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Ministry seeks Rs1 billion to launch Pakistan Climate Change Fund

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Ministry seeks Rs1 billion to launch Pakistan Climate Change Fund

By Muhammad Faisal Kaleem

ISLAMABAD, Oct 23 (Wealth Pakistan) — The Ministry of Climate Change has formally requested Rs1 billion in seed funding from the Finance Division to establish the Pakistan Climate Change Fund (PCCF), a landmark initiative aimed at financing national climate adaptation and mitigation projects.

According to documents obtained by Wealth Pakistan, the fund will be created under Section 12 of the Pakistan Climate Change Act 2017. It is designed to mobilize financial resources for resilience, sustainable development, and environmental protection.

Once operational, the PCCF will become Pakistan’s main climate-financing mechanism, supporting both domestic and international commitments, including those under the Paris Agreement.

Funding proposal and objectives

Officials said the proposal has been submitted to the Finance Division, but no allocation has yet been approved. The ministry emphasised that launching the fund is essential to address Pakistan’s rising vulnerability to extreme weather events, floods, droughts, and heatwaves.

The Pakistan Climate Change Fund will help build a structured financial base for climate projects and reduce reliance on unpredictable foreign aid.

Governance and operational framework

The Draft Climate Fund Rules, vetted by the Finance and Law Divisions, define the fund’s governance and financial structure. These rules now await final approval from the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.

Under the proposed framework, the fund will be administered by the Pakistan Climate Change Authority and guided by three main committees:

  • Fund Management Committee for decision-making

  • Fund Technical Committee for project evaluation and monitoring

  • Fund Investment Committee for financial planning and investment strategy

The PCCF will draw resources from government allocations, endowments, donations, and investment income. Additional revenue will come from carbon-credit projects and other climate-linked ventures of the Authority.

Funding allocation and grant tiers

The ministry’s draft plan allocates 40 percent of funds for climate adaptation, 30 percent for mitigation, 20 percent for research and capacity building, and up to 10 percent for administrative costs.

To promote broad participation, the Pakistan Climate Change Fund will operate a tiered grant system.

  • Small grants of up to Rs5 million will support community and NGO-led projects.

  • Medium grants of Rs5–50 million will target scalable public or private initiatives.

  • Large grants above Rs50 million will finance transformational, multi-sector programmes.

A co-financing model will encourage private investment, allowing participation at a 1:2 ratio for green ventures.

Institutionalising climate finance in Pakistan

Officials described the Rs1 billion request as a critical first step toward institutionalising climate finance in the country. They said the fund would help Pakistan respond more effectively to natural disasters and transition to low-carbon development.

Once capitalised, the Pakistan Climate Change Fund will channel investments into projects that improve environmental resilience and sustainable economic growth. It is expected to become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s national framework for climate action and green development.

Lack of forecasting models undermines Pakistan’s fiscal credibility and debt planning

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Lack of forecasting models undermines Pakistan’s fiscal credibility and debt planning

ISLAMABAD, Oct 23 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan’s lack of structured interest rate and yield curve forecasting models has significantly weakened its fiscal management, budget credibility, and debt sustainability, according to an official analysis available with Wealth Pakistan.

The report warns that the government’s continued reliance on ad hoc or judgment-based assumptions for projecting interest rates has led to frequent miscalculations, inflated debt servicing costs, and diminished market confidence.

Data from the Ministry of Finance shows that between FY2020–21 and FY2024–25, the government consistently underestimated actual interest payments, with deviations ranging between 4% and 12% above budget estimates. The most pronounced gap occurred in the foreign debt segment, where actual costs exceeded projections by as much as 44% in FY2023–24.

These repeated discrepancies, the analysis notes, expose fiscal planning to unanticipated market shifts and erode the credibility of budgetary forecasts.

Ad Hoc Planning Weakens Fiscal Coordination

The report further points out that the absence of systematic forecasting disrupts coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities, increasing the risk of pro-cyclical fiscal behaviour. Without reliable forward-looking models, the Ministry of Finance cannot conduct sensitivity analyses or simulate yield curve scenarios—tools vital for managing refinancing and interest rate risks.

