Author: Mawadat Fatima

ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 14: On Tuesday Google, a division of Alphabet, announced a new range of Pixel smartphones, showcasing improved AI technology integrations as it steps up attempts to incorporate AI into hardware. The event broke with Google’s custom of revealing new Pixel models—its flagship smartphones launched in October 2016—in the fall. It took place at Alphabet’s Bay View facility in Mountain View, California. This early scheduling, which coincides with Apple’s anticipated September iPhone launch, is Google’s most recent effort to maintain its competitiveness in the AI market. In June, Apple said that all of its devices, even the most recent…

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ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 14:  In honor of their outstanding contributions to the country, President Asif Ali Zardari has authorized the awarding of national honors to 104 deserving people, including both foreign and Pakistani nationals. Notable recognitions include the posthumous award of Nishan-e-Pakistan to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Hilal-e-Imtiaz to Arshad Nadeem in the field of sports and Sitara-e-Imtiaz to Murad Sadpara. On March 23, 2025, Pakistan Day, these honors will be given out in a unique event. Among the distinguished recipients are:  Nishan-e-Pakistan For his exceptional achievements to public service, late prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto will receive a posthumous honor.…

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ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 14: Taxpayers’ fundamental right to appeal against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been taken away by the dysfunction of the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR), the first level of appeal for taxpayers. The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) communicated with the Minister of Law and Justice, stating that the bar had been receiving complaints from its member bars and their members about the ATIR on a regular basis. These complaints pertained to the case proceedings, bench behavior, refusal to accept legally binding orders, unethical behavior, and the order that was issued without taking into account any…

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ISLAMABAB, AUGUST 14:  Texas congressman Pete Sessions wishes the people of Pakistan the best. On August 14, Pakistan celebrates its 77th Independence Day. American officials and delegates have sent their sincere felicitations to the Pakistani people, highlighting the strong and long-lasting relationship between the two countries. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wished Pakistan a happy birthday on behalf of the American people, emphasizing the solid basis of the 77-year relationship between the US and Pakistan. “To create a more prosperous future for both of our countries, we will strengthen the US-Pakistan alliance and broaden our people-to-people contacts in the…

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ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 14: The manufacturer notified the major bourse on Tuesday that Sazgar Engineering Works Limited (SAZEW) will be launching the ORA-07 EV, a new imported Completely Built Unit (CBU) electric vehicle (EV), in the coming days. With the ORA-07 EV, Sazgar’s market share in Pakistan’s EV market would increase. Sazgar is a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors (GWM), a major player in the Chinese car industry. The vehicle is made to accommodate those who want front-wheel or four-wheel drive. It provides strong system outputs between 204 and 408 horsepower and up to 680 Nm of torque. The GT variant…

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ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 14: The biggest bank in Switzerland, UBS, easily outperformed analysts’ estimates on Wednesday when it revealed a $1.14 billion net profit for the April–June quarter, marking a new phase in the merger of its former competitor, Credit Suisse. In a survey conducted by the business, experts projected a $528 million net profit attributable to shareholders. These were the bank’s first results after UBS and Credit Suisse finalized their official legal merger in May. Premarket signals from bank Julius Baer indicated that UBS shares would climb at opening. Last year, UBS purchased its longstanding rival in a rescue deal…

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ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 14: The per tola price of 24 karat gold on Tuesday recorded an increase of Rs1,200 and was traded at Rs257,700 in the local market. The price of 10 grams of 24 karat also increased by Rs1,029 and sold at Rs.220,936, whereas the price of 22 karat gold was registered at Rs202,525, All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported. The price of per tola and ten gram silver remained unchanged at Rs.2,850 and Rs.2,443.41 respectively. Prices of gold in the international market increased by $19 to $2,458 as compared to the previous day rates of $2,439, the Association reported.

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ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 14: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been requested by the Collector, Collectorate of Customs Gilgit Baltistan, to enhance enforcement efforts in order to prevent the theft of untaxed imported products into regions outside of GB. In a letter to Member Customs Operations and Member Inland Revenue Service, the collector, Collectorate of Customs GB, requested that a “restraining Order on Collection of Sales Tax and Income Tax at Import Stage Issued by Chief Court Gilgit-Baltistan in Writ Petition No. 201/2024” be put into effect on August 9, 2024. The FBR’s upper management was tasked by the customs…

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ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 14: Today, Pakistan is celebrating its 77th Independence Day with much enthusiasm and pride in the country. People came out at midnight to celebrate August 14 with fireworks, and streets around the nation were crowded with revelers. Great fireworks lit up the night sky in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar, signifying the happiness and togetherness of the country. The green crescent flag and multicolored lights were used to adorn both public and private structures, including houses and workplaces, to symbolize Pakistan’s identity and goals. While crowds of people flocked to the beach in Karachi, a musical…

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ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 14; With a six percent economic growth rate, the prime minister is scheduled to present the “Home-grown Economic Development Plan” on Wednesday. Professor Stefan Dercon, a British economist, and a few former Pakistani public officers are currently employed as consultants by several international organizations. According to Professor Stefan Dercon’s recommendation, the government should raise the tax-to-GDP ratio to 13.5 percent annually over the course of the next three years. The Minister of Finance should head the New Policy unit, which should be independent of FBR and closely collaborate with the Prime Minister’s Office. Furthermore, he suggested implementing a…

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