Lifestyle

This agreement marks a critical milestone for Pakistan's automotive industry. By securing a reliable and scalable energy source, BYD and MMC are laying the groundwork for the country's first large-scale NEV manufacturing ecosystem, signaling a shift toward sustainable mobility and high-tech industrial growth.

Saudi and Kuwaiti investors with a 30.7% stake in K-Electric filed a $2 billion arbitration case against Pakistan on January 16, 2026, alleging regulatory blocks on a $1.77B sale to Shanghai Electric, unpaid subsidies, tariff meddling, and fund diversions. The dispute, ongoing since 2016, claims breaches of OIC and bilateral treaties, risking Pakistan's investor trust.

Punjab orders strict enforcement of 2022 Building Safety Regulations province-wide, with legal action for violations. Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique chaired a Lahore meeting revealing surveys of 2,214 high-rises, Rs 2B fire service expansion, and Rescue 1122's feats (280K+ fires handled, Rs 768B saved). Upgrades align with CM Maryam Nawaz's vision; businesses urged to comply.

Pakistan plans a 2026 return to global bond markets with its first panda bond, Eurobonds, or sukuks after four years away. Finance Minister Aurangzeb, speaking at Davos, cited stabilized inflation, rates, fiscal health, and IMF-backed reforms like PIA privatization.

Pakistan signed $603M agreements with IsDB for M-6 Motorway ($475M), Poverty Graduation project ($118.4M, aiding 160K flood-hit households), and Azad Kashmir education initiative ($10M, for 60K kids). Deals inked in Islamabad signal boosted infrastructure, poverty relief, and schooling.

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has proposed a PKR 17 billion expansion of Murree Road, specifically targeting the congested stretch between Liaquat Bagh and Chandni Chowk. The project aims to widen the road to 20 feet on both sides and introduce dedicated service lanes and parking plazas to streamline traffic. A key feature of the plan is the creation of a signal-free corridor from Marrir Chowk to Faizabad, which is expected to drastically reduce travel time. While land surveys are already underway, the project currently awaits final approval and funding from the Punjab government to begin construction.

Islamabad celebrated the new year with the opening of the Shaheen Chowk underpass, marking the completion of 18 development projects in 2025. The project, completed in a record 63 days instead of the slated 150, is part of a major infrastructure push that includes the Serena Interchange and Murree Road underpass. Looking ahead, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced "Vision 2027", a two-year roadmap for 2026–2027. This next phase will shift focus toward urban beautification, overhauling city parks, and doubling the number of development projects to modernize the federal capital's image.

UNFPA reports Pakistan will enter 2026 as the fifth-most populous country with over 225 million people, urging a shift to view population as a development driver. It calls for NFC formula reforms rewarding gender equality, climate resilience, and health/education improvements, plus implementing Council of Common Interests recommendations. Challenges like high maternal mortality, unmet family planning, early marriages, and poor reproductive health access persist.

Commissioner Lahore Marryam Khan chaired a RUDA meeting to review ongoing and planned development projects along the River Ravi, including 16 river drainage packages, embankment works, Ravi City and bridge schemes from Syphon to the Railway Bridge and up to the M-2 Motorway. She directed the district administration to manage revenue matters along the river belt and ordered strict legal action against illegal sand extraction without permits. The commissioner praised the cooperation of Lahore and Sheikhupura administrations, noting that RUDA and CBD projects are key regional development initiatives requiring close inter-departmental coordination.