As a result, Pakistan’s debt issuance strategy remains reactive rather than strategic. Government decisions on Treasury Bills (T-bills) and Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) often hinge on short-term market conditions, resulting in suboptimal maturity profiles and higher borrowing costs.

Impact on Fiscal Credibility and Debt Strategy

This analytical weakness, the report observes, undermines the credibility of key fiscal documents such as the Medium-Term Debt Strategy (MTDS) and the Statement of Fiscal Risks, both of which rely on data-based projections and scenario analyses.

A major structural shift in domestic debt composition occurred in September 2024 when a reduction in the policy rate—from 22% to 17.5%—led to increased issuance of long-term instruments such as PIBs and Ijarah Sukuk. By May 2025, the policy rate had fallen further to 11%, lengthening the average maturity of public debt.

However, the report cautions that this transition may have been premature, given continued uncertainty over future interest rate trends.

Call for Data-Driven Forecasting Models

Despite strong investor demand for short-term T-bills during this period, the government rejected excess bids and prioritised long-term borrowing. Data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) indicates that these choices reflected prevailing market expectations about future rate movements and the yield curve’s shape.

The episode, the report concludes, underscores the urgent need for a robust, data-driven forecasting framework for interest rates and yield curves. Establishing such a model would help policymakers make evidence-based decisions, aligning fiscal operations with macroeconomic stability and improved risk management.

IFC grants US$1.8 m to boost Pakistan’s electric vehicle industry

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IFC grants US$1.8 m to boost Pakistan’s electric vehicle industry

Islamabad, Oct 23 (Wealth Pakistan) — In a major boost to Pakistan’s electric-mobility ambitions, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has provided a grant of US$1.8 million to encourage private-sector investment in local electric vehicle (EV) production.

Policy Framework and Steering Committee

This development comes as part of a broader initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Industries & Production (MoIP) to formulate a comprehensive policy aimed at accelerating EV adoption in the country. According to available documents, a steering committee was established on September 13, 2024 under the Minister for Industries to steer and guide the development of a policy framework promoting the transition to electric mobility.

The committee held multiple rounds of deliberations and created six working groups focused on key areas such as technology, infrastructure, fiscal incentives and investment mobilisation.

Technical Expertise and Stakeholder Consultation

Technical expertise for the policy was provided by a team led by Dr Horizon Walker, a globally recognised expert in EV ecosystems. The group carried out a critical review of existing policies, analysed lessons from successful international programmes, and conducted over 60 consultative sessions with stakeholders from provincial governments, academia, the private sector, and industry associations.

By the end of November 2024, the committee had finalised the first draft of the policy, which was soon recognised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a key component of Pakistan’s green-economic strategy. The IMF subsequently adopted the EV initiative as a major element of a US$1.4 billion arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

IFC Grant and Industrial Implications

Secretary Industries and Production Saif Anjum told the Standing Committee on Finance & Revenue that the IFC grant was a turning point in aligning Pakistan’s industrial policy with global sustainability standards. He said the IFC’s involvement would catalyse local manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and attract more private investment into clean-transport technologies.

The policy, backed by both the IMF and IFC, is expected to be rolled out later this year, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation systems.

Economic & Environmental Benefits

Beyond the industrial dimension, the EV policy carries strong economic and environmental implications. Under Pakistan’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, the country aims to ensure that 30 percent of all new vehicle sales are electric by 2030. At the same time, its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) commit to a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions by the end of the decade.

Experts say achieving these targets could help Pakistan avoid more than 4.5 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually, leading to substantial improvements in public health and environmental quality. The government estimates potential savings of around US$405 million each year through reduced health expenditures and increased productivity as a result of cleaner air and reduced pollution-related illnesses.

