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…
Author: Iqra Khan
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…
Islamabad, Feb 2: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has temporarily halted the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) actions against a restaurant, M/s The Lost Tribe, in Sector F-11 after it was sealed over allegations of non-issuance of verified sales tax invoices. The IHC has also summoned the Chief Commissioner and Commissioner of the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Islamabad to explain why the restaurant was categorized as a Tier-I retailer. The restaurant, which provides services but claims not to fall under the Tier-I retailer category, disputed the FBR’s action and highlighted procedural lapses in the case. The restaurant was raided on…
Islamabad, Feb 2: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday chaired an Inter-Ministerial meeting to review the preparation for the second round of Pak-Qatar Bilateral Political Consultations scheduled to be held in Doha.
Islamabad, Feb 2: Italian Trade Agency is determined to revive Pakistan’s Industrial sector and play its due role to promote business climate in Pakistan through financial, technical and Eco-friendly technologies for economic stability and sustainable growth. This was stated by Dr. Salvatore Parano, Director, Ufficio ICE, Italian Embassy, in a corporate meeting held at, FPCCI , United Business Group (UBG) Secretariat, Islamabad,said a press release issued here on Sunday. During the meeting a wide range of Italian brands and International business trends came under discussion. Dr. Salvatore Parano said climate change is affecting the business around the world but Pakistan is a…
Islamabad, Feb 2: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched a nationwide anti-polio campaign for the year 2025 (Feb 3-9) by administering polio drops to children under the age of five. Addressing the launching ceremony, the prime minister reaffirmed his government’s determination to eliminate the polio disease from Pakistan. He said that the national polio vaccination drive would target millions of children in the country to save their future and health. He hoped that the dedicated teams would work day and night to eradicate the disease, and would reach the far flung areas and villages, adding these teams would…
