Islamabad, Mar 30. 2025: Digital payment systems have revolutionized retail transactions in Pakistan, with 88% of all payments now being conducted through digital channels. Mobile banking applications, branchless banking (BB) wallets, and electronic money platforms played a vital role in this transformation, collectively handling 1,450 million transactions worth Rs. 24 trillion. This reflects a 12% rise in transaction volume and a 28% surge in value, as per the latest report by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The digital financial ecosystem in Pakistan continues to expand, with further growth observed in Q2-FY25. The adoption of digital banking services has witnessed…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Mar 30, 2025: Azerbaijan has extended a financial package of over $1 billion in response to Pakistan’s request for funding the $1.2 billion Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway project. This move comes amid internal disagreements among Pakistani government departments regarding the financing structure. During his recent visit to Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sought financial assistance for two major infrastructure projects, totaling $1.8 billion. These include the $1.2 billion Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) and the proposed Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway (M-9), estimated at a minimum of $600 million. According to National Highway Authority (NHA) officials, Azerbaijan has put forth two financing options. The first suggests…
Islamabad, Mar 30, 2025: WhatsApp is introducing an innovative feature that will let users manage multiple accounts effortlessly without requiring a separate device or using WhatsApp Business. Based on insights from WABetaInfo, the latest beta update for iOS 25.9.10.70, available on the TestFlight app, suggests that this functionality will roll out in a future update. Meta’s widely used instant messaging platform is set to enhance user experience by allowing the addition of a secondary account directly through the app’s settings. This marks a notable shift in how users interact with the application. WhatsApp is expected to revamp its settings interface…
Islamabad, Mar 30, 2025: Gold continued its remarkable upward trajectory in both domestic and international markets on Saturday. In Pakistan, the cost of gold per tola surged by Rs. 2,320, reaching a new high of Rs. 325,700. Likewise, the price of 10 grams of gold witnessed an increase of Rs. 1,994, bringing it to Rs. 279,240, as reported by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). Globally, the gold market also experienced a positive trend. According to APGJSA, the international gold rate settled at $3,082.95 per ounce, reflecting an increase of $8.95 for the day. The previous day, on…
Islamabad, Mar 30, 2025: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced the Office of the Director General (Special Initiatives — Customs) to strengthen the revenue collection framework and curb fraudulent practices such as false declarations, under-invoicing, and smuggling. As per an official notification issued by the FBR on Friday, the competent authority has sanctioned the creation of the Office of the Director General (Special Initiatives — Customs) alongside two Directors (Special Initiatives — Customs) at FBR Headquarters. Although, this office will collaborate with field units to pinpoint inefficiencies in the tax collection system and take corrective actions where necessary.…
Islamabad, Mar 30, 2025: Treasure NFT is a platform that claims to leverage artificial intelligence for NFT trading, promising high returns. However, numerous warning signs suggest that it operates as a fraudulent scheme with characteristics similar to a Ponzi model. Initially introduced as a decentralized marketplace with daily earnings ranging from 4.3% to 6.8% and monthly profits reaching up to 30%, the platform’s credibility quickly came under scrutiny. Financial analysts and experts have pointed out that such profit margins are unsustainable and unrealistic in the NFT market. The platform predominantly targets financially vulnerable and less-educated communities, particularly in Pakistan’s tribal…
Islamabad, Mar 30, 2025: Travelers planning to visit the United States in 2025 should brace for significant changes in visa policies. Whether your trip is for leisure, business, or family reunions, new regulations have reshaped the application process, making it crucial to stay informed. The U.S. Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2) framework has undergone considerable revisions, affecting eligibility, fees, and screening procedures. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the updated US visa process in 2025. Key Updates in the US Visitor Visa for 2025 The latest modifications introduce stricter interview waiver rules, increased visa fees, and enhanced scrutiny for specific applicants. These…
Islamabad, Mar 30, 2025: Islamabad’s renowned Lake View Park and Daman-e-Koh have officially been designated as family-only parks for the upcoming Eid holidays. This initiative aims to provide a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere for families looking to celebrate the festive occasion in a secure and serene environment. According to local authorities, the decision has been made to ensure a safe and comfortable recreational experience for families, preventing overcrowding and ensuring better management of visitors. Security personnel will be stationed at entry points to enforce the new regulations, restricting entry to families only. Read More: Sindh Raises Concerns Over Federal Funding…
Islamabad, Mar 30, 2025: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has given the green light to Engro Corporation for acquiring Deodar (Pvt.) Ltd., the tower arm of Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (Jazz). This major transaction, valued at around $563 million, is set to transform the country’s telecom infrastructure. The acquisition will enable Jazz to transition to a more asset-light operational model while bolstering Engro’s presence in the telecommunications industry. Jazz, a subsidiary of Veon, has been looking to offload its tower assets for some time. Earlier negotiations with Edotco and the TPL-TASC consortium fell through. Mounting energy costs, diminishing profit…
Islamabad, Mar 30, 2025: The World Bank has sanctioned a substantial $300 million (approximately Rs. 84 billion) loan for Punjab to combat severe air pollution. The initiative focuses on deploying electric buses, mitigating farm residue combustion, and enhancing air quality control systems. Oversight for the program will be managed under the Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP), aiming to cut fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels by 35% over the next ten years. This move is expected to significantly improve Lahore’s air quality, benefiting its 13 million residents for generations. The financial aid will support the procurement of 400 electric buses, the…