Energy, Trade and Industrial Opportunity

The transition to EVs also offers an opportunity to productively utilise Pakistan’s 12 to 16 terawatt-hours of surplus electricity, helping the power sector improve flexibility, efficiency and financial sustainability. By channeling unused capacity toward transport electrification, the country can reduce capacity payments to idle power plants—a long-standing strain on the national budget.

Equally significant are the anticipated energy and trade benefits. Pakistan’s average annual oil import bill currently stands at US$16.9 billion, putting heavy pressure on foreign-exchange reserves. According to government projections, the implementation of the EV policy could save approximately 2.07 billion litres of oil per year, translating into US$1 billion in import savings by 2030. Such savings would strengthen the balance of payments and reduce the fiscal burden associated with fuel imports and subsidies.

Jobs, Technology and Local Manufacturing

In addition to the energy and environmental advantages, the policy is poised to create new opportunities for investment and employment. By opening the door to EV manufacturing, Pakistan has a “time-limited opportunity” to diversify and deepen its technology base. With minimal incumbency in the EV segment, the country can establish itself as a competitive regional hub for EV production and associated industries such as battery manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and smart-grid technologies.

Analysts believe that with international backing and policy certainty, thousands of new jobs could be generated across engineering, assembly, maintenance and component-production sectors.

NBA at its international peak, but British players still struggling to break through

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NBA at its international peak, but British players still struggling to break through

WASHINGTON, Oct 20 (CNN) – The NBA has never been more global. At the start of the 2024–25 season, a record-tying 125 international players from 43 countries — including Australia, Germany, France, Cameroon and Serbia — were listed on opening night rosters.

Yet while the league’s global presence soars, players from Great Britain continue to face major barriers breaking through to basketball’s highest stage.

British breakthrough: Amari Williams’ story

Amari Williams, a seven-foot center from Nottingham, England, became just the sixth homegrown British player to be drafted into the NBA in the last 25 years, according to Hoopsfix. After a five-year college career at Drexel University and Kentucky, Williams was picked by the Orlando Magic in the 2025 NBA Draft before being traded to the Boston Celtics, where he signed a two-way contract.

“It’s a great feeling,” the 23-year-old told CNN Sports. “The Celtics just won it recently. I want to learn as much as I can this year from the best players.”

Williams’ journey to the NBA was anything but easy. At 16, he left Nottingham to attend an agricultural boarding college in rural northwest England — one of the few schools offering full-time basketball training. “We were living on a farm. It was so different from city life,” he said.

Even now, access to quality basketball facilities in the UK remains limited. “When I moved to Preston, we could finally train properly, but most places have to share with badminton or other sports,” he said.

Limited paths to the top

Despite basketball’s growing popularity — over 1.5 million people in the UK now play weekly, making it the country’s second most popular team sport — few British players reach the NBA.

New York Knicks forward Tosan Evbuomwan, from Newcastle, said the problem is structural. “There’s a lack of direction in the UK. You have to figure it out yourself because there aren’t many players who’ve made it to the top to show you the way,” he explained.

Evbuomwan’s journey began with no formal school team, no coaches, and no equipment. “We just created our own team. There was no structure — just passion,” he said. His determination paid off: he went on to play at Princeton University, earning Ivy League Player of the Year before signing NBA contracts with Memphis, Detroit, Brooklyn and now the Knicks.

British basketball in crisis

Despite grassroots growth, British basketball is facing a governance crisis. On October 14, FIBA suspended the British Basketball Federation (BBF) and banned the men’s national team from international competitions amid regulatory concerns. The BBF, now involved in a legal dispute with investors and clubs, says it is committed to restoring transparency and stability.

Meanwhile, the UK government announced a joint £10 million ($13.4 million) investment with the NBA to improve basketball facilities and community programs across Britain by 2028. “Basketball is booming in Britain,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “This is about more than sport — it’s about community and inspiring the next generation.”

A shared vision for the future

Williams cites Evbuomwan as a personal role model. “Tosan was the first from my age group to make the NBA. Seeing him do it inspired me and a lot of others,” Williams said.

