Author: Faiza Liaquat
Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan rose by 38.68%, reaching US$773.89 million in fiscal year 2024–25, up from US$558.03 million last year, according to data shared by Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq citing the State Bank of Pakistan. In June 2025 alone, exports stood at US$50.23 million, showing an 8% increase compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, imports from Afghanistan increased by 116.53% to US$25.89 million. However, on a year-on-year basis, a 33.55% decline was recorded, reflecting changing trade dynamics.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially finalized the design for a new series of Pakistani currency notes, as announced by Governor Jameel Ahmad during a press briefing in Karachi on Wednesday. The new design, crafted by an international expert, is part of an ongoing effort by SBP to modernize the country’s currency and introduce enhanced security features. However, the release process will only begin after the Federal Cabinet grants its approval. Governor Ahmad shared the update while addressing the media on the central bank’s decision to maintain the current interest rate. He noted that the design selection process…
Former US President Donald Trump announced a new deal between the United States and Pakistan to jointly develop massive oil reserves in Pakistan. In a social media statement, Trump said: “We have just concluded a deal with the country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive oil reserves. We are in the process of choosing the oil company that will lead this partnership.” While no further details were disclosed, the deal aligns with recent diplomatic engagements between the two nations. Last week, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that a trade agreement…
In a bold step toward combating pollution and promoting sustainable practices, the Punjab government has launched the Green Credit Program, offering Rs100,000 in cash rewards to motorcyclists who convert their petrol bikes into electric vehicles (EVs). Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced the initiative on Monday, stating that it aims to promote environmentally responsible behavior while creating a greener Punjab. The program not only supports EV adoption but also rewards citizens for planting trees and using energy-saving LED lights in their homes. Citizens can register on the official Green Credit Program website, where they can participate in eco-friendly activities and…
In a historic first, Pakistan has won a Gold Medal at the prestigious International Biology Olympiad (IBO) held in the Philippines from July 20–27, 2025. Abdul Raffay Paracha, a student of Siddique Public School, brought home the nation’s first-ever IBO Gold, marking a proud moment for Pakistan’s scientific and academic community. This achievement was part of the Pakistan Gold Medal International Science Olympiad campaign, a collaborative initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and PIEAS, executed under the STEM Careers Programme. The national team was mentored by Dr. Asma Imran and Dr. Asma Rehman from NIBGE, a PIEAS and PAEC…
The Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway (M-6) is finally moving toward full-scale development, as construction on all five sections is expected to begin simultaneously within the current financial year, according to National Highways Authority (NHA) Chairman Muhammad Shehryar Sultan. Speaking before the Senate Standing Committee on Communications, Sultan clarified that the Rs15 billion allocated in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) is meant for project oversight and supervision, rather than physical construction. Full-scale building activity is projected to begin by March or April 2026, once final negotiations with multilateral investors are concluded. The 306-kilometre M-6 motorway has a revised estimated cost of Rs363.70…
The Punjab Traffic Police has issued over 4.87 million driving licenses in the last seven months, reflecting a significant surge in public registrations. A spokesperson from the Punjab Police confirmed the data, which also shows extensive enforcement actions across the province. During the same period, the traffic department issued more than 7.3 million challans, collecting a total of Rs. 4.52 billion in fines for various traffic violations. In parallel, authorities launched a crackdown on environmentally harmful vehicles. Over 250,000 smoke-emitting vehicles were fined, with 22,276 impounded and 214 fitness certificates cancelled, as part of a broader push to tackle air…
In response to the federal government’s ban on overland travel to Iraq and Iran for Arbaeen 2025, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a special flight operation for pilgrims. The outbound flights to Najaf will run from August 8 to 11, with return flights scheduled between August 18 and 23. The move follows a high-level security decision led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government, and law enforcement agencies. The restriction, according to officials, is aimed at ensuring public safety and national security during the pilgrimage season. With road routes closed,…
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have reaffirmed their commitment to raise bilateral trade to USD 100 million, aiming to reverse the steep decline from USD 11.2M in 2022–23 to just USD 5.18M in 2024–25. Power Minister Awais Leghari stressed deeper cooperation in trade, energy, mining, tourism, education, and digital connectivity during the 5th session of the Inter-Governmental Commission. Both sides discussed key MoUs in halal trade, higher medical education, agriculture, and IT. Access to Kyrgyzstan’s At-Bashi Logistics Centre, interest in Pakistan’s mining sector, and a data-sharing agreement between customs were highlighted as major steps. Future projects include joint vaccine production, enhanced transport…
The National College of Arts (NCA) has officially opened admissions for its 2025 academic session, inviting applications across both its Lahore and Rawalpindi campuses. The last date to apply is August 12, 2025. Students can apply under several categories, including open merit, self-finance, self-support, and reserved quotas, including the foreign quota. The Lahore campus is offering undergraduate programs in Architecture, Fine Arts, and a variety of Design disciplines such as Visual Communication, Textile, Fashion, Product, and Ceramic Design. It is also accepting applications for Musicology, Film & Television, Multimedia Art, and Cultural Studies. Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi campus is offering degree…