Author: Amna Syed

Pakistan is set to premiere its first-ever space-driven telefilm, Jahan Aur Bhi Hain – Beyond the Blue, on May 9 at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad. This marks a creative leap in combining cinema with science to engage the public with space awareness. A National Collaboration for Science and Storytelling The telefilm is a joint production by the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) and IST, supported by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Beaconhouse National University and Lock Down Productions have also contributed to the project. A Story Rooted in Science The 38-minute film follows…

Pakistan made a strong cultural statement at the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, held from April 26 to May 5, 2025. The event brought together literary voices from around the world, and for the first time, the National Book Foundation (NBF) officially participated on behalf of Pakistan. A Proud First for the National Book Foundation Representing Pakistani literature globally, the NBF set up a dedicated stall showcasing a range of Urdu and English books. The stall was inaugurated by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, who praised the effort to promote national literary heritage internationally. Bridging Cultures…

Justice Ayesha Malik of Pakistan’s Supreme Court has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of London, a recognition of her trailblazing role in the legal world and her efforts to promote gender equality. Breaking New Ground in Pakistan’s Judiciary In 2022, Justice Malik made history by becoming the first woman ever appointed to the country’s highest court—a milestone moment for the Pakistani judiciary. A Voice for Women’s Rights She is best known for her landmark ruling that banned the two-finger virginity test, calling it invasive and a violation of women’s fundamental rights. Global Recognition for…

The Syed Ahsan Ali and Syed Maratib Ali School of Education (SOE) at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) recently hosted its fourth Practicum Showcase Conference, where MPhil students presented innovative projects designed to tackle key issues in Pakistan’s education system. Real-World Collaborations on Display The conference highlighted the strong partnerships between students and educational organizations. By working closely with these institutions, students were able to turn their academic learning into practical solutions aimed at improving the educational landscape in Pakistan. Addressing Critical Educational Needs The projects presented covered a wide range of topics, including inclusive education, educational leadership, and…

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari visited the flood-hit district of Mirpurkhas, where he distributed ownership papers for newly constructed houses to families displaced by the 2022 floods. Women Given Priority in Ownership Under the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) project, women were prioritized as homeowners. Bilawal personally handed over documents to female recipients, highlighting the party’s focus on women’s empowerment through property rights. A Step Toward Restoring Lives Addressing residents in villages like Ghumbri and Wagharji, Bilawal assured families that the homes now belonged solely to them. “No one can take these away from you,” he stated, as emotional…

In a bid to upgrade the capital’s public transport and cut down on pollution, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to introduce an electric tram service in Islamabad. The project reflects the government’s growing focus on sustainable and modern urban infrastructure. Planning and Study in Progress CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa shared that a feasibility study has already been launched. Talks are underway with a Chinese consulting firm to explore the practical aspects of the tram system — from route planning to financial and technical logistics. Key Routes Identified Four major routes are being considered, including a line from…

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) to promote a merit-based and transparent recruitment process. Enhancing Recruitment Practices Under this collaboration, NUST will assist the CDA in developing recruitment strategies that prioritize fairness and transparency, ensuring a more efficient and equitable hiring system. Promoting Meritocracy Both organizations aim to improve public trust in recruitment processes by ensuring that all hiring decisions are based on merit and transparency, setting a standard for other public sector institutions to follow.

Lahore – April 29, 2025: The Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra) has kicked off a two-day workshop aimed at guiding emerging artists through the essentials of canvas preparation—one of the most vital yet overlooked steps in painting. Nurturing Creativity Through Hands-On Learning The workshop, hosted at the Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts, offers a practical and insightful learning experience for young painters. Scheduled for April 29–30, it seeks to strengthen foundational techniques while introducing participants to modern artistic practices. Led by Esteemed Artist Mian Athar Well-known artist Mian Athar is spearheading the sessions, sharing his expertise on visual analysis, conceptual thinking,…

In a major step to control the rising costs of medical education, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has imposed a fee cap for private medical and dental colleges. Starting from the 2025 academic year, the tuition fees for MBBS and BDS programs will be capped at Rs1.8 million per year, with a 5% increase allowed each year in line with inflation. Why This Move Was Necessary The new fee structure was introduced by the Committee on Medical Education Reforms, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Its goal is to make medical education more affordable and accessible by…

Karachi’s transportation scene is set for a major upgrade as Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that all ride-hailing services in the city, including Careem and Yango, will soon be governed by a single regulatory framework. This move aims to improve safety, standardize services, and ensure all platforms follow the same legal guidelines. A Single System for Easier Regulation The new unified system will make it easier to manage and monitor ride-hailing services, ensuring that they meet safety and operational standards. By bringing all services under one umbrella, the government hopes to streamline operations and reduce any inconsistencies across the…