Author: Faiza Liaquat

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…

Pakistan has officially launched its first-ever National Dredging and Marine Services (NDMS) company, a groundbreaking move set to transform the country’s maritime capabilities and port infrastructure. The initiative is backed by a strategic alliance between key stakeholders, including the Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Port Trust, Gwadar Port Authority, and the National Logistics Corporation (NLC). This newly established, state-supported entity will offer Pakistan a much-needed in-house solution for dredging and marine services an area that has long been dependent on costly foreign contractors and infrequent service cycles. Ending Dependence on Foreign Dredging Contractors For decades, Pakistan’s seaports have relied on international…

In a remarkable show of support from overseas Pakistanis, remittance inflows surged to a record-breaking $38.3 billion in FY25, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan. This marks a 27% increase compared to $30.3 billion in FY24 — a difference of $8 billion, showcasing the resilience of Pakistanis abroad during economically challenging times. The month of June 2025 alone saw remittances of $3.406 billion, up 8% from June 2024, although slightly down from May 2025. Country-wise, Saudi Arabia remained the top contributor for the full fiscal year, sending $9.345 billion, followed by the UAE ($7.869 billion), the…

Pakistan’s U18 men’s hockey team has blazed through the group stage of the Asia Cup 2025, securing four consecutive victories, scoring 25 goals, and conceding just four, to finish top of Pool A. With dominant wins over Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and hosts China, the young Greenshirts now face Malaysia in the semi-final on July 11, in what promises to be a thrilling, high-stakes battle. This flawless campaign marks a bold resurgence for Pakistan’s hockey future and rekindles hopes for continental glory at the grassroots level.

The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has unveiled a transformative Rs. 364 billion budget for education in fiscal year 2025–26. Announced by Education Minister Faisal Tarakai, the plan targets tech upgrades, school infrastructure, and access to quality learning for all. Key highlights include: The government’s strategy also promises full classroom furniture for every school by year-end, reinforcing its push toward an inclusive, digitally empowered education system. This initiative reflects KP’s ambition to not only modernize public schooling but also raise educational standards across rural and underserved areas.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) has achieved a historic milestone as its CA and CAF qualifications are now globally recognized by Ecctis UK, an international authority for benchmarking educational credentials. This accreditation confirms the rigor and quality of Pakistan’s accountancy education and elevates the Chartered Accountant (CA) designation to the ranks of internationally respected credentials. Students and professionals can now benefit from enhanced global mobility, recognition, and credibility in their careers. ICAP’s progress marks a significant step in aligning Pakistan with global financial and educational standards, and this development is expected to encourage more international opportunities, partnerships,…

In a major global endorsement, Northern Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region has been featured in the Financial Times’ “50 Holidays to Take in 2025” list marking a proud moment for Pakistan’s tourism industry. The recognition celebrates the region’s towering mountain beauty, revived tourism infrastructure, and growing international accessibility, including free online visas for over 120 countries and increasing flight operations to Skardu and Gilgit. Adventure travel operator Wild Frontiers, a UK-based company that began offering tours in Pakistan in 1998, is now offering a 14-day immersive trip through the valleys and peaks of Hunza and Baltistan complete with six days of trekking…