Islamabad, Dec 28: The European Union (EU) Delegation to Pakistan has issued a warning regarding a scam involving fake embassy listings and misleading visa information. Criminal groups are reportedly creating fraudulent entries on Google Maps to deceive Pakistanis seeking visa or consular services. In a statement on X, the delegation highlighted that fake listings for European embassies in Islamabad are circulating, with incorrect contact details and fraudulent phone numbers. They emphasized the seriousness of the scam and urged the public to rely solely on official embassy websites for accurate visa and consular information. Pakistani citizens were advised to avoid using…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Dec 28: The ongoing cold wave continues to affect the metropolis, with temperatures expected to fall between 8–10 degrees Celsius on Saturday due to the influence of two weather systems in the region. Meteorologist Anjum Nazeer Zaigham explained that a high-pressure area over Afghanistan, along with another system on the eastern side, is causing the temperature drop. On Friday, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 10.5°C and a maximum of 26.5°C, with evening humidity levels falling to 8%. According to a Met Department advisory, night temperatures in upper and central Sindh are expected to remain 3°C to 4°C…
Islamabad, Dec 28: In an effort to prevent TikTok’s potential shutdown in the United States, President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court for the authority to negotiate the platform’s future. In an amicus brief submitted to the Court, Trump emphasized his ability to resolve the issue, highlighting his “dealmaking expertise, electoral mandate, and political will” to ensure TikTok’s continued presence in the U.S. The Supreme Court’s decision to review the case follows Congress’ approval of legislation aimed at banning TikTok due to national security concerns, with the central issue being whether the ban violates First Amendment rights. While Trump’s…
Islamabad, Dec 28: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has added another ATR aircraft to its operational fleet, the airline’s spokesperson announced on Friday. This step aligns with PIA’s strategy to strengthen its services and operational capabilities. The newly reintroduced ATR aircraft will enhance domestic routes, including flights to Gilgit, Sukkur, Turbat, and Gwadar. The spokesperson also emphasized PIA’s commitment to maintaining its consistent 90% on-time performance rate. This update follows the recent integration of an Airbus A320, registered as AP-BOM, into the fleet. Equipped with new engines, the Airbus aims to enhance PIA’s network and overall service quality. Additionally, PIA is…
Islamabad, Dec 28; Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique led a meeting at the Higher Education Department on Friday to discuss adding thalassemia education to the school curriculum. Key participants included Dr. Farrukh Naveed, Secretary of Higher Education, Dr. Muhammad Waseem, Additional Secretary for Healthcare and Medical Education, and other senior officials. Rafique highlighted the significance of pre-marriage screening for thalassemia and revealed that the Punjab government is expanding testing services across the region. He advocated for including thalassemia information in the curriculum at all educational levels to increase awareness among students. The minister also emphasized that public involvement is…
Islamabad, Dec 28: The Excise and Taxation (E&T) Department in Islamabad has unveiled plans to enforce stricter rules against vehicles with unpaid token taxes starting next year. To make the payment process easier, the department now provides both online and in-person options. Vehicle owners can pay their token tax online through the Islamabad City App if they have a smart card. For those who prefer in-person payments, the local Excise office has extended its hours, remaining open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To ensure adherence, the department will cancel the registration of vehicles whose owners fail to…
Islamabad, Dec 27: Civil servants have been urged to adopt advancements in artificial intelligence and continuously upgrade their skills, as emphasized during the 36th Senior Management Course (SMC) at Karachi’s National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA). The program, attended by 39 government officers, aimed to prepare participants for senior roles. Bank of Punjab President Zafar Masud, the chief guest, underscored the need for civil service reforms and called for training aligned with international best practices. He advocated leveraging digital technologies to enhance governance and decision-making while encouraging officials to learn from governance models in countries like China, Saudi Arabia, the…
Islamabad, Dec 28: In a bid to boost foreign investment in the real estate sector, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has exempted overseas Pakistanis from higher tax rates under Sections 236C and 236K, even if they are not on the Active Taxpayers List (ATL). This applies to non-residents holding Pakistan Origin Cards (POC) or National ID Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). To streamline the process, the FBR introduced a digital verification system through IRIS, requiring applicants to upload POC or NICOP details when generating their Computerized Payment Receipt (CPR). Verification is now completed within one business day, ensuring swift…
Islamabad, Dec 28: China has approved plans to build the largest hydropower dam globally, situated on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau. The dam is projected to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, surpassing the output of the Three Gorges Dam, the current world leader, by more than threefold. The project is a critical step toward China’s carbon emissions reduction goals and will stimulate industries related to construction and engineering while creating jobs in Tibet. Beijing has committed over 1 trillion yuan (approximately $137 billion) to this infrastructure initiative, making it the largest of its kind worldwide. However,…
Islamabad, Dec 28: The climate crisis has escalated global weather anomalies, with 2024 seeing an unprecedented six-week extension of extreme heat across various regions. This alarming trend has significant environmental, economic, and health implications that demand urgent global attention. The Cause: Climate Change Amplified by Human Activities Rising Greenhouse Gas Emissions The extended heatwaves can be attributed primarily to the persistent rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Industries, transportation, and deforestation continue to release excessive amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. CO2 Levels: Crossed 420 ppm in 2024, according to NASA. Methane Increase: Surged due to agricultural…
