Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Minister inaugurates advanced crop speed breeding facilities at NARC
ISLAMABAD, JAN 2 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, on Friday inaugurated multiple state-of-the-art research facilities at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad. The newly inaugurated facilities include the National Wheat Speed Breeding Facility, Pulses Speed Breeding Facility, and an Intelligent & IoT-based Smart Greenhouse. These modern facilities aim to significantly reduce the time required for crop variety development from 10 years to nearly 5 years. By providing controlled environments and advanced technologies, the speed breeding facilities will enable researchers to harvestRead More
Ambreen Jan to become new PEMRA chairman
ISLAMABAD, JAN 2 /DNA/ – Former Information Secretary Ambreen Jan is poised to take charge as the new Chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). The committee responsible for appointing the PEMRA chief convened on Friday and unanimously nominated her for the position. According to sources, PTI Senator Ali Zafar did not attend the meeting. However, Senator Sarmad Ali and MNA Shahbaz Babar both endorsed Ambreen Jan’s nomination, paving the way for her appointment. The decision reflects a rare consensus across the committee, underscoring confidence in her professionalRead More
Excise Department launches one-stop facilitation desk at ICCI
ISLAMABAD, JAN 2 /DNA/ – In a major step towards facilitating the business community and promoting ease of doing business, the Excise and Taxation Department Islamabad has announced the establishment of a dedicated Facilitation Desk at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) to provide on-the-spot services to ICCI members and their families. The announcement was made by Director Excise and Taxation Islamabad, Bilal Azam, during an impressive interactive session held at the ICCI. He was accompanied by Magistrates Ali Hassan Peerzada and Mir Yameen. Bilal Azam informed theRead More
Gilani urges investment in Balochistan’s infrastructure and mineral resources
ISLAMABAD, JAN 2 /DNA/ – Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday highlighting Balochistan’s strategic role in regional connectivity and its rich natural resources, urged investments in infrastructure, trade, minerals, and connectivity to uplift local communities, create employment, and promote shared national progress. The Senate chairman, addressing the participants of National Workshop Balochistan (NWB-18) at President’s House, said that Balochistan occupied a pivotal position in regional connectivity, linking South Asia with Central Asia and the Middle East. Its coastline, natural resources, and strategic location make it central to Pakistan’sRead More
AFP fails to submit Rs 107.5m govt grant records
By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Serious questions have emerged over the financial transparency of the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) after it failed to submit adjustment accounts and supporting records of Rs 107.50 million in federal government grants received over the last three financial years. According to official documents, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB)—working under the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC)—released grants to AFP amounting to Rs 24.126 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022–23, Rs 69.250 million in FY 2023–24, and Rs 14.175 million in FY 2024–25. Despite repeated reminders andRead More
Local govt elections postponed again: a blow to democracy
Editorial ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet’s decision on Friday to once again postpone local government elections in Islamabad has sparked widespread disappointment and concern. This marks the third time the polls have been delayed, raising serious questions about the government’s willingness to empower grassroots democracy. Local governments are often described as the “true governments of the people,” yet citizens in the capital remain deprived of this fundamental democratic right. The repeated postponements appear to stem from political calculations. Analysts argue that the ruling coalition fears a strong showing by Pakistan Tehreek-e-InsafRead More