[mwai_chatbot id="default"]

Everyday News

Pakistan Public Holidays 2026 Complete List

Pakistan Public Holidays 2026 Complete List
Pakistan Public Holidays 2026 Complete List 1920 786 D. I. Khan New City

Planning ahead becomes easier when you know exactly when the public holidays fall. The Pakistan Public Holidays 2026 calendar includes national days, religious festivals, bank holidays, and observances that impact businesses, schools, and travel plans across the country.

Whether you’re organizing work schedules, planning vacations, or managing business operations, this complete guide to Pakistan’s public holidays in 2026 will help you stay prepared.

Complete List of Pakistan Public Holidays 2026

Below is the officially observed list of public and bank holidays in Pakistan for 2026:

  • January 1 (Thursday) – New Year Bank Holiday
  • February 5 (Thursday) – Kashmir Solidarity Day
  • February 19 (Thursday) – Start of Ramadan (Bank Holiday)
  • March 21 (Saturday) – Eid-ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
  • March 22 (Sunday) – Eid-ul-Fitr Holiday
  • March 23 (Monday) – Eid-ul-Fitr Holiday & Pakistan Day
  • May 1 (Friday) – Labour Day
  • May 27 (Wednesday) – Eid-ul-Azha
  • May 28 (Thursday) – Eid-ul-Azha Holiday & Youm-e-Takbeer
  • June 25 (Thursday) – Ashura (9th Muharram)
  • June 26 (Friday) – Ashura (10th Muharram)
  • July 1 (Wednesday) – July Bank Holiday
  • August 14 (Friday) – Independence Day
  • August 25 (Tuesday) – Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH)
  • November 9 (Monday) – Allama Iqbal Day
  • December 25 (Friday) – Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday / Christmas
  • December 26 (Saturday) – Second Day of Christmas (for Christians)

Religious and National Significance

Pakistan’s holiday calendar reflects its cultural and religious diversity. Major Islamic events like Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, Ashura, and Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) are observed nationwide, while national days such as Pakistan Day, Independence Day, and Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday honor the country’s history and leadership.

Christian communities also observe Christmas Day and Boxing Day, ensuring inclusivity across the nation.

How These Holidays Impact Businesses and Banks

  • Bank holidays affect financial transactions and clearing schedules.
  • Government holidays may lead to office closures and service delays.
  • Private businesses often adjust operations based on long weekends and religious events.

Advance planning helps businesses manage staffing, logistics, and customer expectations more effectively.

Why Planning Around Public Holidays Matters

Knowing Pakistan’s public holidays in advance allows individuals and organizations to:

  • Plan travel and vacations efficiently
  • Manage work deadlines and productivity
  • Schedule events and campaigns strategically
  • Avoid last-minute disruptions

With several holidays falling on weekdays in 2026, smart planning can help maximize time off.

Final Thoughts

The Pakistan Public Holidays 2026 calendar offers a balanced mix of religious, national, and cultural observances. Keeping this list handy will help you plan smarter—whether for work, travel, or family time.

Stay organized, plan ahead, and make the most of the year.

Arif Habib Consortium Wins PIA Privatisation Bid for Rs135 Billion

Arif Habib Consortium Wins PIA Privatisation Bid for Rs135 Billion
Arif Habib Consortium Wins PIA Privatisation Bid for Rs135 Billion 1920 786 D. I. Khan New City

Pakistan reached a major milestone as the Arif Habib Consortium won the privatisation bid for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) with a record offer of Rs135 billion. This deal marks the government’s second attempt to privatise the national carrier and could reshape Pakistan’s aviation sector. The bidding process took place live and attracted strong national attention.

How the Bidding Unfolded

The privatisation auction saw intense competition.
The Lucky Group opened with a bid of Rs101.5 billion.
Airblue earlier submitted an offer of Rs26.5 billion.

The Arif Habib Consortium entered with Rs115 billion, leading the process. During open bidding, the consortium raised its offer to Rs135 billion, securing victory. The winning group will acquire 75% of PIA’s shares. It may purchase the remaining 25% within 90 days.
Under the privatisation plan, 7.5% of the proceeds will go to the government. The remaining amount will support PIA’s operational improvement and fleet modernization.

Who Makes Up the Arif Habib Consortium?

