Islamabad, Jan 20: The newly inaugurated New Gwadar International Airport (NGIAP) commenced operations this Monday, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s aviation landscape. Located in the Grandani area of Gwadar district, Balochistan, the sprawling facility covers 4,300 acres and stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple nations, including China, Oman, and Pakistan itself, as well as the Pakistan Airports Authority. Constructed with an investment of approximately $246 million, the NGIAP promises to bolster economic prospects and regional connectivity.
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Jan 20: Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, has set off for the 55th World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Taking place from January 20 to January 24, this year’s theme is “Collaborating to Stay Ahead of the Era of Smart Technologies.” During this prestigious event, Minister Aurangzeb plans to highlight and discuss pivotal aspects of Pakistan’s economy with global leaders from various sectors, including politics, trade, and business. In a series of high-level discussions, he will address the significant challenges that global debt presents to developing economies, spotlighting how these financial barriers impact…
Islamabad, Jan 20: Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (PSX: OGDC) has recently made significant strides in expanding its production capabilities with two major developments in its operations across Pakistan. The company has successfully initiated gas extraction from a new exploratory well located in Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, and has notably increased output at the Pasakhi-7 well in District Hyderabad, Sindh. The exploratory well, named Chak 212-1, marks a milestone as the first discovery in the Mari East Block, situated in the Rahim Yar Khan district. This particular well is of great strategic importance as OGDC boasts a full 100…
Islamabad, Jan 20: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) will soon decide on PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers. People eagerly await this decision due to the transaction’s complexity and potential impact on the telecommunications sector. A recent disclosure from a CCP member during the “Paisa Bolta Hay” program on Aaj TV revealed that the commission has concluded its Phase-II review. This comprehensive review included detailed analyses and extensive consultations with various stakeholders such as industry regulators, competitors, and market participants. The aim was to meticulously assess the potential competition concerns and the risk posed by possible market…
Islamabad, Jan 20: The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has committed to improving sports infrastructure for female athletes, ensuring equal opportunities with their male counterparts. Syed Sultan Shah, President of the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) and Chairman of Pakistan Blind Cricket, shared this during a meeting with Tehmina Asif, Pakistan Olympic Association Associate Secretary General, at the Softball House in Karachi. Syed Sultan Shah praised the talent of Pakistani women athletes and highlighted their growing contributions. He emphasized how positive developments in sports inspire progress and urged the Pakistan Olympic Association, government and private sector to offer stronger support. Blind Women’s Cricket on…
Islamabad, Jan 20: The recently concluded Test match between Pakistan and the West Indies in Multan was a spectacle of cricketing brilliance, filled with drama, records, and unparalleled excitement. Shortest Test with a Result in Pakistan However, In a remarkable turn of events, the Multan Test lasted a mere 1064 balls across four innings, setting a record as the shortest men’s Test in Pakistan to yield a result. The previous record, set during a Pakistan-West Indies Test in Faisalabad in 1990, involved 1080 balls, making this match an even tighter contest. A Battle of Spin and Survival However, The teams…
Islamabad, Jan 20: TikTok has begun restoring its services across the U.S., following a statement by President-elect Donald Trump that the app would resume operations under his administration. Speaking at a rally ahead of his inauguration, Trump expressed his determination to ensure the platform’s survival. “We have to save it—there’s no other choice,” he said, emphasizing TikTok’s importance to 170 million American users. Hours before the rally, TikTok confirmed its efforts to return online. “Thanks to President Trump’s commitment, TikTok is back for our U.S. users,” the company shared in a message. While basic services resumed, the app remained unavailable…
Islamabad, Jan 20: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced stringent measures to regulate and oversee pilgrims opting for premium Hajj packages under the 2025 private Hajj scheme. These guidelines aim to ensure transparency, compliance, and security throughout the process. As part of the new policy, individuals selecting Hajj packages priced above Rs3 million will be subject to a comprehensive security clearance process. This includes a detailed evaluation by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which will assess the pilgrims’ tax records and financial assets to ensure legitimacy. In parallel, security agencies will conduct background checks to review criminal records…
Islamabad, Jan 20: Pakistan’s manufacturing sector is witnessing a pivotal shift as industries increasingly adopt robotics and automation to enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. This transition, highlighted in the Pakistan Software Export Board’s (PSEB) “Robotics Industry Roundup,” reflects the country’s growing commitment to embracing innovative technologies. According to the International Federation of Robotics, Pakistan had a robot density of approximately 2.5 robots per 10,000 employees in 2021. This figure is projected to rise as major sectors such as textiles, automotive, and food processing adopt automation to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve product quality. Companies like Khaadi and Nishat Mills…
Islamabad, Jan 20: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance is set to deliberate on the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, during its session on Tuesday. This proposed legislation introduces strict measures aimed at curbing tax evasion by restricting non-filers from engaging in various economic activities. Key provisions of the bill include barring non-filers from purchasing, booking, or registering vehicles exceeding 800cc, acquiring immovable property, or trading in stocks. The government will gradually phase out higher withholding tax (WHT) rates for non-filers, completing by the 2025-26 fiscal year. The proposed law also seeks to tighten controls on financial transactions. Non-filers…
