Author: Faiza Liaquat
In a thrilling semifinal clash in Kuching, Malaysia, Pakistan’s squash duo Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal battled back to defeat Malaysia’s Syafiq Kamal and Duncan Lee 2-1 and book their place in the Asian Doubles Squash Championship Final. After dropping the first game 10-11 in a tightly contested battle, the Pakistani pair regrouped with smart tactical changes and relentless pressure. Their efforts paid off with back-to-back 11-9 victories in the remaining two games — showcasing grit, experience, and chemistry on court. Now, Pakistan prepares to face their biggest rivals — India — in a highly anticipated final on Thursday. India’s…
In a major step toward promoting women’s economic empowerment, the Government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $350 million loan agreement under Subprogram-II of the Women Inclusive Finance Sector Development Program. This initiative is designed to break barriers in women’s access to finance, support entrepreneurship, and foster inclusive workplaces. The package includes a $300 million policy-based loan for regulatory and institutional reforms, along with a $50 million Financial Intermediary Loan (FIL) to boost financial access for women entrepreneurs. The State Bank of Pakistan also signed a related agreement, reaffirming the government’s commitment to financial inclusion.…
Pakistan’s government introduces digital loans up to Rs1 million for small farmers without collateral. The scheme supports agriculture input needs and promotes food security. In a groundbreaking agricultural reform, the Pakistan government has launched digital loans of up to Rs1 million for smallholder farmers — without requiring any collateral. Announced by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb during the 2025 budget speech, this initiative aims to help farmers access seeds, fertilisers, diesel, and more — all through digital disbursement channels. The scheme also includes an Electronic Warehouse Receipt System to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure farmers get fair prices for stored grain.…
To address a critical shortage of teaching staff, the Punjab Health Department has approved the contractual rehiring of retired medical faculty—now up to age 65. This urgent move focuses on filling gaps in key disciplines such as cardiac and pediatric surgery, oncology, pulmonology, and anesthesiology across public medical colleges and hospitals. Facing an alarming shortage of qualified teachers in government medical institutions, the Punjab government has launched an emergency initiative to rehire retired medical professors on a temporary contract basis, with the age limit extended to 65. This quick action targets critical specialties like cardiology, pulmonology, forensic medicine, and biochemistry,…
In a landmark collaboration, London’s Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has partnered with Novacare to launch a 250-bed smart hospital in Islamabad by 2026. This project brings world-class medical services to Pakistan across 28 specialties, including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, and maternal care, while also reinvesting affiliate revenue back into the UK’s NHS. Located in DHA Phase V, the hospital will feature AI-powered technologies, smart infrastructure, and infection control systems, ensuring modern, efficient, and safe care. NHS experts are guiding the hospital’s design, workforce planning, and staff training, helping to raise local standards. Healthcare professionals in Pakistan will benefit from remote…
In a landmark achievement for Pakistan and the global mining industry, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) has officially become the first mining firm worldwide to receive the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Gold Certification for its mining operations in Thar Block II. The AWS certification is an international benchmark for organizations that demonstrate excellence in water stewardship — promoting sustainable and socially responsible water use. The standard was introduced in 2009 by the UN, global NGOs, and research institutions to ensure the long-term protection of freshwater ecosystems. SECMC’s operations in Thar Block II now represent a global model for…
In a significant step toward digital accessibility and citizen facilitation, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has upgraded its non-chip Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) without increasing fees. The updated CNIC now includes two key improvements: Perhaps most notable is the drastic reduction in delivery time. Previously issued within 30 days, the new non-chip CNICs will now be delivered in just 6 to 15 days, significantly improving processing efficiency. Despite these modernizations, NADRA has maintained the same fee structure. First-time applicants will still receive the CNIC free of charge, reflecting a strong commitment to serving Pakistan’s underserved and low-income…
In one of the most exhilarating moments in Pakistan’s volleyball history, the national men’s team delivered a sensational performance by defeating world No. 23 Qatar in straight sets (25-22, 25-22, 25-21) at the AVC Nations Cup 2025 semifinal in Bahrain. The stunning 3-0 victory not only booked Pakistan’s place in the final but also avenged their heartbreaking loss to Qatar in last year’s AVC Challenge Cup final. From the first serve to the final whistle, Pakistan outclassed their higher-ranked opponents with unmatched energy, precision, and unity. The Green Shirts recorded a total of 47 attack points to Qatar’s 41 and…
In a landmark academic moment, Pakistan has secured the top position in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2025, with students from the country leading the list of 2,176 awardees from 137 countries. This year’s results highlight Pakistan’s growing intellectual presence on the global stage, with more young scholars than ever achieving academic recognition in one of the world’s most competitive programs. According to official statistics, Pakistan was followed by India (96), Bangladesh (95), Mexico (93), Nigeria (75), and Brazil (73) — all strong contenders from the Global South. This trend underscores the rising academic talent in developing nations, breaking…
In a powerful move for women empowerment and rural upliftment, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched a Rs2 billion livestock scheme targeting widowed and divorced women in southern Punjab. Through this historic initiative, the Punjab government will distribute buffaloes and cows to 11,000 deserving women across 12 districts, offering not just animals, but a path to dignity, income, and self-reliance. The program is designed for women up to the age of 55, allowing them to apply easily from home via a dedicated mobile application—a first-of-its-kind move that merges technology with accessibility. In rural communities, livestock isn’t just an asset—it’s…