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Panamsat signs transponder deal with CNBC Pakistan
MUMBAI: Satellite operator Panamsat has announced that CNBC Pakistan has signed a multi-year, multi-transponder deal for the distribution of its programming across Pakistan.
Under the terms of the agreement, Panamsat will support the contribution, studio interchange as well as the distribution of this leading business news network across the country. Owned and operated by the Pakistani company Vision Network Television Ltd. (VNTV), the network is supported by NBC/Universal’s CNBC and will have full access to CNBC’s global programming network.
Panamsat VP Asia Pacific David Ball says, “With our far-reaching footprint across Asia, PanAmSat, continues to attract new customers who want powerful transponders that cover every square inch of the continent. Delivering the first major business television network to a new country is a critical achievement for PanAmSat. We’re very pleased that such a highly regarded customer as Vision Network Television would choose our fleet to deliver the CNBC Pakistan service.
CNBC Pakistan’s distribution channel will uplink from Karachi to Pas-10 and will downlink to cable operators in Pakistan for domestic distribution. In addition, through PAS-7 and PAS-12, there will be links to Karachi from CNBC Asia’s studio in Singapore and VNTVs studios in Islamabad and Lahore for remote story injection and live interviews. In addition, VNTV will use the PAS-12 satellite to provide IP data connectivity between its three key sites within Pakistan.
CNBC Pakistan project engineer Aaron Shaw says, “The agreement with PanAmSat will provide us with complete coverage of Pakistan, enabling CNBC to provide the international-quality programming that our viewers expect. By establishing local operations in Pakistan, we can tailor our programming specifically to our viewers bringing them the news they want to see via the PanAmSat fleet.”
Broadcasting from state-of-the-art studios and production facilities in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore, CNBC Pakistan will transmit live programming in both Urdu and in English from a Pakistani perspective.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
