Author: Faiza Liaquat
Air Karachi, the country’s latest addition to the aviation industry, is set to take off on March 23, 2026, marking its official entry into Pakistan’s domestic flight network. The announcement was made at the inauguration ceremony of Air Karachi’s operations office at the Old Airport in Karachi, attended by high-profile dignitaries including PIA CEO Amir Hayat, Director General of Civil Aviation Nadir Shafiq, Secretary of Defense Lt. Gen. (Retd) Muhammad Ali, diplomats, and key business leaders. In his remarks, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Muhammad Ali praised the initiative, saying, “We are making efforts to take Pakistan to the position our founding…
In a historic milestone for Pakistan’s space journey, China has announced plans to send a Pakistani astronaut on a short-term mission to the Tiangong Space Station. The announcement, made by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) and reported by Xinhua News Agency, reflects deepening space cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad. According to CMSA, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo training at the Astronaut Centre of China alongside their Chinese counterparts. One of them will be selected to join a short-duration mission as a payload specialist, participating in scientific research aboard the Tiangong Space Station. This development follows a landmark cooperation agreement…
In a major step to empower Pakistan’s digital workforce, the government has announced interest-free loans of up to Rs. 10 million for establishing 250 co-working spaces across the country under the National Co-Working Space Program (NCSP). The initiative aims to strengthen the freelancing ecosystem and promote entrepreneurship among youth and startups. The NCSP, launched under the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), aligns with the government’s digital economy goals by encouraging public-private partnerships to create modern, well-equipped working environments. This comes amid rising unemployment, with 8.9 million youth jobless and over 21 million out of education or training, according to Gallup…
MIRPUR, AJK: In a landmark move to enhance regional connectivity, Pakistan has decided to construct an international airport in Mirpur, providing modern air travel facilities to millions of citizens both within the country and abroad. According to officials, construction is expected to begin within the current fiscal year, marking a significant infrastructure milestone for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). A spokesperson for the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) confirmed that the technical feasibility process is already in progress. This includes site identification, engineering evaluations, and environmental assessments to determine the most viable location for the airport. “The Pakistan Airports Authority has…
The Punjab government has agreed to assist the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration in introducing an e-stamp system, a step designed to modernize land records and make property dealings more efficient and transparent. The agreement between the ICT administration and the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) was signed during a ceremony at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters. The move will bring the e-stamp paper system, already in use across Punjab, to the federal capital. According to a CDA press release, the initiative was directed by Chief Commissioner and CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, who emphasized the importance of digitization…
Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi met with Jiang Yi, Secretary General of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), along with senior representatives from China’s logistics, transport, and aviation sectors to explore avenues of cooperation and investment in Pakistan Railways. The meeting focused on enhancing technical collaboration, improving freight operations, and identifying infrastructure investment opportunities. Both sides agreed to strengthen cross-border logistics to support regional trade and economic integration. Minister Abbasi highlighted Pakistan Railways’ development plans and invited foreign and private investment in key infrastructure projects. He informed the delegation that a financing agreement with the…
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…
