ISLAMABAD, March 29: In a groundbreaking development for Pakistan’s automotive sector, Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan (HACPL) has officially commenced exports of completely built-up (CBU) units for the first time. The landmark event took place at the company’s premises and was attended by key industry figures, with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for Industries and Production, Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, serving as the chief guest. The ceremony saw the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Mr. Saif Anjum, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production, and Mr. Khuda Baksh Ali, CEO of the Engineering Development Board. Pakistan’s Entry…
Author: Ahmad Mukhtar
Islamabad, March 29: The Sindh government has voiced strong objections to the federal government’s decision to allocate Rs436 billion for a Punjab-centric motorway while neglecting the long-delayed Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway, which had been declared a top priority. The Lahore-Sahiwal-Bahawalnagar motorway project, recently approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec), also violates the National Fiscal Pact—a commitment signed by the federal and provincial governments under the $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. This pact mandates that sectors such as higher education, healthcare, social protection, and regional infrastructure be managed at the provincial level. Sindh’s Minister for Local Government,…
Islamabad, March 29: The agricultural income tax will be applicable retrospectively from January 1, 2025, as all provinces have legislated and notified their respective laws. Tax collection will begin from July 1, 2025, with provisions aligning provincial agricultural tax regimes with federal income tax structures. Key Highlights: 🔹 Retrospective Enforcement: Effective date for collection: January 1, 2025 Tax collection begins: July 1, 2025 🔹 Provincial Legislation Timelines: Sindh: Law passed on Feb 3, 2025, assented on Feb 11, 2025 Punjab: Law passed on Nov 14, 2024, assented on Nov 27, 2024 KP: Law passed on Jan 27, 2025, assented on…
ISLAMABAD, March 29: Despite a 10% increase in total public debt, reaching Rs74.103 trillion by December 2024, the government has asserted that debt risks are declining and economic indicators are improving. In its latest Debt Bulletin released on Friday, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) reported that total public debt had risen by Rs6.683 trillion from Rs67.330 trillion in the same period last year. Economic Stability & Debt Sustainability The MoF attributed the improved debt outlook to economic stabilization and fiscal consolidation during the first half of the 2024-25 fiscal year (1HFY25). It highlighted that the public debt stock had grown…
KARACHI, March 29: Retail payments in Pakistan crossed the two-billion mark in a single quarter for the first time, reaching 2.143 billion transactions—an 11% increase from the previous quarter—according to the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) Second Quarterly Payment System Review for FY25. The total value of these transactions grew by 12% to Rs154 trillion during the October-December period, primarily fueled by mobile banking, internet banking, and over-the-counter (OTC) transactions at bank branches. Digital platforms played a dominant role in this growth, processing 1.88 billion transactions, accounting for 88% of all retail payments, while OTC channels handled 263 million transactions…
Rawalpindi/Karachi/Lahore, March 29: With 20% cut in train fare and 5 additional trains and large number of busses are added by bus stations in mega cities for the passenger to their home towns on Eid ul Fitar travel, still large number of travelers are facing troubles. Despite the launch of five special Eidul Fitr trains by the government, no such service was announced for passengers traveling from Rawalpindi, leading to an unusual rush at the city’s railway station on Friday. Increased Demand and Additional Coaches With public transport fares on highways and the G.T. Road soaring, many travelers…
Islamabad, March 29: The Punjab home department has uncovered a fraudulent US-based website impersonating the Government of Punjab to deceive citizens by offering fake arms license services. In response, the department has formally reached out to the chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the director-general of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) cybercrime wing. It highlighted that the fraudulent website, named “Punjab Arms License Management Verification System” (www.palms.org.pk), was illegally collecting sensitive personal information and payments from unsuspecting individuals. This was under the pretense of providing arms licenses and related services. Authorities confirmed that the website falsely presented itself…
ISLAMABAD, March 29: The federal government has completed arrangements to detain and deport a specific category of Afghan citizens following the March 31 deadline for voluntary repatriation. A high-level meeting, chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, was held on Friday to assess the preparations for repatriating Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders who fail to leave Pakistan by the deadline. Officials confirmed that all necessary arrangements, including the establishment of holding centers equipped with food and healthcare services, have been put in place. Minister Naqvi assured that the federal government is closely coordinating with provincial authorities to facilitate the process and…
Islamabad, March 28: Millions of devoted Muslims assembled at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on the revered 27th night of Ramadan, seeking the divine blessings of Laylat Al-Qadr. This spiritually significant night saw a record-breaking turnout at the Grand Mosque, with over 4.2 million worshippers uniting in prayer, engaging in Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers to seek mercy, forgiveness, and divine rewards. To facilitate a smooth and organized experience, authorities meticulously coordinated crowd management and logistical arrangements. The Mataf area, designated for Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba, was efficiently managed to accommodate an astounding 107,000 pilgrims…
Islamabad, March 28: The “2024 World Air Quality Report” presents a grave and alarming assessment of air pollution levels in Pakistan, ranking it among the most severely affected countries globally. Pakistan has been classified as the third most polluted country, while Islamabad has been identified as the fifth most polluted capital city worldwide. These findings highlight an urgent environmental and public health emergency that necessitates immediate and sustained intervention. The “State of Global Air (SoGA) 2024” report further elaborates on the severe health implications of air pollution in Pakistan, documenting a concerning figure of 256,000 deaths attributed to air pollution…
