Tue, 21-Oct-2025

PM Imran briefs nation on three-year performance

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said that nothing in this world can be achieved without a struggle. Speaking at the launching ceremony of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government’s performance report, the premier said that the past three years have been a very difficult period for the government. “There are ups and down comes in every organisation … Read more

Dr Ashfaq Ahmed appointed as new FBR chairman

FBR chairman

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Tuesday appointed Dr Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed, a BS-21 officer of the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) as new chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Dr Ashfaq Ahmed is the sixth chairman of the revenue board during the current PTI government. He is the 31st chairman of the board. The … Read more

PPP asks federal govt to release report of its three years performance

Dual

LAHORE: The Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) on Friday demanded the federal government to present the three-year performance of the PTI-led government before the masses. PPP vice president and parliamentary leader in the Senate Sherry Rehman said that the PTI had promised to eradicate corruption and bring revolution in three months. “Today after three years, why … Read more

Revitalised agricultural research need of the hour: minister

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan needs to revitalise agricultural research and create public-private partnership to enhance and make agricultural research viable in the public sector, a senior government official said. Chairing a meeting with the delegation of the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which was headed by FAO representative in Pakistan Rebekah Bell, Federal Minister … Read more

Petrol prices are expected to rise in Pakistan once again

The price of petroleum products in the country is expected to rise once more, according to sources, with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) seeking an increase in the rates.Petrol once again The regulatory authority has sent a summary to the Petroleum Division, recommending a petrol price rise of Rs0.50 per litre, a diesel price increase of Rs2.50 per litre, and kerosene and light diesel oil price increase of Rs1 per litre.

After consulting with Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Ministry of Finance will make a final decision on changing the price of petroleum products, according to sources.

Two weeks ago, the government increased the price of fuel by Rs1.71 per liter, resulting in a current price of Rs119.80 a liter.

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Australian high commissioner celebrates Pakistan’s Independence Day

Australian high commissioner

ISLAMABAD: Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr Geoffrey Shaw has congratulated Pakistan on its 75th Independence Day, a statement said. In a special message, he said: “I join the people and the government of Pakistan in celebrating the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day. Pakistan has continued to strengthen as a nation during its 74 years … Read more

Arshad Nadeem Did Not Have a Ground to Practise; Says His Father

Arshad Nadeem Did Not Have a Ground to Practice; Says His Father

The first Pakistani Athlete to reach the Olympics final, Arshad Nadeem, practiced all by himself without even the support of the government, his father Muhammad Ashraf said. While talking to the media, Muhammad Ashraf – father of javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem – said that his son did not have the ground to practice. Arshad showed … Read more

OGRA Increases CNG Prices in Punjab, Sindh After Rupee Devalues

OGRA Increases CNG Prices in Punjab, Sindh After Rupee Devalues

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has increased the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Punjab and Sindh. The price went up after the rupee devalued against the US dollar. The new price of CNG in Sindh has been fixed at Rs150 per kilo, while in Punjab it will be Rs112 per kilo. … Read more

PML-N MPA moves resolution against Gandapur’s remarks on Maryam

Lahore: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Hina Pervez Butt submitted on Monday a resolution in Punjab Assembly (PA) seeking apology and resignation from Federal Minister Kashmir Affairs Ali Amin Gandapur for his remarks against party vice president Maryam Nawaz. The resolution stated that Gandapur’s use of obscene words about PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz … Read more

Facebook Marketplace Opens New Avenue for Pakistanis

Facebook Marketplace Opens New Avenue for Pakistanis

After Amazon, Facebook has now created opportunities for Pakistanis running online businesses to flourish with its initiative. “I am happy to see that after Amazon, Facebook has recently launched Marketplace for Pakistan,” Adviser to the PM on Commerce Razak Dawood wrote on Twitter. “It will encourage small entrepreneurs to sell online; such opportunities during Covid-19 … Read more

Four LNG cargoes acquire by Pakistan at highest-ever costs since 2015

Four LNG cargoes

ISLAMABAD: For the month of September, the government has purchased four LNG cargoes at the highest-ever prices of $15.19-$15.49 per mmBtu.

In September and October, the state-owned Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) canceled eight cargo tenders, stating that the rates were higher at $13.78 per mmBtu, but it has since bought four cargoes at the highest-ever pricing.

The PLL held a closed tender in September and received rates for four LNG cargoes of more than $15 per mmBtu, the highest rate it has ever received since it began buying LNG in 2015.

Three LNG cargoes will be purchased from Gunvor and one from PetroChina by the government.