Evbuomwan, in turn, is eager to mentor Williams. “Whatever I can do to help him and the younger generation, I’ll always be there,” he said. “That connection matters — just like Sochan helped me, I’ll help the next ones.”

For now, British players remain rare in the NBA. But as investment grows and young athletes like Williams rise, the hope is that the UK’s basketball future will finally match its passion.

This news was originally published by CNN Sports.

Players’ fight for recognition as Afghan women’s soccer squad announced

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Players’ fight for recognition as Afghan women’s soccer squad announced

DONCASTER, England, Oct 20 (CNN) – Excitement and emotion filled the room as five young Afghan women learned they had been selected by FIFA for the newly formed Afghan women’s refugee soccer squad. For many of them, the announcement represents both hope and heartbreak – a step closer to playing the game they love, yet still short of the recognition they seek.

The 23-player squad, unveiled by FIFA on Wednesday, will compete in a friendly tournament in Dubai this month against Chad, Libya, and the United Arab Emirates. The announcement comes four years after the Taliban’s return to power forced Afghanistan’s women athletes into exile.

Dreams revived after years of exile

Goalkeeper Elaha Safdari, 21, who now lives in England, described the news as “out of this world.” “I’m sure my parents will be proud of me. They’ll probably see me on TV,” she said tearfully. Her parents remain in Afghanistan due to health issues, while she and her brother started anew in Doncaster as refugees.

Defender Narges Mayeli, another former national player, praised FIFA for its support but said the team’s ultimate goal remains full recognition as Afghanistan’s national squad. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity, but I still want to be called the Afghanistan women’s national team,” she said.

Debate over the ‘refugee’ label

While the athletes appreciate the opportunity to play internationally, many feel uneasy about being labeled a “refugee” team. “We want more than that from FIFA,” said player Zainab Mozaffari. “We are tired of getting called ‘refugee.’”

In response, FIFA said the formation of the Afghan women’s refugee team was a “landmark step forward” that provides the players with an international platform and recognition. The organization added that it has continued to work to support Afghan women’s football both inside the country and in exile since 2021.

Struggles beyond the pitch

For many of the players, football has been a means of survival and resistance. When the Taliban took control, families hid team kits and medals to avoid persecution. After months of uncertainty, several players, including the Mayeli family, were evacuated to the UK, where they lived in temporary accommodation for nearly two years while seeking asylum.

“Football saved my life and my family’s life,” said Mayeli, who is now studying sports management at university.

Defender Najma Arefi, 22, who dreams of becoming a human rights lawyer, said the loss of freedom for Afghan women remains unbearable. “As human beings we were born free … suddenly everything just collapsed,” she said, adding that women were among the worst affected by Afghanistan’s recent earthquake.

Football as a tool for human rights

Former national team captain Khalida Popal, now based in Denmark, helped mentor the exiled players and push FIFA for their inclusion. “Football has always been a tool to fight for our human rights,” she said. “We have sacrificed so much and knocked on every door to get FIFA’s attention.”

Popal joined the women on the training pitch in Doncaster, reminding them that this new beginning is only part of a longer struggle for equality. “The FIFA-led squad is just the beginning,” she said proudly.

For goalkeeper Safdari, the mission remains clear: “The Taliban took my dream away, and I’m just hungry to play,” she said. “It’s just football – let us play. Let us represent our country.”

Skipping breakfast may increase hypertension, high blood sugar risk

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Skipping breakfast may increase hypertension, high blood sugar risk

WASHINGTON, Oct 20 – A new study has found that skipping breakfast may raise the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a condition that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abdominal obesity.

The research, published in the journal Nutrients, analyzed nine studies involving more than 118,000 participants. It concluded that people who regularly miss breakfast face a higher likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome and its related health complications.

What is metabolic syndrome?

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a person has at least three of the following conditions: abdominal obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
People with metabolic syndrome are at greater risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and organ damage.

Study findings

Researchers from China conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from the United States, Japan, and Iran to explore the connection between skipping breakfast and metabolic syndrome. They found that not eating breakfast was linked to increased rates of abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and hyperlipidemia.

