Islamabad, Mar 17 2025: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has officially revised the customs values on the imported of 104 different branded chocolates from various international sources. The latest update was issued through a new valuation ruling (1980 of 2025) on Monday, significantly increasing the customs values for a wide range of imported chocolate brands. The revised valuation ruling affects popular chocolate brands such as Mars, Bounty, Snickers, Alprose Swiss Butter, Cadbury (various flavors), Galaxy (multiple blends). READ MORE:
Author: Iqra Khan
Islamabad, Mar 17 2025: Google has officially announced that it will phase out Google Assistant in favor of its new AI-powered assistant, Gemini, on Android devices later this year. The transition will take place gradually over the next few months, after which Assistant will no longer be available on most mobile devices or in app stores. The company confirmed in a blog post that the transition extends beyond smartphones, with plans to introduce Gemini on tablets, in-car systems, smartwatches, headphones, and other connected devices. Additionally, Google aims to bring a Gemini-powered experience to smart home devices, including speakers, displays, and…
Islamabad, Mar 17 2025: Pakistan’s Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) sector recorded a contraction of 1.78 percent during the first seven months (July–January) of the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The LSMI output for January 2025 showed a slight decline of 1.22 percent compared to January 2024 but marked a 2.09 percent increase compared to December 2024. Indicating some recovery in industrial production on a month-to-month basis. The provisional quantum indices for Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) Industries (LSMI) for January 2025 have been compiled…
Islamabad, Mar 17 2025: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a strong bullish trend on Monday, with the benchmark 100-Index climbing 663.42 points, reflecting a 0.57 percent increase. The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) surges the index closed at 116,199.59 points, up from the previous session’s closing of 115,536.17 points, signaling renewed investor confidence. According to a report from brokerage firm Topline Securities, this upward momentum was largely driven by the government’s steps toward resolving Pakistan’s mounting power sector circular debt. Although the proposed Rs. 1.25 trillion debt restructuring plan is still pending final approval, its potential implementation has fueled optimism…
Islamabad, Mar 17 2025: Facebook has silently rolled out a significant change to its content, Facebook Tightens monetization policy, leaving many Pakistani digital creators in distress as their revenue streams get abruptly cut off. The revised guidelines have led to mass demonetization, impacting even those who have consistently followed the platform’s rules and community standards. Mass Demonetization Shocks Pakistani Creators Over the past 48 hours, numerous Pakistani content creators and page owners have reported sudden losses of access to Facebook’s monetization features. READ MORE:
Islamabad, Mar 17 2025: As of March 17 2025, gold rates in Pakistan have reached unprecedented heights, reflecting both global market trends and domestic economic factors. Current Gold Rates in Pakistan Today The price of 24-carat gold per tola (approximately 11.66 grams) surged by Rs 4,700, settling at Rs 314,000 March 17 2025 . Similarly, 10 grams of 24-carat gold experienced an increase of Rs 4,030, bringing the price to Rs 269,204. READ MORE:
Islamabad, Mar 17 2025: The federal government is preparing to unveil the budget 2026 before June fiscal year, marking a significant departure from the usual June timeline. This early presentation is closely linked to ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as Pakistan works toward finalizing the first review of its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program. Sources indicate that key institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Board of Revenue FBR), have already begun drafting fiscal policies and revenue targets. The move is aimed at ensuring that IMF-recommended measures are incorporated into the budget 2026…
Islamabad, Mar 17 2025: The Senate Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas has uncovered significant financial mismanagement in Prominent Islamabad Housing Society. The Federal Government Employees Housing Authority’s (FGEHA) Park Road project, exposing that Rs. 3 billion was disbursed despite no tangible work being carried out. During the inquiry, it was revealed that a contractor secured project funds using a fraudulent bank guarantee. Shockingly, the Finance Director approved payments without verifying the document’s legitimacy. Further allegations surfaced that the same official later attempted to intimidate the contractor by threatening to blacklist the guarantee. READ MORE:
Islamabad, Mar 17 2025: In a significant development for Pakistan’s oil and energy sector, Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited (formerly Shell Pakistan Limited) has joined forces with Nutshell Communications, a leading strategic advocacy and communications firm in the country. The formal agreement was signed by Waqar Siddiqui, Country Chair of Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited, and Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder & Chairman of Nutshell Group, during a high-profile ceremony attended by top executives from both organizations. Among the distinguished attendees were Zubair Shaikh, CEO & GM Mobility, Wafi Energy Pakistan; Habib Haider, Director Corporate Relations, Wafi Energy Pakistan; Rabia S. Ahmad. Director…
Islamabad, Mar 17 2025: Pakistan is facing an alarming water crisis as the Mangla Dam has reached its dead level, bringing hydroelectric power generation to a complete halt. According to reports, other major water reservoirs, including Tarbela Dam and Chashma Barrage, are also approaching their minimum operational levels, intensifying concerns over water availability and energy production in the coming months. A spokesperson from the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) confirmed that the Mangla Dam has officially hit its lowest operational threshold, forcing authorities to cease power generation. READ MORE:
