Islamabad, Nov 12: Noman Ali Wins ICC Men Player of the Month Award for October 2024 Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali has been awarded the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October 2024. The 38-year-old played a key role in Pakistan’s victory over England in the three-match Test series held in Multan and Rawalpindi. Noman took an outstanding 20 wickets at an average of 13.85 in the second and third Tests. Noman, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, and New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner were nominated for the October award. “I’m honored to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Nov 12: TPL and Abhi Get SBP Approval for FINCA Microfinance Acquisition TPL Corp Limited (PSX: TPL) and Abhi Private Limited have received final approval from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to purchase a 94.8% stake in FINCA Microfinance Bank. This approval follows earlier announcements made on April 29, 2024, and September 20, 2024. The acquisition is subject to adhering to all relevant laws, regulations, and SBP requirements, as stated in the stock filing. In September, the boards of TPL Corp and Abhi Private Limited entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with FINCA Microfinance Coöperatief U.A to jointly…
Islamabad, Nov 12: Jubilee Life Insurance, Pakistan’s top private-sector insurer, has expanded its partnership with Sehat Kahani, the leading telemedicine platform, to offer outpatient department (OPD) claims management. This new service extends the benefits for Jubilee Life policyholders, providing easy access to OPD services alongside existing hospitalization coverage. At a signing event in Karachi, both companies committed to improving healthcare access. Now, Jubilee Life policyholders will enjoy a one-stop solution for consultations, claims processing, cashless pharmacy, lab services, and 24/7 doctor access within 60 seconds. This partnership supports Sehat Kahani’s mission to improve healthcare access and quality across Pakistan. Dr.…
Islamabad, Nov 12: New Security Rules Introduced for Visitors at Karachi Airport to Enhance Safety To enhance security, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has introduced new entry restrictions at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport following a deadly terror attack nearby. Now, individuals arriving to pick up or see off passengers must present a copy of the passenger’s ticket at security checkpoints. Only four people can accompany each passenger, and entry will be denied without the ticket copy. Moreover, those picking up passengers must show their national identity cards for verification. These measures aim to strengthen airport security and minimize risks to…
Islamabad, Nov 12: The PTA annual cybersecurity report reveals a sharp rise in cyber-attacks against Pakistan’s digital infrastructure in 2023. Key threats include phishing, malware, DDoS, ransomware, and insider attacks. The telecom sector faced 720 malware attacks, 550 phishing attacks, 300 DDoS incidents, 200 ransomware intrusions, and 150 insider threats. These figures highlight the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures. The report also raises concerns about Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) groups. These sophisticated groups continuously evolve their methods and target high-value sectors, such as government, healthcare, and internet infrastructure. Major APT groups like Gamaredon, Donot, Sidewinder, and Lazarus focused on…
Islamabad, Nov 12: The federal government has decided to allocate Rs. 163 billion to redirect imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the power sector to residential consumers due to reduced electricity demand, according to sources in the Petroleum Division. This move is aimed at balancing seasonal demand but will require a large amount of public funds. It is also expected to ease pipeline pressure caused by the daily addition of imported gas. The power sector had previously used up to 600 million cubic feet (MMCF) of LNG, but the shutdown of captive power plants has created a surplus of around 150…
Islamabad, Nov 12: Heavy snowfall at Khunjerab Top, located at the Pakistan-China border in Gilgit-Baltistan, has caused three passenger vehicles and several cargo trucks to become stranded. Passengers trapped at 15,000 feet are urgently requesting rescue. The Khunjerab Pass, situated over 15,000 feet above sea level, is typically closed during the winter due to freezing temperatures and low oxygen levels. The upper regions of Gilgit-Baltistan are experiencing intermittent heavy snowfall, leading to major travel disruptions. Moreover, a fresh wave of rain and snow has begun in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with dark clouds over Muzaffarabad indicating heavy rain. The Mahodand Lake…
Islamabad, Nov 12; Pakistan leads the list for the highest Schengen visa rejections in Spain, according to recent statistics from Schengen Visa Info. In 2023, 52.84% of Pakistani visa applications were refused, the highest rejection rate among all nationalities. Nigeria ranked second with 49.85%, while applicants from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, and Ghana also saw high rejection rates, ranging from 43.4% to 48.21%. Pakistan experienced 9,766 visa denials, showing a clear imbalance in approval rates. This data reveals that applicants from Pakistan and similar regions are disproportionately impacted by high rejection rates in Spain. Spain remains a top destination within the Schengen…
Islamabad, Nov 12: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government plans to expand the Sehat Card Scheme by adding more public and private hospitals. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur directed authorities to hold a meeting for final approval of hospitals that meet the scheme’s quality standards. He gave these instructions while chairing a Health Department meeting on Monday, according to an official handout. The meeting included Advisor to the Chief Minister on Health Ehtesham Ali, Additional Chief Secretary Ikramullah Khan, Secretary Health Syed Adeel Shah, and officials from the Health Department and its organizations, including the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Foundation and Sehat Card Plus.…
Islamabad, Nov 12: Govt Offers Tax Breaks and Lower Import Duties for New Energy Vehicles in 2024 The government has initiated consultations for the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30, designed to transform the transportation sector and reduce carbon emissions. On Monday, the Ministry of Industries brought together automakers to discuss the policy’s focus on promoting local NEV production, decreasing reliance on fossil fuel imports, and lowering carbon emissions. The meeting explored incentives to boost NEV production, such as tax exemptions, reduced import duties on components, and green financing options for businesses investing in eco-friendly technologies. However, automakers raised concerns…