The consortium includes leading Pakistani organizations:

  • Arif Habib Limited
  • Fatima Fertilizer
  • The City School
  • Lake City Holdings

This diverse partnership brings financial strength, corporate governance, and long-term strategic vision.

Why This Privatisation Succeeded

Last year, the privatisation attempt failed. It attracted only one bid of Rs10 billion, far below expectations.

This year, the outcome changed due to major reforms.
The government absorbed over Rs650 billion in liabilities.
PIA’s equity improved from negative Rs45 billion to positive Rs30 billion.

Tax exemptions on aircraft leases and partial tax relief also boosted investor confidence.

PIA’s Financial Turnaround

PIA reported a net profit of Rs26.2 billion for FY2024. In 2023, the airline posted a loss of Rs75 billion. Operational margins now exceed 12%, placing PIA among competitive global airlines. The airline operates 38 aircraft, with 18 currently active. It holds landing rights at 78 international airports, including London, Paris, and Canada. U.S. operations remain suspended.

Fleet Expansion Plan: From 38 to 65 Aircraft

After winning the bid, Arif Habib announced plans to expand PIA’s fleet.
The airline will first restore operations to 38 aircraft.
In the next phase, the fleet will grow to 65 aircraft.

This expansion aims to improve connectivity, service quality, and international competitiveness.

Workforce and Asset Details

PIA reduced its workforce from 11,500 to around 6,500 employees.
The company guarantees job security for one year after privatisation.
Voluntary separation schemes may follow.

The PIA Holding Company will continue to pay pensions and benefits to retired staff.

The deal excludes high-value assets, including PIA-owned hotels in New York and Paris. The agreement covers core airline operations, cargo services, kitchens, and training facilities.

A Turning Point for Pakistan’s Aviation Sector

Privatisation will end years of financial strain on the national treasury. PIA’s losses previously cost billions of rupees annually. Although the government receives limited upfront cash, the long-term gains are significant. A profitable PIA will no longer rely on taxpayer support. Industry experts call this move a turning point. After 21 years of losses, PIA has a clear path toward sustainable growth.

Final Thoughts

The Rs135 billion acquisition sends a strong signal to investors. Pakistan can now execute large-scale reforms with transparency and confidence. If managed effectively, this deal can restore PIA’s reputation and set a new standard for state-owned enterprise reforms.

TikTok Launches Self-Serve Advertising in Pakistan to Empower S.B

TikTok Launches Self-Serve Advertising in Pakistan to Empower S.B
TikTok Launches Self-Serve Advertising in Pakistan to Empower S.B 1000 667 D. I. Khan New City

TikTok has officially launched its self-serve advertising platform in Pakistan, marking a major milestone for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to grow digitally. With the introduction of TikTok For Business Ads Manager, local entrepreneurs can now run advertising campaigns directly on the platform — without needing advanced marketing expertise or large budgets.

This move reflects TikTok’s growing commitment to Pakistan’s rapidly expanding digital economy and its vibrant small business community.

A Big Opportunity for Pakistani SMBs

Pakistan’s small businesses are among the most creative and resilient in the region. From home-based startups to emerging fashion labels and neighborhood stores, many already use TikTok organically to showcase products and engage audiences. The new self-serve Ads Manager now allows these businesses to take their growth to the next level through paid promotions that are simple, flexible, and performance-driven.

The platform enables businesses to:

  • Create and launch ad campaigns easily
  • Control and adjust budgets anytime
  • Reach highly engaged and relevant audiences
  • Track and optimize campaign performance in real time

All of this is available through an intuitive dashboard designed for users with little to no advertising experience.

Why TikTok Advertising Matters Now

TikTok has become a powerful discovery platform. According to a recent global study:

  • 73% of users discovered products they had never considered before through TikTok ads
  • 78% found new brands they hadn’t heard of previously

In Pakistan, TikTok is increasingly used for product reviews, trends, recommendations, and shopping inspiration. With self-serve advertising now live, businesses can directly join these conversations and place their brands in front of the right audience at the right time.

Built for Creativity, Not Complexity

One of TikTok’s biggest strengths is its creative-first approach. The Ads Manager comes with built-in creative tools that allow brands to tell authentic stories rather than rely on traditional, sales-heavy advertising.

Whether it’s short videos, storytelling content, or trend-based campaigns, TikTok encourages brands to stay genuine — something Pakistani audiences already respond strongly to.

