Author: Zuha Malik
Prague, Czech Republic — January 19, 2026: Pakistani junior squash stars delivered a standout performance at the World Squash Federation (WSF) Czech Junior Open 2026, capturing both gold and bronze medals in one of Europe’s most competitive junior squash events. The wins reaffirm Pakistan’s rising stature in international junior squash and highlight the nation’s deep pool of emerging talent. In the Girls Under-15 category, Mahnoor Ali clinched the gold medal in a thrilling final against Czech Republic’s Johana Jedličková, prevailing 3–2 in a tightly contested match. This victory marked a significant milestone in Mahnoor’s career and further cemented her reputation…
Karachi, Pakistan: The Government of Sindh has announced an extensive sports calendar for early 2026, with plans to organise 18 major sporting events across the province between January and June. The initiative reflects the province’s renewed emphasis on promoting sports, empowering youth, and strengthening community engagement through competitive and cultural activities. In a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh’s Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar, provincial ministers, sports officials, and key stakeholders gathered to finalise the schedule and logistics for the upcoming events. The comprehensive plan underscores the government’s commitment to fostering athletic talent and creating vibrant…
Islamabad, Pakistan — January 21, 2026 In a major push to expand digital connectivity across Pakistan, the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Jazz have officially launched Rs. 1.16 billion high-speed broadband projects targeting underserved districts in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The agreements were signed on Wednesday during a high-profile ceremony at the USF Head Office, marking a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and boost socio-economic development through enhanced internet access. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, presided over the event as the chief guest, underscoring the government’s focus…
Islamabad, 24 January 2026: Lightstone Publishers launched The Eyewitness: Standing in the Shadow of Pakistan’s History by Muhammad Saeed Mehdi, former principal secretary to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, former chief secretary Sindh, and senior civil servant, in Islamabad. The book presents a firsthand account of Pakistan’s political history, documenting defining national moments closely witnessed by the author. Ameena Saiyid, Managing Director of Lightstone Publishers, welcomed everyone with the opening remarks.“This has been one of the most successful books to be published by Lightstone due to the unique life history experiences of the author. The response and interest of the audience…
Islamabad, Pakistan — Nayab Hussain Khaskheli, the rising swimming star from Sindh, made headlines by winning five gold medals at LUMS Fest 2026, held at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) campus in early January. Her record-breaking performance has established her as one of Pakistan’s most promising young athletes, bringing pride to her province and the national sports community. LUMS Fest 2026 is one of Pakistan’s premier inter-school and inter-college sporting events, attracting top talent from across the country. This year, the festival included a variety of competitive sports, with swimming as a highlight. Among stiff competition, Nayab Hussain Khaskheli emerged as the…
Dhaka, Bangladesh – In a landmark moment for South Asian fashion and cross border cultural exchange, Maria B, Pakistan’s leading fashion house, has officially opened its first international flagship store in Dhaka, Bangladesh, marking the brand’s historic step beyond its home market. The new store, located in Centre Point Mall, was inaugurated on Tuesday with a grand launch event that attracted fashion industry figures, local designers, influencers, and media, highlighting the growing influence of regional fashion brands across South Asia. Founded in 1999 by designer Maria Butt, popularly known as Maria B, the brand began as a single boutique in…
Melbourne, Australia – Pakistan’s pace sensation Haris Rauf has been crowned the best fast bowler of the 2025-26 Big Bash League season after claiming the prestigious BKT Golden Arm award for his exceptional performances with the Melbourne Stars. The 33-year-old right-arm speedster has been a dominant force throughout BBL 15, capturing 18 wickets in the tournament to share the honor with Melbourne Renegades pacer Gurinder Sandhu, who is also level on wickets. However, with the Renegades eliminated from playoff contention, Rauf now has the opportunity to extend his wicket-taking dominance and potentially guide the Stars to their first BBL title. Rauf’s…
Brussels – A bold new chapter for Pakistan-EU relations as Islamabad and Brussels agree to expand cooperation across politics, trade, security, migration and global challenges. In a significant move to elevate bilateral ties, Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have vowed to deepen their strategic partnership during the 7th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels this month. The high level meeting reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to expanding cooperation across political, economic and security fronts, reinforcing Islamabad-Brussels relations at a time of shifting global geopolitics. The dialogue was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative…
Pakistan’s provinces are stepping up with bold welfare initiatives that promise to uplift disadvantaged communities, modernize social safety nets, and expand economic opportunity at the grassroots level. From digital welfare cards in Punjab to education empowerment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, these programs mark one of the country’s most ambitious social welfare expansions in recent years. As inflation and flood damage continue to strain families, provincial governments are implementing targeted strategies that reflect a strategic shift toward inclusive economic development and digital service delivery. Analysts believe these initiatives could reshape the landscape of public welfare in Pakistan in 2026. Punjab has taken a leading role…
Harare, January 20, 2026 – Pakistan U-19 continued their strong start at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 with a convincing six-wicket win over Scotland at Harare Sports Club. The Green Shirts chased down 189 with ease, powered by Usman Khan’s brilliant 75 and Ali Raza’s four-wicket haul, securing Pakistan’s first victory of the tournament. Scotland Sets a Target of 188Scotland batted first and managed 188 all out in 48 overs. Captain Liam McKenzie top-scored with 42, but Pakistan’s bowling attack proved too strong. Ali Raza led the charge with four wickets, while Adeel Shah and Hasan Khan kept the pressure on…