The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is likely to raise a 1 percent rate on 31 different kinds of withholding taxes from next month if the revenue shortfall continues in September 2024. In this regard, the FBR has drafted a mini-budget proposal on WHTs. According to the details, presently 31 types of withholding taxes are applicable on various financial transactions. …

The Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal and fines imposed on a regional officer of the forest department, Meher Badshah, in a case concerning the illegal felling of precious Shisham trees (Indian rosewood) in Mardan. The three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, dismissed the appeal filed by Badshah, affirming the disciplinary actions taken against him. …

Students in Multan, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad have brought pride to their families by achieving outstanding success in the annual Intermediate examinations 2024, with girls securing top positions in all three cities. In Multan, the results marked a historic moment as Zarlish Fatima, Wajiha Afzal, and Arfa Batool, jointly secured the first position with 1158 marks. Wajiha, whose father is a …

Pakistan Test cricket team moved from sixth to eighth in the latest ICC Test rankings. The current rating points of the national test team is only 76. This is the Pakistan team’s lowest rating point since 1965. International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the ranking of Test players and to the consistency in the poor performance, cricketer Babar Azam is …

Virtual discussions between officials from the Finance Ministry and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission took place on Tuesday evening, focusing on critical issues of external financing and revenue generation. Despite the ongoing negotiations, no deadline has been established for the approval of the loan by the IMF’s Executive Board, according to sources familiar with the matter. During the talks, …

Pakistan’s oil supply chain is at risk of significant disruption due to the excessive storage of diesel, according to a warning issued by four major oil refineries. In a letter addressed to the petroleum secretary, the refineries expressed concerns that the current diesel stock levels have reached a critical point, with over 770,000 tons of diesel in storage, equivalent to …

The District and Sessions Court of Islamabad has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in connection with an arms and liquor recovery case. The warrant was issued after Gandapur’s application for exemption from attendance on medical grounds was rejected by the court. Civil Judge Shaista Khan Kundi, who presided over the case, ordered …

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Xi noted that the FOCAC has become an effective mechanism for advancing practical cooperation between China and Africa and a fine example of South-South cooperation. He expressed the belief that …

BEIJING: The intellectual property cooperation between China and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries has been strengthened over the past decade, with digital and green patents emerging as prominent aspects of this partnership. Official figures released by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) on Wednesday revealed that from 2013 to 2023, Chinese enterprises in BRI partner countries and …

DHAKA: As an unprecedented flood is affecting millions of people in parts of Bangladesh, China’s Huawei has come forward to help individuals and communities recover from the trauma of devastating flooding. As part of its efforts, Huawei has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Obhizatrik Foundation, a local non-profit organization, and handed over significant funds to aid flood-affected people …

In a statement in the national assembly, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced the establishment of a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. The decision was made due to the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) limited capacity to address the rising cybercrime incidents. During the Question Hour in the National Assembly, Tarar assured that support will be provided until the new cybercrime investigation …

The National Assembly on Tuesday deferred bill seeking to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court. PML-N’s Daniyal Chaudhry presented the bill proposing an increase in the number of Supreme Court judges from 17 to 23. However, Barrister Gohar noted that under Articles 74 and 81 of the Constitution, only the government can introduce such a bill, as …

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday expressed the commitment to bringing economic growth and stability to Pakistan. Chairing a meeting of federal cabinet in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz Sharif said we have to provide productive employment and reduce expenditures, in addition to shrinking circular debt in gas and power sectors. He emphasized the need to advance in this direction with urgency. …

Torrential rains claimed at least 306 lives and injured 591 persons in separate rain-related incidents across the country from July 1 to September 3, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said in its report on Monday. The disaster management authority elaborated on the devastation caused by continued wet spells, which resulted in a great loss of lives, properties, crops and …

Recent incidents involving the Indian military have brought its competence and professionalism into question. A Coast Guard helicopter crashed into the Arabian Sea off the coast of Gujarat while on a rescue mission, with two pilots and two divers on board. The pilots remain missing. In a separate incident, a MiG-29 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed on …

Deepika Padukone, who is in the final month of her pregnancy, is set to welcome her baby in India, contrary to rumors suggesting she might travel to London for the delivery. According to a report, Deepika’s due date is towards the end of September, and she is expected to give birth in Mumbai. A source revealed, “Deepika and Ranveer are …

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has revealed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has no objections to implementing targeted subsidies. These subsidies, he said, could be distributed to eligible recipients through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). To ensure uniformity, the minister indicated that discussions would be held with chief ministers this week, aiming to apply a consistent policy nationwide. He …

The 2nd Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi headed towards a dramatic conclusion, with Bangladesh securing a victory on the final day by chasing a target of 185. Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by six wickets in hands. Bangladesh has shown their class in this test. This is the second time, Pakistan suffered a whitewash in their own country. In …

BEIJING: Railways. Ports. Industrial parks. Power stations. Infrastructure cooperation between China and Africa is thriving, and the outcome is changing the lives of millions. Industrial leaders and officials observed that the infrastructure projects undertaken by Chinese companies have yielded tangible benefits for Africans, helping the continent enhance its connectivity; improve conditions for economic and social development; advance its industrialization, modernization …

As we age, the foods we eat can greatly affect our fitness, appearance, quality of life, and disease risk. Our bodies rely on various nutrients to support the natural aging process. Some nutrients may help slow signs of aging, such as by promoting healthy skin. It’s important to note that eating specific foods isn’t going to make you look noticeably …

