Author: Faiza Liaquat

Muhammad Haris Ahsan has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning 2nd place worldwide at an international hackathon, competing solo against more than 8,800 participants and over 870 multi-member teams. His achievement is especially significant because he ranked among the Top 2 globally while most competitors participated as teams of 2, 4, or 6 members. Hackathon Stats The Project – AutoDev Assistant Haris’ winning project, AutoDev Assistant, is an AI-powered tool designed to simplify DevOps workflows for developers and startups. Problem Statement Configuring DevOps pipelines such as GitHub Actions, Dockerfiles, and CI/CD workflows is often complex and time-consuming, particularly for solo…

The Capital Development Authority (CDA), in collaboration with the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), has announced the launch of the city’s first-ever weekly organic market in Sector F-7/3. The initiative aims to provide residents with access to fresh, locally grown organic produce while creating new opportunities for small-scale growers and businesses. The market will feature a range of organic items, including: Applications Now Open The market will be managed by the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), which is responsible for receiving applications from interested sellers. The last date for submission is 12 September 2025. Goals of the Organic Market Officials emphasized…

Pakistan has once again proven its dominance in competitive Scrabble, lifting the Team Trophy at the 20th World Youth Scrabble Championship 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur. This marks the sixth global title for Pakistan at the prestigious event. Historic Wins Across Age Groups This year’s tournament brought unforgettable moments for Pakistan: Largest Championship in History The 2025 edition was the biggest in the tournament’s history, featuring 226 players from 20 countries. Despite the tough competition, Pakistan’s 24-member contingent showcased unmatched skill and resilience, ensuring the country’s continued global success in Scrabble. Looking Ahead With this victory, Pakistan’s young Scrabble players…

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…

Google has officially rolled out its AI-powered Search Mode in Pakistan, giving millions of local users access to one of the world’s most advanced search experiences. The launch brings the power of artificial intelligence to everyday browsing, making searches faster, smarter, and more personalized than ever before. The feature, powered by Google’s Gemini 2.5 model, was first launched in the United States earlier this year and is now reaching global markets. Unlike traditional search, AI Search Mode allows users to ask long and detailed queries that once required multiple searches. Google reports that queries in AI Mode are often two…

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…

In a moment of global recognition for Pakistan’s growing tech talent, Mirza Abdullah Tariq, a student, IT consultant, and young entrepreneur, has secured 1st place at the international AI Hackathon hosted by LabLab.ai. Competing against 879 teams from around the world, Tariq’s victory highlights both his personal brilliance and the rising potential of Pakistani innovators in the global AI space. A Rising Star in AI Innovation Mirza Abdullah Tariq is not just a student but also an IT consultant, entrepreneur, and passionate explorer of health, fitness, and travel. His diverse interests, combined with his expertise in technology, reflect a new…