Author: Faiza Liaquat
Pakistan is moving ahead with its largest-ever copper-gold mining venture as the Reko Diq project in Balochistan heads towards financial close. Over the next 37 years, the project is expected to generate $53 billion for the country and create around 7,500 jobs, mainly for the local population. Officials briefed the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum that the project’s financial close is expected next month, with construction likely to begin in 2028. The $7.7 billion mega project will be developed in two phases.In Phase One, the project will require about $3.5 billion in financing, with overall construction costs estimated at $5.6–6…
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has expanded its M-Tag installation network by opening seven new service points across the federal capital, making it easier for motorists to complete mandatory tagging before enforcement begins. According to the administration, the new centers will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., providing an extended 12-hour window for vehicle owners to get their M-Tags installed and avoid last-minute rush and delays. New M-Tag Installation Points (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) The following locations have been designated as M-Tag installation points in Islamabad: These points are expected to facilitate thousands of daily commuters, particularly…
Pakistan is preparing to launch its first-ever centralized emergency helpline, similar to the 911 system used in the United States, to streamline and modernize emergency response services across the country. Officials from the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) have confirmed that work is underway on a unified platform that will connect citizens to emergency assistance through a single number, instead of multiple separate helplines. According to NTC representatives, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has already signed an agreement to roll out the 911 emergency service in the province. Once operational, anyone calling from anywhere in KP will be automatically connected…
Islamabad is set to become more digitally connected as the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) moves ahead with a plan to establish 30 free Wi-Fi hotspots across the capital by December 2025. During a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology, NTC officials briefed the committee on the project’s progress and confirmed that implementation is moving smoothly. The initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure by providing high-speed internet access to residents and visitors at 30 key locations throughout Islamabad. These hotspots are expected to support students, professionals, and the general public by making online services, communication, and…
A significant step toward animal welfare reform has been taken as Syed Haider Ali, an animal and climate activist, has filed a petition in the Data Darbar Animal Cruelty Case. The first hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 17, before Justice Shehram Sarwar at the Lahore High Court. The petition seeks three key outcomes: This case highlights a pressing need for humane treatment laws and systemic oversight in situations involving public works, urban development, and environmental management. Advocates emphasize that compassionate governance is essential to ensuring that no living being becomes collateral damage in institutional operations.
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has achieved a major milestone by provisionally clinching 8 offshore exploration blocks in the competitive bidding round conducted by the Government of Pakistan on October 31, 2025. The company submitted bids for all 8 blocks and secured a 100 percent success rate, obtaining 2 blocks as operator and 6 as joint venture (JV) partner on November 12. The provisional grant of these blocks marks a strategic step toward expanding PPL’s exploration footprint in high-potential offshore regions. The formal award of blocks will follow the execution of Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs) with JV…
Dr. Muhammad Hamza Muhammad is redefining what it means to be a doctor, educator, and changemaker. For years, he has dedicated himself to helping Pakistan’s youth find their direction through The MHM Platform — a non-profit initiative that has mentored over 300,000 students nationwide, guiding them in academic and career decisions. But his passion for public service has now evolved into something even more dynamic: health awareness through entertainment. With his new show, Dr. Hamza has created a refreshing fusion of humor, education, and authentic conversations, bringing health topics directly to the public in an engaging and accessible way. From…
The Punjab government has taken another step toward a cleaner and greener future by installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging station near the Department of Archives building inside the Civil Secretariat, Lahore. According to officials, the move is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce environmental pollution and encourage the use of electric vehicles across the province’s official fleet. In addition to the charging station, the authorities have also approved the construction of a new parking facility behind the Home Department building within the Secretariat premises. The new setup is expected to ease congestion and resolve parking challenges faced…
In a major relief for job seekers, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has lifted the long-standing ban on transfers, postings, and recruitment of government employees — a restriction that had been in place due to the absence of a provincial cabinet. With the cabinet now fully constituted, the provincial government has allowed administrative movement to resume. Transfers for Grade 17 and above will require approval from the relevant administrative secretary, minister, adviser, or special assistant, according to official sources. The Chief Minister of KP has also directed that all recruitment processes be conducted strictly on merit, reinforcing the government’s commitment…
The Punjab government has unveiled an ambitious education initiative — the Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence Project — to provide quality education to underprivileged students in remote areas of the province. According to official sources, 165 tehsils across Punjab have been selected for the program. The government has invited applications from private educational institutions equipped with modern infrastructure to collaborate in this initiative. Under the project, students will receive free education, while the government will cover Rs4,000 per student per month as tuition support. The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) will supervise and evaluate the schools to ensure educational standards and…
