Islamabad, Jan 19: The federal cabinet has unveiled a transformative restructuring plan for the Ministry of Commerce aimed at enhancing efficiency and boosting export growth. Under this initiative, trade missions abroad will undergo stringent performance evaluations, with underperforming missions facing closure and high-performing ones receiving additional resources for further improvement. These evaluations will be carried out by an independent third party every two years, with the first comprehensive report expected by February 28, 2025. In another major decision, the Federal cabinet approved the privatization of key state-owned enterprises, including the State Life Insurance Corporation (SLIC), Pakistan Reinsurance Company Limited (PRCL),…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Jan 19: Bitcoin re-entered the $105,000 territory and briefly touched $106,000 on Saturday as the cryptocurrency market regained momentum ahead of Donald Trump’s second-term inauguration. he former US president has heavily signaled support for the digital asset industry. The flagship cryptocurrency stood at $105,047 at the time of filing, up 1.86 percent with a fully diluted market cap of $2.08 billion on Sunday. The week began sluggishly for Bitcoin as it fell below $90,000 amid uncertainty over US Federal Reserve policies. However, reports of a policy rate cut revived a positive momentum.
Islamabad, Jan 19: Excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is at an all-time high as fans eagerly await the next big reveal from Rockstar Games. Since the first trailer dropped in December 2023, the studio has maintained a shroud of secrecy, leaving fans hungry for more information. Despite the silence, anticipation is mounting for a potential release date announcement. Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, hinted during a November 2023 earnings call that GTA 6 remains on track for an Autumn 2025 release. With this timeline in mind, speculation is rife that the studio may break its silence soon.
Islamabad, Jan 19: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reported a remarkable 56% increase in federal excise duty (FED) collections during the fiscal year 2024, totaling Rs577 billion compared to Rs370 billion in the previous year. This surge of Rs207 billion highlights improved tax collection efforts across various sectors, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening revenue streams.
Islamabad, Jan 19: A highly anticipated ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict faced unexpected delays on Sunday, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared it would not commence until Hamas provided a detailed list of hostages slated for release. Hamas stated its commitment to the ceasefire but attributed the delay to “technical reasons” related to finalizing the names for the initial release. Netanyahu’s office, however, issued a statement just an hour before the planned start at 8:30 am (0630 GMT), emphasizing that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had been instructed to withhold the ceasefire until the list was received. The agreement’s…
Islamabad, Jan 19: A new wave of cold weather is set to grip Karachi and other districts of Sindh starting January 24, with temperatures likely to drop significantly. Weather forecasts indicate that cold westerly winds will sweep across the region, bringing a chill to the air. According to meteorological reports, Balochistan and other parts of the country may also experience rainfall, while snowfall is predicted in mountainous areas, adding a frosty touch to the winter season. These westerly winds are expected to maintain the cold and frosty conditions until January 23.
Islamabad, Jan 19: Several regions across Balochistan experienced mesmerizing snowfall and light rain on Sunday, turning the province into a picturesque winter paradise, according to the MET office. The enchanting weather was witnessed in areas such as Ziarat, Kan Mehtarzai, Kozhak, Khanozai, Lakk Pass, Muslim Bagh, and Mastung. These regions were blanketed in snow, while nearby mountains donned a fresh coat of white, offering breathtaking views. The snowfall added to the scenic charm, making the peaks glisten in the winter sun. Washuk and Besima also enjoyed light rain since last night, further enhancing the serene atmosphere. Balochistan’s coastal areas, including…
Islamabad, Jan 19: West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican delivered a career-defining performance on the third day of the first Test in Multan, taking a remarkable seven wickets to crush Pakistan’s batting lineup. His heroics left Pakistan reeling and set up a challenging target of 251 runs for the visitors to chase. Starting the day at 109/3, Pakistan aimed to extend their lead but suffered a stunning collapse. Key batters Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan were dismissed cheaply, both contributing just two runs each. Warrican’s precision dismantled the middle order, reducing Pakistan to 113/5 by the 34th over. Kamran Ghulam showed…
Islamabad, Jan 19: Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, unveiled a transformative plan to empower the youth of Punjab with the distribution of 100,000 e-bikes and 50,000 scholarships next year. The announcement came during a vibrant ceremony at Okara University, where scholarship cheques were handed out to students as part of the ongoing commitment to educational excellence. The event featured a warm reception for the Chief Minister, with students presenting her with portraits and photographs as tokens of appreciation. E-Bikes and Scholarships In her heartfelt address, Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the Talented Students Scholarship Program stands as the largest educational support…
Islamabad, Jan 18: Taking notice of the extraordinary increase in the prices of Day-Old Chick (DOC), the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has advised hatcheries not resort to any anti-competitive conduct prohibited under the Competition Act 2010. DOC producers have also been asked to let the DOC prices be determined by market forces based on demand and supply mechanisms. Hatcheries are further directed to submit comprehensive records of daily Day-Old Chick (DOC) prices spanning the past few months, including the current month. This action follows numerous complaints regarding alleged price manipulation and possible collusion in the sale of DOCs. Reports…
