Author: Faiza Liaquat
In a significant move to address the capital’s severe water crisis, the federal government has announced a comprehensive water supply initiative for Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including the construction of multiple small dams and enforcement of new water conservation regulations. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, speaking in the National Assembly, revealed that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has formed a high-level committee led by the Interior Minister to oversee the initiative. The announcement followed a call-attention notice by MNA Anjum Aqeel Khan, who raised concerns about the dangerously low underground water levels in Islamabad. Once at 10 meters in 1960,…
The Punjab Education Department has mandated that all private schools across the province must offer free education to 10 percent of their total enrolled students. The directive primarily targets children from low-income backgrounds, those in need, and children with special needs. To ensure proper implementation, the department is reactivating the Private Schools Ordinance 2014, which allows for strict enforcement of such educational mandates. Education officers across districts have been instructed to monitor and report compliance. The Ministry of Education has also begun compiling lists of students eligible for free education. Private institutions are required to submit student admission details, with…
Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan on Tuesday officially inaugurated the Tangir-Darel Expressway—an ambitious infrastructure initiative worth Rs. 10 billion—under the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The 82-kilometer-long route will connect the remote and often isolated valleys of Tangir and Darel in Diamer district. Scheduled for completion by November 2027, the expressway is expected to serve as a transformative artery for the region, providing vital access and trade connectivity amid frequent disruptions caused by floods and landslides. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony in Tangir Valley, the chief minister described the project as a “historic breakthrough” and a long-overdue step towards…
In a major development for Pakistan’s football scene, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has officially announced open trials to select the national futsal team, which will participate in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 Qualifiers—a first in the country’s history. The trials will be held on Saturday, August 10, at the 5th Generation Sports Complex, DHA Phase 8, Lahore, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Aspiring futsal players from across Pakistan are encouraged to participate and showcase their skills for a chance to represent the country at the international level. This announcement comes as Pakistan gears up for its…
In a series of impactful decisions, the Punjab cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, approved a lifelong pension scheme for the widows of government employees, marking a significant move for social security and support. The approvals were granted during the 28th session of the provincial cabinet, where several wide-ranging reforms and relief initiatives were discussed and greenlit. Among the key highlights: Educational Reforms Introduced The government has taken steps toward streamlining academic assessments across the province: Additionally, the cabinet approved a proposal to recruit Vice Chancellors from the open market, setting a minimum qualifying score of 80%…
Pakistan’s young tech talent has made the country proud at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) 2025, held in Bolivia from July 27 to August 3. The four-member Pakistani team secured four bronze medals, finishing 32nd among 86 nations, ahead of several technologically advanced countries including Germany, France, Austria, and New Zealand. The medal winners — Muhammad Aneeq, Ghulam Junaid, Muhammad Saram, and Ahmed Imran Malik — represented the nation with exceptional skill and determination in one of the world’s most prestigious programming competitions. According to the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), this marks a significant improvement…
In a heartwarming moment of national pride, the Better Future Pakistan Football Club from Lyari has made history by winning the Boys Under-15 category at the Norway Cup 2025 — one of the world’s largest international youth football tournaments. Their remarkable unbeaten run was capped with a commanding 2-0 victory over Norway’s Vågå IL Football Club in the final held in Oslo, earning global admiration and a hero’s welcome back home in Karachi. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah personally congratulated the team, calling them the true identity and pride of Lyari and Sindh. He commended their hard work, discipline,…
In a landmark moment for Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, Myco, the country’s fastest-growing video streaming platform, has clinched the highest win of PKR 420 million (~USD 1.5 million) at Silicon Valley’s prestigious global startup reality show Meet the Drapers. Competing against 2,000+ startups worldwide, Myco emerged as the top startup of Season 9, securing a $500,000 investment and a $1 million SaaS service deal from legendary Silicon Valley investor Tim Draper — known for backing Tesla, SpaceX, Skype, and Coinbase. This is the first time a Pakistani-origin startup has reached the Meet the Drapers grand finale and won the highest combined…
Karachi is gearing up for a digital transformation in traffic enforcement with the introduction of the Faceless Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS). The new system will monitor traffic violations through high-definition surveillance cameras, eliminating the need for on-ground officers. This automated e-challan system aims to bring transparency, reduce corruption, and improve road discipline. Once a violation is captured on camera, a digital ticket with photo evidence will be sent directly to the offender’s home address. The campaign’s slogan, “No more arguments every challan will come with proof,” highlights the emphasis on accountability and citizen awareness. Authorities believe this move…
In a significant step toward modernizing public infrastructure, the federal government has announced a new initiative to provide free Wi-Fi at 40 railway stations across Punjab. This move aims to enhance passenger convenience and bring digital connectivity to travelers nationwide. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi shared details of the project in a recent interview with a private news channel. He stated that the government plans to invest Rs350 billion in Pakistan Railways, including upgrading eight major branch lines throughout the province. The free Wi-Fi initiative is part of a broader infrastructure and service improvement plan. The decision to offer complimentary internet…