Flexible Budgets, Smarter Targeting

Unlike traditional advertising platforms that require high upfront spending, TikTok’s self-serve Ads Manager supports flexible budgets, making it accessible for startups and growing businesses alike. Companies can start small, test performance, and scale as results improve.

The platform also offers intelligent performance targeting, helping brands get discovered by new users who are more likely to engage, follow, and convert.

Supporting Local Growth Beyond Ads

This launch builds on TikTok’s ongoing efforts in Pakistan, including initiatives like the #GrowWithTikTok Masterclass, which has already trained SMBs through hands-on workshops, creative guidance, and best practices.

Commenting on the launch, Baris Aldanmaz, Head of Global Business Solutions for Türkiye, Central and Southern Asia at TikTok, said that Pakistani small businesses are among the most creative in the region and that TikTok is proud to support their growth by making advertising more accessible and impactful.

What This Means for Businesses in Pakistan

With TikTok’s self-serve advertising now available, Pakistani SMBs no longer need agencies or complex setups to advertise effectively. Whether it’s an online startup, a fashion brand, or a local shop, businesses now have a powerful tool to:

  • Increase brand visibility
  • Drive product discovery
  • Engage new customers
  • Grow beyond geographical boundaries

As more consumers turn to TikTok for inspiration and purchasing decisions, this launch creates a timely opportunity for brands to establish their presence where attention already exists.

Final Thoughts

TikTok’s self-serve Ads Manager is more than just an advertising tool — it’s a growth enabler for Pakistan’s small business ecosystem. By combining creativity, affordability, and ease of use, TikTok is helping local brands compete, scale, and thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Pakistan’s First Driverless Car Marks a New Era in AI Innovation

Pakistan’s First Driverless Car Marks a New Era in AI Innovation
Pakistan’s First Driverless Car Marks a New Era in AI Innovation 1000 424 D. I. Khan New City

Pakistan has taken a major leap toward the future of mobility. Engineers at NED University of Engineering and Technology have successfully conducted the test drive of the country’s first AI-powered driverless car, setting a groundbreaking milestone in Pakistan’s technology and automotive sectors.

During the trial run, the autonomous vehicle moved smoothly across the NED campus roads, surprising students, visitors, and faculty with its ability to operate without human control.

 

A Year of Research, Engineering & AI Development

The project was developed at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) within NED University’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences. The engineering team spent a full year transforming a China-imported electric vehicle into a fully autonomous system.

To convert the car into a driverless vehicle, developers integrated:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Advanced robotics
  • Mapping and localization tools
  • Computer vision
  • Radar sensors
  • AI-driven algorithms

This combination enabled the vehicle to navigate, recognize objects, and respond to its surroundings.

 

Steering Control, Object Detection & Autonomous Navigation

According to Dr. Muhammad Khurram, Director of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and the project lead, the car has now reached a mature stage of testing after extensive development cycles.

The system currently includes:

  • AI steering control
  • Radar and computer-vision enhancements
  • Object and obstacle detection
  • Lane recognition
  • Speed-limit detection
  • Traffic signal identification

Additionally, the car maintains an internal safety speed of 15–20 km/h, making it ideal for controlled testing on university grounds. It can also turn autonomously and judge incoming traffic.

Team member Inzimam Khan highlighted that this vehicle is uniquely designed to handle Pakistan’s challenging road conditions, including uneven surfaces, unexpected obstacles, and irregular traffic patterns. Its high-resolution sensors and AI-powered perception systems give it an edge over many global prototypes.

 

A Project That Spans Leadership and Vision

The driverless car project began under the leadership of former Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi and has seen major progress under the current Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tufail Ahmed.

Their combined support reflects NED University’s continued commitment to innovation, research, and technological advancement.

 

A Major Step Toward Pakistan’s Autonomous Future

The successful test of this AI-powered driverless car is more than just a technological achievement — it represents Pakistan’s growing capabilities in:

  • Autonomous vehicle systems
  • Artificial intelligence research
  • Robotics and automation
  • Smart mobility solutions

As engineers continue to refine object detection, traffic interpretation, and full autonomy systems, Pakistan is moving closer to joining the global race for intelligent transportation and self-driving innovation.

