Author: Faiza Liaquat

Something exciting is on the horizon in the heart of Pakistan’s capital. This July, tech lovers, creators, and developers from across the country are gearing up for Google I/O Extended Islamabad 2025, hosted by the inspiring community of Google Developer Groups (GDG) Islamabad. It’s set to be one of the most dynamic and inclusive tech events of the year, filled with learning, innovation, and real human connection. The journey begins on 12 July at Pearl Continental Hotel Rawalpindi, with Day 2 unfolding on 13 July at Innovista Rawal, DHA Phase 1 Islamabad. From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, attendees will…

During the 33rd General Assembly at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, Pakistan was re-elected to the Executive Council of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO for the 2025–2027 term. This prestigious platform promotes international collaboration in marine science, supports sustainable ocean economies, and plays a vital role in tsunami early warning systems and ocean hazard preparedness. As a member, Pakistan will help steer the strategic direction of global ocean science, including projects under the UN Ocean Decade (2021–2030). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted this re-election as recognition of Pakistan’s growing role in scientific diplomacy and commitment to sustainable marine…

Pakistan is stepping confidently into the future with a national strategy to unlock the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. Led by Federal Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, a new roadmap has been laid out focusing on twelve high-impact sectors — from education and health to agriculture, governance, and business. This visionary framework not only outlines integration goals but also calls for coordinated collaboration across government, academia, and private industry. Working groups are being formed to tailor AI solutions to sector-specific challenges, guided by clear objectives and measurable outcomes. To support innovation and emerging talent, a National AI Fund will fuel…

In a powerful push to transform early education, the Punjab government has allocated Rs 250 million to build 1,139 new classrooms in public schools across the province. Each school will receive Rs 250,000 for furniture, books, and ECE kits part of an initiative to improve early childhood education infrastructure. Funds will be directly transferred to school heads to fast-track development and ensure better learning spaces for young students. Officials expect this move to raise education quality, reduce overcrowding, and provide more child-friendly environments in public schools. This comes as part of Punjab’s broader education reform strategy after earlier identifying 1.8…

Pakistan’s push for digital independence is paying off. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, over 12 million mobile phones were assembled domestically in the first five months of 2025. This includes 6.53 million 2G phones and 5.52 million smartphones, with imports staying well below a million units, a clear sign of reduced reliance on international supply chains. Even more promising, smartphone penetration has reached 67%, showing the country’s growing digital adoption. Meanwhile, PTA’s consumer protection record remains strong, having resolved nearly 98% of telecom and internet complaints last month. With these combined efforts in manufacturing, customer service, and regulatory support,…

In an extraordinary show of strength and skill, Pakistan’s Youth Girls Netball Team claimed the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 (Plate Title) in South Korea after a dominant 60-35 final victory over Maldives. The team’s flawless 7-match unbeaten streak featured big wins against top sides like Japan, Chinese Taipei, and hosts South Korea. Their final performance was a masterclass in control and confidence, with standout plays from Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Sumayya Kouser, Jasmine Farooq, and others. From a powerful opening quarter to a clinical finish, the girls never let go of their lead. The result is more…

In a historic step for Pakistan’s diplomacy, the country has assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of July. This marks Pakistan’s 8th time leading the Council and comes with a powerful agenda for global peacebuilding. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s representative to the UN, outlined a month guided by transparency, inclusivity, and commitment to the UN Charter. Key priorities include: This presidency reinforces Pakistan’s continued leadership in shaping multilateral diplomacy particularly in promoting peaceful conflict resolution and humanitarian protection.

Pakistan is making waves on the global scientific stage as five young researchers take part in the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Chemistry, held in Lindau, Germany from June 29 to July 4, 2025. The event is one of the world’s most exclusive scientific gatherings, where over 600 promising scientists interact with Nobel Prize winners through discussions, mentorship sessions, and collaborative dialogues. Representing diverse institutions across Pakistan, this year’s delegates include: The initiative is coordinated by the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in partnership with HEC, showcasing a strong…

In a decisive move toward equitable employment, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that married women in government jobs can legally adopt their spouse’s domicile—without compromising their promotion eligibility or placement within provincial quotas. The judgment was passed in response to a case filed by Dr. Shumaila Naeem, a medical officer who had switched her domicile to her husband’s province, Balochistan. After objections from the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), she took her case to the apex court, which upheld her rights and ordered reconsideration for her promotion. This verdict sets a vital precedent for gender equity in public…

In a year where many sectors struggled with internal slowdowns, Pakistan’s cement industry stood tall on the global stage. According to industry reports, cement exports jumped 29.5% year-on-year, reaching over 9.2 million tonnes and helping the sector surpass the 46 million tonne mark for total shipments. The southern region’s performance was especially remarkable, posting a 33% surge in exports. Meanwhile, June 2025 exports alone grew by a staggering 81.7%, signaling increasing global interest in Pakistani materials. This marks a pivotal shift toward export-led resilience. By leaning into global markets, the industry not only sustained output but also brought valuable foreign…