Author: Iqra Khan

Islamabad, Jan 8: Karachi experienced its coldest night of the season on Tuesday, as temperatures plummeted to single digits during the early morning hours. The minimum temperature in the city was recorded at 8°C, a one-degree drop from the previous day. At Jinnah Terminal, the mercury fell further to 6.2°C, while the town of Mithi in rural Sindh saw a chilling 0°C. Cold Winds Intensify Chill The drop in temperature was compounded by cold winds originating from Balochistan, which intensified the chill in Karachi. The wind chill effect made it feel 2 to 4 degrees colder than the actual temperature,…

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Islamabad, Jan 8: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a consultation paper seeking public feedback on potential improvements to the Listed Companies (Substantial Acquisition of Voting Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2017. These modifications are aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework surrounding takeover transactions of listed companies, with a focus on increasing transparency and introducing measures to protect the rights of minority shareholders. Key Areas of Proposed Changes The key areas of improvement outlined in the consultation paper include proposals for streamlining public announcement timelines, revising price determination criteria for both frequently and infrequently traded shares, and…

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Islamabad, Jan 8: Samsung is gearing up to release its first tri-fold smartphone in the second half of 2025, following Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate, which debuted in September 2024. According to reports from Korea, Samsung will initially produce fewer than 300,000 units due to the complexity of the manufacturing process. However, if there is strong demand, the company may increase production in the future. This innovative device is expected to carry the highest price ever for a Samsung foldable smartphone, offering unique features that differentiate it from competitors. Unlike the Huawei Mate XT, which leaves part of the screen exposed…

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Islamabad, Jan 8: Fatima Fertilizer commemorated the sixth Kissan Day with a momentous event in Islamabad, gathering policymakers, stakeholders, and farmers to recognize the critical role of agriculture in Pakistan’s economic framework. The occasion highlighted the tremendous growth of Kissan Day, now a national celebration officially endorsed by the Federal Government since its inception in 2019. The event was a platform for discussions surrounding the struggles and achievements of Pakistan’s farmers, with speakers emphasizing the need for continued support and recognition of their efforts. The occasion was graced by distinguished guests, including Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Food Security…

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Islamabad, Jan 8: Faysal Bank Limited (FBL), one of Pakistan’s leading Islamic banks, has achieved a significant milestone by securing 14 awards at the Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmark (GDEIB) Awards 2025. This outstanding performance underscores FBL’s position as a frontrunner in promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within Pakistan’s banking sector. The Bank’s accolades include 10 Best Practice Awards for categories such as Vision, Strategy & Business Impact, Leadership & Accountability, DEI Communications, and Work-Life Integration. Additionally, FBL claimed 4 Progressive Category Awards for Recruitment, Community, Government Relations & Philanthropy, and other key areas, cementing its commitment to…

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Islamabad, Jan 8: In a groundbreaking move, Hashoo Group has named Tania Ahmed as Pakistan’s first female Resident Manager, set to lead the soon-to-launch PC Residences, Gulberg Lahore. This milestone reflects Hashoo Group’s dedication to fostering diversity, inclusivity, and innovation in the hospitality sector. PC Residences, the latest offering under the Pearl-Continental Hospitality Division, aims to redefine luxury living by combining the comforts of home with premium hotel services. Strategically located in Lahore’s Central Business District, the residence features over 30 elegantly furnished units across seven floors. Each unit is equipped with modern interiors, private balconies, fully functional kitchens, and…

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Islamabad, Jan 8: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a significant downturn on Wednesday as the benchmark 100-Index shed 1,904.23 points, marking a negative change of 1.64%. The index closed at 114,148.46 points, a stark decline from the previous day’s 116,052.68 points, reflecting heightened bearish sentiment among investors. Trading activity also saw a considerable drop, with 116,052.68 shares exchanged during the day compared to 792,770,655 shares on the prior session. The total trading value stood at Rs 32.466 billion, notably lower than the Rs 39.694 billion recorded a day earlier. Out of 464 companies trading, 118 managed to post gains,…

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Islamabad, Jan 8: Former Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan has been appointed as the mentor for the Afghanistan cricket team ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This announcement was confirmed on Wednesday by Sayeed Naseem Sadat, the spokesman for the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). The ninth edition of the prestigious tournament is set to begin on 19 February with host nation Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi. This will mark a significant moment for both the tournament and the Afghan team, as Khan, known for his vast cricketing experience, takes on the role of…

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Islamabad, Jan 8: England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, revealed on Tuesday that he had recently undergone surgery on his torn left hamstring, an injury sustained during the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton. The 33-year-old all-rounder’s injury occurred during England’s final game of 2024, which now leaves him with a three-month recovery period. The surgery follows a challenging year for Stokes, who has struggled with hamstring issues, including a previous tear that kept him out for several matches last year. Setback for Stokes, but Time to Recover Ahead of Busy Summer The injury occurred after Stokes, in his role…

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Islamabad, Jan 8: In a disappointing turn of events, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a penalty on Pakistan following their second Test match against South Africa in Cape Town. The Green Shirts were found to be five overs short of the required target, leading to a fine and the loss of five ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points. This sanction comes after the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, led by Richie Richardson, reviewed the situation. Time allowances had already been factored into the calculation, but Pakistan’s over-rate was still deemed unacceptable. Financial Penalty and WTC Points…

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