As of early November 2024, the price of petrol in Pakistan is set at approximately PKR 248.38 per liter, with high-speed diesel (HSD) priced around PKR 255.14 per liter. Petrol prices in Pakistan have seen various fluctuations, especially amid global market changes and domestic policy adjustments. The slight increase in these rates reflects both international market trends and Pakistan’s unique tax structure on petroleum products. Global oil prices recently dipped, but due to heavy local taxes and levies, this decrease has only partially impacted the domestic market. The government applies substantial taxes and petroleum levies, adding nearly PKR 90 per…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Nov 15: The Infinix Smart 9 is made for those who seek to get a powerful smartphone that will not cost significantly. Having a large display, a decent camera and a powerful battery, the Smart 9 takes its stand among other smartphones belonging to the budget segment. This design, together with its light weight, gives it the benefit of easily Key Specifications of Infinix Smart 9 Feature Specification Display 6.6 inches, HD+ resolution Processor Quad-core, 1.8 GHz RAM 3GB / 4GB Internal Storage 32GB / 64GB (expandable) Battery 5000 mAh Rear Camera Dual: 13MP + AI Lens Front Camera…
Islamabad, Nov 14: Muhammad Ali Randhawa, CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner, recently assured that Islamabad’s air quality is under control, despite rising regional smog. In a meeting led by Randhawa, officials discussed steps to sustain and improve the city’s air quality. Senior officials from Islamabad Police, Pak-EPA, the Ministry of Climate Change’s Environment Division, ICT Administration, and CDA’s Environment Wing attended the session. The Air Quality Index (AQI) on November 13, 2024, was recorded at 192. This index measures PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) levels. According to Pak-EPA, while this level is manageable, continuous efforts are essential…
Islamabad, Nov 14: Three days ago, Pakistan’s government showcased its national firewall by blocking unregistered VPNs. An IT expert revealed that the government plans to block unregistered VPNs and advised businesses to register their VPNs with PTA to avoid disruptions. The PTA held a session to introduce its new VPN registration framework, aimed at creating a “secure environment” for the IT and e-commerce sectors. The PTA also launched a new portal for VPN registration. How to Register Your VPN via PTA’s Portal Representatives from the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication (MoIT&T), the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and the Pakistan…
Islamabad, Nov 14: IMF to Meet Provinces Today Over Delay in 45% Agricultural Income Tax Implementation The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission will meet with representatives from provincial governments today to assess the progress on implementing a 45 percent tax on agricultural income. This tax is a crucial condition tied to the IMF’s $7 billion loan program. However, none of the four provinces—Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Sindh, and Balochistan—managed to meet the October 31 deadline for enacting the tax. While Punjab’s cabinet has approved the bill, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has only drafted it, and Sindh and Balochistan have made no progress.…
Islamabad, Nov 14: Bank Alfalah Withdraws Offer for Samba Bank Stake Bank Alfalah Limited (PSX: BAFL) has retracted its public notice about acquiring an 84.5% stake in Samba Bank Limited (PSX: SBL), as disclosed in a filing with the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Thursday. This move follows the Saudi National Bank’s decision to halt the sale of its shareholding in Samba Bank. According to the announcement, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had previously granted Bank Alfalah in-principal approval for conducting due diligence on Samba Bank, related to its intended acquisition of the 84.51% equity stake owned by Saudi National…
Islamabad, Nov 14: The federal government has announced that the application process for Hajj 2025 under the government scheme will begin on November 18, as confirmed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Interested pilgrims can submit their applications at designated banks between November 18 and December 3. Those who already possess valid passports have an extended deadline until December 6. The payment for Hajj will be made in three installments. Applicants are required to pay an initial deposit of Rs. 200,000 when submitting their application. If selected in the draw, a second payment of Rs. 400,000 will be needed, with the…
Islamabad, Nov 14: IMF Warns Saudis May Halt $1.2 Billion Oil Facility to Pakistan Over Reko Diq Talks The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concerns regarding Pakistan’s stalled $1.2 billion Saudi Oil Facility (SOF), warning of possible delays. Saudi Arabia might be linking this facility to negotiations over the Reko Diq mining project, a key issue that could further delay funds. Initially, Saudi Arabia pledged this support as part of a $7 billion IMF bailout package for Pakistan, but to date, the funds remain undelivered. According to recent reports, representatives from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) may visit…
Islamabad, Nov 14: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) recently uncovered widespread fraud in private housing schemes within the district. Their survey identified 52 schemes as entirely fake, 73 as non-existent, and 24 as illegal, revealing serious investor deception. The schemes misled investors with promises of high returns. In response, the RDA has given affected investors 30 days to file complaints or objections. After this period, the RDA will cancel files related to these projects, removing them from official records. RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza has also stopped approving new housing schemes in the district, signaling a strict approach to fraudulent…
Islamabad, Nov 14: Sindh Approves Pakistan’s First-Ever Education Policy for Transgender Students Pakistan has approved its first-ever “Transgender Education Policy.” The draft was led by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah. The policy introduces a “transgender” category in school and college admission forms, alongside male and female options. It also includes a job quota for transgender individuals in teaching roles. The draft will soon be submitted for cabinet approval. According to the 2023 census, there are 20,331 transgender individuals in Pakistan, with 4,222 in Sindh. An NGO estimates the real number may be around 250,000. USAID research shows that…
