Pakistan experienced a record surge in doctor emigration in 2025, raising serious concerns about the long-term capacity of the country’s healthcare system even as medical graduate numbers remain steady. An analysis by Gallup Pakistan, based on data from the Bureau of Emigration, shows that approximately 3,800 to 4,000 doctors left the country last year, marking the highest annual outflow ever

The process to designate Peshawar and New York as sister cities has moved forward after the New York City Mayor’s Office shared a draft agreement with the Governor House.

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency has decided to deploy advanced unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance monitoring and search and rescue operations for fishing vessels and ships involved in maritime accidents.

The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) announced temporary power shutdowns on various feeders and areas due to scheduled system maintenance and development work. The outages are planned for February 7, 2026, and will affect multiple circles including Islamabad, Rawalpindi City, Rawalpindi Cantt, Attock, Chakwal, and GSO.

Karachi may soon join Lahore in hosting a Basant festival, as Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced plans to organize a kite-flying event to welcome spring. He said the city administration is considering venues such as Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim and Benazir Bhutto Park for the Basant mela, which could take place in the coming weeks. Wahab noted that Basant has once again become a popular topic of conversation,

The Pakistan Naanbai Association has announced that roti and naan prices will remain unchanged until the 30th of Ramazan, despite a sharp increase in the cost of flour, ghee, LPG, labor, electricity, and tandoor rent. The decision was made by the association’s General Council, which includes representatives from Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Murree, Talagang, and surrounding areas, with

A westerly wave is expected to affect western parts of the country from February 8, moving into upper regions by February 9. Under the influence of this weather system, widespread rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall are likely across multiple provinces.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced an extension of Basant celebrations in Lahore, citing overwhelming public enthusiasm and responsible behavior as the festival returned after a 25-year hiatus. The decision reflects the government’s appreciation of citizens who celebrated the occasion peacefully while adhering to safety regulations.

Security across Lahore has been tightened and the city has been placed on high alert following a recent security incident in Islamabad. Authorities have moved swiftly to strengthen law and order measures to ensure public safety throughout the provincial capital.

The Punjab government’s promise to offer free rides during the three days of Basant was not implemented, leaving commuters to pay full fares despite official assurances. Authorities had announced that tens of thousands of complimentary rickshaw rides would be provided daily as part of a special public relief initiative, but the reality on the ground told a different story.