Pooling data across the studies, they determined that people who skipped breakfast had a greater chance of developing metabolic syndrome overall.

Why skipping breakfast affects the body

Experts suggest that skipping breakfast may disrupt the body’s natural rhythms and affect how it processes nutrients, leading to negative impacts on metabolic health. It may also reduce levels of good cholesterol while increasing bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

Dr Mir Ali, medical director at MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center in California, said the findings support previous research on the benefits of eating breakfast.
“Eating breakfast can stimulate metabolism and provide the energy needed to function well,” he said. “It may also help reduce overeating later in the day.”

Limitations and differences in results

The researchers noted some limitations. Most of the included studies were observational, which means the findings show an association but not direct cause and effect. The studies also varied in how they defined breakfast habits, which may have introduced measurement bias.

Differences in study design, language inclusion, and incomplete data were also potential weaknesses. Some studies showed varying results between men and women.

The review also emphasized that skipping breakfast is not the same as structured intermittent fasting. Skipping breakfast typically reflects unplanned eating patterns and other unhealthy habits, while intermittent fasting is a conscious lifestyle choice often paired with overall healthier behavior.

Implications

The findings reinforce the idea that eating breakfast regularly may help maintain better blood sugar control, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders. Health experts say a balanced morning meal can be an important part of preventing long-term health problems.

This study was originally published by Medical News Today.

Eat kiwi fruit to relieve constipation

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Eat kiwi fruit to relieve constipation

LONDON, Oct 20 (BBC) – People suffering from constipation are being advised to turn to fruit and fluids, not supplements, as the first line of treatment, according to new dietary guidance backed by the NHS and researchers at King’s College London (KCL).

The updated advice, published in the Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics, recommends eating kiwi fruit, prunes, and magnesium-rich water to relieve constipation, replacing outdated guidance that focused mainly on increasing fibre and water intake.

New dietary approach to constipation

You are constipated if you haven’t had a bowel motion at least three times a week or are going less often than usual, says the NHS. Straining during bowel movements or feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your bowels are also common signs.

Dr Eirini Dimidi, lead author of the new guidance and a reader in nutritional sciences at KCL, said the latest recommendations encourage people to focus on fruit and hydration before turning to probiotics or high-fibre diets.

“People can report up to 30 different symptoms of constipation,” she explained. “The best remedy is often simple — fruit and fluids first.”

Kiwi or prunes: which works best?

Dr Dimidi recommends eating two to three kiwis throughout the day or 8–10 prunes to improve bowel regularity. Both are rich in fibre and help soften stools.

When asked whether kiwi should be eaten with or without the skin, Dr Dimidi said: “Even without the skin, it’s good and contains fibre, but there’s no harm keeping the skin on either.”

Kiwi fruit increases the volume of stool and draws water into the gut, which can help induce natural bowel contractions. Similarly, prunes and rye bread can have a comparable effect.

Role of water and magnesium

The new guidelines also highlight the importance of magnesium-rich mineral water. Dr Dimidi said, “Mineral water is better than tap water,” noting that bottled water in the UK contains fewer minerals than that found in parts of Eastern Europe.

Magnesium acts as a natural laxative, relaxing the muscles in the gut. Supplements such as magnesium oxide were found to reduce bloating, lower abdominal pain, and make bowel movements easier.

What about probiotics?

The researchers found that while some probiotic strains may help relieve certain symptoms, there is still insufficient evidence to recommend them as a first-line treatment.

Expert insights

Prof Kevin Whelan, senior author and professor of dietetics at KCL, said the new recommendations “mark a promising step towards empowering health professionals and patients to manage constipation through diet.”

He added, “This guidance provides up-to-date, evidence-based advice that can improve wellbeing and quality of life for people living with constipation.”

The British Dietetic Association, which funded the project, praised the findings as “an excellent resource for dietitians, doctors, and nurses,” supporting a more diet-focused approach to managing chronic constipation.

