As part of the 'Digital Pakistan' push in 2025, the government offered 10-year tax holidays to companies setting up semiconductor design and hardware manufacturing units within technology zones, aiming to move Pakistan up the global value chain.
2672
Which international boundary fencing project was prioritized for completion by the Shahbaz government in 2024 to curb smuggling?
While the Afghan border was already largely fenced, the government accelerated the fencing of the 900 km border with Iran in 2024. This was coupled with the establishment of border markets and enhanced surveillance to stop the illegal flow of fuel and other commodities.
2673
In 2024, Pakistan launched its first 'Remote Sensing' lunar orbiter named:
iCube-Qamar was Pakistan's first mission to the Moon, launched in May 2024 as part of China's Chang'e 6 mission. Developed by the Institute of Space Technology in collaboration with SUPARCO, it successfully sent images from the lunar orbit, marking a historic achievement for Pakistan's space program.
2674
Which constitutional body's power to 'suo motu' notice was restructured by the Practice and Procedure Act, 2023, upheld in 2024?
The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act was passed to ensure that the exercise of original jurisdiction (suo motu) and the formation of benches are handled by a committee of three senior judges rather than the Chief Justice alone, aiming for more collective decision-making.
2675
The 'Reko Diq' mining project in Balochistan saw renewed progress in 2024 following an agreement with which Canadian company?
Barrick Gold finalized its investment plans for the Reko Diq copper and gold mine. The project, facilitated by the SIFC and the Balochistan government, is expected to become one of the world's largest copper mines, providing massive revenue and jobs for the region by 2025.
2676
Which Pakistani province launched the 'Punjab Chief Minister’s Solar Panel Scheme' in 2024 to provide relief from high electricity bills?
The scheme was launched by Maryam Nawaz Sharif to provide solar systems to thousands of households consuming low units of electricity. This initiative was part of a broader government strategy in 2024-2025 to promote renewable energy and provide immediate relief to citizens during the energy crisis.
2677
The 'Benazir Income Support Programme' (BISP) was expanded in 2025 to include which new category of assistance?
In 2024-2025, the government launched the BISP 'Dynamic Registry' to update the socio-economic data of households. This allowed for the inclusion of millions of more deserving families and the implementation of a more accurate targeting system for cash transfers and educational stipends.
2678
In October 2024, which country's Prime Minister visited Islamabad, marking a 'renewed era' of bilateral and SCO cooperation?
The SCO summit in October 2024 saw the rare simultaneous presence of the Chinese and Russian premiers in Islamabad. Their visits resulted in several bilateral agreements on energy, trade, and regional connectivity, reinforcing Pakistan's strategic importance.
2679
Which international body's 'GSP Plus' status for Pakistan was extended through 2025, benefiting the textile sector?
The EU's GSP Plus status allows Pakistan duty-free access for its exports to the European market. The government successfully lobbied for its continuation through 2025, which is critical for the textile industry that accounts for nearly 60% of Pakistan's total exports.
2680
The 'Thar Coal' energy project reached a milestone in 2024 by contributing how much total power to the national grid?
With the commissioning of several blocks including the Lucky Electric and ThalNova plants, Thar Coal became a major source of indigenous base-load power. In 2024, it provided over 2,600 MW, significantly reducing the country's reliance on expensive imported coal and fuel.