13 NICs Launched Across Pakistan to Accelerate Startup Growth

13 NICs Launched Across Pakistan to Accelerate Startup Growth
13 NICs Launched Across Pakistan to Accelerate Startup Growth 2560 1703 D. I. Khan New City

Pakistan’s startup landscape is entering a new era of opportunity, innovation, and growth. In a major step toward strengthening the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) have jointly established 13 new National Incubation Centers (NICs) under the National Expansion Plan (NEP).

This expansion marks one of the most significant nationwide efforts to support early-stage startups and empower young entrepreneurs across Pakistan.

 

Expanding Startup Support Across Pakistan

Unlike earlier initiatives that were concentrated in major cities, the National Expansion Plan aims to make innovation accessible to every region. Therefore, all newly established NICs are located within universities to provide students and young founders easy access to training, mentorship, and incubation facilities.

Locations of the New Incubation Centers

The 13 NICs have been launched across six regions:

Punjab

  • Lahore
  • Rawalpindi
  • Gujrat
  • Taxila

Sindh

  • Karachi
  • Jamshoro
  • Sukkur

Balochistan

  • Quetta
  • Lasbela

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

  • Swat
  • Kohat

Gilgit-Baltistan

  • Gilgit

Azad Jammu & Kashmir

  • Muzaffarabad

This widespread geographic coverage ensures that innovators from remote and underserved regions now have the same opportunities as those in major urban centers.

 

National Expansion Plan: Strengthening Pakistan’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Launched in 2021, the National Expansion Plan (NEP) was designed to address a key challenge: most Pakistanis with entrepreneurial potential lack access to guidance, exposure, and resources.

Since its launch, the program has:

  • Received 124,000+ applications from across Pakistan
  • Successfully incubated 690 startups
  • Supported founders of which 25% are female entrepreneurs
  • Helped startups generate over Rs. 1.1 billion in revenue
  • Contributed to creating approximately 120,000 direct and indirect jobs

These numbers highlight the growing demand for structured startup support and the potential of Pakistan’s youth-led digital economy.

 

What Startups Receive: A Complete Zero-Equity Support Package

One of the most appealing aspects of NEP is its zero-equity model — meaning the government takes no share from the startups it supports. Instead, selected teams receive:

  • Monthly stipends
  • Free co-working spaces
  • Mentorship from industry experts
  • Business development guidance
  • Legal and financial assistance
  • National-level networking opportunities
  • Access to investor meetups and demo days

This holistic approach enables innovators to focus on building sustainable businesses without worrying about early-stage financial barriers.

 

Why This Matters for Pakistan

Pakistan’s startup ecosystem has shown impressive promise in recent years, especially in sectors like fintech, edtech, agritech, e-commerce, and health tech. However, many young entrepreneurs still struggle with limited access to resources, mentorship, and industry exposure.

The launch of these 13 new NICs fills that gap. Moreover, by embedding incubation centers directly into university environments, the initiative will help unlock fresh talent and encourage research-driven innovation.

Most importantly, this effort helps Pakistan shift toward a more digital, entrepreneurial, and job-creating economy — essential for long-term economic stability.

 

Looking Ahead

Pakistan’s expansion of incubation infrastructure signals a clear commitment to nurturing startups and supporting innovation at a national scale. As these centers begin operations, thousands of students and aspiring founders will finally receive the guidance and tools they need to transform ideas into thriving businesses.

With more opportunities now available across the country, Pakistan’s next wave of technology-driven entrepreneurs is just getting started — and the future looks brighter than ever.

Minhaj University Expands to D. I. Khan New City

Minhaj University Expands to D.I. Khan New City
Minhaj University Expands to D.I. Khan New City 2560 1707 D. I. Khan New City

Minhaj University Lahore (MUL) has taken a remarkable step toward educational progress with the groundbreaking of its new campus in D. I. Khan New City. This historic milestone marks the beginning of a new era in higher education for South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Deputy Chairman of the Minhaj University Board of Governors, led the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony. During his address, he highlighted the university’s mission to provide quality education that nurtures both intellect and character.
He emphasized that this new campus will not just grant degrees but shape minds, fostering integrity, creativity, and moral strength.

A Milestone for South KPK

Vice Chancellor Dr. Sajid Mahmood Shahzad shared his vision of building a university that merges opportunity with innovation. He stated that the new D. I. Khan campus will serve as a “monumental institution of knowledge and research,” committed to empowering youth through education.

Dr. Shahzad noted that Minhaj University Lahore already educates over 15,000 students across ten faculties, with one in three students studying on scholarships. The D. I. Khan campus will continue this legacy — promoting equality, safety, and a drug-free learning environment.

