Islamabad, Sep 24: Pakistan Railways has announced a fare increase for economy class passengers, with prices rising by 10 to 50 percent, despite a recent drop in fuel prices. This decision is expected to impact a large number of travelers, particularly those commuting on busy routes such as Karachi to Hyderabad, Tando Adam, Tando Jam, and Kotri. Additionally, passengers traveling between Lahore and Sialkot, as well as routes like Narowal, Narang Mandi, and Faisalabad to Rawalpindi, will face higher fares. For shorter journeys, especially distances up to 250 kilometers, ticket prices will rise by 10 to 20 percent. This fare…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad,Sep 24: The Prime Minister has established a policy committee to promote the local manufacturing and early adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), including New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), with the aim of creating a sustainable transport system in Pakistan. The committee’s focus will extend to encouraging energy efficiency and the transition to cleaner technologies within the automotive sector. Committee Composition: The committee consists of key figures from various sectors, including: Federal Ministers for Industries and Production, Finance and Revenue, Power, and Petroleum Coordinator to the PM for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Secretary of…
Islamabad, Sep 24: Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Rashid Mahmood, has directed the heads of all field formations to take firm action against tax officials who exert pressure to secure preferred postings in field assignments. These instructions were issued on Monday, requiring strict compliance with the guidelines provided by the Secretary of the Revenue Division and Chairman of the FBR. The FBR instructed the heads of the field formations to ensure that all officers and staff (BS-I & above) within their jurisdiction receive and acknowledge these instructions. A certificate signed by Directors General, Chief Commissioners of Inland…
Islamabad, Sep 24: Pakistan’s Power Generation Hits lowest level in seven years, declining by 17.4% year-over-year (YoY) in August 2024. This sharp fall reflects the ongoing economic challenges and decreased energy demand, according to an AHL Research report. Power generation for the month was recorded at 13,179 gigawatt-hours (GWh) or 17,714 megawatts (MW), down from 15,959 GWh (21,450 MW) in August 2023. On a month-over-month (MoM) basis, the sector also saw an 11.4% decline. For the first two months of the fiscal year 2025 (2MFY25), power generation decreased by 8.9% YoY to 28,059 GWh, compared to 30,798 GWh during the…
Islamabad, Sep 24: The International Monetary Fund IMF Ready for Talks with Sri Lanka’s new government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, regarding the country’s $2.9 billion bailout program. Dissanayake, the first leftist president of Sri Lanka, has indicated a desire to renegotiate the terms of the deal, which has implemented unpopular austerity measures. An IMF spokesperson expressed a willingness to collaborate with the new administration, recognizing the economic recovery Sri Lanka has made since defaulting on its debt in April 2022. The IMF Ready for Talks with Sri Lanka’s new government to discuss the timing of the third review of…
Islamabad, Sep 24: Kohli on India’s Shock Defeat: Virat Kohli expressed deep disappointment following India’s shocking exit from the World Cup after an 18-run defeat to New Zealand in the semi-finals at Old Trafford. Chasing a modest 240, India faltered early, losing key wickets to New Zealand’s fast bowlers, Matt Henry and Trent Boult. The Indian top-order, including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Kohli himself, were all dismissed for just one run each, leading to a disastrous start. Reflecting on the defeat, Kohli said, “We’ve played outstanding cricket throughout this tournament. To just go out on the basis of 45…
Islamabad, Sep 24: The situation in Lebanon has escalated sharply, with Israeli strikes resulting in a significant death toll, particularly on Monday, when 274 people were killed, including 21 children and 39 women. Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad confirmed that thousands of families have been displaced due to these attacks, and over 1,000 people have been injured, some of them rescuers. The strikes are part of a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group involved in cross-border clashes that have intensified since the outbreak of violence between Hamas and Israel. The Israeli military has targeted Hezbollah positions extensively,…
Islamabad, Sep 24: Scholarships Announced for Pakistani Students: COMSTECH, the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, has announced research fellowships for students, scholars, and institutions in Mauritania to enhance scientific ties and build capacity. This initiative, part of the Joint Science and Technology Capacity Building Program, is in collaboration with Mauritania’s National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation. These fellowships are targeted at young researchers and early-stage scientists or engineers in Mauritania, allowing them to spend six months at top research institutions in OIC member states, particularly in Pakistan. The program aims to develop research capabilities and foster long-term…
Islamabad, Sep 24: The Lahore police have lodged a fresh case against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur under 13 provisions, including the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), for violent actions near the Sialkot Interchange. The incident occurred as Gandapur was en route to Lahore for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally on September 21. The PTI’s Lahore power show was abruptly halted when police intervened, cutting off the stage’s microphone and lights, forcing PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and others to leave. Authorities acted after the rally exceeded the 6 pm deadline outlined in the event’s no-objection certificate (NOC). Gandapur,…
Islamabad, Sep 24: Apple is set to enhance its AI-powered Siri with the iOS 18.3 update, slated for early 2025, following the iPhone 16 series’ release. The initial iOS 18.1, arriving in October 2024, will introduce Apple Intelligence features like a revamped Siri, Writing Tools, and Photos Cleanup. iOS 18.2, expected later, will bring Image Playground, Genmoji, and ChatGPT integration. The most anticipated upgrade comes in iOS 18.3, introducing AI-driven enhancements to Siri, including visual updates and a glowing screen edge when activated. Partnering with OpenAI, Apple aims to significantly boost Siri’s capabilities. This next-gen iPhone, designed for Apple Intelligence,…