Islamabad, Sep 26: Following the board meeting, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has disbursed the first tranche of $1 billion to Pakistan, part of a larger $7 billion loan under the Extended Fund Facility, which spans 37 months. The IMF’s official statement highlighted that Pakistan’s economic growth rate has reached 2.4%, primarily driven by increased agricultural activities. However, the country continues to grapple with significant challenges, including a difficult business climate, weak governance, and a limited tax base. The IMF noted that over the past year, Pakistan has implemented continuous policies under the Stand-By Arrangement to restore economic stability. The…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Sep 26: The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has expedited the process of selecting a new Director General (DG) for the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), submitting a summary of three candidates to the federal cabinet for approval. Secretary MoST, Sajid Baloch, informed the Senate Committee on Science and Technology that the long-awaited appointment is expected soon, following Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui’s directive for its swift resolution before his departure to the U.S. The candidates—Dr. H.U. Khan, Muhammad Farooq, and Zain ul Abidin—were shortlisted on September 20, 2024, after a fourth round of interviews…
Islamabad, Sep 26: Indus Motor Company Limited (PSX: INDU) has announced a temporary suspension of its production operations from September 26 to September 30, 2024, due to ongoing supply chain issues. The company is facing a shortage of raw materials and components necessary for vehicle production, which has led to inventory constraints. In a stock filing on Thursday, INDU stated that the supply chain challenges have made it difficult to meet production requirements, prompting the temporary shutdown of its manufacturing plant. Indus Motor Company, a joint venture between House of Habib companies, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, is…
Islamabad, Sep 26: Pakistan’s red-ball coach, Jason Gillespie, has emphasized the need for fresh talent to gradually replace aging veterans like Sarfaraz Ahmed in the national squad. During a commentary session at the Champions One-Day Cup, Gillespie praised Sarfaraz for his dedication and leadership but acknowledged that age is catching up with the former captain. “Sarfaraz has been a wonderful servant and has captained the country very well,” Gillespie said, while noting, “Saifi isn’t getting any younger. At some point, we’re going to need to start exploring and offering opportunities to other players.” Gillespie also pointed to the need for…
Islamabad, Sep 26: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has firmly announced that the deadline for filing income tax returns will not be extended beyond September 30, 2024. Dr. Hamid Ateeq Sarwar, FBR Member Inland Revenue (Policy), reiterated that the government has no plans to introduce new taxation measures or a mini budget in October 2024. During a Senate Standing Committee on Finance meeting, Dr. Sarwar clarified that the focus will be on enforcement actions targeting non-filers and those involved in under-declaration or mis-declaration in tax returns. He emphasized that 6 million returns have already been filed for the 2023…
Islamabad, Sep 26: Pakistani fashion is a rich tapestry woven from threads of tradition, culture, and innovation. With its deep-rooted history and diverse heritage, it has evolved into a global phenomenon that captivates audiences worldwide. In 2024, the fashion landscape continues to embrace comfort, vibrant colors, and a celebration of heritage. Global Recognition of Pakistani Designers In recent years, Pakistani designers have gained international acclaim for their innovative designs and exquisite craftsmanship. Renowned names like HSY, Elan, and Sana Safinaz have become synonymous with luxury and elegance on the global stage. Key Trends for 2024: Comfort, Color, and Heritage As…
Islamabad, Sep 26: Pakistan is a country that values culture and tradition, and its fashion industry beautifully reflects this blend of heritage and modernity. In 2023, the Pakistani fashion scene showcased a captivating mix of traditional and contemporary styles, making it a vibrant melting pot of fashion trends. Here are the top seven trends that Pakistani girls are embracing this year: 1. Jumpsuit with Printed Shrug Transform your look from ordinary to extraordinary by pairing a plain jumpsuit with a printed shrug. This combination exudes confidence and uniqueness, especially when the colors and patterns are well-coordinated. Available in a variety…
Islamabad, Sep 26: The Green Tractor Scheme 2024 offers farmers a great opportunity to enhance their agricultural productivity through government subsidies. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for this scheme: Step 1: Check Eligibility Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the government. Generally, you must be a registered farmer and own agricultural land. Step 2: Gather Required Documents Prepare the necessary documents, which typically include: Copy of your national identity card Land ownership documents Previous agricultural records Bank account details Step 3: Visit the Official Website Go to the official government website dedicated to…
Islamabad, Sep 26: Michael Jordan’s expansive estate in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is currently under contract with a potential buyer, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times and The Athletic. The property, which spans over 32,600 square feet and sits on nearly 7.4 acres, was listed by Compass broker associate Katherine Malkin. The home’s status is now marked as “contingent.” Jordan has owned this mansion since the 1990s and initially listed it for sale around 12 years ago. Over the years, the asking price, which started at $29 million, has reportedly fluctuated. Jordan’s estate is notable not only for…
Islamabad, Sep 26: One of the major obstacles facing Ford Motor Co. in revitalizing its struggling electric vehicle (EV) segment is addressing customer misperceptions and misinformation, according to Marin Gjaja, COO of Ford’s Model E business unit. Gjaja emphasized the need for automakers to tackle both functional economic challenges, such as overall ownership costs, and behavioral economic challenges, where consumers often prioritize perceived losses over potential gains. He remarked, “We have a compliance requirement to sell electric vehicles, but out there we have customers who are fearing loss and misperceive the value.” His goal is to effectively market vehicles that…
