Author: Faiza Liaquat

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has reached a historic high, with the benchmark PSX-100 Index climbing past 140,000 points for the first time ever. During intra-day trading, the index surged by 1,763 points, hitting an unprecedented level of 140,428. This surge continues an exceptional bull run that has defined the month of July 2025. Since the start of the fiscal year on July 1, the PSX-100 has climbed by more than 12,000 points, moving from 128,000 to over 140,000 within just two weeks. The PSX has now surpassed two major psychological benchmarks—139K and 140K—within a single trading session, reflecting renewed…

The Government of Pakistan is preparing a transformative agriculture loan scheme aimed at supporting small and medium-scale farmers. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formulation of a detailed agri-loan action plan to be finalized by the end of this month. Under this initiative, farmers with less than 12 acres will be prioritized, with support including: The PM emphasized that economic growth is tied to agriculture, and empowering farmers through financial access and smart tools will drive national development. With Pakistan’s agri-sector being the backbone of its economy, these efforts aim to boost crop yields, agri exports, and the integration…

The Government of Pakistan has allocated Rs100 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy to accelerate the development of three major highway projects in Balochistan, paving the way for safer travel, improved logistics, and greater regional inclusion. The projects will transform one of Pakistan’s most vital yet challenging road networks the Karachi–Quetta–Chaman corridor (N-25) into a dual carriageway, significantly reducing accidents and opening up new opportunities for trade and tourism. 💡 Key Project Allocations: The National Highways Authority (NHA) had initially requested Rs160B for these and other projects under PSDP, but the current allocation is still a strong step forward especially…

In a major show of strength and modernization, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has deployed its state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets to the United Kingdom for the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 one of the most prestigious military aviation exhibitions globally. The aircraft arrived at RAF Base Fairford after executing midair refueling with IL-78 aerial tankers, a complex operation that underscores the PAF’s expanding operational range and readiness. The mission reflects Pakistan’s advancing aerial strategy and its ability to carry out long-range missions beyond its borders. The JF-17 Block-III, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed in collaboration with China,…

In a high-stakes federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government approved several key social and economic measures — marking a clear shift toward reform-focused governance. Among the top decisions was a 15% increase in the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) pension, effective from January 2025. Funded by EOBI’s own resources, the raise aims to provide immediate relief to thousands of pensioners. The PM also ordered the formation of a cabinet committee for EOBI reform, focusing on bringing informal sector workers — such as domestic help and farmers — under its coverage. “Those who were long excluded…

In a key sign of improving economic relations, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan reached $1 billion in just the first six months of 2025 a figure that reflects growing regional cooperation despite underlying political and security complexities. According to data released by the Afghan Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan exported $712 million in goods primarily food and industrial items while Afghanistan exported $277 million worth of cotton, coal, dry fruits, and soft stones to Pakistan. This surge in trade comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Ambassador Sadiq Khan playing a vital role in bridging…

In what is being hailed as Punjab’s most ambitious housing investment to date, the provincial government has released Rs. 42 billion under its flagship ‘Apni Chat Apna Ghar’ program offering interest-free home construction loans to low-income families across the province. Launched in August 2024, the scheme is already making waves. Over 51,900 families have benefited, with 6,160 houses completed and another 45,000+ under construction. Targeting daily wagers, widows, shopkeepers, and small vendors, the initiative offers up to Rs. 1.5 million in interest-free support to those who own land but lack resources to build a home. During a progress review, Chief…

Islamabad, July 2025 – In a long-awaited development, the United Kingdom has officially lifted its five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing national carriers to once again operate direct flights to UK destinations. The restriction, initially imposed in 2020 due to concerns over pilot license verification, has been removed following significant aviation safety reforms by Pakistani authorities, according to a statement by the British High Commission. This policy shift aligns with the European Union’s recent decision to restore operations for Pakistani carriers, marking a strong international endorsement of Pakistan’s regulatory improvements. Return to the Skies Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the country’s…

In a major win for national health sovereignty, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) has successfully developed Pakistan’s first-ever indigenous anti-rabies vaccine. This development comes amid rising rabies cases and looming international aid cutbacks on vaccine imports. The vaccine, now ready for clinical trials, was formulated using a locally isolated rabies strain, and marks the country’s first serious step toward independent vaccine manufacturing. Rabies, primarily caused by dog bites, claims up to 5,000 lives in Pakistan each year. With rising costs and limited data on treatment outcomes, the urgency for a local solution has never been clearer. Supported by the…

In a significant leap toward global collaboration in education and governance, Japan has announced the next phase of its ongoing scholarship initiative for Pakistani civil servants. Through a $263 million funding agreement, 16 young government professionals will be offered full scholarships to pursue advanced degrees in Japan. This program—facilitated through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)—aims to enhance Pakistan’s institutional capacity by strengthening the leadership skills and policy-making expertise of its public sector officers. Since the program’s launch in 2018, it has empowered several cohorts of Pakistani civil servants, who now bring global best practices into domestic reform efforts. The…