Economist Kaiser Bengali has emphasised that the government’s primary focus should be on reducing fiscal deficits, stating that closing down certain institutions could result in savings of PKR 30 billion. During a press conference in Karachi, Bengali announced his resignation from the High-Powered Committee for Rightsizing. He expressed concerns that the entire burden of restructuring is being placed on the …

US President Joe Biden has honoured Pakistani-American Urdu poet and writer Raees Warsi with a lifetime achievement award. New York State Assembly member Jessica Gonzalez presented the accolade on Biden’s behalf, recognising Warsi’s lifelong dedication to promoting Urdu language and literature globally. Raees has spent the past 34 years advocating for the Urdu language, achieving milestones such as organising the …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, has expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue, stating that discussions will take place only with those who make the decisions. During a conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail, Imran Khan remarked that May 9 is their “insurance policy.” He further claimed that if May 9 is disregarded, the government and its politics will …

The final report by the Armed Forces of Iran on the helicopter crash claimed that no signs of sabotage were found in the plane crash that claimed lives of President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage. President Raisi, his foreign minister and other senior officials, died when their helicopter crashed in a mountainous region near the Azerbaijan border on May 19. …

Pakistani winger and striker Imran Kayani has officially joined Cray Wanderers on a permanent deal. The move marks a significant step in Kayani’s career as he looks to make an impact in English football. Cray Wanderers competes in the Isthmian Premier Division, the seventh tier of English football. Kayani’s signing is expected to bolster the club’s attacking options as they …

Ten major cities in Punjab are currently under threat from organized criminal activities, with law enforcement facing significant challenges in apprehending dangerous suspects. According to police sources, a total of 960 suspects involved in serious crimes such as illegal occupation, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, and murder remain at large. The cities most affected include Rawalpindi, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and …

Pakistan has extended an invitation to India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, for an official visit, according to sources. The invitation has been sent to the Indian Minister to attend the SCO Trade Ministers’ Meeting, sources said. An invitation letter was delivered to the Indian Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, through diplomatic channels, sources confirmed. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) …

Following the National Assembly’s approval, a bill aimed at increasing the number of judges in the Supreme Court is set to be presented in the Senate today. The private bill, prepared by Senator Abdul Qadir, seeks to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1997, to address the growing backlog of pending cases. The bill proposes an increase in …

The federal government has submitted a comprehensive plan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aimed at reducing electricity prices by Rs6 per unit. This proposal is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide relief to consumers burdened by high electricity costs. According to sources within the Power Division, the plan involves the federal and provincial governments jointly arranging funding …

BEIRUT: A Hezbollah member was killed and six people were injured on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes on border villages in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. An Israeli airstrike on the village of Bayt Lif killed one Hezbollah fighter and injured two others, including a woman who sustained serious injuries, according to a statement released by …

BEIJING: A delegation of nine media and think tank representatives from Pakistan recently visited China, traveling from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Shaanxi Province to Beijing. Impressed by China’s social and economic advancements, they expressed a strong desire to further deepen China-Pakistan cooperation in the future. During their five-day visit to Xinjiang, the first stop of their China tour …

Pakistan’s fast bowlers have struggled in Test cricket since 2022, taking only 116 wickets over this period. In 17 matches across 34 innings. Pakistan’s pacers have an average of 38.78, and have conceded the most runs compared to their peers. In contrast, South Africa’s pace attack leads the chart with 222 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 25.76. …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has categorically denied having any intentions of holding direct negotiations with the government, refuting claims of discussions with the National Assembly Speaker. Speaking to the media on Sunday, Gohar clarified the nature of PTI’s interactions with the Speaker of the National Assembly. “As an opposition party, we meet with the speaker to …

Pakistan’s total export growth has managed to outpace its external debt in the past five fiscal years, according to latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The country’s External Debt to Total Exports ratio has fallen to 253 percent in FY 2023-24, compared to its peak of 314 percent in FY20. This suggests growth in exports has remained …

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is ‘divided’ over talks with the opposition parties in the National Assembly, It has been learnt that PML-N leaders are not ‘happy’ over the statements of federal ministers and senior party leaders, Ahsan Iqbal and Khawaja Asif, as they feel putting conditions for talks, will create further ‘problems’. We have to move for unconditional talks, the …

Fatman Scoop, the renowned American rapper and hype-man, has tragically passed away at the age of 53. The news of his death emerged after he collapsed onstage during a performance on Friday night. Birch Michael, Scoop’s tour manager, confirmed the rapper’s passing on August 31 through social media platforms Instagram and Facebook. In a heartfelt post, Michael expressed his deep …

More than Rs1200 billion were paid to 26 such power plants across the country from 2015 to 2024, as per the data on the capacity payments made to power plants running on imported fuel over the last decade has come to light. The payments continued uninterrupted, even during periods when the plants were shut down or experiencing breakdowns. According to …

The federal government has responded to recent comments made by Dr. Qaiser Bengali, a key member of the Right-Sizing of the federal government committee, who resigned from his position on Saturday. The spokesperson for the government clarified that the right-sizing initiative is not limited to posts up to grade 16, but extends to grade 22, aiming to reduce government expenditure …

This issue was brought up during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti at the Parliament House. In response to the committee’s concerns about medicine quality, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) officials highlighted a recent lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for producing substandard drugs. The committee also …

Stanford University recently conducted a study that uncovered surprising insights into global inactivity by analyzing data from over 700,000 people across 46 countries. Using smartphones to track daily steps, the study, highlighted significant disparities in physical activity worldwide. It revealed that some countries have alarmingly low average daily steps, indicating a highly sedentary lifestyle. The study ranked countries based on …