Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: Pakistan’s State Bank Governor, Jameel Ahmad, shared a significant development on Monday, revealing that workers’ remittances surged to an all-time high of $4.1 billion in March 2025. This robust performance has led the central bank to revise its forecast for the year upwards. At the launch of Financial Literacy Week at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, Governor Ahmad shared that the SBP now expects remittances to reach $38 billion by the end of fiscal year 2025, an increase from the previous projection of $36 billion. This solid remittance inflow has instilled confidence that Pakistan’s current account will…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: In an effort to reduce the intake of unhealthy, high-calorie foods, the Ministry of National Health Services has put forward a new proposal to impose a substantial health levy on processed bakery and confectionery products in the upcoming federal budget for 2025-26. According to credible sources, the Ministry has advised implementing a 20% health tax on a broad category of packaged and ready-to-eat sweet items that fall under the umbrella of bakery and confectionery products. These include cakes, biscuits, pastries, and various similar treats that are typically high in sugar and saturated fats. The suggestion is…
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: Pakistan has become the world’s largest importer of solar panels, even without a clear national renewable energy policy, substantial foreign investments, or strong political backing. A global report by the British energy think tank Amber reveals that in 2024, Pakistan imported 17 gigawatts (GW) of solar panels, more than twice the amount imported in 2023. This rapid increase makes Pakistan one of the fastest-growing markets for solar energy globally. Individuals, households, and small businesses in Pakistan have largely driven the solar boom by seeking affordable and dependable alternatives to the costly and inconsistent electricity provided by…
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: As heatwave conditions escalate across the nation, the Meteorological Department has predicted that several regions of Sindh will experience temperatures surpassing 40°C, with southern Punjab districts also reaching 40°C. The mercury is expected to rise to a scorching 46°C in Dadu, 45°C in Nawabshah, and 43°C in Sukkur and Hyderabad today, according to the Met Office. Karachi is also set to endure hot and humid weather, with the maximum temperature anticipated to hit 36°C. The weather service forecasts temperatures of 40°C in D.G. Khan, Multan, and Sargodha, with Lahore bracing for 37°C heat. The Met Office…
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: Belarus has invited Pakistan to engage in a collaborative effort for the assembly of electric buses, according to an announcement made by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. This invitation follows recent talks between Lukashenko and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Minsk, as reported by BelTA. Lukashenko pointed out that Belarus’ tractor manufacturing sector, a significant part of the country’s economy, continues to be a vital export to Pakistan. Read More: Pakistan, US Reaffirm Commitment to Cooperation He expressed optimism that the export of Belarusian tractors to Pakistan will rise in the coming year. Along with tractors,…
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has recently issued a key statement to clear up confusion regarding the issuance of birth, death, and marriage documents. NADRA officially clarified that Union Councils manage all entries related to births, deaths, and marital changes under the laws of the respective provinces. These councils are primarily responsible for collecting and maintaining these vital records. Based on the information provided by these Union Councils, NADRA prepares and issues identity-related documents such as CNICs, B-Forms, and family registration certificates under federal regulations. NADRA released this statement after a viral video circulated…
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: In a recent development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to prolong international travel limitations on Pakistan for another three months due to ongoing concerns about poliovirus transmission. This decision was made during the 41st session of the WHO Emergency Committee, which convened virtually on March 6. Health representatives from countries still battling polio, including Pakistan, participated in the session via video link. The committee assessed the worldwide status of polio eradication, with a specific focus on Pakistan’s efforts. Despite progress in national vaccination drives, the panel concluded that Pakistan, alongside Afghanistan, continues to pose…
Islamabad, Ape 14, 2025: In a major step to boost Indonesia’s economic development, President Prabowo Subianto revealed that Qatar has pledged a $2 billion contribution to the newly established sovereign wealth fund, Danantara Indonesia. During his diplomatic tour of five Middle Eastern nations—comprising the UAE, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan—President Prabowo aimed to strengthen economic partnerships and elevate bilateral cooperation. His visit to Qatar proved fruitful as he engaged in high-level talks with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, resulting in a significant investment commitment. President Prabowo described the discussions with the Qatari Emir as “highly constructive,” noting that Qatar…
Karachi, Apr 14, 2025: In an ambitious effort to cultivate psychoanalytic thinking in Pakistan, the Aga Khan University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) has partnered with the Department of Psychology at the University of Exeter, to host an international conference titled “Journeying Beyond the West: Can Psychoanalysis Find New Roots in Pakistan?” at AKU’s Stadium Road campus in Karachi. Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy that not only gives relief from mental health issues, but also helps people know more about themselves, and make better choices in life. While Pakistan has no formal history of psychoanalysis, practitioners, and theorists with…
Islamabad, Apr 14, 2025: Light seismic tremors were experienced in Quetta and nearby regions on Monday, sparking brief concern among residents. As per the latest update from the National Seismological Center, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 3.0 on the Richter scale and struck at a depth of 12 kilometers beneath the earth’s surface. The public noticed the shaking, which lasted only a few seconds but was strong. Authorities determined the epicenter of the quake to be roughly 90 kilometers west of Quetta, near the provincial border zone. Residents in the area felt a sudden jolt around midday, causing minor…
