Author: Faiza Liaquat
Pakistan Railways is set to upgrade its services with the launch of onboard dining experiences, aiming to make long-distance and intercity travel more comfortable and convenient. The initiative includes: Dining coaches for Pakistan Express, Karachi Express, and Millat ExpressA fully operational kitchen facility onboard Jaffar ExpressFree services on fast railcars between Lahore and Rawalpindi including Subak Raftar and Islamabad Express To support this initiative, Pakistan Railways has floated a tender for catering services, encouraging professional firms to submit their technical and financial proposals by August 5, 2025. These enhancements are part of a larger transformation project, signaling a shift toward…
In a forward-looking development, Pakistan and China have kicked off a series of joint training programs under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These programs span high-impact areas such as artificial intelligence, agriculture, construction, and hospitality, aligning workforce development with industry demand. The agreement took shape during NAVTTC Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmad’s official visit to China from July 6–12, under the China-Pakistan TVET-Industrial Centre of Excellence (CPTICE). Meetings with CPTICE officials and the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing paved the way for swift implementation. A standout feature of this initiative is the growing push for international vocational recognition,…
Pakistan defeats Malaysia in a gripping penalty shootout to reach the U18 Asia Cup 2025 final. Goalkeeper Ghulam Mustafa seals victory after a 3-3 draw in regular time. In a sensational display of grit and rising talent, Pakistan’s U18 men’s hockey team has advanced to the final of the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2025, following a dramatic 4-3 shootout win against Malaysia in the semifinal held in Dazhou, China. After a gripping 3-3 deadlock in regular time, the Green Shirts held their nerve in the penalty shootout—thanks to a brilliant last-minute save by goalkeeper Ghulam Mustafa. Early goals by Abdullah…
In a major step toward academic excellence and international competitiveness, the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) held a successful International Workshop on Quality Assurance and University Rankings in Islamabad. The event, attended by more than 500 participants from 27 countries and over 300 academic institutions, marked a defining moment in collaborative higher education reform across the Muslim world. Prominent attendees included vice chancellors, Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) directors, and global education experts. The workshop served as a vital platform to discuss the role of quality assurance (QA) in improving university performance, academic credibility, and placement…
Pakistan and Russia have joined hands to revive Pakistan Steel Mills, marking a significant breakthrough in industrial cooperation and bilateral relations. The agreement, finalized during a high-level Pakistani delegation’s visit to Moscow, is set to breathe new life into one of the country’s most critical industrial assets. The protocol was signed by Pakistan’s Secretary for Industries and Production alongside Russian counterparts. The revival will be undertaken with technical support from Russia, aiming to modernize operations and restore full-scale production at the Karachi-based steel facility. Haroon Akhtar, the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Finance and Revenue, who led the delegation, described…
In a heartwarming and inspiring moment from Pishin, 55-year-old Faiz-ul-Haq has successfully passed his matriculation exams, scoring 600 marks and earning a second division. His journey is a powerful reminder that learning has no expiry date. Faiz-ul-Haq, who works as a peon at Government Boys High School, Nawaabad, had always nurtured the dream of pursuing education. However, life’s responsibilities including the need to support his family forced him to postpone that dream for decades. Despite the long academic gap, Faiz never gave up on his goal. With encouragement and support from the school’s teachers and staff, Faiz returned to his…
In a landmark move for inclusive development, the European Union has extended a €20 million grant to Pakistan aimed at unlocking transformative change in its economic and governance landscape. The initiative will streamline support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), encourage sustainable investments, and modernize public-sector frameworks through inclusive, tech-driven reform. A notable emphasis is placed on green innovation and women-led entrepreneurship, offering new opportunities for long-term resilience. Anchored in global development strategies like the EU’s Green Deal and Global Gateway, the programme serves as a blueprint for a future-ready Pakistan one built on responsible governance, climate adaptation, and equitable…
In a bold step to improve access and quality in public education, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched free school transport, mobile Montessori schools, and an award scheme for top teachers and schools across Punjab. Aimed at rural and underserved areas, the initiative also includes record-breaking growth through school outsourcing, with 1.3 million students benefiting in just 16 months. Infrastructure, solar power, water access, and job creation are key pillars of the reform. Punjab launches free transport, mobile Montessori units, and meal programs for school children. Record enrolment, teaching jobs, and infrastructure growth mark a new era in public…
In a proud moment for Pakistan, young squash sensation Sohail Adnan has won the gold medal in the Boys U-13 category at the 32nd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships held in Gimcheon, South Korea. Sohail defeated India’s Ayaan Dhanuka in a thrilling four-game final: 11-5, 11-2, 11-13, 11-6. His technical finesse and mental resilience shone through, marking another major milestone in an already remarkable year. Earlier in 2025, Sohail made headlines by clinching the British Junior Open, ending Pakistan’s 18-year drought at the event. Now with victories at the Scottish Junior Open, Morgan Reach Championship, and Asian Junior, he has…
In a key development ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has updated the national electoral roll, revealing that the country now has 134,428,577 registered voters as of July 1, 2025. This milestone reflects the ECP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic participation and maintain a transparent, accurate, and inclusive electoral system. The latest voter data shows a notable gender split, with male voters accounting for 72,124,209 (53.65%) and female voters at 62,344,368 (46.35%). While the gap remains, the rising number of registered women is a positive indicator of growing civic engagement, particularly among historically underrepresented…