plan and improve services for people and businesses across Pakistan.”

 

Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, said:“AI is reshaping development pathways. Building public sector capacity to use AI responsibly is essential to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Digital Compact and strengthening global cooperation for sustainable development.”

 

Delfina Soares, Director of UNU-EGOV, added:“ Sustainable and inclusive transformation depends on governance and capacity, not technology alone. GovAI will focus on the skills, institutional practices and trust foundations that turn AI into measurable public value and socio-economic progress.”

 

Launch of ‘The Eyewitness: Standing in the Shadows of Pakistan’s History’ in Lahore

 

 The launch of Muhammad Saeed Mehdi’s much-anticipated memoir, The Eyewitness: Standing in the Shadows of Pakistan’s History, was held at a well-attended event in Lahore. Hosted by Lightstone Publishers, the launch brought together an audience of over 600 including diplomats, senior journalists, legal experts, academics, and literary figures, marking the unveiling of a work that contributes significantly to Pakistan’s political and journalistic record.

 

Opening the ceremony, Ameena Saiyid, Managing Director of Lightstone Pub-lishers, highlighted the historical importance of the memoir, stating, “This bookis not merely a collection of memoirs; it is a mesmerising and eyewitness account of events that shaped Pakistan.

 

The eras Muhammad Saeed Mehdi closely observed are in-valuable historical documentation for future generations.” She further noted Lightstone Publishers’ longstanding commitment to education and cultural de-velopment through its Adab Festival. She said that the school textbooks published by Lightstone are culturally grounded and nurture critical thinking, inquiry and imagination.

 

In his opening remarks, Muhammad Saeed Mehdi, the author, spoke candidly about his motivation for writing the book, sharing, “I wrote this book to preserve the truth. I have written exactly what I saw, nothing more, nothing less.” The discussion then transitioned into a thoughtful exchange among senior panelists, focusing on the political, judicial, and journalistic dimensions of the memoir.

 

Aitzaz Ahsan, Senior Lawyer and Chief Guest, emphasized the importance of firsthand accounts, noting, “To understand Pakistan’s history, eyewitness accounts are indispensable. The judicial aspects of the Bhutto case documented in this book are an important part of our legal history.” He further remarked, “Writing a book is a form of jihad. In our society, a single sentence can provoke backlash, yet Saeed Mehdi has written fearlessly and truthfully.” Reflecting on the broader political environment, he added, “Oppression created an environment where journalists were picked up, and political identities were reshaped by force rather than consent.”

 

Dr. Amjad Saqib highlighted the book’s role in preserving national consciousness, stating, “Nations are built on their collective memory, and this book is a serious effort to preserve that national memory,” while stressing that “the younger generation must learn from such honest and courageous writings.”

 

Adding a senior bureaucrat perspective, Farhan Khawaja remarked, “Young journalists and bureaucrats must read this book to understand what professional integrity truly means in difficult circumstances.” The conversation, moderated by Raheela Baqai, further explored the ethical and historical weight of the memoir.

 

Veteran journalist Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami, Chief Editor of Roznama Pakistan, praised Mehdi’s lifelong commitment to truth, stating, “Muhammad Saeed Mehdi is among those rare individuals who never abandoned the truth, even in the most difficult times.” He added, “From Assistant Commissioner to Principal Secretary, he served at the highest levels and endured imprisonment under

martial law and NAB without ever compromising.”

 

Emphasizing the book’s academic value, he remarked, “This book should be part of the curriculum for students of journalism, politics, and history,” concluding that “he never became a state witness; he remained a witness of the people.” Highlighting the narrative strength of the book,

 

Sohail Warraich observed, “The style of the book is simple yet deeply impactful, taking the reader through defining moments of our history.” He added, “This is not just reporting; it is the story of an era.” Commenting on the public response, he noted, “The large public turnout today is proof that people still stand as witnesses to truth.”

 

Following the talks, the audience was deeply moved by a special musical tribute as Shayma Saiyid performed the patriotic song “Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai,” adding an emotional and reflective close to the formal proceedings.

 

The event concluded with an active book-signing session, where attendees engaged directly with the author, reflecting on the revelations and historical insights presented in The Eyewitness: Standing in the Shadows of Pakistan’s History.

