Islamabad, Feb 21: Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation at the 4th General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), held at the Dead Sea, Jordan. The country’s delegation, led by Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, engaged in high-level discussions aimed at accelerating Pakistan’s digital agenda and fostering global collaborations. During the event, Minister Khawaja announced that Pakistan will host its first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Summit on April 29-30, 2025, in Islamabad. Co-organized by the Government of Pakistan, the DCO, and the World Economic Forum (WEF), the summit is designed to…
Author: Iqra Khan
Islamabad, Feb 21: The Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) intensified its anti-encroachment drive, clearing both temporary and permanent illegal structures in Allama Iqbal Colony on Friday. The operation, led by anti-encroachment squads, also targeted unauthorized constructions on state land in Kutchi Abadi Ghulam Muhammad Abad, where illegally built structures were demolished. Additionally, officials successfully retrieved a plot belonging to the Solid Waste Management Company in Gulshan-e-Yousaf, a housing scheme situated on Millat Road.
Islamabad, Feb 21: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a notable omission during the India vs. Bangladesh Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai. The live broadcast displayed the tournament’s official logo but excluded Pakistan’s name from the branding, despite the country being the designated host of the event. The error, which persisted throughout the match, has sparked concerns within the PCB, especially given that previous fixtures, including the opening game between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi, featured Pakistan’s name in the official branding.
Islamabad, Feb 21: Punjab is set to witness a major transformation in its tourism and heritage sector as the government moves forward with plans to restore 170 historic sites across the province. With a vision to elevate these locations to international standards, the initiative aims to breathe new life into temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and other culturally significant landmarks, making them prime destinations for local and international visitors. A formal proposal for the establishment of the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority has been submitted for cabinet approval. Once given the green light, this authority will oversee the management and preservation of…
Islamabad, Feb 21: Hutchison Ports Pakistan has set a new benchmark in the country’s maritime sector by becoming the first deep-water container terminal to incorporate electric trucks into its operations. In a strategic move towards sustainable logistics, the terminal has deployed six e-Trucks, further enhancing its existing Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (ERTGCs) as part of a low-carbon, eco-friendly strategy. With an ambitious expansion plan, the company intends to add 12 more e-Trucks and Pakistan’s first electric empty container handler by mid-2025. This initiative aligns with Hutchison Ports’ global sustainability goals, particularly its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Islamabad, Feb 21: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has taken a significant step in the country’s digital banking transformation by awarding the first restricted license for pilot operations to Mashreq Bank Pakistan Limited (MBPL). In a special meeting attended by the SBP Governor, Deputy Governor, and senior executives, the announcement marked another milestone in the evolution of Pakistan’s financial sector. This development follows SBP’s earlier decision to license the first Digital Retail Bank (DRB) for commercial operations. MBPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mashreq Bank PSC (UAE), brings a rich legacy of innovation and agility in the banking sector,…
Islamabad, Feb 21: One month into his second term, US President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of a new trade deal with China, despite escalating economic tensions between the two global superpowers. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Wednesday, Trump referenced the 2020 Phase One trade agreement and hinted at potential fresh negotiations. However, his hardline trade policies remain firmly in place. At the start of February, Trump’s administration imposed an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, marking a return to his aggressive stance on trade deficits. Alongside China, the new wave of tariffs also targets Canada, Mexico,…
Islamabad, Feb 21: Zong 4G, one of Pakistan’s leading digital connectivity providers, recently hosted a delegation from the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Islamabad, as part of the Local Visit – Field Research (LV-FR) segment of the 37th Senior Management Course (SMC). The visit aimed to offer senior civil officers a firsthand look into the private sector’s operational framework, policy development, and role in shaping Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. Led by Ms. Samreen Zahara, DG SMC, Chief Instructor-SMC, the delegation engaged with Zong 4G’s CEO, Huo Junli, and Executive Director of Corporate Affairs, Syed Naveed Akhtar. During the visit, participants…
Islamabad, Feb 21: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced four draft guidelines aimed at improving regulatory clarity and corporate governance for unlisted companies. These guidelines cover Capital Issue, Employee Stock Option Schemes (ESOS), Stock Splits, and the Submission of Applications for Registration and Renewal as an Intermediary. According to an SECP statement, these guidelines were developed in response to frequent stakeholder queries and challenges faced by businesses. They are designed to assist unlisted companies in raising capital, structuring employee incentives, and managing capital restructuring through stock splits. The initiative aligns with SECP’s broader goal of enhancing…
Islamabad, Feb 21: The 17th meeting of the Governing Body of the ICT Employees Social Security Institution (IESSI) was held on Friday at the CDA Headquarters, chaired by the Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by members of the Governing Body, including ICT administration, Commissioner Social Security and other senior officials. Various agenda items were discussed during the 17th meeting of the Governing Body of the ICT Employees Social Security Institution. The Commissioner of Social Security briefed the meeting on various agenda items. According to the details, the meeting approved amendments to the…