To avoid electrical load shedding in September, the government is under enormous pressure and is required to purchase cargoes at the highest possible prices.

The first cargo will be delivered to PLL on September 6-7 at a cost of $15.397 per mmBtu, the second on September 12-13 at a cost of $15.497 per mmBtu, and the third on September 17-18 at a cost of $15.397 per mmBtu. On September 27-28, PetroChina will deliver LNG cargo at a price of $15.199 per mmBtu.

Now, the PLL is planning to issue a tender for the months of October and November under the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules, fearing that it will receive bids close to $20 per mmBtu, given the current price trend in the international market, and because the LNG suppliers must include the premium under the PPRA rules for holding the rate for 15 days.

According to the government, there is currently an LNG price crunch on the foreign market, and it is impossible to anticipate the LNG price trajectory in the future.

The PLL had previously received bids ranging from $10.2937 to $11.7747 per mmBtu for July cargoes and $10.51 to $10.8312 per mmBtu for August cargoes.

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Pakistani chambers praise government’s business-friendly policies

FPCCI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s all major chambers of commerce and industry have expressed full confidence in the government’s business-friendly policies and measures taken for the ease of doing business and agree for consultative process for the formulation of a strategy to increase tax revenue, a statement said on Friday. The presidents of the country’s major chambers of … Read more

India Is Still In Cryptocurrency Denial Mode

India

Cryptocurrencies are completely ignored by the government of India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Parliament on July 27 that the Indian government collects no data on the cryptocurrency market in response to a query from a member of parliament (MP).

She stated that the government is unaware of the precise number of cryptocurrency exchanges or investors in the country. She also stated that her ministry has received no information regarding the use of these exchanges for money laundering or drug trafficking.

In the Upper House (Rajya Sabha), an MP from her party, the BJP, had inquired if the government was aware of the number of crypto exchanges in the country. The finance minister responded by saying, “This information is not collected by the Government.”

In response to another query from the same BJP MP, Sushil Kumar Modi, she stated that cryptocurrency investors who purchased coins outside of India would not be subject to the Equalization Levy. According to Sitharaman, “Equalization levy is imposed on e-commerce operators, not on the investor.”

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Pakistan’s growth potential can take toll on external accounts

sales tax

KARACHI: The Ministry of Finance has said that the transition towards higher growth may put pressure on the external accounts. “In the transition towards a higher potential growth level, pressure can be built on the external accounts,” the Finance Ministry said in the monthly economic outlook released on Wednesday evening. It is important to closely … Read more

Small traders seek extension in business hours

Karachi: Traders Once Again Oppose Reduced Shop Timings

KARACHI: The Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSCI) president Saleemuddin Qureshi has urged Prime Minister Imran Khan, National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) chief Asad Umar and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to extend the business hours, as the existing timings are creating problems for the small traders. The policymakers … Read more

PTCL, Paksat ink partnership deal to deliver modern satellite services

PTCL

KARACHI: The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Paksat signed a strategic partnership to develop and deliver state-of-the-art integrated satellite services in addressing the ever-evolving national needs of the public and private sectors of the country, a statement said on Tuesday. Suparco chairman Major-General Amer Nadeem, Paksat International Pvt Limited CEO Sadaquat Liaquat, PTCL president … Read more

In Japan, we strive for cutting-edge science, technology, and innovation

In Japan, we strive for cutting-edge science, technology, and innovation

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) of Japan has stressed the importance of being a world leader in science and technology.

Japan’s economy and society are undergoing significant changes. Energy, resources, food shortages, a declining birth rate, an aging population, as well as underdeveloped rural economies and communities, are the most pressing issues in Japan today.

Japan’s global status in science and technology has recently fallen as a result of these challenges, even while other countries continue to strengthen their science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies.

However, as in the past, Japan must continue to be a country that actively contributes to humanity’s growth by using its STI capability to address global concerns and improve the quality of life in underdeveloped countries. Japan also aspires to actively contribute to global growth that is sustainable.

The Science and Technology Policy Bureau, which is part of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), is in charge of planning and designing basic policies to promote science and technology in the country.

Its goal is to develop human resources in science and technology, benefiting everyone from students to senior researchers and engineers, and to support international activities and science and technology promotion in a variety of places.

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Govt disburses Rs133.664 billion for social sector uplift projects

Broadsheet

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has released Rs133.664 billion of the total allocation of Rs900 billion for various ongoing and new social sector development projects till date under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2021/22. According to the latest data, released by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform, the released funds included Rs98.98 billion for … Read more

Bitcoin miners in China donated generators to flood relief in Henan

Bitcoin

Bitcoin miners in China have joined together to aid families in Henan, which was hit by a devastating flood.

