Lahore, April 10: Pakistan is making a fresh attempt to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) after last year’s efforts failed to attract competitive bids. The government, now armed with revised financials and better investor incentives, plans to publish a new Expression of Interest (EoI) by the end of April 2025. With legacy debts cleared and financial hurdles addressed, Islamabad is hoping to successfully offload a 51-100% stake in the struggling national carrier this time around. The move is part of a broader push under the $7 billion IMF-backed economic reform program aimed at restructuring loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Why the…
Author: Nayab
Lahore, April 10: Adobe is taking creativity to the next level by integrating AI-powered agents into Photoshop and Premiere Pro. These intelligent assistants will simplify complex editing tasks, making it easier for both beginners and professionals to refine their work. From automated photo retouching to AI-assisted video editing, these innovations promise to revolutionize digital content creation. Smarter Editing at Your Fingertips Adobe’s AI-driven creative assistant will appear as a floating Actions Panel in Photoshop, analyzing images and suggesting context-aware edits. Users can simply click on AI-generated suggestions. Using these, they can remove unwanted objects or people or blur backgrounds for…
Lahore, April 10: Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have seen a modest increase, with a rise of $23 million in the week ending April 4, 2025. The latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) shows that the country’s reserves are steadily recovering, offering a glimmer of hope for the economy. This slight uptick is a positive indicator, following months of fluctuating foreign exchange conditions. Weekly Increase in SBP Reserves As per the SBP’s report, the foreign currency reserves held by the central bank increased to $10.69 billion, reflecting a $23 million rise from $10.67 billion recorded in the previous…
Lahore, April 10: In a significant development bringing relief to consumers, the Government of Pakistan is expected to announce a reduction in petrol and diesel prices by Rs. 12 per litre, effective from April 16, 2025. This price cut is attributed to a substantial decline in global oil prices, offering respite amidst rising living costs. Details of the Price Reduction: According to reports, the federal government is expected to decrease petrol prices from the current rate of Rs. 254.63 per litre to approximately Rs. 242-243 per litre. Similarly, diesel prices are anticipated to drop from Rs. 258.64 per litre to…
Lahore, April 10: Big news for travelers as AirAsia X, the budget airline, is launching a new, low-cost flight route from Karachi to Kuala Lumpur, starting May 30. With ticket prices as low as Rs 55,800, this affordable option promises to make international travel more accessible. The budget airline will operate flights four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Whether you’re heading to Malaysia for business or leisure, this new route is bound to create waves. This new service aims to carry over 100,000 passengers annually, providing a budget-friendly option for travelers between Pakistan and Malaysia. AirAsia…
Lahore, April 10: In a major crackdown on food safety, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has seized a staggering 12,000 kilograms of fungus-infested apple and carrot preserves from a production unit in the Sundar Industrial Estate. This operation, aimed at safeguarding public health, revealed deeply concerning hygiene violations, including foul odors and preserves stored in unsanitary conditions. Unhygienic Conditions Exposed During the raid, PFA officials found that the production facility was far from meeting health and safety standards. The preserves were stored in non-food-grade drums, and raw materials were found lying directly on dirty floors. Expired flavoring agents were also…
Lahore, April 10: Instagram is shaking things up with an exciting new feature that locks Reels behind secret codes, offering a thrilling experience for both creators and followers. This new tool allows creators to post clues or hints that viewers must solve to unlock the content, making it exclusive to those who are tuned into the creator’s unique preferences or interests. Imagine a scenario where a creator posts a Reel with a hint like “Guess my favorite city,” and only followers who know the creator’s past content or personal references can crack the code. New Twist on Instagram This exciting…
Karachi, April 10: The Canadian High Commission has announced an open call for applications for the position of Honorary Consul General in Karachi. This move is seen as a renewed effort to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Canada and Pakistan. Strengthening Canada-Pakistan Relations This five-year appointment will focus on enhancing Canada’s engagement in Sindh. The role aims to boost cooperation in trade, politics, and culture. Interested candidates have until June 15 to apply, as per the official notice issued by the Canadian High Commission. Key Requirements for Honorary Consul General Applicants must be fluent in English and French.…
Lahore, April 10: Pakistan’s medical fraternity has achieved a historic milestone. A record-breaking 1,061 Pakistani doctors have secured residency positions in the United States this year. This is the highest number ever recorded in a single year. The announcement was made by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) President, Professor Rizwan Taj, on Tuesday. Leading Medical Institutions Behind This Achievement Several of Pakistan’s top medical institutions contributed to this success. These include King Edward Medical University, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Dow Medical College, Shifa College of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), and Khyber Medical University. These institutions have…
Islamabad, April 10: The federal government is intensifying efforts to curb tax evasion in Pakistan’s real estate sector, Parliamentary Secretary for Finance and Revenue Saad Waseem Sheikh announced during a National Assembly session on Wednesday. While property taxes remain under provincial jurisdiction, Sheikh highlighted federal initiatives to address loopholes and improve compliance. Federal vs Provincial Tax Responsibilities Sheikh clarified that property tax administration falls to provincial governments. However, the federal government has introduced reforms under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, to tackle evasion in real estate transactions. These measures aim to ensure transparency and revenue generation at the national level.…
