Author: Faiza Liaquat
In what is fast becoming a landmark tournament for Pakistan’s young female athletes, the junior netball team has soared into the semifinals of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025, held in South Korea, after a flawless run in the group stage. Over the past week, the team has delivered consistent, high-energy performances — defeating every opponent in Pool B, including host nation South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Chinese Taipei, Maldives, and Japan. Their most recent win came against the Maldives, with a hard-fought 49-39 victory, showcasing their ability to hold strong under pressure. Their dominant 79-39 win over Japan earlier…
As part of a growing commitment to environmental sustainability, the Punjab government has officially launched its “Plastic-Free Punjab Pledge” — a comprehensive campaign aimed at drastically cutting down plastic pollution across the province. Under this new initiative, plastic bags thinner than 75 microns or smaller than 12×16 inches have been completely banned, effective immediately. The regulation targets one of the most persistent forms of pollution — lightweight, single-use plastic bags that are non-biodegradable, hard to recycle, and often end up clogging drainage systems and harming wildlife. The campaign is being driven by the Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD), which has…
In a powerful blend of sports, style, and global recognition, Pakistan’s cricket sensation Babar Azam has become the first-ever Pakistani to be invited by the world-renowned luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton. Known for his unmatched elegance on the cricket pitch, Babar is now turning heads in the fashion world — stepping into a league where few athletes, let alone Pakistanis, have ventured. The Louis Vuitton invite is more than just a fashion statement — it marks a cultural milestone. It reflects how South Asian icons like Babar are not only excelling in their craft but also breaking into global lifestyle…
Pakistan’s snooker legend Muhammad Asif is set to represent the country at the Commonwealth Billiards & Snooker Sports Championship 2025, taking place from July 2–6 in Mauritius. The international event, hosted by the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS) and backed by the Commonwealth Games Federation, will feature top cueists from across member nations. Asif earned his spot by winning the IBSF World Snooker Championship 2024 in Doha, marking his third world title and reaffirming his status as one of Pakistan’s greatest cue sports athletes. The tournament will feature a mix of formats — including Snooker, 10-Ball, Heyball, Blackball, and…
In a major step toward digitizing public services, Pakistan Railways has partnered with Allied Bank Limited to introduce cashless payment systems at 348 stations nationwide. Through this initiative, passengers will soon be able to purchase tickets and services using debit and credit cards, streamlining transactions and reducing reliance on cash. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aligns with the federal government’s “Digital Pakistan” vision. According to Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, the POS system rollout will be completed in 60 days. This upgrade is expected to shorten queues, improve transparency, and minimize manual errors and financial fraud…
In a key leadership transition, the World Bank has appointed Bolormaa Amgaabazar as its new Country Director for Pakistan, effective July 1, 2025. Her appointment comes at a crucial time as Pakistan faces significant economic and development challenges. Amgaabazar succeeds Najy Benhassine and brings over 20 years of global development experience, having worked across Africa, East Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. She has held senior roles in the Bank’s offices in the Kyrgyz Republic, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste, and has also contributed to international development in her home country, Mongolia. Expressing her commitment, Amgaabazar said, “The World Bank and Pakistan…
At a time when Pakistan’s national hockey team faces serious financial challenges, two respected businessmen have stepped forward to offer more than just aid — they’re reigniting hope for a sport long eclipsed by cricket. Anwar Khawaja of AK Industries and Khawaja Masood Akhtar of Forward Sports (globally known as a FIFA football supplier) have launched a direct sponsorship initiative for nine national hockey players. The players are divided into two tiers: For years, national hockey players have struggled — often funding their own training and travel, despite representing Pakistan on global platforms. This support marks a shift: not just…
In a significant milestone for its economic journey, Pakistan has been named the most improved emerging market in sovereign credit risk, according to Bloomberg Intelligence’s latest data. The report shows that Pakistan’s credit default risk has dropped from 59% to 47% over the last 12 months — marking the sharpest decline globally. This turnaround is credited to the country’s macroeconomic stabilization efforts, structural reforms, successful IMF engagement, and timely repayment of external debts, which have collectively restored investor confidence and enhanced Pakistan’s credibility in global financial markets. Financial Advisor Khurram Schehzad shared the news via social media, citing the data…
In a significant move toward digital transformation in public services, the Punjab Transport Company (PTC) has launched a new online route permit system aimed at making transportation more accessible, transparent, and user-friendly for both commuters and transport providers. Through the official Punjab Portal website and a newly introduced PTC mobile application, users can now apply for transport route permits and pay associated fees without the hassle of paperwork or in-person visits. This marks a pivotal moment in simplifying transport-related processes and enhancing the overall commuter experience in Punjab. This digital leap not only streamlines permit processing but also lays the…
In a landmark move toward transparency, digital innovation, and consumer empowerment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially launched the ‘Apna Meter, Apni Reading’ mobile application, a groundbreaking initiative designed to revolutionize the way electricity billing is handled across Pakistan. As part of broader reforms in the power sector, this user-friendly app enables consumers to take full control of their electricity usage by allowing them to record and submit their own meter readings. This direct approach aims to eliminate long-standing complaints about overbilling, inaccurate meter readings, and dependency on third-party meter readers, which have often led to disputes and mistrust between…