 

Minhaj University Expands to D.I. Khan New City

Building Bridges Through Education

During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri discussed the global impact of Minhaj-ul-Quran’s educational institutions. He praised the efforts that have positively shaped communities in Pakistan and around the world.

Chairman Jahangir Saifullah Khan expressed that Minhaj-ul-Quran International is playing a vital role in the intellectual and moral training of the nation. He added that the establishment of Minhaj University’s campus in D. I. Khan is a blessing for local students, offering them access to world-class education close to home.

A Gathering of Visionaries

The ceremony brought together prominent figures, including:

  • Khawaja Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, Nazim-e-Aala, Minhaj-ul-Quran International
  • Prof. Dr. Sajid Mahmood Shahzad, Vice Chancellor MUL
  • Prof. Dr. Khurram Shahzad, Registrar
  • Faisal Hussain Mashhadi, Abdul Rehman Malik, and Engineer Sanaullah Khan
  • Raja Zahid Mahmood, Farhan Javed, Major (R) Salman Jahangir, and Khaliq Shah
  • Brigadier (R) Dr. Fayyaz Mahmood, Rana Tariq Ullah, Rana Asad, and Danesh Iftikhar

Each guest shared their appreciation for this transformative project, emphasizing its long-term benefits for the youth and the region.

Minhaj University Expands to D.I. Khan New City
Minhaj University Expands to D.I. Khan New City
Minhaj University Expands to D.I. Khan New City

A Vision for Peace and Progress

Minhaj University’s expansion into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reflects its broader mission: “Education for All.” The institution continues to promote peace, tolerance, and social change globally.
The D. I. Khan campus stands as a beacon of hope — where knowledge meets opportunity and dreams take shape.

Meta AI announces Urdu language support

Meta AI announces Urdu language support
Meta AI announces Urdu language support 1000 667 D. I. Khan New City

Pakistan has taken a major step toward digital innovation. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), in partnership with Meta, has launched the Artificial Intelligence Education and Government Digital Transformation Program.

The initiative will strengthen AI education, digital literacy, and public sector innovation across the country. It aligns with the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision, which aims to make Pakistan a technology-driven society.

The launch event, “Future in Focus: AI and Innovation,” held in Islamabad, brought together experts from government, academia, and industry. Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government is committed to creating a tech-empowered Pakistan where every citizen benefits from innovation.

Meta AI Adds Urdu Language Support

One of the most exciting announcements was the introduction of Urdu support in Meta AI under the project named “Alif.” This feature allows users to communicate with Meta AI in both Urdu and English.

This milestone makes technology more accessible to millions of Pakistanis. It helps them engage, learn, and innovate in their own language.

Sarim Aziz, Director of Public Policy for South and Central Asia at Meta, said:

“Meta is proud to support Pakistan’s vision for AI-driven growth. By adding Urdu, we’re helping more people connect and engage with technology in meaningful ways.”

This update promotes linguistic inclusion and strengthens Pakistan’s journey toward digital inclusion.

Empowering Academia Through AI Education

Meta and MoITT are also working to expand AI literacy in Pakistan’s education sector. Together with HEC, NCEAC, and Atomcamp, they launched an AI Literacy Program earlier this year.

The program trains 350 non-computer science faculty members from universities nationwide. It ensures that AI education reaches students from all disciplines, not just technology.

Fizza Amjad, CEO of Atomcamp, said the initiative creates a “ripple effect” by empowering teachers and students alike. This collaboration builds an AI-ready academic ecosystem that supports innovation across all fields.

AI Innovation for Digital Governance

Meta also introduced a localized version of its guide titled “Transforming Public Sector Innovation in Asia Pacific with Llama,” created with Deloitte.

The guide explains how open-source AI models like Llama can help governments improve data management, public service delivery, and digital governance. It also promotes transparency and efficiency in administrative systems.

With these tools, Pakistan’s public sector can streamline operations and better serve citizens.

A Milestone in Pakistan’s Digital Journey

The new AI Education and Digital Transformation Program shows Pakistan’s growing commitment to technological progress. Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja called the inclusion of Urdu in Meta AI a “significant step” toward national digital empowerment.

She reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to invest in AI innovation, digital governance, and inclusive growth to build a smarter and stronger economy.

