Islamabad, Jan 2: To address rising pension liabilities and fulfill conditions set by the IMF and other creditors, the federal government has introduced major reforms to the pension system. Key Changes: Double Pensions Banned: Individuals eligible for multiple pensions must now choose one. However, spouses will retain the right to their partner’s pension alongside their own. Revised Pension Calculations: Calculations will now consider the average emoluments of the last 24 months of service instead of salaries from the last 30 years. New Pension Increment Methodology: Increments will apply to the gross pension minus the commuted portion. These will be separately…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Jan 2: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail to a branch manager accused of aiding tax fraud, cautioning the Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) against actions that breach the legal precedent set by Taj International (Pvt.) Ltd. Key Points from the Judgment: The petitioner was arrested under Section 2(37) of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, accused of aiding Kineses Energy and Power Innovations (Pvt.) Ltd in evading Rs. 3.2 billion in sales tax. The IHC ruled the arrest violated the law upheld by the Supreme Court on December 4, 2024, in Taj International (Pvt.) Ltd. The court…
Islamabad, Jan 1: The National Highway Authority (NHA) has approved an interchange near the Motorway link road in Islamabad for Housing Society 18, marking progress on a long-delayed project. The decision follows the intervention of the Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman), Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi. Background: Developer: Elite Estate (Pvt) Ltd. Initial Steps: Applied in 2019, paid a Rs. 5 million processing fee and submitted a design plan with a cheque for Rs. 72.58 million. Delay: Despite fulfilling requirements, the project faced years of inaction. Resolution: After multiple hearings at the Ombudsman’s Secretariat, the NHA granted initial approval for the interchange construction,…
Islamabad, Jan 1: China has introduced its latest high-speed train, the CR450, on December 29 in Beijing, setting new standards in rail technology. With test speeds of 450 km/h and an operational speed of 400 km/h, the CR450 will become the world’s fastest commercial train, surpassing the CR400 model, which operates at 350 km/h. Key Features: Developed by: CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd. Innovations: Enhanced speed, energy efficiency, quieter operation, and improved braking. Testing: Over 3,000 simulations and 2,000 platform tests conducted. China’s Railway Leadership: China boasts a 160,000 km rail network, with 46,000 km of…
Islamabad, Jan 1: The UAE’s four-month visa amnesty, ending December 31, 2024, benefitted 236,000 residency violators in Dubai, according to Lt Gen Mohammed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA Dubai. The initiative provided a grace period for violators to adjust their status or leave the country without penalties. Key Highlights: Amnesty Outcomes: 55,200 exit permits issued. 41,000 violators have already departed, with others in the process. Support Provided: Financial aid for travel tickets. Coordination with private sector companies to employ eligible violators. Challenges Addressed: Tackling ticket shortages, high costs, and exploitation by middlemen. Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships with embassies, consulates, and government…
Islamabad, Jan 1: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), in collaboration with the district administration and local police, sealed the unauthorized Heaven Valley housing scheme in Mouza Sahang on Mandra-Chakwal Road. The operation involved demolishing the society’s boundary walls. Key Details: Action Taken: The joint task force, led by Assistant Commissioner Gujar Khan Hazar Zahoor Goraya, included officials from the Mandra police station and the RDA team. The operation targeted illegal booking offices and advertisements. Warnings Ignored: Despite repeated warnings, the housing scheme owners continued unauthorized advertisements, bookings, and development activities. Public Safety: RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza emphasized that the…
Islamabad, Jan 1: Sindh Police has announced a new policy effective from January 1, 2025, where vehicles driven without a valid license will be impounded. Traffic violators will face strict actions without exceptions, according to Express News. Key Details: Policy Implementation: The decision was made during a meeting at the Central Police Office in Karachi, chaired by IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, focusing on strengthening traffic law enforcement across Sindh. Enforcement of Licensing: Starting the new year, stricter measures will be enforced against unlicensed drivers, and the ongoing awareness campaign about obtaining licenses will continue. Public Awareness: The awareness campaign,…
Islamabad, Jan 1: Xiaomi has introduced a new 20,000mAh power bank in China, priced at 129 yuan ($18), which will be available for sale starting January 2 on JD.com. Key Features: Capacity & Safety: The power bank has a large 20,000mAh capacity, with an effective 12,000mAh at 5V/3A. It meets aviation safety standards, ensuring it can be carried on flights. Fast Charging: It supports 22.5W fast charging, allowing users to charge devices quickly. For instance, it can charge a Xiaomi 15 Pro to 31% or an iPhone 16 Pro to 56% in just 30 minutes. Multiple Device Charging: The power…
Islamabad, Jan 1: In 2024, Pakistan saw a decrease of 121,418 in the number of passports issued compared to 2023, despite a rise in demand for international travel. A total of 6,596,520 passports were issued, down from 6,717,938 the previous year. However, there was a significant increase in applications for e-passports. Key Statistics: Passport Issuance: A total of 715,074 passports were issued to overseas Pakistanis, while 5,206,234 were granted to citizens residing within the country. E-Passports: 257,398 e-passports were issued, and 252,141 passports were processed online. Revenue: The passport fee revenue amounted to Rs. 47.64 billion, a notable contribution to…
Islamabad, Jan 1: Devsinc, one of Pakistan’s largest IT companies, has announced the 100% acquisition of Alchemative Group, a leader in eCommerce and digital retail solutions. This strategic acquisition aligns with Devsinc’s mission to deliver transformative technology solutions across key markets, including Pakistan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, valued at over $22 billion. Key Highlights: E-commerce Growth: The eCommerce markets in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Pakistan are booming. Saudi Arabia’s sector was valued at $8.7 billion in 2023, the largest in the GCC. The UAE market is expected to reach $6.98 billion by 2024, with a projected CAGR of…
