In a groundbreaking move for Pakistan’s electronics industry, Sapphire Electronics (Pvt) Limited, a subsidiary of Reliance Cotton Spinning Mills Limited (RCML), has officially joined hands with Samsung Electronics. This strategic partnership, announced on December 23, 2024, aims to manufacture, assemble, and sell Samsung-branded electronic products and home appliances locally. A Major Leap for Local Production…
Finance
Pakistan achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first team to whitewash South Africa in a bilateral ODI series on their home turf. The 3-0 series victory was capped off with a 36-run win in the third ODI, showcasing exceptional teamwork and individual brilliance. Pakistan's exceptional performance in the ODI series against South Africa marked…
Dubai Metro Blue Line: A Transformational Step Forward Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed the completion and operational date for the highly anticipated Dubai Metro Blue Line. Slated to begin operations on September 9, 2029, the project is set to mark the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro, which began service on the…
Punjab has launched groundbreaking initiatives to empower young graduates through innovative internship programs. These programs focus on developing skills, offering financial independence, and creating job opportunities for the youth. Punjab Socioeconomic Registry Program: Limited Internship Opportunities The Punjab Socioeconomic Registry Program offers young men and women limited internship positions on a Union Council basis.…
Between October 2023 and October 2024, Pakistani nationals submitted around 28,000 applications for international protection across European Union Plus (EU+) countries. According to the EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the monthly figures showed a notable decline, peaking at 3,400 in October 2023 and dropping to 1,900 by October 2024. Preferred Destinations for Asylum Italy…
Pakistan has strongly criticized recent sanctions imposed by the United States on its National Development Complex (NDC) and three private commercial entities. The sanctions, announced under Executive Order 13382, target organizations allegedly contributing to the proliferation and delivery of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Pakistan has termed these sanctions as "unfortunate and biased," asserting that…
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced significant reforms under the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024 to enhance financial accountability and tax compliance in Pakistan. Presented in the National Assembly, this bill brings forward new provisions for data sharing between the FBR and banks, as well as stringent restrictions on economic activities for non-filers,…
MISAAF Energy Pvt. Ltd. is setting new benchmarks in the energy sector by providing cutting-edge diesel generators and solar power systems tailored to the diverse needs of businesses across Pakistan. Renowned for their commitment to efficiency, durability, and sustainability, MISAAF Energy has become a trusted name for uninterrupted power solutions in industries ranging from healthcare…
The implementation of the IMF-mandated condition to impose income tax on agricultural income in Pakistan has been postponed to July 2025. Under the National Fiscal Pact, provinces are expected to impose these taxes starting from the next fiscal year. The federal government has sought additional time from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to meet these…
Kuwait has unveiled a groundbreaking foreign residency law, marking the most significant transformation of its immigration policies in over six decades. Issued via Amiri decree on November 28, the law aims to modernize the country’s residency system while addressing critical issues such as visa trading, exploitation of migrant workers, and human trafficking. The new legislation,…
Karachi Faces Gas Supply Suspension Due to Pipeline Relocation Amid Worsening Gas Crisis in Pakistan
The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced an 8-hour gas supply suspension in parts of Karachi, reflecting broader energy challenges as the winter intensifies across Pakistan. Gas Suspension in Karachi The gas supply will be interrupted in Karachi’s Peoples Chowrangi area on December 14 from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM on December 15.…
In a significant development aimed at strengthening ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan, the UAE government has announced measures to expedite visa processing for Pakistani nationals. This initiative reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering closer bilateral relations and supporting the growing community of Pakistanis residing and working in the Gulf nation. …
The Senate of Pakistan has taken a significant step to enhance the country's forensic capabilities by approving the establishment of the National Forensics Agency (NFA). This initiative replaces the existing National Forensics Agency Project with a fully functional, independent body to address the challenges of inconsistent forensic services across the nation. Transforming Forensic Capabilities…
Freelancing has become a pivotal source of income for millions in Pakistan, with over 23 lac (2.3 million) individuals contributing to the gig economy. Despite this massive workforce, a shocking statistic has emerged: only 38,000 freelancers have registered bank accounts. Financial Exclusion: A Major Challenge The limited number of freelancers with bank accounts highlights…
The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad has intensified its crackdown on corruption, making significant strides in uncovering fraudulent activities and recovering misappropriated funds. The following are the key highlights: Arrest of Ministry of Education Officials Two former employees of the Ministry of Education, holding the positions of Chief Finance Officer and…
Pakistan Faces Setback as World Bank Cancels $500 Million Loan: A Closer Look In a major financial blow to Pakistan, the World Bank has canceled a $500 to $600 million budget support loan under the Affordable and Clean Energy (PACE-II) program. This decision underscores the challenges Pakistan faces in implementing critical reforms in its power…
Relational, a leading European-based business software provider, is making significant strides into Pakistan’s financial market through a strategic partnership with Dellsons Group. This collaboration aims to introduce Relational’s state-of-the-art fintech products and services, supporting Pakistan’s growing financial sector and advancing the country’s digital transformation journey. Unprecedented Surge: Wednesday’s Historic Rally On Wednesday, the PSX…
A bold proposal to lower the retirement age for civilian government employees from 60 to 55 years has sparked widespread discussion in Pakistan. The move, presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to address rising pension liabilities while improving the efficiency of government operations. However, it has faced resistance from both bureaucrats and senior officials,…
Strengthening Pakistan’s Power Distribution: A $200 Million ADB Initiative to Enhance Energy Efficiency and Resilience In a significant move to address Pakistan's growing electricity demand and energy sector challenges, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan for the Power Distribution Strengthening Project. This initiative aims to modernize and upgrade the country’s…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled the New Uraan Pakistan National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-2029, a groundbreaking roadmap for sustainable and high economic growth. The initiative aims to expand Pakistan's economy from its current size of $374 billion to an ambitious $1 trillion by 2035. This plan promises to redefine the country’s economic landscape with…