Pakistan Eyes Data-Driven Progress: Ahsan Iqbal, J-PAL Chief Explore Partnership Under ‘URAAN Pakistan’ Framework

July 18, 2026 by Syed Mujtaba Ali

BOSTON / ISLAMABAD — In a strategic move to transition towards a data-driven welfare economy, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, met with Prof. Iqbal Dhaliwal, the Global Executive Director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). The high-level meeting focused on exploring a robust institutional collaboration aimed at introducing evidence-based policymaking to tackle poverty, enhance human development, and accelerate inclusive growth across Pakistan.

PAKISTAN AND TAJIKISTAN FORGE NEW PARTNERSHIP IN DIGITAL INNOVATION AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN NEW YORK

July 16, 2026 by Syed Mujtaba Ali

NEW YORK / ISLAMABAD — In a strategic move to boost regional technological cooperation, Pakistan and Tajikistan have held high-level talks in New York focused on artificial intelligence, startup ecosystems, and digital skill-building for the youth.

CHAIRMAN PM’S YOUTH PROGRAMME RANA MASHHOOD MEETS TOP ENTREPRENEURS IN US TO EXPAND YOUTH VENTURES

July 16, 2026 by Syed Mujtaba Ali

WASHINGTON D.C. / ISLAMABAD — On his official visit to the United States aimed at fostering global partnerships, the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, held a strategic meeting with prominent overseas Pakistani entrepreneur and philanthropist Tanweer Ahmed, alongside Uzair Hasan, CEO of the Maxum Group.

PAKISTAN AND CORNELL UNIVERSITY EXPLORE DEEPER TIES IN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND HIGHER EDUCATION

July 16, 2026 by Syed Mujtaba Ali

NEW YORK / ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, visited the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) to explore strategic partnerships aimed at advancing higher education, technological innovation, and sustainable agricultural practices in Pakistan.

PAKISTAN TO ESTABLISH JOINT EXPERT GROUP WITH CORNELL UNIVERSITY TO BOOST CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURE

July 16, 2026 by Syed Mujtaba Ali

NEW YORK / ISLAMABAD — In a major step toward modernizing Pakistan’s agricultural landscape, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, held a high-level meeting at Cornell University’s Integrated School of Plant Sciences.

Pakistan Surpasses Digital Banking Target: Users Soar to 135 Million as Independent Verification Ensures Policy Integrity

July 15, 2026 by Syed Mujtaba Ali

KARACHI: In a major milestone for the country’s financial ecosystem, Pakistan’s digital banking user base has soared to 135 million, comfortably exceeding the initial target of 120 million.

This landmark achievement was highlighted during the Pakistan Banking Summit 2026 (PBS’26), the premier annual flagship event hosted by the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) in Karachi.

PBA Congratulates Adil Salahuddin on Appointment as CEO of Standard Chartered Pakistan

July 15, 2026 by Syed Mujtaba Ali

KARACHI: The Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA) has extended its warmest congratulations to Mr. Adil Salahuddin on his recent appointment as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Head of Coverage at Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited.

SIFC Fast-Tracks Pakistan’s Motorway Network: Progress on M-12 and M-13 to Transform Regional Connectivity

July 15, 2026 by Syed Mujtaba Ali

ISLAMABAD: Under the proactive facilitation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Pakistan is rapidly expanding its national motorway network, marking a major milestone in communication and transport infrastructure.

SDPI Policy Dialogue Advocates for Clean Cooking to Drive Pakistan’s Green Energy Transition

July 15, 2026 by Syed Mujtaba Ali

ISLAMABAD: Energy experts, policymakers, and international development partners gathered at a policy dialogue hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) to chart Pakistan’s pathway beyond fossil fuels. The second half of the dialogue, titled “Beyond Fossil Fuels: Pathways for a Clean Energy Transition in Pakistan,” turned a critical spotlight on clean cooking solutions as an essential pillar for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), bolstering national energy security, and improving public health.