Author: Faiza Liaquat

Quetta — Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced that the Government of Balochistan has conditionally approved the grant of Exploration License (EL-331), allowing the company to explore precious and base metals group and associated minerals in District Chagai, Balochistan. The approval underscores PPL’s long-term commitment to expanding its presence in the mineral exploration sector and reflects the company’s strategic focus on diversification beyond hydrocarbons to ensure business sustainability and national resource development. Located in one of Pakistan’s most mineral-rich regions, District Chagai is known for its significant deposits of copper, gold, and other valuable minerals. The approval paves the way…

Eight Pakistani universities have been recognized among the best in Asia in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings: Asia 2026, reflecting the country’s strengthening position in higher education and research. The Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) leads the national list, securing rank 238, followed by Air University (328) and Bahria University (416). Below is the complete list of Pakistani universities featured in the rankings: S. No.UniversityCityRank1Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS)Islamabad2382Air UniversityIslamabad3283Bahria UniversityKarachi4164The Islamia University of BahawalpurBahawalpur4345University of Veterinary and Animal SciencesPattoki6076Hazara UniversityMansahra6147University of SwatMingora761–7708University of SahiwalSahiwal951–1000 The QS Asia University Rankings, first published…

The Islamabad–Murree Expressway is set to open soon, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s road infrastructure development. During a visit to inspect the site, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan expressed satisfaction over the pace and quality of work, confirming that the project is in its final phase. He announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the expressway in the coming days. Aleem Khan noted that the route has been upgraded into a modern, high-standard highway designed to accommodate the growing number of travelers visiting Murree each year. Equipped with advanced safety features and smart road technology, the…

Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb revealed that Google is partnering with Pakistan to help transform the country into a regional technology and IT hub, underscoring growing international confidence in Pakistan’s digital and economic recovery. Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, the finance minister described the collaboration as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward technological advancement and global competitiveness. Aurangzeb shared that he recently held a meeting with Google executives in Islamabad to discuss expanded cooperation in digital development, innovation, and skills training. While Google has not yet announced plans to establish an office in Pakistan, he said…

Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has officially commenced oil and gas production from its recently discovered exploratory well, Dhok Sultan-3, located in the Dhok Sultan Block, Attock District, Punjab. The company began early production on November 1, 2025, under the Appraisal/Extended Well Testing phase. The oil is processed through PPL’s operated Dhok Sultan Oil Handling Facility, while gas is transported to the Meyal Gas Processing Facility. According to PPL, oil from the well is being supplied to Attock Refinery Limited, and gas is sold to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited. The current arrangement allows the company to ramp up production to…

The Sindh government has officially launched the second phase of the Pink Scooty Scheme, a women-focused initiative designed to promote safe and independent commuting. The announcement was made by Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, who confirmed that preparations are underway to begin distributing scooters under the new phase. Sharjeel Memon urged women to obtain driving licenses, complete training courses, and register for the scheme to benefit from the opportunity. “The first phase received an overwhelming response,” he said. “Dozens of women learned to ride, got their licenses, and now use Pink Scooties for their daily commutes.” He added that…

The Ministry of Housing and Works has issued a notification approving an 85% increase in the rent ceiling for all federal government employees, effective November 1, 2025. The revision, approved by the federal cabinet and endorsed by the Finance Division, marks the first major rent adjustment since September 2021. The hike will apply uniformly to employees from BS-1 to BS-22 across six major cities — Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar. Officials stated that the move comes in response to a sharp rise in urban housing rents and growing population pressure, which had made it difficult for many employees…

Pakistan has announced the launch of its first Google Chromebook assembly line, marking a major step toward strengthening the country’s digital manufacturing and education technology ecosystem. The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at a ceremony in Islamabad, where he described the initiative as a “momentous occasion” for Pakistan’s technology sector. The assembly line will be established at the National Radio & Telecommunications Corporation (NRTC) facility in Haripur and is expected to produce up to 500,000 Chromebooks annually by 2026. The initiative is aimed at making high-quality, secure, and affordable Google-based laptops more accessible…

The Punjab government has approved a new policy to hire medical professionals on a temporary basis under the Punjab Locum Hiring Act 2025, aiming to overcome persistent staff shortages in the province’s health sector. The law provides for the formation of a Locum Policy Committee, headed by the provincial health minister, with the secretary serving as vice chairperson. The committee will also include three field experts and a human resources representative to ensure fair and efficient hiring practices. Its primary responsibilities will include identifying areas with acute staff shortages, defining terms of reference for locum recruitment, and determining the duration,…

The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) extended its remarkable rally on Tuesday, appreciating for the 29th consecutive session against the US Dollar (USD) and closing at Rs280.87 in the interbank market, marking a 0.01% day-on-day gain. This persistent strengthening trend reflects a combination of steady remittance inflows, tight foreign exchange management, and improving investor confidence in the country’s fiscal outlook. On a fiscal year-to-date (FYTD) basis, the rupee has appreciated by 1.09% against the dollar, with analysts noting that Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and reduced trade deficit have helped sustain market stability. A market observer commented, “Stable reserves and a narrowing trade…