The recent decision by Pakistan Railways to drastically revise its concession policy has triggered serious concerns across the media landscape. By reducing the concession for journalists from 80% to 50% and, more critically, limiting its usage to just 10 single journeys per year, the move is being widely viewed as an unnecessary and disproportionate restriction….
In times of national challenge, leadership is measured not only by strength but by wisdom, balance, and foresight. The recent statement issued by the Pakistan Hindu Council, endorsing President Asif Ali Zardari’s appeal to celebrate Holi with simplicity, reflects exactly such responsible leadership. It is a message that resonates far beyond a single festival —…
The Government of Pakistan, in a landmark move towards modern digital governance, has taken a significant step forward by introducing a QR-enabled national identity system, fundamentally revamping how citizens’ identities are verified and utilised across public and private services. The new framework, officially promulgated through amendments to the National Identity Card (NIC) Rules and the…
In a major technological leap for public services, Pakistan has launched the cutting-edge Shikra system, a real-time passport tracking and monitoring platform designed to modernize, streamline, and secure the country’s passport services. The inauguration took place on January 26, 2026, when Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially unveiled the system at the Directorate General of Immigration…
Strong public concern has emerged in Lahore against the government’s decision to allow kite flying, as civil society organizations and citizens warn that the activity poses a serious threat to human life. In this connection, Help Poor Women and Child Organization Pakistan organized a protest demonstration and media conference on Main Ferozepur Road near Ichhra…
Pakistan Railways has announced an important relief for media professionals by extending the validity of concession cards issued to journalists until February 28, 2026. The decision comes just weeks before the earlier expiry date of December 31, 2025, ensuring continuity of travel benefits for working journalists across the country. Journalists holding Pakistan Railways concession cards…
In every nation, journalism plays a critical role in shaping public opinion, promoting accountability, and strengthening democratic values. In Pakistan—a country with a complex geopolitical environment, a young and evolving media landscape, and continuous internal and external challenges—the concept of patriotic journalism has gained significant relevance. Often debated, sometimes misunderstood, and frequently misinterpreted, patriotic journalism…
Prominent Pakistani politician, intellectual and analyst Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, in a significant development for intercontinental Eurasian political cooperation, has been unanimously elected as the new Chairman of the Asia-Europe Political Forum (AEPF). The decision came at the Forum’s annual conference held in Budapest, Hungary — a gathering that drew parliamentarians, political leaders and think-tank representatives…
In the heart of Karachi, the transgender community came together in a vibrant display of celebration and protest. The Hijra Festival 2025 at Burns Garden became much more than just music, dance and colour — it was an emphatic demand for dignity, rights and visibility for the Khawaja Sira community of Pakistan. In this column,…
Dry fruits have always been more than just food in Pakistan — they’re part of the country’s lifestyle, hospitality, and winter culture. Whether it’s almonds in milk, chilgoza pine nuts at gatherings, or walnuts in traditional sweets, dry fruits carry both health and heritage. But as Pakistan’s economy evolves, so does this centuries-old market. In…
