In a significant move for coffee lovers in the capital, Frella’s premier caffé brand, Caffé Praha, has officially opened its first outlet in Islamabad. Known for its artful ambiance, thoughtfully curated menu, and a deep-rooted passion for specialty coffee, Caffe Praha brings its signature experience from Karachi to the heart of Pakistan. After five years of delighting customers in Karachi with its two successful outlets, Caffé Praha is now stepping into a new chapter with its expansion to Islamabad. This move not only marks a geographical milestone for the caffé but also reflects the growing presence of Frella, the parent company behind the brand, in Pakistan’s vibrant food and beverage industry. Visit Caffe Praha’s official website to explore the menu and experience. A Brand Rooted in Culture and Craft Since its inception, Caffé Praha has stood out for more than just coffee. It’s a space where conversations thrive, where every plate and cup is crafted with intention, and where local culture meets international café sensibilities. The name itself—‘Praha’—a nod to the historical charm of Prague, hints at the caffé’s mission: to bring an immersive European-style café experience with Pakistani soul. Frella, as the parent brand, plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic vision and creative direction of Caffe Praha. With a focus on building long-term brands that blend lifestyle with quality. Why Islamabad? Islamabad, with its serene landscape and growing appetite for premium experiences, was a natural next step. The new outlet is designed to mirror the aesthetic elegance of the Karachi branches—subtle European touches, warm interiors, and a layout that encourages both community and solitude. “We’ve always seen Islamabad as a city of thinkers, creatives, and explorers,” says a representative from the Frella team. “Bringing Caffe Praha here was less about expansion and more about planting roots in a city we deeply admire.” A Menu That Travels Well While every Caffé Praha outlet is rooted in its locale, the brand’s signature items remain consistent. From the indulgent Lotus French Toast, layered with rich Biscoff spread and a perfectly caramelized crust, to the robust Cubano Sandwich, every item tells a story of experimentation and refinement. The Islamabad menu will carry these classics alongside seasonal specials, curated for the tastes and preferences of the capital. The caffé will also continue its emphasis on sourcing high-quality beans through partners like Grao Coffee Company, ensuring that each cup of coffee meets international standards. More Than Just Coffee At the heart of Caffe Praha is a belief that caffés are more than just places to eat and drink—they’re places of gathering, of reflection, of shared experiences. The Islamabad outlet is no exception. It has been designed with versatile spaces for friends catching up, students studying, professionals taking a midday break, and solo patrons who simply want a moment of calm. As Frella continues to develop its portfolio, the Islamabad expansion is just one of many milestones in a broader journey of reshaping how Pakistan experiences food, service, and space. Explore more at www.caffepraha.com
Iqra University: Expanding Pakistan’s Edu-Verse
In a defining moment for Pakistan’s higher education landscape, Iqra University (IU) has earned a coveted spot among the Top 800 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education Rankings 2025, ranked 284th in Asia, 18th in Pakistan, and 3rd in Sindh. Beyond Boundaries: A University That’s Always Moving Forward Founded in 1998 by the family of Mr. Hussain Lakhani, Iqra University has grown into one of Pakistan’s most future-focused private institutions. With over 15,000 students and more than 30,000 successful alumni, IU is built on six defining pillars: Academics, Industry Linkages, Research & Innovation, Internationalization, Employability, and Civic Responsibility – all working in unison to shape globally competent, socially conscious, and professionally agile graduates. Building Global Bridges: Strategic International Collaborations In the 2024–2025 academic year alone, IU signed over 35 international MoUs with prestigious universities across the USA, UK, South Korea, France, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Institutions like Texas A&M University–Central Texas, Robert Gordon University (UK), Yasar University (Turkey), Kyongdong University (South Korea), College De Paris, SEGi University (Malaysia), and many others have joined hands with IU to open real, life-changing opportunities for students. These collaborations provide student exchange programs, global faculty engagements, direct admission pathways, and research alliances—all designed to equip IU students with a truly international edge. Innovation in Action: Faculty Industry Placement Program (FIPP) Under the inspiring leadership of Vice Chancellor, Dr. Nassar Ikram, IU made national headlines with the Faculty Industry Placement Program (FIPP)—the first-ever initiative by a private university in Pakistan to embed its faculty directly into leading industries. By bridging academia with the industry, FIPP enhances the relevance of academic research, boosts innovation, and makes sure IU faculty remains in touch with real-world trends and technologies. This is not just a program—it’s a paradigm shift in how university knowledge can fuel national progress. Campus Expansion: Growing Footprint, Growing Impact IU’s globalisation isn’t limited to MoUs. This year, students participated in a Russian language program with Ural State Pedagogical University, joined an AI-powered digital marketing workshop led by international expert Josh Birchman, and engaged in guest lectures by foreign professors from partner universities. It’s this blend of global exposure and practical skills that makes Iqra University stand out. To further empower aspiring international students, IU launched the LRN Foundation Pre-University Program, a UK-recognised qualification preparing students for higher education abroad. With core subjects like English, Business, ICT, and Mathematics, and recognition by leading global universities like SOAS and Heriot-Watt, this program builds a solid foundation for international success. Diverse Scholarship Opportunities: Making Excellence Accessible IU offers over 80+ academic programs across Associate, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and PhD levels in diverse disciplines including Business, Computer Science, Media, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Education. The university also provides generous scholarships, including need-based, merit-based, talent-based, alumni, and scholarships for differently-abled students. Industrial Partnerships: The Foundation of Sustainable Excellence Backed by over 700 industrial partnerships, IU is one of Pakistan’s top 10 sustainable universities, recognised for its leadership in research and innovation. Vision 2025: The Road Ahead Looking ahead to Vision 2025, Iqra University aims to: Speaking of today’s times, a degree alone isn’t enough – you need credentials that resonate globally. Iqra University doesn’t just promise this recognition; it delivers it through top international rankings, strategic global partnerships, and a track record of alumni success across 30+ countries. Whether you dream of continuing your education at prestigious foreign universities or joining multinational corporations, IU provides the foundation, connections, and opportunities to make it happen. The question isn’t whether you can afford to study at IU; it’s whether you can afford not to.