Author: Faiza Liaquat
In a significant bilateral development, Pakistan and China have signed a 5-year strategic agreement focused on enhancing cooperation in technology, research, and innovation. This partnership aims to promote collaboration in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, data science, and digital transformation. The agreement includes plans for joint R&D projects, academic exchange programs, and tech incubators designed to boost entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer. This pact is not only a technological collaboration but a diplomatic milestone, further strengthening Pakistan-China relations under the broader CPEC framework. With China’s proven leadership in tech innovation and Pakistan’s youthful talent pool, the…
In a bold expansion move, OPPO Pakistan has inaugurated its first flagship experience store in the country, offering customers a luxury retail experience and hands-on access to the brand’s latest innovations. The launch coincided with the official unveiling of the OPPO N-5, a flagship smartphone featuring cutting-edge camera technology, a powerful AI processor, and a sleek, futuristic design. The OPPO N-5 has generated significant buzz among tech enthusiasts for its photography capabilities, enhanced night mode, and ultra-responsive display—making it a game-changer in Pakistan’s premium smartphone market. Visitors to the store can now explore these features in an immersive, service-focused environment…
The Chief Minister of Punjab has launched a major educational initiative that will see 112,000 laptops distributed to deserving students across the province. This forward-thinking program aims to bridge the digital divide and empower youth by ensuring access to essential tech tools for academic and professional growth. Through this scheme, students from public universities, colleges, and vocational institutions will be selected based on merit. The initiative supports online learning, research, freelancing, and skill development, offering a level playing field for students from underprivileged backgrounds. With rising global demand for digital skills, providing laptops to students is a critical investment in…
In a major step toward digital transformation in governance, the Senate of Pakistan is now incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its legislative processes. This initiative aims to make law-making faster, more efficient, and data-informed, improving both policy design and decision-making. The AI tools will assist in analyzing large datasets, simulating the impact of proposed bills, and identifying public needs more accurately. By using AI in governance, Pakistan joins a growing list of nations embracing technology-driven legislation. Officials believe that AI can help reduce human error, detect legal inconsistencies, and enhance public engagement by making laws clearer and more accessible. This…
In a thrilling semifinal clash in Kuching, Malaysia, Pakistan’s squash duo Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal battled back to defeat Malaysia’s Syafiq Kamal and Duncan Lee 2-1 and book their place in the Asian Doubles Squash Championship Final. After dropping the first game 10-11 in a tightly contested battle, the Pakistani pair regrouped with smart tactical changes and relentless pressure. Their efforts paid off with back-to-back 11-9 victories in the remaining two games — showcasing grit, experience, and chemistry on court. Now, Pakistan prepares to face their biggest rivals — India — in a highly anticipated final on Thursday. India’s…
In a major step toward promoting women’s economic empowerment, the Government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $350 million loan agreement under Subprogram-II of the Women Inclusive Finance Sector Development Program. This initiative is designed to break barriers in women’s access to finance, support entrepreneurship, and foster inclusive workplaces. The package includes a $300 million policy-based loan for regulatory and institutional reforms, along with a $50 million Financial Intermediary Loan (FIL) to boost financial access for women entrepreneurs. The State Bank of Pakistan also signed a related agreement, reaffirming the government’s commitment to financial inclusion.…
Pakistan’s government introduces digital loans up to Rs1 million for small farmers without collateral. The scheme supports agriculture input needs and promotes food security. In a groundbreaking agricultural reform, the Pakistan government has launched digital loans of up to Rs1 million for smallholder farmers — without requiring any collateral. Announced by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb during the 2025 budget speech, this initiative aims to help farmers access seeds, fertilisers, diesel, and more — all through digital disbursement channels. The scheme also includes an Electronic Warehouse Receipt System to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure farmers get fair prices for stored grain.…
To address a critical shortage of teaching staff, the Punjab Health Department has approved the contractual rehiring of retired medical faculty—now up to age 65. This urgent move focuses on filling gaps in key disciplines such as cardiac and pediatric surgery, oncology, pulmonology, and anesthesiology across public medical colleges and hospitals. Facing an alarming shortage of qualified teachers in government medical institutions, the Punjab government has launched an emergency initiative to rehire retired medical professors on a temporary contract basis, with the age limit extended to 65. This quick action targets critical specialties like cardiology, pulmonology, forensic medicine, and biochemistry,…
In a landmark collaboration, London’s Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has partnered with Novacare to launch a 250-bed smart hospital in Islamabad by 2026. This project brings world-class medical services to Pakistan across 28 specialties, including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, and maternal care, while also reinvesting affiliate revenue back into the UK’s NHS. Located in DHA Phase V, the hospital will feature AI-powered technologies, smart infrastructure, and infection control systems, ensuring modern, efficient, and safe care. NHS experts are guiding the hospital’s design, workforce planning, and staff training, helping to raise local standards. Healthcare professionals in Pakistan will benefit from remote…
In a landmark achievement for Pakistan and the global mining industry, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) has officially become the first mining firm worldwide to receive the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Gold Certification for its mining operations in Thar Block II. The AWS certification is an international benchmark for organizations that demonstrate excellence in water stewardship — promoting sustainable and socially responsible water use. The standard was introduced in 2009 by the UN, global NGOs, and research institutions to ensure the long-term protection of freshwater ecosystems. SECMC’s operations in Thar Block II now represent a global model for…