Author: Kainat R

Emission Control Systems Fitted to 1,085 Faisalabad Boilers Ahead of Smog Season

Kainat R
Industrial boiler chimneys in Faisalabad fitted with emission control systems ahead of the smog season

A verification survey has found that 1,085 of the 1,087 industrial boiler units within Faisalabad’s municipal limits have emission control systems (ECS). The survey was carried out as the smog season approaches in November. Officials say the two remaining units are gas-fired. The finding is being presented as a key step in smog control in Faisalabad, one of Pakistan’s largest industrial cities. Background: Why Faisalabad Industrial Units Are Under Watch Faisalabad is often called the “Manchester of Pakistan” because of its large textile sector. That industry depends heavily on boilers…

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Punjab Drone Ban 2026: Outdoor Drone Flights Banned for 30 Days

Kainat R
A drone flying over a field in Punjab, Pakistan, as the province enforces a 30-day outdoor drone ban under Section 144

The Punjab Home Department has imposed a 30-day drone ban in Punjab, covering outdoor drone flights across the province. The order was issued under Section 144 due to security concerns. Small drones may still be used indoors, in halls and marquees, and intelligence and law enforcement agencies are exempt. Police and district administrations have been told to enforce the ban strictly. Background: Why Section 144 Matters Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 lets authorities restrict certain activities to protect public order and safety. It is commonly used…

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Rugby World Cup 2027: Countdown Begins for Biggest Tournament Ever

Kainat R
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi leading the Springboks during a match ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia

The Rugby World Cup 2027 is now 12 months away, and it will be the biggest edition in the sport’s history. A record 24 teams will play over six weeks in Australia, starting on October 1, 2027. Back-to-back champions South Africa are the favourites and are chasing another title. Organisers expect record crowds and a major boost for the sport. Background: A Bigger Rugby World Cup The 2027 event is the 11th men’s Rugby World Cup and the first with 24 teams. It grows from the 20-team format used since…

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Indus Waters Treaty Cannot Be Suspended Unilaterally, Says Tarar

Kainat R
The Indus River flowing through Pakistan, a symbol of the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 dispute between Pakistan and India

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that Pakistan will not let India weaponise water. He maintained that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) cannot be changed, revoked or held in abeyance by one side alone. Tarar called the treaty an instrument of peace and stability for the region. His comments come as the Indus Waters Treaty suspended by India in 2025 remains at the centre of tensions between the two countries. Background: The Indus Waters Treaty 1960 The Indus Waters Treaty 1960 was signed after years of negotiations facilitated by…

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Faisalabad Wheat Cultivation Target Set at 1.834 Million Acres

Kainat R
Farmer using a Super Seeder to sow wheat in a field in Faisalabad division, Punjab, as part of the wheat cultivation target

Authorities have set a Faisalabad wheat target of 1.834 million acres for the coming season. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Divisional Wheat Committee chaired by Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh. Officials were told to complete sowing by November 20, and to ensure that seed, fertiliser and canal water reach farmers on time. The plan aims to make Faisalabad the leading division for wheat farming in Punjab. Background: Why Faisalabad Wheat Cultivation Matters Wheat is Pakistan’s main staple crop, and Punjab grows most of it. Faisalabad division,…

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Kashmir Dispute: Pakistan Calls for Peaceful Settlement Under UN Resolutions

Kainat R
Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon and Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh addressing journalists at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington on the Kashmir dispute

Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, have called for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute. They said lasting peace and stability in South Asia depend on a settlement in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The remarks came during a media session at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, as reported on Tuesday. Background: A Dispute That Dates Back to 1947 The Kashmir issue has been unresolved since the partition of British India…

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Bara Operation: Security Forces Kill Five Terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Kainat R
Pakistani security forces personnel during an intelligence-based operation against terrorists in Bara, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Security forces on Tuesday killed five terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bara area, according to security sources. The militants belonged to Fitna al-Khawarij, and the operation was reported by Radio Pakistan. Officials said a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered, and the militants’ hideouts were destroyed. The Bara operation is the latest in a run of counterterrorism actions by security forces in Pakistan this month.  Background: Rising Terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has faced repeated militant violence in recent years, especially in districts…

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Novak Djokovic Targets a Reset as Djokovic Return Headlines China Open 2026

Kainat R
Novak Djokovic preparing for his return at the China Open 2026 at the National Tennis Centre in Beijing

Summary Novak Djokovic says he is encouraged by how his body is responding ahead of the China Open 2026. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is back in action for the first time since his shock first-round exit at the US Open. The Djokovic return to Beijing comes after an 11-year absence and after recent fitness concerns. Background: A Difficult Season and a Rare Schedule Choice The Djokovic China Open story begins in New York. Novak Djokovic lost his US Open opening match to Argentina’s Mariano Navone, a result that stunned…

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LAAM Fashion Week Puts Spotlight on Karachi With a Kaleidoscopic Runway Night

Kainat R
Models walking the mirrored runway at the Kaleidoscopic Karachi fashion show during LAAM Fashion Week 2026 in Karachi

Summary LAAM Fashion Week puts spotlight on Karachi with a one-night showcase called Kaleidoscopic Karachi, held at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture. Collections by Deepak Perwani, Wardha Saleem, Khaadi, The Pink Tree Company and Sana Safinaz shared a single runway. The evening blended eastern and western silhouettes and brought two well-known 1990s models back to the ramp. Background: How LAAM Fashion Week Reached Karachi LAAM Fashion Week began in Lahore, where its inaugural edition ran from January 31 to February 3, 2026. It was presented as Pakistan’s…

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Tamil Nadu Newborn Gold Scheme: Babies Born in Government Hospitals Get a Free Gold Ring

Kainat R
Tamil Nadu newborn gold scheme: Chief Minister Vijay presents a one-gram gold ring to a baby at Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai

Tamil Nadu has started handing out a gold ring to babies born in its government hospitals. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay launched the “Thai Maman Thanga Mothiram” scheme on Monday, under which eligible babies get a one-gram gold ring. The state says the Tamil Nadu newborn gold scheme is meant to celebrate childbirth and bring more families into public hospitals. It is one of the most unusual health-linked welfare offers in India right now. Background: A Poll Promise Turned Into Policy The idea did not come out of nowhere. Vijay…

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