In a significant development for Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural sectors, a tractor assembly plant is set to be established in the province of Balochistan through a partnership with a prominent company from Belarus. The project is being viewed as a major milestone for boosting local production, facilitating technology transfer, and creating new employment opportunities. A formal industrial agreement has been signed between Minsk Work Tractor & Assembly (MWTA), a subsidiary of Thatta Cement Company Limited, and the Belarusian firm OJSC Minsk Tractor Works. The Pakistan Stock Exchange has been formally notified of the deal. Under the agreement, MWTA has secured…
Author: Web Desk
In a significant bright spot for Pakistan’s economy, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry has demonstrated remarkable performance in the first quarter of the 2025-26 fiscal year (July to September). According to the latest data, ICT exports reached an impressive $1.057 billion during this quarter. This represents a substantial increase of $180 million, or 20.5%, when compared to the same period last year. The strong momentum was also visible in the monthly figures. In September 2025 alone, ICT exports hit $366 million, marking a 25.3% rise from September 2024. However, the most crucial indicator of the sector’s health is…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest “Middle East and Central Asia Regional Economic Outlook” report, has issued a significant warning for Pakistan, suggesting a new storm of inflation could be approaching despite the country’s recognized progress on economic reforms. According to the report, while Pakistan’s economy is expected to grow by 3.6% in the current fiscal year—and despite noted improvements in remittances and the current account during the 2024-25 fiscal year—these hard-won gains are facing new threats. The IMF specifically projects that inflation is likely to rise again in the 2025-26 fiscal year. A primary driver for this…
In a positive development for households across Pakistan, including those in Karachi, a reduction in electricity tariffs could be forthcoming, offering some financial relief amidst high living costs. According to sources, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has filed a petition with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). The request seeks a reduction of 37 paisa per unit in the electricity price, based on the monthly fuel adjustment for September. This potential decrease is particularly noteworthy as consumers are currently paying an adjustment for August, which was an increase of 8 paisa per unit. The decision now rests…
In a major advancement for public health, Pakistan has established its first-ever free breast cancer screening facility at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. The announcement was made by Health Minister Mustafa Kamal during a Breast Cancer Week ceremony. The new center represents a significant shift in national health strategy, moving from a focus on treatment to one of proactive, early diagnosis. “We do not want people to get sick first and then come to the hospital,” the Health Minister stated clearly during his address. He emphasized that this center’s primary goal is to diagnose women…
In a significant move to provide public relief amid a surge in seasonal illnesses, the Sindh Health Care Commission (SHCC) has announced a dramatic reduction in the prices of critical diagnostic tests. This decision comes as the province grapples with a concerning increase in both dengue and malaria cases. The new, standardized rates are effective immediately from October 21 and will remain in place until December 31, 2025. The price cuts are substantial and aimed at easing the financial burden on patients. According to the SHCC, the fee for a malaria test has been slashed from Rs. 3,050 to…
In a startling development for public health, researchers have uncovered a troubling racial disparity in the mortality rates of a dangerous bacterial infection. The findings suggest that an infection from Clostridioides difficile, a bacterium known to cause severe, life-threatening diarrhea, is significantly more fatal for white patients than for Black or Hispanic individuals. The report was presented on Sunday at IDWeek in Atlanta, a major annual meeting for America’s top infectious disease professionals. The statistics paint a stark and concerning picture: a staggering 84% of all deaths attributed to this infection occurred among white people. This contrasts sharply with the…
Oral health has long been considered a window to overall physical well-being, but a new study from China has revealed a deeper, more concerning connection. Research from Sichuan University suggests that for older adults, rapid tooth loss is not just a sign of aging; it could be a significant indicator of an increased risk of early death. While the link between losing teeth and mortality has been explored before, this study is notable for focusing specifically on the speed at which teeth are lost on a large scale. Researchers followed 8,073 older adults for an average period of 3.5 years.…
We have all experienced it: the heavy, sluggish feeling and overwhelming fatigue that sets in after a delicious, rich meal. It often feels as if all our energy has suddenly drained away. Medical experts confirm this is a common experience, but one that can negatively impact our digestion and overall health if not managed. According to health professionals, high-fat fast foods, oily dishes, or eating very late at night can slow down the entire digestive process. This is what leads to uncomfortable gas, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. This discomfort is often compounded by a…
ISLAMABAD: The wait for local governance in Punjab continues, as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially decided to postpone the upcoming local body elections. This decision follows the introduction of entirely new legislation by the provincial government. The announcement came after a key meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. During the briefing, the ECP was informed that the Punjab Assembly has passed the “Punjab Local Government Act 2025,” which has since been approved by the Governor. With the enforcement of this new act, the previous “Punjab Local Government Act 2022” has been nullified. This change…
