Punjab has launched groundbreaking initiatives to empower young graduates through innovative internship programs. These programs focus on developing skills, offering financial independence, and creating job opportunities for the youth. Punjab Socioeconomic Registry Program: Limited Internship Opportunities The Punjab Socioeconomic Registry Program offers young men and women limited internship positions on a Union Council basis.…
Politics
Between October 2023 and October 2024, Pakistani nationals submitted around 28,000 applications for international protection across European Union Plus (EU+) countries. According to the EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the monthly figures showed a notable decline, peaking at 3,400 in October 2023 and dropping to 1,900 by October 2024. Preferred Destinations for Asylum Italy…
Pakistan has strongly criticized recent sanctions imposed by the United States on its National Development Complex (NDC) and three private commercial entities. The sanctions, announced under Executive Order 13382, target organizations allegedly contributing to the proliferation and delivery of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Pakistan has termed these sanctions as "unfortunate and biased," asserting that…
The implementation of the IMF-mandated condition to impose income tax on agricultural income in Pakistan has been postponed to July 2025. Under the National Fiscal Pact, provinces are expected to impose these taxes starting from the next fiscal year. The federal government has sought additional time from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to meet these…
The Punjab Assembly recently passed the Punjab Revision of Salaries of Public Representatives Bill 2024, sparking widespread outrage. This controversial bill has significantly increased the salaries of Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs), ministers, the speaker, and other officials, with pay hikes ranging from 426% for MPAs to an astonishing 860% for ministers. The move…
Punjab Ministers , Asssembly and deputy Speaker and MPA Salary increased upto 860% The Punjab Assembly has approved the Punjab Revision of Salaries of Public Representatives 2024, resulting in substantial increases in the salaries and allowances of lawmakers, ministers, and parliamentary officials. The legislation, passed unanimously during the 19th assembly session presided over by Speaker…
Karachi Faces Gas Supply Suspension Due to Pipeline Relocation Amid Worsening Gas Crisis in Pakistan
The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced an 8-hour gas supply suspension in parts of Karachi, reflecting broader energy challenges as the winter intensifies across Pakistan. Gas Suspension in Karachi The gas supply will be interrupted in Karachi’s Peoples Chowrangi area on December 14 from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM on December 15.…
The Senate of Pakistan has taken a significant step to enhance the country's forensic capabilities by approving the establishment of the National Forensics Agency (NFA). This initiative replaces the existing National Forensics Agency Project with a fully functional, independent body to address the challenges of inconsistent forensic services across the nation. Transforming Forensic Capabilities…
Freelancing has become a pivotal source of income for millions in Pakistan, with over 23 lac (2.3 million) individuals contributing to the gig economy. Despite this massive workforce, a shocking statistic has emerged: only 38,000 freelancers have registered bank accounts. Financial Exclusion: A Major Challenge The limited number of freelancers with bank accounts highlights…
The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad has intensified its crackdown on corruption, making significant strides in uncovering fraudulent activities and recovering misappropriated funds. The following are the key highlights: Arrest of Ministry of Education Officials Two former employees of the Ministry of Education, holding the positions of Chief Finance Officer and…
In a bold move towards sustainable urban development, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain has instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at all petrol pumps across Islamabad. This directive came during the fourth meeting of the Electric Vehicles Policy, showcasing the government’s commitment to transforming the capital into a…
A bold proposal to lower the retirement age for civilian government employees from 60 to 55 years has sparked widespread discussion in Pakistan. The move, presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to address rising pension liabilities while improving the efficiency of government operations. However, it has faced resistance from both bureaucrats and senior officials,…
Strengthening Pakistan’s Power Distribution: A $200 Million ADB Initiative to Enhance Energy Efficiency and Resilience In a significant move to address Pakistan's growing electricity demand and energy sector challenges, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan for the Power Distribution Strengthening Project. This initiative aims to modernize and upgrade the country’s…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled the New Uraan Pakistan National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-2029, a groundbreaking roadmap for sustainable and high economic growth. The initiative aims to expand Pakistan's economy from its current size of $374 billion to an ambitious $1 trillion by 2035. This plan promises to redefine the country’s economic landscape with…
Indictment of Retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed: A Turning Point in Accountability for Pakistan’s Elite In a country where military officers have historically wielded significant power, the formal indictment of retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, a former chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), marks an unprecedented moment in Pakistan's history. The move comes amid growing…
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20, 2025, his proposed policies and executive actions promise to reshape the political and social fabric of the United States. From immigration reforms to economic strategies, Trump’s plans are bold and controversial, sparking debates across the nation. Ending Birthright Citizenship One of Trump’s most…
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up to implement a groundbreaking Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT), set to take effect from January 1, 2025. Under this new policy, large multinational enterprises (MNEs) with consolidated global revenues of €750 million ($793 million) or more in two of the four prior financial years will be subject…
In a recent shocking development, a transport supervisor has been fired for his involvement in purchasing tampered tyres for the Prime Minister's Mercedes. This incident has sparked widespread concern over the safety protocols in vehicle maintenance and procurement practices within government departments. Incident Overview The incident came to light after a routine inspection revealed…
In a groundbreaking development, Pakistan and Russia are set to establish a historic rail link, marking a major milestone in their growing bilateral relations. The inaugural test cargo train is scheduled to reach Pakistan by March 2025, following a route through Turkmenistan and Iran before entering Pakistan via the Taftan border. This rail link promises…
In recent developments, a series of legal proceedings related to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have seen several notable figures indicted and arrested, amidst ongoing protests and cases stemming from events on May 9, 2023. Indictment of PTI Leaders in GHQ Attack Case On Thursday, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with more than 100…