ISLAMABD, AUGUST 5: A Task Force on Digitalization with ten members has been established by the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with Ali Pervaiz Malik, the state minister for Finance and Revenue, serving as its chair. The letter states that the Prime Minister is happy to form a Task Force for the full and complete digitization of FBR. Major General Syed Ali Raza, DG C4I, will co-head the Task Force, while the Minister of State for Finance and Revenue will lead the Committee. Other committee members include Ghazi Akhtar of Lotte Akhtar Beverages Ltd., Ziad Bashir, Member of the Board of…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 5: LAHORE: On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that whatever China was doing for Pakistan, the US could not match it. He also reaffirmed the need to mend Washington’s relationships without jeopardizing those with Beijing. After a hectic weekend, the prime minister hosted a meeting at his Model Town home in Lahore with a group of media. Following their formal tour to China at the request of the China Public Diplomacy Association, the journalists had just returned. During the visit of Chinese specialists to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz remarked that great progress was being made in promoting…
ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 5: Monday morning’s light rain caused traffic in several areas of the city to be affected, causing traffic police to advise commuters to take precautions. According to a statement on X, Karachi Traffic Police advised motorists and motorcycle riders to slow down since light precipitation has made the roadways slick. It advised against abrupt braking and suggested that motorcycle riders go on the left side of the road when commuting. Between Fawara Chowk and Thana Street, both sides of the road are blocked to vehicles. Traffic from Thana Street will be redirected to M.R. Kiyani Chowrangi, and traffic…
ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 5: In advance of the next Test series against Bangladesh, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that it would be testing the fitness of Pakistani players. A media source states that the fitness evaluations are set for August 10 and that the Test squad members should be summoned on August 9. Depending on their availability, certain players may complete their examinations early. Players under central contract who are available will be asked for fitness tests in addition to the Test squad. Central contracts have not yet been announced; instead, they are presently subject to the players fulfilling…
ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 4: The Sales Tax on tractors increased by 14% from 10% according to governmental plans. Tractor sales tax exemption was eliminated and replaced with a 10% levy in the 2024–25 budget. In a recent meeting, the Federal Board of Revenue completed a proposal in which Sales Tax on tractors increased by 14%. Cabinet consent is required before the tax increase becomes operative. The summary has been given to the Cabinet for assessment by the Finance Ministry. According to authorities, the tractor business experiences refunds since 10% of the input is not fully consumed at an 18% ordinary sales…
ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 4: After more than 30 years in Karachi, a new industrial zone would be developed in the Surjani region, according to Syed Shujaat Hussain, Director General of the Karachi Development Authority (KDA). He stated that the industrial zones would house new industrial units in cutting-edge structures, providing vital infrastructure and utilities to industries to cater to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). He was speaking as the chief guest at the Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industries (FBATI). The Surjani industrial zone is the name of the proposed industrial area, which will create jobs and economic activity…
ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 4: The Chitral River was at high level while massive floodwater currents obstructed the Yarkhun River for many hours until it retreated. CHITRAL/MANSEHRA: In Upper and Lower Chitral, the glacial lake outburst floods, or “Glofs,” caused flash floods on Saturday that destroyed several homes, bridges, roads, crops, and fruit orchards. Half a dozen bridges were destroyed by the floods, and Booni, the Upper Chitral headquarters, lost its two settlements. The Yarkhun River was obstructed by the strong floodwater currents for several hours until it eventually retreated and the Chitral River reached its highest point. In Upper Chitral’s Harchin…
ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 4: According to PTA, no such action has been done and all forms of blocking are only carried out on government orders. As explained by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), whitelisting VPNs is a “automated process” that ensures the seamless and safe operation of internet enterprises and IT services. The explanation was provided two days after PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman connected government orders to the easing of a ban on X, formerly known as Twitter. He also affirmed that the PTA was whitelisting VPNs, meaning that only particular proxy networks will be accessible in Pakistan after that, during…
ISLAMBAD, AUGUST 4: KFUM-Kam in Norway in the Norway Cup 2024 Final, Oslo Bla barely beat the U15 squad of Better Future Pakistan in a penalty shootout. The game resulted in a 2-2 tie after sixty minutes of play, with goals from Salman and Shahbaz Ali for the Pakistan Under-15 team. After that, the match proceeded to penalties, when Pakistan lost a critical opportunity, allowing KFUM-Kam Oslo Bla to prevail and take home the trophy. Better Future Pakistan showed remarkable abilities throughout the tournament, scoring 35 goals and giving up just four in nine games, despite the defeat. The U17…
ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 4: In July 2024, the cement dispatches had a dip for the eleventh consecutive month, falling by 6.81 percent. The All-Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association issued figures showing that, in July 2024, there were 3.010 million tons of cement shipped overall, compared to 3.230 million tons during the same month in the previous fiscal year. The industry’s local cement dispatches in July 2024 were 2.463 million tons, down 11.41 percent from 2.780 million tons in July 2023. Export quantities surged from 449,792 tons in July 2023 to 547,162 tons in July 2024, resulting in a 21.65% rise in despatches.…