Author: Faiza Liaquat
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has introduced a monthly stipend scheme for imams of 65,000 mosques across Punjab — a historic step to acknowledge their social and spiritual contributions. Chairing a meeting on law and order in Lahore, the chief minister said that imams hold a highly respected position in society and should not have to rely on community donations for their livelihood. She emphasized that the provincial government would take full responsibility for their financial security and dignity. Maryam Nawaz was briefed that mosque construction and renovation projects have also been included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP). She…
Mahaana Wealth, a Y-Combinator–backed fintech, in collaboration with IGI Life Insurance Limited — part of the Packages Group — has launched the Mahaana IGI Islamic Retirement Fund, Pakistan’s first fully digital and Shari’ah-compliant voluntary pension scheme. The initiative aims to strengthen retirement savings and financial security through a regulated, technology-led platform. It offers an accessible solution for individuals, including self-employed and informal sector workers, enabling them to plan for retirement with tax benefits and professional fund management. The launch event, held at IGI’s Lahore office, was attended by prominent leaders including: Mahaana Wealth will act as the investment advisor and…
Pakistan has achieved a major breakthrough in its digital economy, with 1,053 mobile applications launched by local developers in 2024. The accomplishment has enabled the country to outperform regional rivals such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, and Egypt in mobile app development and international market reach. According to government officials, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been instrumental in building an environment that promotes innovation, attracts investors, and strengthens confidence in Pakistan’s IT potential globally. The data reveals that 764 Android and 289 iOS applications were developed, showcasing strong growth in the demand for homegrown digital solutions across multiple…
In a moment of global recognition for Pakistan’s growing tech talent, Mirza Abdullah Tariq, a student, IT consultant, and young entrepreneur, has secured 1st place at the international AI Hackathon hosted by LabLab.ai. Competing against 879 teams from around the world, Tariq’s victory highlights both his personal brilliance and the rising potential of Pakistani innovators in the global AI space. A Rising Star in AI Innovation Mirza Abdullah Tariq is not just a student but also an IT consultant, entrepreneur, and passionate explorer of health, fitness, and travel. His diverse interests, combined with his expertise in technology, reflect a new…
The National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) is set to open Pakistan’s largest Mega Centre in Gulberg Town, Karachi, in collaboration with the Town Municipal Corporation (TMC). The upcoming facility will operate 24 hours a day, six days a week, making it the country’s first-ever round-the-clock public service centre of its kind. Karachi, home to over 20 million residents, has long struggled with overcrowded service facilities. The new Mega Centre aims to resolve these issues by providing citizens with a modern, fully air-conditioned environment, central cooling, and a spacious waiting area designed for public comfort. The centre will feature dedicated…
Popular YouTuber Irfan Junejo may soon make history as the first Pakistani digital creator to interview players from FC Barcelona. Speaking at the Mediaverse 2.0 event at the University of Karachi, Junejo revealed that discussions are currently underway for an exclusive collaboration with the world-renowned football club. “If all goes well, this collaboration will soon become a reality,” Junejo said, clarifying that talks are still in their early stages but that initial meetings have already taken place. If finalized, the partnership would represent a major milestone for Pakistan’s creator community, showcasing the global recognition of local digital talent. Fans have…
Pakistan’s newly implemented Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy is projected to save $1 billion annually by reducing oil imports and promoting clean mobility. The development was discussed during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar, where officials highlighted the economic, environmental, and fiscal benefits of EV adoption. According to the Secretary of Industries and Production, the IMF has endorsed the EV policy, approving $1.4 billion in financing, while the IFC pledged $1.8 million for infrastructure development. Currently, Pakistan has over 76,000 electric vehicles, with several global manufacturers planning to establish local production plants.…
Pakistan is set to unveil its first-ever National Esports Policy and establish a dedicated esports federation, marking a major step toward formalizing one of the country’s fastest-growing digital industries. The initiative aims to build a structured framework for players, developers, and gaming professionals, supporting a community of nearly 60 million gamers nationwide. Announcing the development, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, said the policy reflects the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through digital innovation. He described esports as a multibillion-dollar global industry offering vast opportunities in tournaments, sponsorships, and international recognition. The new policy is…
The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has launched its first Social Protection Strategy (2025–2030) to strengthen welfare systems and safeguard the province’s most vulnerable citizens from poverty, economic instability, and climate risks. Developed with the support of the German Government through GIZ, the strategy establishes a unified, data-driven framework to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and enhance transparency across social welfare programs. At the launch ceremony organized by the Public Policy and Social Protection Reforms Unit (PP&SPRU) under the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU), officials from federal and provincial governments, academia, and development partners discussed implementation plans and interprovincial collaboration. Special Secretary…
In a landmark collaboration, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen football development across coaching, youth programs, and women’s football. The agreement paves the way for coach education initiatives, player exchange programs, and joint training camps, aiming to elevate technical standards and nurture emerging talent in both countries. This partnership underscores Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its football ecosystem while aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to expand regional football cooperation through investment and expertise sharing. For Pakistan, the collaboration offers access to Saudi Arabia’s advanced…