Author: Faiza Liaquat
A new one-window public service facility, Assan Khidmat Markaz, is nearing completion in Islamabad and is expected to be inaugurated soon, aiming to streamline access to essential government services for residents of the capital. The facility has been established in the former Public Welfare Department (PWD) building located in the Mauve Area of Sector G-9. Under the initiative, the centre will provide hundreds of public services under one roof, including the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) one-window operations, services of the Islamabad administration, and likely passport-related services. The PWD building has undergone complete renovation, including a redesigned exterior tailored to support…
PESHAWAR — Around 300,000 residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have availed free medical treatment outside the province under the Sehat Card Plus health insurance program, according to official records. Since its launch in 2016, over five million beneficiaries have received treatment worth approximately Rs. 150 billion through the scheme. The program allows cashless treatment and diagnostic services at more than 700 empaneled hospitals across Pakistan using Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-issued national identity cards. Official data shows that 294,287 patients sought treatment outside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A majority traveled to Punjab, followed by Islamabad, Karachi, and Balochistan, while smaller numbers received medical care in Gilgit-Baltistan…
ISLAMABAD, December 24, 2025 — Pakistan and China reaffirmed their strategic partnership and announced a united media front against disinformation during the 9th China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Media Forum held in Islamabad on Tuesday. The forum marked a decade of media collaboration between the two countries and set the tone for celebrations ahead of their 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. Hosted by the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), the forum brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and leading journalists from both sides. Participants resolved to establish a joint Rapid Response Network aimed at countering fake news and misleading narratives, particularly…
In a historic move, the Arif Habib consortium has emerged as the highest bidder to acquire a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Ltd (PIAC), placing a final offer of Rs. 135 billion. The auction, Pakistan’s first significant privatization in nearly twenty years, opened on Tuesday with pre-qualified participants including Lucky Cement, Airblue, and Arif Habib. Airblue exited the bidding early after offering Rs. 26.5 billion, which fell below the reference price. Lucky Cement initially bid Rs. 101.5 billion, while Arif Habib led with Rs. 115 billion. After a brief 30-minute pause requested by Lucky Cement, the auction resumed…
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to introduce modern train services on multiple railway routes across the province, including the proposed Kohat–Kharlachi rail link, as part of efforts to strengthen transport infrastructure and regional connectivity. The decision was taken during a meeting on railway affairs chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi at the KP House in Islamabad. Officials briefed the meeting on various ongoing and proposed railway initiatives in the province. According to the briefing, the Kohat–Kharlachi railway project involves the construction of a 192-kilometre rail line at an estimated cost of $642 million. Authorities expect the project to…
Pakistan’s promising junior tennis talent, Shayan Afridi, has achieved a major international milestone by winning the El Paso Sports Commission Junior Open Tennis Tournament in the Under-14 category in Texas, United States. Afridi produced a commanding display in the final, defeating Andrew Hiotellkis by 4–0 at the El Paso Tennis Club, demonstrating composure, technical strength, and competitive maturity beyond his age. Shayan Afridi is currently touring the United States alongside fellow Pakistani junior player Rashid Ali. Prior to their participation in Texas, both players competed in the prestigious Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship in Miami, where they earned places…
Pakistan’s rowing contingent produced an exceptional performance at the Thailand International Rowing and Indoor Rowing Regatta, held from December 20 to 22 in Pattaya, emerging as one of the most successful teams at the international event. Representing Pakistan, the Karachi Boat Club competed against more than 200 athletes from eight countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Korea, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the United States. Despite strong international competition, the Pakistani rowers showcased superior skill, endurance, and teamwork throughout the regatta. A nine-member Karachi Boat Club team, led by coach Asghar Ali, delivered a powerful overall performance, finishing the competition…
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to introduce electric carts and valet parking services at the newly developed Blue Area Food Street in Islamabad, aiming to improve accessibility and traffic management in the busy commercial district. According to CDA officials, four electric carts will operate within the pedestrian-only food street, providing convenience for elderly citizens, children, and families. Additionally, a valet parking service will be launched along Jinnah Avenue to streamline vehicle parking and reduce traffic congestion in the surrounding areas. These initiatives are part of a Rs. 240 million redevelopment project designed to transform Blue Area into…
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has approved trophy hunting quotas for the 2025–26 season, emphasizing that the decision is rooted in verified population surveys and scientific assessments rather than routine administrative procedures. According to a ministry spokesperson, the quotas were issued through the CITES Management Authority of Pakistan after a thorough review of population data submitted by provincial wildlife departments. The move has been described as part of a broader effort to promote transparent and evidence-based wildlife governance in the country. Pakistan, a signatory to both the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Convention on International…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a cash prize of Rs. 10 million (one crore) for each player of the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team following their historic victory in the 2025 Asia Cup. The announcement was made during a luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister in Islamabad to honor the young squad, which defeated arch-rivals India in the tournament final. Congratulating the players on their achievement, the Prime Minister described the win as a major milestone for Pakistan cricket. “You young players have made history by defeating India,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the team. He added that the…
