Author: Faiza Liaquat
ConnectHear, Pakistan’s leading social enterprise for disability inclusion, has partnered with Ufone 4G (a PTCL Group company) to launch SUNO — the world’s first AI-based Early Warning System designed to deliver emergency alerts in sign language for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The initiative, supported and funded by the GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Fund, bridges a vital communication gap during disasters such as floods and earthquakes by ensuring timely, accessible information for the Deaf community. Through SUNO, AI-generated sign language video alerts are distributed instantly via Ufone’s WhatsApp bot, reaching at-risk users nationwide free of cost. ConnectHear develops the AI…
The Punjab government has approved a major healthcare initiative to provide free palliative care for stage-III and stage-IV cancer patients at the newly established Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore. The institute, which will be the largest public sector cancer hospital in Punjab, is a 900-bed project that includes a dedicated 100-bed palliative care block aimed at offering comfort and medical support to critically ill patients during the advanced stages of the disease. According to provincial health officials, this marks the first time that a government-run hospital in Punjab will integrate specialized palliative care within a…
The Punjab government has unveiled an ambitious housing project aimed at constructing 57,000 affordable homes for low-income families across the province. The initiative seeks to provide quality housing along with ownership opportunities through convenient installment plans. According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Housing Department, the scheme will ensure standardized, low-cost housing under strict government supervision. In the first phase, construction will commence on 20,000 homes across 41 selected sites in 24 districts. The government has also approved the transfer of state-owned lands to the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency to facilitate project execution. The housing units will vary…
In a landmark development for Pakistan’s healthcare sector, the first skin bank has been inaugurated at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, in partnership with Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU). The initiative aims to advance burn treatment by providing patients with cultured skin grafts, reducing complications and costs associated with traditional methods. Until now, burn victims depended on grafts taken from other parts of their own bodies, often causing additional pain and delayed recovery. With the new skin bank, doctors will be able to culture skin samples in a lab, store them for up to five…
The Sindh government has formally approved a housing initiative to provide residential plots to both serving and retired government officers, enabling them to build their own homes. The decision was made during the recent Sindh cabinet meeting. To implement the initiative, the cabinet has established the Sindh Civil Servants Housing Foundation, which will be chaired by the Sindh chief secretary. The foundation aims to facilitate government officials in constructing houses by ensuring proper financial and administrative support. Final details of the scheme, including financing mechanisms and allocation processes, will be worked out in upcoming meetings. For effective governance, the cabinet…
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has taken a significant step toward youth empowerment and institutional modernization by approving an Internship Policy 2025. In its 16th Board meeting chaired by Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, the authority announced plans to induct graduates from top public and private universities across Pakistan in a transparent and merit-based manner. The program will allow young professionals to gain practical exposure by working across different formations of the CDA. “The initiative will not only help meet CDA’s manpower requirements but also introduce a skilled and modern workforce equipped with contemporary knowledge,” Randhawa said, adding that the program…
In a historic move, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have entered into a strategic mutual defence agreement, cementing decades of cooperation into a formal joint security framework. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, welcomed with full honours at Yamama Palace in Riyadh, met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to review the full spectrum of relations spanning security, economy, and energy. The Saudi Air Force’s F-15 escort of the Prime Minister’s aircraft symbolized the warmth of bilateral ties. The pact, signed by the heads of state with the instrumental role of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, enshrines joint responsibility for protecting the Two Holy…
In a landmark step to support communities hit hardest by Pakistan’s devastating floods, Riphah International University has announced up to 100% scholarships for students from flood-affected areas. The scholarship initiative ensures that financial challenges do not hold back deserving students from pursuing higher education. Admissions for Fall 2025 are now open, with scholarships covering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Why Riphah? A Ray of Hope For families who lost homes, livelihoods, and stability in the floods, this program offers a lifeline. Beyond financial support, it provides students with confidence, skills, and the opportunity to rebuild their futures and contribute to…
In a major step toward inclusive urban development, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) are launching a dedicated women’s park within the city’s iconic F-9 Park. The project, to be developed under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, aims to provide women with a secure, modern, and beautifully landscaped recreational hub. Planned features include: The initiative not only focuses on leisure but also emphasizes women’s empowerment and community well-being by offering a safe and engaging environment. MCI has invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from national and international developers with expertise in designing and operating large-scale recreational and…
Pakistan’s pride, Arshad Nadeem, has secured a place in the men’s javelin throw final at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo, proving once again why he is regarded as one of the finest athletes of his generation. After a challenging start with throws of 76.99m and 74.17m, Arshad produced a stunning 85.28m effort on his last attempt, surpassing the automatic qualification mark of 84.50m. The throw earned him fifth overall position, ahead of India’s Neeraj Chopra (84.85m), his biggest regional rival. The qualification list is topped by Anderson Peters (Grenada, 89.53m), followed by Julian Weber (Germany, 87.21m), Julius Yego…
