Lahore, April 17: In a political move that’s catching everyone off guard, the federal government is reportedly gearing up to unveil the 2024–25 budget earlier than expected and yes, possibly before Eidul Adha. Budget Bombshell Incoming? Sources suggest that the Shehbaz Sharif-led government is eyeing an early June window to present the budget—two weeks ahead of the traditional mid-June schedule. The reason? A mix of high-stakes IMF pressure, tight timelines, and a strategic push to get ahead of the curve. With Eidul Adha falling in mid-June this year, presenting the budget earlier could offer the government a cleaner path to…
Author: Nayab
Opposition voices warn that long-term price control may burden the national budget and energy supply systems.
KARACHI – April 17, 2025: Bank Alfalah Limited (BAFL) has posted a profit after tax of PKR 7.04 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. This translates to an Earnings Per Share (EPS) of PKR 4.46. The bank’s Board of Directors has also approved an interim cash dividend of PKR 2.5 per share (25%). This is up from 20% in the same period last year. Resilience Amid Economic ShiftsDespite a drastic 1,000 basis point reduction in the policy rate since Q1 2024, the bank has managed to contain spread compression. This resilience is attributed to growth in average current…
Lahore, April 17: Chinese EV powerhouse BYD is set to disrupt Pakistan’s pickup truck segment with the introduction of its Shark 6 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) likely to become Pakistan’s first-ever hybrid pickup truck. Unveiled at the Pakistan Auto Show (PAS) 2024, the Shark 6 is already drawing attention as a futuristic alternative to fuel-hungry diesel pickups like the Toyota Hilux Revo, ISUZU D-Max, and JAC T9 Hunter. Powered by a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine paired with dual electric motors, the BYD Shark 6 delivers a combined 321kW of power and a muscular 650Nm of torque. Its quick 0–100…
RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD, April 17: In a commendable show of customer solidarity, Changan Pakistan has announced a 50% discount on repair services for vehicles damaged during the severe hailstorm that struck parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on April 16. The automaker’s initiative covers repairs for windscreens, panoramic sunroofs, and rear screens, offering much-needed relief to vehicle owners impacted by the unexpected and destructive weather. Timely Relief for Affected Vehicle Owners Changan confirmed via its official social media channels that the discount is valid until April 19, 2025, and applies to all Changan vehicles affected by the hailstorm. Read more: Watch Pictorial Story of…
In a decisive move to enforce educational standards, the Punjab Education Initiative Management Authority (PEIMA) has revoked the licenses of over 1,600 partner schools across the province. This action, announced on April 16, 2025, aims to address non-compliance with newly established regulatory criteria. Why Were the Licenses Cancelled?The affected schools failed to meet the updated standards set by PEIMA, which include: • Infrastructure Requirements: Adequate facilities to ensure a conducive learning environment. • Qualified Staff: Employment of certified and trained teaching personnel. • Curriculum Standards: Adherence to the prescribed educational syllabus. • Student Welfare Measures: Implementation of policies safeguarding student health and safety. Despite…
In a groundbreaking move set to revolutionize Pakistan’s automotive landscape, Inverex has announced the upcoming launch of the Xio, touted as the country’s most affordable 4-door electric vehicle (EV). This initiative positions Inverex at the forefront of making sustainable transportation accessible to the masses. Introducing the Xio: Affordable Innovation The Xio EV is designed to cater to a wide range of consumers, offering three variants with impressive driving ranges: • 140 km • 220 km • 320 km These options ensure that whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on longer journeys, there’s a Xio model tailored to your needs. Why the Xio…
Lahore: In a groundbreaking event, Jazz turned the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) campus into a hub of technological innovation, offering students an immersive glimpse into the future of digital evolution. A Hands-On Dive into Digital Transformation The event provided attendees with interactive experiences, allowing them to engage directly with cutting-edge technologies. From virtual reality demonstrations to AI-driven applications, students were given the opportunity to explore the tools shaping tomorrow’s digital landscape. Bridging Academia and Industry Jazz’s initiative aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world technological applications. By bringing industry experts and innovators to the campus,…
New Android Security Feature Will Auto-Restart Your Phone If It’s Locked for 3 Days In a major security boost for Android users, Google is rolling out a new feature in its Google Play Services update (version 25.14) that could help protect your personal data if your phone is ever lost or stolen. Here’s What the Feature Does If your Android phone has been locked and untouched for three consecutive days, the new update will automatically restart the device. Once restarted, your phone returns to its “Before First Unlock” state — a more secure mode where data remains encrypted and far…
In a move aimed at providing financial relief to the salaried class, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has proposed a tax exemption for individuals earning up to Rs. 600,000 annually. This proposal is part of the upcoming federal budget and is contingent upon approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The FBR’s recommendation seeks to alleviate the tax burden on low and middle-income earners, recognizing the economic challenges faced by this segment of the population. By increasing the tax exemption threshold, the government aims to enhance disposable income for salaried individuals, thereby stimulating economic activity. However, this proposed relief…