This news was originally published by BBC.

Game-changing HIV protection jab approved for NHS use in England and Wales

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Game-changing HIV protection jab approved for NHS use in England and Wales

Wealth Pakistan International Desk
LONDON, Oct 20 (BBC) — A long-acting HIV prevention jab has been approved for NHS patients in England and Wales, marking a major step toward ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.

The cabotegravir (CAB-LA) injection, given every two months, offers an alternative to daily HIV prevention pills. Experts say it will make access easier and more discreet for those at high risk of infection. Scotland already offers the treatment, and the latest approval brings policy alignment across the United Kingdom.

How the HIV prevention jab works

Cabotegravir is part of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventive therapy for HIV-negative individuals. It dramatically reduces the risk of infection when used correctly. The medicine is injected into the muscle six times a year, replacing daily pills.

It is intended for use alongside safer-sex practices such as condoms. The drug, developed by ViiV Healthcare, costs about £7,000 per year, though the NHS has negotiated a confidential discount with the manufacturer.

Greater convenience and privacy

Daily oral PrEP remains effective, but some people find it difficult to take regularly because of stigma, privacy concerns, or unstable living situations. For them, the new HIV prevention jab provides both convenience and discretion.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the approval “perfectly embodies what this government aims to deliver — cutting-edge treatments that save lives.”

Looking ahead to future treatments

While cabotegravir marks a breakthrough, another injectable therapy, lenacapavir, is being tested and could be administered once a year. Experts believe it may further revolutionize HIV prevention in the future.

Dr Michael Brady, National Advisor for LGBT+ Health at NHS England, said the long-acting HIV prevention jab gives doctors a “powerful new option” for patients who cannot take oral tablets.

Rollout and patient response

People who use PrEP have welcomed the new jab. Dom Baldwin, a regular user, said, “I’m over the moon. HIV is no longer a death sentence, and prevention has come a long way.”

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said the jab will be available through NHS sexual-health clinics in the coming months. Around 1,000 people will receive it initially, while others will continue on PrEP tablets.

Charities such as the Terrence Higgins Trust have called for faster rollout to avoid long waiting times and to reach underserved groups.

Tackling inequality in HIV prevention

Official data shows PrEP use continues to rise. In 2024, 146,098 HIV-negative people were identified as at risk, with 76% starting or continuing prevention treatment. Uptake is highest among gay and bisexual men but lower among Black African heterosexual women and men.

Experts say expanding PrEP access and offering options like cabotegravir will help close these gaps and strengthen the UK’s 2030 target for zero new HIV transmissions.

This story was originally published by BBC.

Life-changing eye implant helps blind patients read again

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Life-changing eye implant helps blind patients read again

LONDON, Oct 20 (BBC) – A pioneering microchip implant has helped a group of blind patients read again, marking a major medical breakthrough in restoring vision.

Surgeons at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London inserted the tiny chip in five patients as part of an international clinical trial. The results, described by doctors as “astounding,” have offered new hope to people with advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

How the implant restores vision

The new procedure involves placing a 2mm-square photovoltaic microchip, as thin as a human hair, beneath the retina. Patients wear special glasses equipped with a miniature video camera that transmits infrared images to the implant.

The implant sends enhanced images through the optic nerve to the brain, allowing patients to perceive shapes and letters. Over several months, participants learned to interpret the visual signals and regained some central vision.

A breakthrough for macular degeneration

The technology targets geographic atrophy (GA) — a severe form of dry AMD that affects over 250,000 people in the UK and around five million worldwide. The condition damages cells in the retina, leading to blurred or distorted central vision.

Dr Mahi Muqit, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, led the UK arm of the trial. “This is pioneering and life-changing technology,” he said. “It’s the first implant proven to give patients meaningful vision they can use in daily life, such as reading and writing.”

