Lifestyle

Digital safety is now recognized as a fundamental part of women’s rights in Pakistan. Experts highlight the need for laws, reporting systems, and digital literacy to protect women from online violence. Government and civil society leaders emphasize stronger legal frameworks and community engagement to ensure safe online spaces, helping women participate fully and securely in society. This effort is part of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism campaign to combat gender-based violence nationwide.

The Punjab government has banned the production of petrol-powered motorcycle rickshaws to combat severe air pollution. This move is part of a larger strategy that includes promoting electric and hybrid vehicles for all government departments, banning home vehicle washing, and enforcing penalties for environmentally harmful practices like burning plastic. The province has also expanded air quality monitoring and introduced digital tools for pollution tracking. These measures aim to improve public health by reducing smog and enhancing environmental standards throughout Punjab.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured that no passenger with genuine and complete travel documents will be barred from traveling abroad. During a visit to Islamabad Airport, he reviewed passenger concerns and ordered a crackdown on visa agents exploiting travelers. Naqvi stressed that only those with fake or incomplete documents would be denied boarding, as such actions harm Pakistan's reputation. He also addressed staffing issues at immigration counters and emphasized zero tolerance for agent mafias jeopardizing travelers' futures. The Federal Investigation Agency confirmed that legitimate passengers are being facilitated, and only those with suspicious documentation are stopped.

Murree’s drivers face sharply higher fines as city police enforce stricter traffic rules under a new Punjab government ordinance. Offenders are now subject to increased penalties for violations like signal jumping, careless driving, and lane violations—for example, cars can be fined up to Rs5,000 and commercial vehicles up to Rs15,000 for some offences. The revised rules also introduce a driving licence points system, aiming to promote safer roads and greater discipline among motorists in Murree.

Airblue has launched a new twice-weekly direct flight between Islamabad and Dammam, operating on Thursdays and Saturdays to improve connectivity with Saudi Arabia. The route was inaugurated at Islamabad International Airport, where the airline said the service targets growing demand from business travellers and expatriates and marks a further expansion of its international network.

Pakistan and the UAE have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen strategic, economic, and defence cooperation, with a strong focus on trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. In a meeting in Islamabad, UAE Ambassador Salem Al Zaabi and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb discussed expanding Emirati investment in sectors such as ports, digital banking, logistics, technology, agriculture, and minerals, aligned with Pakistan’s shift toward an investment-driven, private-sector-led growth model. Al Zaabi also outlined new visa facilitation measures for Pakistanis, including online and e-visa systems and a dedicated visa centre, through which nearly 500 visas are now being processed daily to support business and visitor travel between the two countries

Sindh Tajir Ittehad Chairman Sheikh Habib has criticised the Sindh government for failing to issue number plates to new motorcycles despite charging registration fees, calling it a clear case of misgovernance. He acknowledged that the e-challan system has helped curb roadside corruption but warned that its effectiveness is undermined by a weak vehicle registration database and thousands of unregistered bikes. Habib urged reforms including mandatory registration in the actual owner’s name, lower initial fines for bikers, a government-backed helmet scheme, biometric verification for vehicle transactions, and continuous updating of ownership records.

Islamabad is fast-tracking a new international-standard cricket stadium in sector D-12, with the Capital Development Authority directed to complete the project within a year. The venue will feature Dubai-style modern facilities, including advanced security, upgraded access roads, and large parking areas, along with a luxury hotel next door to house visiting teams and officials. Authorities expect the out-of-centre location to ease match-day traffic jams in the capital and help Islamabad emerge as a key host for high-profile international cricket events in the coming years

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved a comprehensive citywide upgrade plan for all sectors of Islamabad. The initiative includes uniform road repairs, resurfacing, and patchwork, as well as restoration and expansion of footpaths. Streetlights and poles will be repaired or newly installed to enhance safety. Key commercial areas like Super Market, Jinnah Super, Aabpara, Karachi Company, and Blue Area will receive prioritized upgrades with minimized disruptions. The project also covers new signage, lane markings, speed breakers, and improvements to sewerage and drainage systems. The plan aims to improve civic services, beautify the city with the help of architects, and restore Islamabad’s environment using modern machinery and internal resources.