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A new wave of research and real-world success stories from Pakistan reveals that video games are not just a pastime but a powerful training ground for the modern workforce. Gamers, who routinely collaborate across time zones and make high-stakes decisions under pressure, are developing skills like real-time problem-solving, strategic adaptability, and effective remote communication. For Pakistan's youth, gaming champions like Arslan Ash and Star Anonymous prove that a career in e-sports offers a viable pathway to global income, showcasing a new model for skill-based work that bypasses traditional job markets.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has launched "Pakistan One," a nationwide business plan competition designed to transform youth creativity into globally competitive ventures. The initiative, part of the new URAAN five-year plan, aims to engage over 10,000 young entrepreneurs and will award a record-breaking $5 million Grand Prize to promising ventures. The program seeks to shift Pakistan from a job-seeking to a job-creating economy by focusing on high-growth sectors like IT, agri-tech, and sustainable manufacturing to boost the country's stagnant export figures.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Pakistan has developed a new AI-powered application to fight human smuggling and simplify the immigration process. The app, which is set to be piloted at Islamabad airport, was praised by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as a "need of the hour" initiative that will help stop human trafficking and reduce long wait times for travelers. The minister also announced plans to modernize the FIA's IT infrastructure and headquarters and greenlit immediate recruitment to address staff shortages.

A new Economic Census from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) shows that micro and small enterprises, those with fewer than 10 employees, make up a staggering 95% of all businesses in Pakistan. The census, which was integrated into the country's first-ever digital population census, highlights the pivotal role of these small-scale businesses and the informal sector in driving the nation's economy, creating jobs, and empowering women. The data provides a crucial new foundation for policymakers to develop targeted strategies for inclusive growth.

A recent audit by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has revealed that telecom giant Jazz overcharged its customers by Rs6.58 billion during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The report blames both Jazz for its illegal billing practices and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for its “poor regulatory oversight,” which failed to prevent the unauthorized price hikes. This incident raises serious concerns about consumer protection in a market where a single player, like Jazz, holds a dominant position.

A Lahore court has granted a four-day extension to the physical remand of popular YouTuber Ducky Bhai, real name Saadur Rehman, who was arrested for allegedly promoting online gambling applications. The case, filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), accuses him of being part of an international gambling network that defrauded the public by encouraging them to invest in betting apps, resulting in significant financial losses. The charges include electronic fraud, forgery, and cheating under both the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC)

The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) recently raised an alarm over the continuous import of used cars, warning that this practice could decimate the local auto parts industry. According to PAAPAM Chairman Usman Malik, this sector, which directly employs nearly two million people and supplies up to 70% of parts for cars and 90% for motorcycles, is at significant risk. During an Auto Parts Summit, Malik urged the government to protect domestic manufacturing, pointing out that even developed nations like the United States use tariffs to safeguard their industries.

Islamabad is becoming a top destination for real estate investors due to its strategic location, stable market, and rapid infrastructure development. Commercial properties, in particular, offer high rental yields and long-term appreciation, often outperforming residential investments. With a low maintenance burden on property owners and tax benefits, the city presents a lucrative opportunity for those looking to expand their portfolios in Pakistan’s capital.

The Pakistani government has allocated a substantial Rs. 100 billion in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025-26 for the critical Karachi–Quetta–Chaman road project. The announcement, made by Parliamentary Secretary for Communications Gill Asghar Khan, underscores the government’s commitment to completing 72 key projects under the National Highway Authority (NHA) with a specific focus on Balochistan’s infrastructure development. This strategic investment aims to resolve long-standing hurdles and improve a vital trade and transportation artery.