Author: Faiza Liaquat
In a high-stakes federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government approved several key social and economic measures — marking a clear shift toward reform-focused governance. Among the top decisions was a 15% increase in the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) pension, effective from January 2025. Funded by EOBI’s own resources, the raise aims to provide immediate relief to thousands of pensioners. The PM also ordered the formation of a cabinet committee for EOBI reform, focusing on bringing informal sector workers — such as domestic help and farmers — under its coverage. “Those who were long excluded…
In a key sign of improving economic relations, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan reached $1 billion in just the first six months of 2025 a figure that reflects growing regional cooperation despite underlying political and security complexities. According to data released by the Afghan Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan exported $712 million in goods primarily food and industrial items while Afghanistan exported $277 million worth of cotton, coal, dry fruits, and soft stones to Pakistan. This surge in trade comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Ambassador Sadiq Khan playing a vital role in bridging…
In what is being hailed as Punjab’s most ambitious housing investment to date, the provincial government has released Rs. 42 billion under its flagship ‘Apni Chat Apna Ghar’ program offering interest-free home construction loans to low-income families across the province. Launched in August 2024, the scheme is already making waves. Over 51,900 families have benefited, with 6,160 houses completed and another 45,000+ under construction. Targeting daily wagers, widows, shopkeepers, and small vendors, the initiative offers up to Rs. 1.5 million in interest-free support to those who own land but lack resources to build a home. During a progress review, Chief…
Islamabad, July 2025 – In a long-awaited development, the United Kingdom has officially lifted its five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing national carriers to once again operate direct flights to UK destinations. The restriction, initially imposed in 2020 due to concerns over pilot license verification, has been removed following significant aviation safety reforms by Pakistani authorities, according to a statement by the British High Commission. This policy shift aligns with the European Union’s recent decision to restore operations for Pakistani carriers, marking a strong international endorsement of Pakistan’s regulatory improvements. Return to the Skies Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the country’s…
Islamabad, July 2025: In a landmark development for Pakistani nationals, the United Kingdom has launched its digital visa (eVisa) system for applicants from Pakistan under various educational and employment categories. This move, set to replace traditional paper-based visa stickers, went live this month and is part of the UK government’s broader plan to digitize immigration services. According to the UK Home Office, most students and skilled workers applying for UK visas will now receive an eVisa—a digital proof of their immigration status—accessible through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. “This is a major step in simplifying the visa process,”…
In a rare moment of hope and healing, Cammie, the young camel whose brutal maiming in Sanghar shocked the nation, has now taken her first steps using a prosthetic leg, bringing a wave of inspiration across Pakistan. One year after the attack, the camel was seen walking again thanks to the tireless efforts of CDRS Benji Project, a Karachi-based animal rescue organization. Her custom prosthetic limb, developed by U.S. firm Bionic Pets, marks a milestone in animal rehabilitation in the region. This development not only showcases the intersection of advanced prosthetics and veterinary care but also reflects growing awareness of…
In a major win for national health sovereignty, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) has successfully developed Pakistan’s first-ever indigenous anti-rabies vaccine. This development comes amid rising rabies cases and looming international aid cutbacks on vaccine imports. The vaccine, now ready for clinical trials, was formulated using a locally isolated rabies strain, and marks the country’s first serious step toward independent vaccine manufacturing. Rabies, primarily caused by dog bites, claims up to 5,000 lives in Pakistan each year. With rising costs and limited data on treatment outcomes, the urgency for a local solution has never been clearer. Supported by the…
In a significant leap toward global collaboration in education and governance, Japan has announced the next phase of its ongoing scholarship initiative for Pakistani civil servants. Through a $263 million funding agreement, 16 young government professionals will be offered full scholarships to pursue advanced degrees in Japan. This program—facilitated through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)—aims to enhance Pakistan’s institutional capacity by strengthening the leadership skills and policy-making expertise of its public sector officers. Since the program’s launch in 2018, it has empowered several cohorts of Pakistani civil servants, who now bring global best practices into domestic reform efforts. The…
HITEC University, Taxila has carved its name into history by becoming Pakistan’s first-ever international champion in combat robotics. The university’s elite student team, Team Megabyte, claimed top honors at the prestigious ENIM Robot 10 Combat Robotics Competition held in Tunisia, outshining global contenders. Comprising passionate engineering students Hamza Chughtai, Zain Chughtai, Abdul Wahid, and Uzair Ahmed, Team Megabyte was formed with a mission to showcase Pakistan’s talent on the world stage. Prior to their global triumph, the team dominated national robotics contests including: The Tunisia win cements their legacy not only as national leaders but now as international pioneers in…
The UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue has officially opened in London, bringing with it a renewed focus on bilateral trade, economic reform, and innovation-led sectors. The highlight: a joint target to raise annual trade volume to €4.7 billion. At the center of this effort is a newly formed Business Advisory Council, comprising government officials and leading entrepreneurs. This council will provide policy advice, identify growth opportunities, and work to remove trade barriers. Strategic focus areas include: Both countries reaffirmed the importance of deepening ties, with Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Minister Douglas Alexander voicing strong support for long-term, inclusive trade growth. The…