Author: Faiza Liaquat
Pakistan is accelerating its digital transformation, with 100 online government services set to be available by December 2025, Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja has revealed. She said the country’s digital reform agenda is being steered by key laws and policies introduced over the past year, particularly the Pakistan Digital Nation Act, passed in January. The act provides a comprehensive roadmap for digitising the economy, public administration, and society, and has paved the way for new institutions and platforms. Among the major milestones she highlighted are: Shaza Khawaja also pointed to RAAST and the e-office system as standout…
Pakistan enjoyed a golden night in Riyadh as Arshad Nadeem secured Pakistan’s first gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, marking a powerful comeback on the international stage. Competing at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, Arshad entered the javelin throw final as the clear favourite – and he lived up to that billing. He claimed gold with an 83.05m throw on his second attempt, a distance none of his six rivals could match, with no other athlete crossing the 80m mark. “I’m quite happy because I won this accolade right after my injury,” Arshad said after the event. “I…
Two new franchises are on the horizon for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with sources confirming that the upcoming teams are set to be named Gilgit and Faisalabad. According to details, an agreement has reportedly been reached on the names of the new teams, while other shortlisted cities Rawalpindi, Muzaffarabad and Hyderabad – are no longer in contention in the current expansion race. However, the situation around Multan Sultans remains unresolved. PSL management has yet to finalize matters with the existing Multan franchise, and there is a possibility that Multan Sultans may also re-enter the bidding process as the search…
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced an ambitious new 25-kilometer signal-free corridor that aims to reshape daily travel between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The project will connect Islamabad Expressway to Peshawar Road, featuring 9 underpasses and 3 flyovers, with an estimated cost of around Rs 30 billion. According to the chief minister, construction work is beginning immediately, with a completion deadline set for April next year. “Islamabad Expressway se Peshawar Road tak 25 kilometre ka signal-free corridor ban raha hai. Is mein nau underpasses aur teen flyovers shamil hain… Aaj kaam shuru ho raha hai, agle saal April mein yeh…
Pakistan is moving ahead with its largest-ever copper-gold mining venture as the Reko Diq project in Balochistan heads towards financial close. Over the next 37 years, the project is expected to generate $53 billion for the country and create around 7,500 jobs, mainly for the local population. Officials briefed the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum that the project’s financial close is expected next month, with construction likely to begin in 2028. The $7.7 billion mega project will be developed in two phases.In Phase One, the project will require about $3.5 billion in financing, with overall construction costs estimated at $5.6–6…
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has expanded its M-Tag installation network by opening seven new service points across the federal capital, making it easier for motorists to complete mandatory tagging before enforcement begins. According to the administration, the new centers will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., providing an extended 12-hour window for vehicle owners to get their M-Tags installed and avoid last-minute rush and delays. New M-Tag Installation Points (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) The following locations have been designated as M-Tag installation points in Islamabad: These points are expected to facilitate thousands of daily commuters, particularly…
Pakistan is preparing to launch its first-ever centralized emergency helpline, similar to the 911 system used in the United States, to streamline and modernize emergency response services across the country. Officials from the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) have confirmed that work is underway on a unified platform that will connect citizens to emergency assistance through a single number, instead of multiple separate helplines. According to NTC representatives, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has already signed an agreement to roll out the 911 emergency service in the province. Once operational, anyone calling from anywhere in KP will be automatically connected…
Islamabad is set to become more digitally connected as the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) moves ahead with a plan to establish 30 free Wi-Fi hotspots across the capital by December 2025. During a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology, NTC officials briefed the committee on the project’s progress and confirmed that implementation is moving smoothly. The initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure by providing high-speed internet access to residents and visitors at 30 key locations throughout Islamabad. These hotspots are expected to support students, professionals, and the general public by making online services, communication, and…
A significant step toward animal welfare reform has been taken as Syed Haider Ali, an animal and climate activist, has filed a petition in the Data Darbar Animal Cruelty Case. The first hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 17, before Justice Shehram Sarwar at the Lahore High Court. The petition seeks three key outcomes: This case highlights a pressing need for humane treatment laws and systemic oversight in situations involving public works, urban development, and environmental management. Advocates emphasize that compassionate governance is essential to ensuring that no living being becomes collateral damage in institutional operations.
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has achieved a major milestone by provisionally clinching 8 offshore exploration blocks in the competitive bidding round conducted by the Government of Pakistan on October 31, 2025. The company submitted bids for all 8 blocks and secured a 100 percent success rate, obtaining 2 blocks as operator and 6 as joint venture (JV) partner on November 12. The provisional grant of these blocks marks a strategic step toward expanding PPL’s exploration footprint in high-potential offshore regions. The formal award of blocks will follow the execution of Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs) with JV…
