Author: Faiza Liaquat
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…
Pakistan has witnessed a major leap in women’s financial inclusion, with the number of active bank accounts held by women rising from 20 million to 37 million since 2021, according to Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Jameel Ahmad. Speaking at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington D.C. during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group, Ahmad said the gender gap in financial inclusion has narrowed from 39% to 30% in just four years — a milestone attributed to SBP’s Banking on Equality Policy. Addressing a session titled ‘Capital to Scale: Women Entrepreneurs as Job Creators’, Ahmad emphasized…
In a major step toward tech-driven policing, Karachi police on Monday made their first-ever arrest using facial recognition technology. DIG Syed Asad Raza said an alert was triggered when an emergency response vehicle (ERV) system detected a motorcycle rider with a criminal record passing through the South Zone. Acting swiftly, the ERV team intercepted the suspect and verified his identity through his computerised national identity card. The arrested individual, identified as Abdul Azeem, was wanted in six criminal cases including attempted murder, possession of illegal weapons, rioting, and terrorism. He had previously been declared an absconder. Officials described the operation…
Pakistan has achieved a major breakthrough in its space programme with the successful launch of its first Hyperspectral Satellite HS-1 from a Chinese launch facility on Sunday. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) hailed the development as a significant leap forward in national space technology. Unlike traditional imaging satellites that capture limited RGB colour bands, the HS-1 is equipped to record data across hundreds of narrow spectral bands, allowing highly precise analysis of land, water, vegetation, and urban infrastructure. SUPARCO stated that the satellite will strengthen Pakistan’s capabilities in precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster response, and urban…
The Badaling section of the Great Wall of China transformed into a stunning runway as Pakistan and China hosted their first-ever joint fashion show, marking a historic milestone in cultural diplomacy. Jointly organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing and the China International Cultural Communication Centre (CICCC), the event celebrated artistic collaboration and friendship through fashion and design. Renowned Pakistani designers Maheen Khan, Moazzam Abbasi, Ayesha Tariq, Rizwanullah, and Zain Hashmi presented collections rich in ajrak motifs, floral embroidery, and handcrafted textiles, reflecting Pakistan’s vibrant heritage. From the Chinese side, designer Liang Suyun showcased an elegant couture lineup, while…