A New Era of Science Backed, Personalized Skincare: Sk’n Theory by Dr. Saba Jerjees Officially Launches in Karachi

Sk’n Theory, a premium skincare clinic founded by the renowned aesthetic physician Dr. Saba Jerjees, opened its doors to Karachi with an exclusive star-studded event held on the evening of 18^th January. The event marked the debut of skincare that seamlessly blends medical expertise, dermatological science, and modern skincare innovation.

 

Situated in uptown Karachi, Sk’n Theory is built on the philosophy that skincare is not one-size-fits-all. Rooted in clinical knowledge and evidence-based formulations, the clinic aims to deliver effective, results-driven solutions tailored to diverse skin concerns, tones, and textures.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Saba Jerjees shared her vision behind the brand: “Sk’n Theory is Pakistan’s first-of-its-kind skin clinic, redefining skincare through setting a gold standard of modern, science-backed treatments. We are here to offer a new, elevated experience in aesthetic excellence.”

 

The stellar launch event was attended by notable figures from the fashion, beauty, and wellness industries, along with media representatives, influencers, and skincare enthusiasts. In attendance on the grand launch were Salman Iqbal, Ahsan Khan, Fahad Mustafa, Emmad Irfani, Nida Yasir & Yasir Nawaz, Shaista Lodhi, Ushna Shah & Hamza Amin, Sunita Marshall & Hasan Ahmed, Humayun Saeed and Samina Humayun, Sana Shahnawaz, Mansha Pasha, Wajahat & Shazia Rauf, Aijaz Aslam, Zoya Nasir, Faysal Quraishi, Aehsun Talish, Nadia Khan, Zhalay Sarhadi, Ayesha Sohail, Dua Asif, Rabya & Rehan, Sonya Khan, Aneesha Ali, Haroon Khan, Hassan Choudary, Sidra Iqbal, Vardah Aziz, Benita David, Maliha Rehman, and Aamna Isani.

 

Guests were introduced to Sk’n Theory’s core range of treatments, which focus on skin health, repair, and long-term results using carefully selected active ingredients. The newly launched Sk’n Theory guarantees longevity, anti-aging, and IV wellness for beautifully elevated skin.

 

Designed with a minimal yet sophisticated aesthetic, Sk’n Theory emphasizes transparency, efficacy, and education, encouraging consumers to understand their skin rather than follow fleeting trends. With its official launch in Karachi, Sk’n Theory is set to redefine the local skincare landscape, offering dermatologist-led solutions that merge luxury with medical credibility.

 

 

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Deepen Mining Cooperation, Explore Joint Investment Opportunities

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik is in Riyadh leading Pakistani delegation at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

On the sidelines of the Forum, Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting with H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, exploring joint investment opportunities, and enhancing collaboration across the mineral value chain.

The Saudi Minister appreciated Pakistan’s participation in the Forum, noting that global focus has increasingly shifted toward mining and critical minerals. He highlighted the vast potential for Pakistan–Saudi cooperation in the minerals sector and assured that Saudi Arabia’s knowledge resources and technical expertise would be available to support Pakistan's mineral sector. He also underscored Pakistan’s young and dynamic workforce as a key asset.

 

Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik reiterated the strong brotherly relations between the two countries and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation. He shared that the Geological Survey of Pakistan is working to collaborate with the Saudi Geological Survey, and highlighted the immense mineral potential of the Tethyan Belt, of which Reko Diq is only a small part. He further noted that fertilizer production and medical equipment manufacturing also offer promising avenues for joint ventures.

 

The Pakistani delegation comprises senior policymakers, heads of state-owned enterprises, private sector representatives, and leading mining sector stakeholders, including PPL, OGDCL, Mari Energies, GHPL, FWO, PMDC, Saindak Metals, and Balochistan-based mineral companies, along with specialized service providers.

Pakistan’s participation at FMF 2026 is being organized by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). Under the theme “Mineral Marvel – Unleashing Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution,” the Pakistan Pavilion showcases the country’s rich geology, flagship mining projects, and investment opportunities.

 

H.E. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, welcomed the Pakistani delegation and extended full support for Pakistan’s participation. He commended the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, noting that Pakistan’s presence at FMF 2026 would further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries.

