Pakistan’s IT Industry Faces Existential Threat Due to Internet Restrictions

Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairperson of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), has raised alarms over the ongoing internet slowdown and restrictions on virtual private networks (VPNs). He warned these measures could cause significant financial losses, disrupt IT services, and damage Pakistan’s reputation in global markets. “Blocking VPNs will harm IT companies, call centers, and BPOs. …

AR Rahman and Saira Banu Announce Separation After 29 Years of Marriage

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman announced his separation from his wife, Saira Banu, after nearly three decades of marriage. Early Wednesday, Rahman took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an emotional note about their decision. “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty,” Rahman wrote, describing the separation as a “fragile chapter.” He added, “Even the …

Brazil and Uruguay Clash in 12th Round of World Cup Qualifiers

Brazil will face Uruguay on November 20, 2024, in the 12th round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The game will test both teams’ resilience as they seek crucial points. Brazil, known as the “Pentacampeons,” will aim to recover from an inconsistent performance streak. Uruguay, led by Marcelo Bielsa, will look …

Argentina Defeats Peru 1-0 in World Cup Qualifiers

Argentina defeated Peru 1-0 on Tuesday in the twelfth round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The match took place at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. Lautaro Martínez scored the only goal in the 55th minute, securing a victory for the reigning world champions. Argentina dominated the game from the start. …

FBR Launches ePayment 2.0 to Simplify Tax Payments in Pakistan

  Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced ePayment 2.0, a new tax payment system integrated into its IRIS 2.0 portal. This advanced system aims to streamline tax payments across Pakistan, making the process faster, more secure, and easier for taxpayers. The FBR launched ePayment 2.0 as part of the government’s mission to modernize …

SECP Registers 2,477 New Companies in October 2024

Islamabad: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 2,477 new companies in October 2024. This recent increase brings the total registered companies in Pakistan to 233,587, showing rising confidence in the country’s corporate sector. SECP’s digitization initiative continues to play a pivotal role, with 99% of the new company registrations processed through its …

Pakistan Braces for Another Hike in Petrol and Diesel Prices

Islamabad: Pakistani consumers will face another increase in petrol and diesel prices in the upcoming fortnight. Rising global oil rates and elevated import costs are driving this price hike, which will add more financial pressure on consumers nationwide. Sources report that petrol prices are set to rise by Rs4 per liter, reaching Rs253 per liter, while …

PKR Gains Against British Pound, Holds Steady Against USD

  Islamabad: The Pakistani rupee (PKR) saw gains against the British Pound and other key currencies today, signaling a steady economic stance. Against the US Dollar (USD), the PKR held its position with only minor fluctuations, ending the day slightly stronger in the interbank market. The PKR closed at 277.85 against the USD in interbank …

Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan Meets Japanese Ambassador WADA Mitsuhiro

  Islamabad: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan recently met with Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro, as the Ambassador prepared to conclude his term in Pakistan. During the meeting, Minister Jam conveyed his best wishes for Ambassador WADA’s next assignment and acknowledged his dedication to strengthening ties between Japan and …

PVMA Celebrates Atif Ikram Sheikh’s Appointment as CACCI VP

  Karachi: The Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) has proudly extended congratulations to Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), on his recent election as Vice President of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI). This prestigious role for Sheikh was announced in Singapore, marking …

Gold Prices Surge by Rs. 1,400 Per Tola in Pakistan

  Gold prices in Pakistan have surged again, marking an increase of Rs. 1,400 per tola. This brings the per tola rate of gold in the local market to Rs. 271,900, reflecting the broader trend of rising precious metal prices worldwide. The international gold market has also seen a price rise. The rate per ounce …

PIA to Transport 35,000 Hajj Pilgrims

  Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has signed a deal with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to transport 35,000 Hajj pilgrims in 2025. Under this agreement, PIA will run special flights from six major cities: Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, and Sukkur. This arrangement aims to ensure smooth travel for pilgrims headed to Saudi Arabia. The …

Trump Names Musk to Lead Government Efficiency Department

  President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to co-lead a new Department of Government Efficiency. Announced on Tuesday, this department aims to streamline government operations and curb bureaucratic waste. Trump said that Musk and Ramaswamy would focus on “dismantling bureaucracy, slashing regulations, and restructuring federal agencies.” This new …

Israel Attacks North Gaza Shelter After Allowing UN Aid

Israel has blocked nearly all UN attempts to deliver essential aid to northern Gaza this month. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports Israel has denied or restricted food and medical assistance for thousands of besieged residents. Brief Aid Delivery Allowed On November 11, Israel briefly allowed a World Food Programme …

Imran Khan, Sheikh Rashid, and Others Acquitted in Section 144 Case

  A district and sessions court in Islamabad acquitted former Prime Minister Imran Khan, ex-Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid, and other prominent leaders on Wednesday. Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mahmood dismissed charges of Section 144 violations, along with breaches of the Amplifier Act and other regulations. The acquittal clears all defendants in a case initially filed on …

SECP Concludes Day Two of Pakistan Start-up Summit in Karachi

  Karachi: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) successfully concluded the second day of the Pakistan Start-up Summit in Karachi. The event continued to generate excitement, attracting policymakers, start-up founders, international speakers, and other stakeholders. Their active participation emphasized the summit’s role as a key platform for driving innovation and economic growth in Pakistan. …

U.S. Contractor Fined $42M for Abu Ghraib Torture

  A U.S. federal jury has ordered Virginia-based defense contractor CACI to pay $42 million in damages to three Iraqi men tortured at Abu Ghraib prison. The verdict ends a 15-year legal fight, holding CACI liable for the abusive actions that took place at the infamous Iraqi prison, where its employees worked as civilian contractors. …

Nadra Chairman Says Fees Will Increase If More Offices Are Opened

  The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) chief has informed a National Assembly panel that fees for identity cards will need to increase.  It will increase if authority opens more offices. During a briefing to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior, Lt General Munir Afsar, Nadra Chairman, explained that there are no offices …

Tremors Felt in KP and Islamabad After Afghanistan Earthquake

Tremors were felt, on Wednesday, in various cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad after an earthquake struck Afghanistan. The quake shook the region, causing people to evacuate buildings and creating widespread concern. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.1. However, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported the …

Pakistanis Urged to Sign Petition for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Release from U.S. Imprisonment

  The family of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the United States, is urging the people of Pakistan to sign a petition calling for her release. Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, Aafia’s sister, appealed to the public to help gather at least one crore (10 million) signatures to support her sister’s return to Pakistan. …

Israel’s UN Envoy Denies Famine Warnings in Gaza

  At a recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon sharply criticized reports of famine in Gaza. These reports, issued by a UN-backed food security committee, describe severe food shortages in Gaza. However, Danon dismissed the warnings as exaggerated and misleading. Danon strongly refuted the claims of food insecurity and potential …

British Surgeon Describes Treating Drone-Attacked Children in Gaza

  British surgeon Nizam Mamode shared disturbing experiences from his recent volunteer work at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital. Testifying before a UK parliamentary committee, he described the harrowing impact of drone warfare on Palestinian civilians, particularly children. His testimony offered a rare insight into the daily horrors faced by Gaza’s medical teams and the extreme conditions …

Saudi Military Chief Visits Tehran for Talks with Iranian Officials

Saudi military chief, Fayyad al-Ruwaili, arrived in Tehran on Sunday for talks with Iranian leaders. The visit marks a significant step in the thawing relations between the two nations, following their agreement to restore diplomatic ties last year. Al-Ruwaili, the chief of staff of the Saudi armed forces, met with General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s military …

Exit mobile version