Bitcoin miners have been seen in China’s Henan region providing generators and food. Despite the Chinese crypto crackdown, companies that had to relocate their operations due to the massive mining migration have turned to the Chinese crypto community for help.

Colin Wu, a Chinese journalist, posted a photo of a truck stocked with generators and food donated by BTC miners for Henan citizens. Posters on the truck expressed minor disappointment with the Chinese government as well as sympathy for Henan.

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Businesses object to Sindh Govt’s new Covid-related SOPs

Businesses Across Sindh To Remain Closed On Fridays And Sundays

KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has objected to the enforcement of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) introduced by the Sindh government, and said the restrictions are denying the ease of doing business. FPCCI president Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo demanded that the FPCCI’s nominees must be taken into Sindh’s task … Read more

Blinken to discuss human rights violation with India 

US willing to work with Taliban If 'people’s basic rights are respected'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken likely to raise issues of human rights violation during his visit to India on Tuesday, agencies reported as saying on Monday. India has noteworthy track record of human rights issues including unlawful and arbitrary killings, extrajudicial killings, torture and cases of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment especially in … Read more

Pakistan, Korea sign deal to expand electric vehicles charging infrastructure

Electric vehicles

KARACHI: Zi Solar Pvt Ltd, a leading renewable energy solution provider in Pakistan, has entered into an exclusive partnership with Aeonus Co Ltd, a Korean global leader in renewable energy, to expand electric vehicles charging infrastructure, a statement said on Monday. The partnership will pave the way for the deployment of state-of-the-art Korean-manufactured electric vehicles … Read more

Rupee strengthens against dollar

Rupee

KARACHI: The rupee recovered 1.09 against the dollar on Monday, owing to the record foreign exchange reserves of the country and an expectation of lower demand for import payments, dealers said. The exchange rate ended at Rs161.23 against the dollar from last Friday’s closing of Rs162.32 in the interbank foreign exchange market. The currency dealers … Read more

FPCCI welcomes joint ventures with Uzbekistan worth billions

KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has welcomed the signing of business-to-business joint ventures between the private sectors of Pakistan and Uzbekistan, a statement said on Monday. FPCCI president Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo said that the memoranda of understanding were signed in pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather, petrochemicals and agriculture sectors, it … Read more

Govt hailed for taking stakeholders in confidence for ease of doing business

Business in Pakistan

KARACHI: The businessmen have appreciated the decision of the Ministry of Industries and Production and the Ministry of Commerce to consult experts from various sectors and seek their input for the ease of doing business, a statement said. Unisame president Zulfikar Thaver said: “We are extremely happy that the government has decided to consult experts … Read more

PM Imran Khan summons federal cabinet meeting tomorrow: sources

Federal Cabinet Meeting Discussed Palestine Issue

Prime Minister Imran Khan has summoned a Federal Cabinet meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) to consider over 22 agenda items, quoting sources. A special grant amounting to 15% of the basic salaries of the officers and youth of the armed forces will be studied in cabinet meeting tomorrow, sources have claimed. The cabinet will be informed on … Read more

Power distribution companies urged to facilitate consumers

Power distribution companies urged to facilitate consumers

ISLAMABAD: The government has fully empowered the boards of directors of the distribution companies and now they have to make more efforts to facilitate its consumers, a government official said on Friday. During a meeting with the chairmen of the boards of directors of various power distribution companies, who called on Minister for Energy Hammad … Read more

Argentina employees to receive salaries in Bitcoin (BTC) payments

Argentina

Argentina: A law introduced by Congressman José Luis Ramón will allow companies to pay their employees in Bitcoin (BTC/USD).

According to the proposed bill, the service exporters and other employees will be able to get their salaries and benefits in Bitcoin, either in part or in full.

The law will not be mandatory for everyone, but it will be for those who seek to receive Bitcoin payments.

Ramon says that the main goal of the proposal is to strengthen the economy of Argentina and “preserve the purchasing power of their remuneration.”

The peso, Argentina’s national currency, has been experiencing annual inflation of over 50%.

Furthermore, the government has been developing initiatives to reduce the high rate.

According to Ramon, the current Bitcoin initiative is the result of such needs.

He claims that there is a strong desire to promote greater autonomy without jeopardizing the situation or implying a loss of rights.

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