During his visit to the Pavilion, H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef appreciated the Pakistani team’s efforts, particularly the Pavilion’s distinctive design and strong visual impact

Saudi Arabia’s Industry Minister Bandar Al-Khorayef Visits Pakistan Pavilion at Future Minerals Forum

Ahead of the official opening of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, accompanied by H.E. Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, visited the Pakistan Pavilion and praised it as one of the most visually impactful features of the event.

Highlighting its marked improvement over previous editions, the minister described the pavilion as a premier platform for the global mining community. The Pakistan Pavilion, themed “The Mineral Marvel,” has already attracted strong interest from international investors.

Organized by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) as the Lead Partner on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, the pavilion features interactive exhibits and the newly launched National Minerals Data Center, a digital portal aimed at modernizing mineral governance and promoting investment in Pakistan’s mining sector.

 

 

Livoltek Concludes Successful Product Launch Event for IP66 Hybrid Inverter Series and Advanced C&I BESS Solutions in Pakistan

Livoltek, a global leader in smart solar, energy storage, and EV charging solutions, has successfully organized and concluded a product launch event in Pakistan, marking the official introduction of its IP66-rated Hybrid Inverter Series (HP1) along with its advanced Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and integrated PV + BESS + EV Charging solutions. This post-event announcement underscores Livoltek’s continued commitment to supporting Pakistan’s growing demand for reliable, efficient, and intelligent energy infrastructure across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

 

Commenting on the successful conclusion of the launch event, Ms. Tracy Xie, Sales Operations Director (South Asia) at Livoltek, stated that the event reflects Livoltek’s strong and long-term commitment to the Pakistani market. She emphasized that Livoltek’s integrated portfolio—covering hybrid inverters, battery energy storage, and EV charging solutions—is designed to help customers overcome grid limitations, optimize energy costs, and prepare for the accelerating adoption of electric mobility and distributed energy systems across the region.

 

The event was attended by senior Chinese management, highlighting Livoltek’s focus on technical excellence and supply chain reliability. Mr. Yang, BESS Expert and Solution Manager, and Mr. Rui, Supply Chain Manager, engaged with partners and stakeholders during the event. The Pakistan sales team, led by Mr. Zia Khalid, Regional Sales Head, along with Mr. Amir Shahzad, Distribution Capability Manager, played a key role in engaging distributors, EPC partners, and customers, reaffirming Livoltek’s strong local presence, market understanding, and commitment to long-term partnerships in Pakistan.

 

Previously, Mr. Max Maa, Director Sales at Livoltek, noted that Pakistan is rapidly transitioning toward smarter and more resilient energy solutions. He stated that Livoltek is proud to support this transition by delivering climate-ready and intelligent technologies tailored to local requirements, enabling customers to reduce grid dependence, enhance energy security, and confidently adopt clean energy solutions.

 

During the launch event, Livoltek unveiled its single-phase HP1 Hybrid Inverter range, available from 6kW to 12kW, featuring three models—HP1-6KS2, HP1-8KS2M, and HP1-10/12KS2. Designed for stable power conversion, intelligent energy management, and long-term reliability, the HP1 series addresses real-world operating conditions common in Pakistan’s evolving energy landscape.

 

Built to withstand Pakistan’s diverse and often harsh climate, the HP1 Hybrid Inverter Series features a robust IP66-rated enclosure, offering complete protection against dust, rain, and outdoor environmental challenges. Advanced smart monitoring and control capabilities allow users to manage solar generation, battery storage, and energy consumption in real time, positioning the HP1 series as a comprehensive energy management solution.

 

To address unpredictable grid conditions, the HP1 series offers dual-output functionality, enabling separation of essential and non-essential loads during outages, while supporting up to 200% PV oversizing for maximum solar utilization.

 

In addition, Livoltek presented its C&I All-in-One PV + BESS + EV Charging Solution, designed for high-power EV charging applications. The solution improves grid compatibility, enhances reliability, and strengthens project economics through energy arbitrage and continuous emergency EV charging.

 

A key highlight demonstrated at the event was the Livoltek BESS-125 kW / 261 kWh Liquid-Cooled C&I Energy Storage System, engineered for EV charging and commercial applications. The system delivers stable power output, high efficiency, and scalable deployment, supporting the long-term growth of EV charging networks and industrial energy requirements.

 

With support for grid-tied and off-grid operation, battery and generator integration, and scalable expansion, Livoltek continues to deliver future-focused energy solutions—paving the way for a smarter, stronger, and more reliable solar-powered future in Pakistan.