Key Highlights

  • Meta AI now supports Urdu, promoting language inclusivity.
  • AI literacy programs launched for university faculty nationwide.
  • Llama AI guide introduced to modernize Pakistan’s public sector.
  • Meta and MoITT partnership strengthens Pakistan’s digital future.

Conclusion

The partnership between Meta AI and Pakistan’s Ministry of IT marks a turning point in the country’s digital evolution. With Urdu language support and a strong focus on AI education, Pakistan is moving closer to becoming a digitally empowered nation where innovation benefits everyone.

Cellular Users

Pakistan’s Cellular Users Decline for Third Straight Month Despite 4G Growth
Pakistan’s Cellular Users Decline for Third Straight Month Despite 4G Growth 700 466 D. I. Khan New City

Pakistan’s telecom industry has witnessed a consistent dip in mobile subscribers for the third consecutive month, as the total number of cellular users fell from 196.860 million in August 2025 to 196.194 million by the end of September 2025, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The decline follows a trend that began after June 2025, when the total mobile user base stood at 197.804 million. This ongoing reduction suggests market saturation and potential shifts in consumer behavior within the telecom sector.

4G Users Continue to Rise Amid Overall Decline

Despite the overall drop in total subscribers, 3G and 4G users showed steady growth, increasing from 147.713 million in August to 148.059 million in September 2025—a gain of approximately 0.346 million users.

The Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) penetration rate also rose slightly from 59.56% to 59.6%, highlighting the growing reliance on high-speed mobile broadband across the country.

This upward trend reflects the nation’s gradual transition from legacy 3G networks to faster 4G technologies, driven by increasing demand for data-intensive applications, online learning, and mobile entertainment.

Operator-Wise Breakdown

According to PTA’s latest report:

  • Jazz saw a slight dip in its 4G user base, decreasing from 55.094 million to 55.077 million,+ while its 3G services remained inactive.
  • Zong recorded growth in 4G customers, increasing from 41.062 million to 41.152 million, though it experienced a small drop in 3G users.
  • Telenor Pakistan followed a similar trend — 3G users declined from 1.045 million to 1.011 million, while 4G subscribers grew from 26.964 million to 27.064 million.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s mobile teledensity — the number of mobile connections per 100 individuals — remained relatively stable at 80.04%, indicating a plateau in new user acquisition.

Broadband Expansion and Connectivity Challenges

While the steady rise in broadband users is encouraging, the industry continues to face challenges such as service disruptions, infrastructure limitations, and spectrum constraints. The recent submarine cable issue also temporarily affected Pakistan’s internet speeds, underlining the need for more robust and diversified connectivity solutions.

The shift from 3G to 4G, and eventually to 5G technology, represents the next step in enhancing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, but achieving this goal will require strategic policy support and continued investment from telecom operators.

The Road Ahead

Pakistan’s telecom landscape is undergoing transformation — although the total mobile user count is declining, the rise in 4G and broadband adoption signifies a maturing market with users demanding better speed, reliability, and connectivity.

The trend suggests that future growth will not depend solely on the number of connections but on the quality of digital services offered to consumers.

Environmental Challenges in Pakistan

Environmental Challenges in Pakistan
Environmental Challenges in Pakistan 1024 683 D. I. Khan New City

Pakistan faces many environmental problems that are now affecting daily life. Rapid population growth, urbanization, and careless use of natural resources have damaged the country’s ecosystem. From polluted air to unsafe drinking water, these issues are harming people’s health and the economy.
This article explains the main environmental challenges in Pakistan, their effects, and what can be done to improve the situation.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems in Pakistan, especially in large cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.

  • Causes: Vehicle smoke, factory emissions, and open waste burning.
  • Effects: Breathing problems, heart diseases, and poor visibility during smog season.

Every year, smog in Punjab disrupts daily life, closes schools, and causes serious health issues.

Water Pollution

Water pollution has become a major concern across Pakistan.

  • Causes: Waste from factories, farms, and cities flows untreated into rivers.
  • Effects: Contaminated drinking water and the spread of diseases like diarrhea and typhoid.

Experts warn that unsafe water contributes to many health problems in both cities and villages.

Noise Pollution

Uncontrolled noise from traffic, loudspeakers, and construction sites is creating stress and irritation in urban areas.
This constant exposure can lead to headaches, sleep problems, and hearing loss, reducing the overall quality of life.

