Author: Faiza Liaquat
Pakistan has added another milestone to its sporting achievements as Karachi-based martial artist Wajahat Yar Khan set a new Guinness World Record by performing 126 push-ups at a 180-degree angle within one minute. The record breaks the previous benchmark held by Britain’s Alex Golding and has been officially verified and recognised by Guinness World Records. Speaking about the achievement, Wajahat Yar Khan said the record was the outcome of ten months of rigorous and disciplined training. He credited his success to consistency, perseverance, and the unwavering support of his family, particularly his parents. The martial artist revealed that the journey…
The federal government is preparing to relaunch the ‘BEEP’ messaging application for government officials across Pakistan in the coming months, with an initial rollout expected within two months. Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Board (NITB), Faisal Ratyal, shared the update while briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom on Tuesday. He confirmed that the BEEP application has been locally developed and certified by all relevant government agencies, including the National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT). The BEEP app was originally launched in August 2023 under the tenure of former Federal Minister for Information…
Lahore — The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs has approved the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill 2025, proposing a near-total ban on kite flying across the province, with limited permission only on government-approved days and at designated locations under strict regulatory conditions. The approval follows the Punjab government’s decision to lift the 18-year ban on the Basant festival, which was imposed after multiple fatal incidents caused by sharp kite strings. Basant is scheduled to be celebrated again in February next year, under a tightly regulated framework. Under the proposed law, the use of metallic wire, nylon cord,…
Islamabad — Pakistani students seeking international education opportunities have received a major boost as Brunei Darussalam and Finland announce scholarship programs for the 2026 academic year. The Government of Brunei Darussalam has officially opened applications for its prestigious international scholarship program. The initiative allows students from partner countries, including Pakistan, to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Brunei. The program aims to strengthen global educational collaboration and promote cultural exchange. Interested candidates must submit their applications by February 15, 2026, through the official online portal:🔗 https://mfa.gov.bn/pages/online-bdgs.aspx The scholarship covers a range of academic disciplines and provides students with an opportunity…
Islamabad — The Pakistani rupee (PKR) extended its historic winning streak against the US Dollar (USD) on Monday, closing in green for the 60th consecutive trading day in the interbank market. The local currency settled at PKR 280.31 per dollar, registering a gain of one paisa compared to the previous session. The sustained appreciation reflects continued stability in the foreign exchange market and improved sentiment around Pakistan’s external sector management. Despite its strength against the dollar, the rupee faced pressure against several other major international currencies during the day’s trading session. Performance Against Major Currencies The PKR closed lower against…
Islamabad — Pakistan and Russia are engaged in discussions over a potential agreement in the oil sector, with talks currently underway between the energy ministries of both countries, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said in remarks to Russia’s RIA news agency. The finance minister stated that Pakistan is keen to expand cooperation with Russia in oil exploration, production, and refining, identifying these areas as key strengths of the Russian energy sector. He added that Islamabad would welcome a formal agreement to strengthen bilateral collaboration in the oil industry. The discussions come amid evolving global energy dynamics. Russia has been actively seeking…
Islamabad, December 14, 2025 : Google Developer Group (GDG) Islamabad successfully organized DevFest Islamabad 2025 at Ramada Islamabad, bringing together over 300 participants from across Pakistan. The event gathered developers, entrepreneurs, students, technology professionals, media representatives, and government officials to discuss the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Google technologies, and digital innovation in Pakistan. The conference focused on critical themes including AI trust, security, productivity, and responsible adoption, addressing key challenges and opportunities within Pakistan’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem. Government Emphasizes Collaboration and Digital Upskilling The event was attended by Mr. Zarrar Hasham Khan, Secretary IT & Telecommunication (MoITT), as…
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced major tax relief for residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) by allowing them to be included in Pakistan’s Active Taxpayers List (ATL). The move enables eligible individuals to benefit from filer tax rates on financial and business transactions carried out within Pakistan. Under a newly notified income tax amendment, the FBR will include taxpayers from AJK and GB in the Active Taxpayers List if they are already registered as active taxpayers with either the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Central Board of Revenue or the Gilgit-Baltistan Council Board of…
Pakistan has achieved a historic milestone in international martial arts as Zainab Khan secured a gold medal at the 5th Kyokushin World Karate Championship held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Her victory marks the first time a Pakistani woman has won gold in full-contact karate at a world championship level. Representing the Inam Kyokushin Karate Academy, Zainab Khan displayed exceptional strength, discipline, and confidence as she competed against top international fighters. Her commanding performance earned her the top spot on the podium, bringing immense pride to Pakistan on the global stage. The championship featured more than 750 fighters from 40 countries,…
The Government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed two major development programs aimed at transforming STEM education and strengthening the nursing and health workforce in Punjab. The agreements include: Speaking at the signing ceremony, Secretary Economic Affairs Division Muhammad Humair Karim appreciated ADB’s longstanding partnership and its support for Pakistan’s social development priorities. He said both programs will play a critical role in strengthening education and healthcare systems, enabling long-term, inclusive growth. Officials noted that the STEM Education Program—to be implemented between 2026 and 2030—aims to modernize learning environments, improve inclusivity, and prepare students for a…