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Pakistan’s first astronaut is set to embark on a space mission from China on November 25, as the country targets a lunar landing by 2035 and plans to establish its first Space Museum at the University of Narowal.

The Punjab government has approved a revised cost of Rs50.4 billion for the Rawalpindi Ring Road project. The 38.3-kilometre route is complete, while tolling system work continues ahead of its anticipated inauguration.

Karachi is seeking Shanghai’s expertise in smart-city planning, modern transport and digital infrastructure to improve urban services, attract Chinese investment and support sustainable growth.

Reliance Industries has welcomed Starlink’s entry into India’s satellite internet market following Elon Musk’s criticism, as competition intensifies ahead of Jio Platforms’ planned $108 billion IPO.

Pakistan is seeking cooperation with Alibaba to promote digital payments, strengthen its cashless economy, support SMEs and boost exports through e-commerce, technology and improved cross-border trade systems.

The government has approved an 11% additional customs duty on 13 more automobile parts to protect local manufacturers, promote domestic production, reduce imports and support employment under the revised SRO 693(I)/2006.

Netflix is cutting around 1,000 jobs, or 6% of its workforce, in its biggest layoffs since 2022. The move comes as the streaming giant faces growing competition from YouTube and TikTok and seeks new ways to sustain growth and revenue.

The CDA has postponed the October 13, 2026, petrol pump auction in Islamabad, delaying the leasing of seven commercial sites under a proposed 20-year agreement. A new auction date and the reason for the postponement have yet to be announced.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s economic stabilization, improved foreign exchange reserves, capital market strategy and ongoing reforms at the Citi Macro Forum, expressing optimism about economic growth reaching 4% or higher this fiscal year.