Lifestyle

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.

Rawalpindi Ring Road Phase 1, now estimated to cost PKR 50 billion, has been delayed, with its completion deadline pushed from December 2025 to March 2026 and about 75% of work done so far. The 38.6km stretch from Banth Mor to Thalian Interchange faces construction and land acquisition hurdles, especially for upgrading Thalian into a broad-based interchange. The cost has risen from PKR 33 billion due to scope revisions, and officials warn the interchange works may extend beyond March 2026. A feasibility study and PC-I for Phase 2, from Thalian to GT Road (M-5), are also due by March 2026.

PIA’s privatisation moves ahead on December 23, with three bidders still competing after Fauji Fertiliser’s withdrawal. The bidders will submit and open bids the same day under a live-televised process, seeking a 75pc stake, while 25pc shares remain with the government. The winning bidder will pay in two tranches and assume key liabilities, with no layoffs allowed for one year and staff benefits protected.

Lahore is preparing to celebrate Basant 2026 from February 6 to 8, with major venues including Greater Iqbal Park, Jallo Park, and Model Town Park. Authorities have finalized safety and administrative plans, banning metallic and chemical-coated kite strings and offering Rs. 5,000 rewards for reporting violations. Special monitoring teams will ensure public safety, and citizens are urged to follow regulations for a safe and joyful celebration.

TikTok has launched a new self-serve advertising platform in Pakistan to help small and medium-sized businesses create and manage their own ad campaigns more easily and affordably. The TikTok For Business Ads Manager gives local entrepreneurs flexible tools, creative resources and performance targeting to reach new audiences without needing specialist expertise. The company says Pakistani SMBs can now better tap into TikTok’s highly engaged user base, building brand visibility at home and abroad while using flexible budgets and intelligent targeting to improve campaign results.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has launched the province’s first women-only Pink Bus Service in Quetta to provide safer and more dignified public transport for women, building on initiatives like the Pink Scooties scheme and scholarship programs that support women’s empowerment. The chief minister praised women deputy commissioners for their effective leadership, vowed to counter “extremist elements” he says mislead Baloch women, and announced plans to extend the Green Bus Service to Pishin, Mastung, and Turbat while working on introducing electric buses to improve public transport and reduce pollution.

MCB Bank is offering the iPhone 17 lineup on a 0% markup installment plan for credit card customers, with tenures of up to 36 months and no processing fee. The iPhone 17 Pro is available in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver, and eligible purchases come with Shield+ perks, including a one-year extended warranty plus one-time front screen and back-glass replacement. The offer runs until December 31, 2025, and includes a limited complimentary gift while stocks last.