‘It’s beautiful, wonderful,’ says patient

Seventy-year-old Sheila Irvine, who has been registered blind for decades, said the implant transformed her life. “It’s beautiful, wonderful. It gives me such pleasure,” she told the BBC.
Sheila, from Wiltshire, can now read her mail, books, and do crosswords again — something she thought would never be possible. “Not on your nelly!” she joked. “I’m one happy bunny.”

Sheila’s vision loss began more than 30 years ago, leaving her unable to read or see street signs. Since receiving the implant, she has been able to identify letters and complete eye charts perfectly.

International trial shows promising results

The trial of the Prima implant, developed by California-based Pixium Vision (Science Corporation), involved 38 patients across five European countries.
Of the 32 who received the implant, 27 regained central vision sufficient to read again. One year later, participants showed an average improvement of five lines on a standard eye chart — equivalent to recognizing 25 more letters.

The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Next steps for the technology

Although the Prima implant is not yet licensed for general use, researchers are optimistic that it could be available to NHS patients within a few years. Experts also believe the technology could eventually help people with other forms of vision loss.

Dr Peter Bloomfield, director of research at the Macular Society, said the results were “encouraging” and “fantastic news” for those who currently have no treatment options. “Artificial vision offers new hope, especially after years of setbacks in dry AMD research,” he said.

The implant does not work for individuals born blind because it requires a functioning optic nerve to transmit signals to the brain.

This news was originally published by BBC.

Global scholars hail Turfan studies as cultural bridge connecting civilizations

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Global scholars hail Turfan studies as cultural bridge connecting civilizations

Wealth Pakistan International Desk
URUMQI, Oct 20 (Xinhua) – Once a key hub on the ancient Silk Road, Turpan is again connecting civilizations — this time through international Turfan studies that promote academic exchange and cultural cooperation.

Located in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Turpan has long served as a meeting point of farming, nomadic, and oasis cultures in Central Asia. Its dry climate has preserved thousands of manuscripts, cave murals, and artifacts, making the region a global centre for Silk Road archaeology.

International symposium on Turfan studies

From October 18 to 20, nearly 200 experts from 70 universities and institutions in 16 countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan, attended the Seventh International Symposium of Turfan Studies. The event focused on heritage preservation, ancient scripts, and cultural evolution along the Silk Road.

Erica Hunter, a researcher from the University of Cambridge who studies Syriac manuscripts from Turpan, said the city symbolises harmony among diverse traditions. “Turfan is a remarkable example of coexistence between different ethnic and religious groups, both in history and today,” she said. “Dialogue and scholarship build mutual understanding.”

Revival of a global academic field

Turfan studies emerged as a distinct discipline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when explorers from Russia, Germany, Britain, and Japan excavated tombs and temples in the region.

At the symposium, Professor Peter Zieme of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities presented research on a manuscript written in both Old Uygur and Chinese. He emphasised the independent role of Uygur monks and poets in shaping Buddhist thought.

“Turfan has always stood at the crossroads of civilizations,” he said. “Its manuscripts and relics reveal how cultures met, shared, and evolved across continents.”

New discoveries and growing Chinese leadership

In recent years, excavations at sites such as the Xipang Jingjiao Monastery — a Nestorian Christian complex — and the Tuyoq Buddhist Grottoes have revitalised global interest in Turfan studies. Chinese scholars are increasingly leading efforts to interpret ancient scripts once used by merchants and pilgrims.

Lin Lijuan, an associate professor at Peking University, said Syriac Christian manuscripts found in Turpan reveal early cultural and religious exchanges. “Through Turpan, Western ideas entered China and merged with local traditions,” she said.

Shared legacy of civilizations

Zhang Yong, Party Secretary of the Turpan Cultural Heritage Administration, said collaboration between Chinese and foreign experts is transforming scattered evidence into coherent knowledge.

“Turfan studies are a shared heritage of humanity,” he said. “The cooperation between global scholars ensures that Turpan remains a living symbol of dialogue between civilizations.”

The initiative reflects China’s broader commitment to strengthening Silk Road cultural research and promoting mutual understanding through academic exchange.

This article was originally published by Xinhua.

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