Islamabad, Feb 3: The Sindh Cabinet has approved the Agricultural Income Tax Bill 2025, a move that aims to generate revenue while supporting the national interest. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that the bill will come into effect starting January 2025. In a statement from the Chief Minister’s office, Shah emphasized that the approval of this bill is in line with the province’s commitment to contributing to the country’s overall economic stability.
Author: Iqra Khan
Islamabad, Feb 3: The Pakistani rupee (PKR) started February 2025 on a bearish note, closing in the red against the US Dollar (USD) after opening at 280 in the interbank market. Throughout the day, the interbank rate fluctuated between 278 and 280, before closing at the 278 level. In the open market, the exchange rate remained slightly higher, ranging from 279 to 282. The PKR depreciated by 0.03 percent on a day-on-day (DoD) basis, losing two paisas to close at 278.95 against the US Dollar. On a fiscal year-to-date basis, the rupee has seen a slight depreciation of 0.26 percent.…
Islamabad, Feb 3: The growing trend of franchise players switching leagues mid-season has raised concerns, with fears materializing during the 2025 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as several high-profile players joined the tournament’s playoff stage after being eliminated from the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20). The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had previously expressed concerns about this phenomenon when implementing new policies for players contracted to play in franchise competitions. Despite skepticism from cricketers and experts, the increasing prevalence of such instances raises new questions about the sustainability and integrity of franchise cricket. Players such as James Vince, Tim David,…
Islamabad, Feb 3: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has unveiled plans for the establishment of Pakistan’s first government-run autism school in Lahore, a significant step in alleviating the financial burden on families of children with autism. The school, currently in its final stages of construction, is expected to offer free treatment and services to children with autism and is set to be completed within a year. During a meeting on the initiative, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of providing better educational opportunities for children with special needs. “Special children are our special heroes,” she stated, reaffirming her…
Islamabad, Feb 3: In a surprising turn of events, the Utility Store sales in Pakistan reported a 17 percent increase in January 2025 compared to the previous month, with sales reaching Rs. 1.8 billion, up from Rs. 1.53 billion in December 2024. This increase comes amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of the state-owned corporation, which has been facing financial challenges and political scrutiny. Regionally, the highest sales were recorded in the Peshawar zone, where Rs. 359 million worth of goods were sold. Faisalabad followed closely with Rs. 348 million, and Islamabad saw sales worth Rs. 279 million. The…
Islamabad, Feb 3: Islamabad is set to witness significant improvements in its public transportation system as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) announces the launch of feeder bus services. The move, approved by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa, aims to expand transportation options for residents and enhance connectivity across the city. Three new routes have been earmarked for the service: Tarnol to Secretariat, Bahria Town to Pirwadhai, and Rawat Chowk to Secretariat. The decision was made during a meeting at the CDA headquarters, where Randhawa and other key officials discussed the details of the expansion. He emphasized the…
Islamabad, Feb 3: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but the omission of seasoned opener Imam-ul-Haq has raised eyebrows, leaving many questioning the selectors’ decision. Despite an opportunity arising due to Saim Ayub’s injury, Imam-ul-Haq, who last represented Pakistan in 2023, was left out of the 15-man squad, leaving a void at the top of the order alongside Fakhar Zaman. Reports suggest that Imam-ul-Haq was initially part of the selectors’ plans for the Champions Trophy, but concerns about his form and fitness ultimately led to his exclusion. The team management had…
Islamabad, Feb 3: Residents of Islamabad are facing an escalating public health crisis as contaminated water continues to flow from several filtration plants operated by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Many of these plants reportedly lack proper filtration systems, leaving citizens exposed to unsafe drinking water and raising concerns over potential waterborne diseases. A recent report revealed that 16% of water samples collected from various filtration plants were found unfit for human consumption. Despite these alarming findings, authorities have yet to implement necessary upgrades, with improvements still in the planning phase. Islamabad currently has 98 filtration plants spread across its…
Islamabad, Feb 3: Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) is expected to expand Pakistan’s presence in its Frontier Markets (FM) Index by adding six more stocks from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in its upcoming review. The changes, anticipated to be announced on February 11, 2025, are likely to take effect from March 3, 2025, potentially increasing foreign investor interest in the local stock market. According to a market review by Arif Habib Limited, the additions are expected based on MSCI’s updated criteria from August 2024. Companies meeting the requirement of having a minimum ordinary share market capitalization of USD 168…
Islamabad, Feb 3: The new conditions introduced by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through SRO 55(i)/2025, which require the filing of monthly stock statements, consumption data, complex purchase, sales, and stock reports, have become a significant challenge for traders due to a lack of awareness. These conditions are especially difficult for small-scale traders to comply with. In this regard, Salim Valimuhammad, Chairman of the Pakistan Chemicals and Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA), stated that the business community supports economic stability and does not oppose the FBR’s initiatives. However, it is crucial to raise awareness and understanding about any new measures…
