Author: Mawadat Fatima

Islamabad, Sep 20: Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by US$ 43 million to reach US$ 9.5 billion during the week ending September 13, 2024, according to ARY News. As of September 13, Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves stood at US$ 14.82 billion, with net foreign reserves held by commercial banks amounting to US$ 5.31 billion. The SBP reported that its reserves increased from US$ 9,466.6 million to US$ 9,509.6 million during the week. In the previous week, ending September 6, the SBP reserves had risen by US$ 30 million. At that…

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Islamabad, Sep 20: In the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup in Faisalabad, the Panthers faced a setback with captain Shadab Khan and bowler Usama Mir sidelined due to fever. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that both players underwent routine medical checkups and are now feeling much better. A PCB spokesperson reassured fans, stating, “The health conditions of both players are much better.” Despite their brief absence, both have made significant contributions in the tournament: Usama Mir has taken five wickets in three matches, while Shadab Khan has scored 106 runs and claimed four wickets, showcasing his all-round capabilities. The…

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Islamabad, Sep 20: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has refunded Rs. 80 billion to consumers due to overbilling, as announced by Energy Minister Awais Leghari during a Senate Standing Committee on Power meeting. While he noted that there isn’t an immediate plan for a uniform Rs. 20 reductions in electricity tariffs, smaller reductions of Rs. 0.20 are being considered. Leghari expressed optimism about positive developments in the coming weeks. The minister also discussed ongoing negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to lower their profits, stating that a task force is reviewing power plant operations to decide which plants should…

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Islamabad, Sep 20: Chaos erupted during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match between Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in Port of Spain, sparked by a controversial LBW decision involving Falcon’s batter Imad Wasim. The incident occurred on the second ball of the tenth over, during the Falcons’ chase for 67 runs. Imad Wasim faced his first delivery from Sunil Narine, who had just dismissed Hassan Khan. After Wasim was struck on the pads, the on-field umpire, Christopher Taylor, ruled it not out. Confident of the dismissal, Narine urged TKR captain Kieron Pollard to review the decision.…

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Islamabad, Sep 20: Major Sania Safdar and Major Komal Masood, two Pakistani female peacekeepers, have received the Gender Advocacy Award from the Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Peace Operations at the UN Headquarters in New York. Major Safdar was deployed in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus, while Major Masood served in the Central African Republic. This award recognizes their exceptional professionalism and commitment to advancing UN ideals, particularly in promoting women’s participation in peacekeeping. Their significant contributions to peace and stability have been acknowledged by Mission Force Commanders, underscoring Pakistan’s strong commitment to the UN Peacekeeping mandate and its…

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Islamabad, Sep 20: The Board of Directors of TPL Corp Limited (TPL) and Abhi (Private) Limited have entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with FINCA Microfinance Coöperatief U.A. to jointly acquire FINCA Microfinance Bank Limited. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in enhancing financial services and promoting financial inclusion in Pakistan. TPL views this move as an opportunity to expand its impact in the financial sector and contribute to a more inclusive financial ecosystem. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions. At the time of filing, TPL’s stock was trading at Rs. 5.85, reflecting a 14.48% increase…

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Islamabad, Sep 20: Pakistani teenage sensation Huzaifa Shahid has made waves in the squash world by winning the Under-13 title at the Japan Junior Open Championship 2024. At just 13 years old, Huzaifa’s victory over China’s Yuan Xi Liu with a commanding 3-0 score highlights his rising prominence in the sport. This triumph is a significant milestone in Huzaifa’s budding career and marks his third major title in 2024, following wins at the Hong Kong Junior Squash Championship and the Australian Junior Open. In addition to his international achievements, he secured a silver medal at the Asian Junior Championship in…

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Islamabad, Sep 20: The Excise and Taxation Department in Islamabad has introduced new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at enhancing services and reducing the influence of the agent mafia in vehicle registration. The updated process allows vehicle owners to authorize others for registration or transfer via an authorization letter or biometric verification, ensuring security and convenience. Additionally, a Doorstep Policy enables registration services to be conducted at home or office, with mobile vans available in key locations for on-the-spot registrations. Citizens can now apply for vehicle registration online and request a challan ticket to understand government fees. For assistance, a…

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Islamabad, Sep 20: Trans Peshawar has announced that additional BRT buses will operate on September 22 to facilitate students taking the MDCAT test. These buses will help students reach their test centers on time and will also be available after the test to ensure convenient transportation back home. This initiative aims to provide a hassle-free experience for the students during this important examination day.

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Islamabad, Sep 20: The Local Government Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has released a report indicating that a staggering 90 percent of housing societies in the province are either illegal or unregistered. Only 10 percent, amounting to just 80 societies, have proper registration. Key Findings: Illegal Societies: 495 out of 822 housing societies (60%) are deemed illegal. Unregistered Societies: 247 societies (30%) are unregistered. Distribution by Division: Dera Ismail Khan: 254 societies Peshawar: 247 societies Malakand: 77 societies Hazara: 74 societies Bannu: 73 societies Mardan: 67 societies Kohat: 30 societies The report emphasizes the need for caution among the public when…

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