Climate Change

Pakistan is one of the countries most affected by climate change.
Floods, heatwaves, droughts, and melting glaciers are becoming more frequent.
These disasters damage crops, destroy homes, and force people to move from rural to urban areas in search of safety.

Impacts of Environmental Problems

  1. Health Issues: More people are suffering from breathing and stomach diseases.
  2. Agricultural Loss: Irregular weather reduces harvests and harms farmers.
  3. Economic Burden: Disasters and poor health increase costs for the government and people.
  4. Water Shortage: Pakistan is moving toward becoming a water-scarce country.

Steps Toward a Cleaner Future

  1. Strong Environmental Laws

The government should make and enforce strict rules to control pollution and waste dumping.

  1. Clean Energy Use

Switching to solar and wind power can cut down fuel use and protect the air.

  1. Better Water Management

Building water treatment plants and using rainwater harvesting can help save water for future use.

  1. Green Urban Planning

Cities should have more parks, better public transport, and less traffic to improve air quality.

  1. Public Awareness

People must understand their role in protecting the environment. Campaigns in schools and communities can help create awareness.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s environmental issues can only be solved through teamwork. The government, private sector, and citizens must act together to protect nature and public health.
By using renewable energy, saving water, and keeping cities clean, Pakistan can build a safer and greener future for generations to come.

Pakistan’s Strategic Move into the Digital Economy

Pakistan’s Strategic Move into the Digital Economy
Pakistan’s Strategic Move into the Digital Economy 4096 2344 D. I. Khan New City

Pakistan has taken a groundbreaking step in the realm of financial technology with the incorporation of the Strategic Digital Wallet Company, a state-owned enterprise (SOE) designed to manage and safeguard government-owned virtual assets. Furthermore, this initiative comes in line with the newly introduced Virtual Asset Ordinance 2025, which provides a clear and structured framework for virtual assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

As a result, the move reflects Pakistan’s ambition to embrace blockchain-based financial technologies while ensuring compliance, transparency, and national security.

Backed by the Virtual Asset Ordinance 2025

The Virtual Asset Ordinance 2025 is a milestone for Pakistan’s financial sector. In fact, it provides the legal foundation for regulating digital assets, an area that has long remained under uncertainty. Therefore, Pakistan is now in a stronger position to build trust in blockchain-driven financial solutions.

Moreover, this ordinance offers a clear pathway for both public and private institutions to operate securely in the virtual asset economy.

A Government-Owned Non-Profit Entity

The Strategic Digital Wallet Company is being established as a non-profit organization under Section 42 of the Companies Act 2017, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Consequently, this ensures the company functions transparently, solely for the purpose of protecting and managing digital assets on behalf of the government.

Additionally, the initiative is spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council, which emphasized the need for a secure, government-operated digital wallet. In this way, the company aligns perfectly with the new regulatory regime.

Leadership and Governance

To meet SECP requirements, three senior officials have been appointed as the company’s founding directors:

  • Taimoor Hasan, Joint Secretary, Finance Division
  • Humera Azam Khan, Joint Secretary, Cabinet Division
  • Amir Muhammad Khan Niazi, Joint Secretary, Law and Justice Division

Furthermore, Ahmed Taimoor Hasan has been appointed as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company until a regular CEO is appointed under the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Act 2023.

The Future of Digital Finance in Pakistan

The Strategic Digital Wallet is envisioned to become Pakistan’s foundational infrastructure for managing state-owned virtual assets. For example, some of the potential use cases include:

  • Tokenized Government Bonds
  • Sovereign Digital Currency
  • Cross-Border Blockchain Transactions

Therefore, by building this infrastructure, Pakistan is preparing itself for the next phase of the digital economy. In the long run, regulated and transparent use of blockchain technology could significantly strengthen its financial ecosystem.

A Progressive Step for Pakistan

This initiative is being widely hailed as a forward-looking step that places Pakistan alongside nations actively adopting digital finance frameworks. Moreover, by mitigating the risks of unregulated crypto activity, the government is signaling its commitment to innovation, regulation, and security in the blockchain space.

Ultimately, the establishment of the Strategic Digital Wallet Company not only highlights Pakistan’s adaptability to global financial trends but also sets the stage for integrating digital assets into mainstream governance and economic growth.

Enter your
text here
X
Welcome to D. I. Khan New City