Pakistan

Lahore erupted in color and celebration as the long-banned Basant festival wrapped up after three high-energy days, drawing massive crowds to rooftops and streets across the city for kite flying and festivities. From dawn to dusk  and even beyond  the city buzzed with music, flying kites, and a renewed sense of tradition, as Lahoris embraced the revival of a festival …

Pakistan has formally decided to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace, scheduled for February 19, sources According to sources, the meeting will be chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and will focus on efforts to promote peace and stability in Gaza. Pakistan is expected to be represented either by the Prime Minister or the Deputy …

Structured CSR initiatives now offer sustainable solutions beyond temporary relief for vulnerable communities Pakistan, with a population exceeding 251 million as of 2024, faces profound socioeconomic challenges exacerbated by economic volatility, climate change, and structural inequalities. The nation’s poverty trajectory, once marked by significant progress, has stalled and reversed in recent years due to overlapping crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, …

Inflation and climate shocks preventing poverty reduction despite economic growth in recent years Pakistan’s economic journey over the last decade reflects a troubling paradox. While the country has experienced periods of GDP growth and signs of macroeconomic recovery, millions of citizens continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment, and rising living costs. This contradiction where growth does not translate into relief …

Microfinance banks are promoting financial inclusion for women, SMEs, poverty alleviation growth There are presently 11 microfinance banks operating in Pakistan, regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan. These institutions play a vital role in providing financial services to low-income individuals, small entrepreneurs, and rural communities. Some of the notable microfinance banks in Pakistan include: – Advans Pakistan Mi crofinance …

Digital innovation and inclusive lending are transforming microfinance into a sustainable development engine Pakistan’s microfinance sector stands as a cornerstone of financial inclusion, providing vital credit, savings, and insurance services to millions who remain excluded from conventional banking systems. With a gross loan portfolio surpassing PKR 500 billion by late 2023 and active borrowers numbering over 9 million — nearly …

Policymakers must adopt growth-oriented strategy including export diversification, investment climate and productivity As Pakistan approaches 2026, economic stability has become a central theme in policy discussions. Recent data show that consumer price inflation declined to 5.6 per cent in December 2025 after exceeding 30 per cent during 2023. This reduction followed strict monetary tightening and fiscal adjustment measures. While easing …

Dental colleges and private practitioners provide community service improving access essential oral healthcare services Pakistan continues to face significant socioeconomic challenges, with a substantial proportion of its population living below the poverty line and lacking access to basic healthcare services. Medical health indicators receive national attention but oral health remains a neglected component of our healthcare system. Dentistry in Pakistan …

Bioniks helped thousands people across countries, combining social impact, regional potential and enterprise The Mind Behind Bioniks Muhammad Anas Niaz, Founder and CEO of Bioniks, is part of a new generation of entrepreneurs using technology to address healthcare challenges in emerging markets. With an engineering background, he identified a gap: advanced prosthetic limbs were widely available in developed countries but …

Innovation thrives where academia, industry and government work in alignment for development Innovation is no longer a luxury but a necessity for nations seeking sustained economic growth and global relevance. In an era defined by rapid technological change, countries that fail to innovate risk economic stagnation and declining competitiveness. Universities are traditionally viewed as centres of knowledge creation, while industries …