Author: Faiza Liaquat
Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their long-standing financial partnership through a series of high-level meetings in Beijing, highlighting a new phase of cooperation in banking, investment, and economic reforms. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with Dr. Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), and Mr. Liao Lin, Chairman of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). The discussions emphasized stronger bilateral ties, enhanced financial collaboration, and greater integration with regional financial markets. Key Highlights of the Meetings Looking Ahead Senator Aurangzeb reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to creating a favorable investment climate and…
The Punjab government has announced that it will confer the province’s highest civil award on the late Assistant Commissioner of Pattoki, Furqan Ahmed Khan, in recognition of his extraordinary dedication and selfless public service. His family will also receive a grant of Rs10 million as a tribute to his sacrifices. Dedication Despite Illness Officials revealed that Furqan Ahmed, who was battling cancer, continued to perform relief duties in flood-hit areas for four consecutive days without rest. He ensured the provision of food, medicines, and essential supplies to displaced families in Pattoki, despite his deteriorating health. CM Maryam Nawaz Pays Tribute…
The Swiss Government has officially opened applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027, providing Pakistani students and researchers with the opportunity to pursue PhD, research, and postdoctoral studies at leading Swiss universities and institutions. This prestigious program is designed to strengthen international academic cooperation and research exchange between Switzerland and over 180 countries, including Pakistan. Key Benefits of the Scholarship: Who Can Apply? The scholarships are open to highly qualified Pakistani graduates and researchers who aspire to contribute to academia, innovation, and cross-cultural knowledge exchange. Applicants will be evaluated based on academic excellence, research potential, and the relevance of…
The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has launched its first-ever School Nutrition Program, a landmark initiative designed to improve children’s health and dietary habits. In its initial phase, the program will be rolled out in 40 schools across Lahore, targeting students from grades one to five. Each child will receive a nutritious lunchbox containing rice, vegetables, pulses, and other healthy items to encourage balanced eating from a young age. To fund the project, PFA staff have pledged voluntary salary contributions. Director General PFA will donate three months’ salary, officers two months, and staff members one month. The authority will also partner…
In a powerful display of private-sector solidarity, Jazz, JazzCash, and Mobilink Bank have jointly pledged PKR 100 million towards flood relief and long-term rehabilitation efforts in Pakistan. This comprehensive initiative blends urgent humanitarian aid with sustainable recovery solutions, ensuring that flood-affected families receive both immediate support and long-term resilience. Immediate Humanitarian Assistance The relief package will provide: Special Focus on Women and Children Recognizing the disproportionate impact of natural disasters on vulnerable groups, special interventions will be directed toward the health, nutrition, and hygiene needs of women and children during this crisis. Long-Term Rehabilitation & Economic Recovery Looking beyond immediate…
Karachi — The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will organize open courts in Karachi on Friday, August 29, 2025, to address public complaints and provide immediate assistance on documentation issues. The initiative follows directives from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to improve accessibility and transparency in government services. According to NADRA, two sessions have been scheduled at major Mega Centres in the city. The first will take place at the North Nazimabad Mega Centre (Plot D 1-15, Block L, District Central) from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The second session is set for the SITE Industrial Area Mega Centre…
Karachi — foodpanda, Pakistan’s leading food and grocery delivery platform, has entered into a strategic partnership with Brainchild Communications Pakistan, one of the country’s premier media planning and communications agencies, to drive innovation in the retail media sector. The collaboration aims to create data-driven, personalized advertising solutions, enabling brands to reach consumers with greater precision and impact. By integrating foodpanda’s platform scale, consumer data, and full-funnel retail media capabilities with Brainchild’s strategic planning and execution expertise, the partnership promises to unlock fresh opportunities for CPG and non-CPG brands, telcos, and other industries. Muntaqa Peracha, CEO of foodpanda, described the partnership…
The Punjab workers flats scheme has officially begun accepting applications, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directing special quotas for widows and disabled workers. Under the scheme, 3% of flats have been allocated to widows of deceased workers, while 2% are reserved for disabled employees. In Phase I, applications are invited from industrial workers of Lahore and Kasur districts. The distribution will follow a fair-share policy, with two-thirds of the flats earmarked for Kasur workers and one-third for Lahore workers. At the Workers Welfare Complex, Sundar Industrial Estate, Kasur, 750 apartments will be handed over free of cost to eligible applicants.…
Islamabad, Pakistan – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially launched 10 million digital wallets for beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), a landmark initiative aimed at ensuring financial inclusion, transparency, and progress toward a cashless economy in Pakistan. The premier inaugurated the initiative with a symbolic palm-touch ceremony in Islamabad, joined by federal ministers, BISP leadership, and international development partners including GIZ. He praised BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid and partner institutions, calling the digital wallet project a “historic milestone in Pakistan’s social protection system.” Shehbaz emphasized that the BISP digital wallet system would empower beneficiaries—primarily women—by providing…
Pakistan and Bangladesh have taken a significant step toward enhancing bilateral relations by signing a visa-free travel agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, alongside a series of new accords in multiple sectors. The agreements were formalized during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh, where he was joined by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the pacts will help “institutionalize and further strengthen bilateral collaboration” across fields including trade, culture, education, media, diplomatic training, and academic exchanges. This development follows a similar agreement signed between Pakistan and the United…