Washington: The United States has significantly expanded its visa bond program, requiring citizens from seven additional countries to pay refundable bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for B1/B2 visas. This move aims to strengthen immigration controls and ensure compliance with visa regulations. New Implementation Dates and Requirements Effective October 23, 2025, citizens of Mali, […]
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened on a strong note on Thursday as significant progress emerged in discussions between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistani authorities regarding crucial economic reviews. This development has injected renewed confidence into the country’s financial markets. Market Performance Surge The KSE-100 index experienced a notable gain of 1,382.51 points, […]
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has apprehended a former dumper driver in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accused of masterminding one of the largest corruption scandals in the province’s history. The suspect, now a self-proclaimed businessman, is alleged to have embezzled billions through fake companies and extensive money laundering operations. Investigators revealed that the accused diverted over Rs. […]
Economic Outlook Deterioration The World Bank has issued a sobering assessment of Pakistan’s economic prospects, cautioning that recent catastrophic flooding will likely hamper growth momentum and drive inflation higher. The international financial institution’s latest report paints a challenging picture for the country’s economic recovery trajectory. Downgraded Growth Projections Pakistan’s GDP growth forecast for the current […]
Groundbreaking Discovery Recognized by Royal Swedish Academy The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Scientists Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for their pioneering work in developing innovative molecular architectures. Their research has created materials with extraordinary properties that offer potential solutions to global challenges including climate change and water scarcity. […]
Gold prices reached an unprecedented milestone on Wednesday, breaking past $4,000 per ounce for the first time in history as global investors sought refuge from mounting economic and geopolitical instability. The surge marks another chapter in gold’s historic rally, fueled by expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts, a weaker dollar, and continued central bank […]
Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, has earned global recognition by winning the “Best Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) Provider” award at the Finovate Awards 2025 held in the United Kingdom. The achievement marks a major milestone for Pakistan’s fintech industry, positioning the country as an emerging hub of digital finance innovation on the world stage. The Finovate Awards […]
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Properties, has officially opened a new 300-metre bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road, offering motorists from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali direct access to the Mall of the Emirates. This infrastructure upgrade aims to enhance traffic efficiency, road safety, and visitor convenience around one […]
The federal government has increased fuel prices once again, raising petrol by Rs4.07 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs4.04 per litre. The new rates will remain effective until October 15, 2025, according to a notification issued by the Finance Division. The revision was made on the recommendation of the Oil and Gas Regulatory […]
IMF’s Zero-Inflow Target The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to bring circular debt inflows down to zero during the current fiscal year, according to official sources. Despite multiple government efforts to manage the financial challenges within the power sector, inefficiencies in Power Distribution Companies (Discos) remain a central cause of persistent losses. Persistent […]
If you’ve followed Pakistan’s technology scene over the last two decades, the name Zia Chishti is impossible to ignore. More than just a figure, he is a legacy in motion. The man behind Align, TRG, and Afiniti has achieved what few imagined possible: building global companies from Pakistan, creating tens of thousands of jobs, and […]
A recent World Bank report has revealed that poverty in Pakistan has surged to 25.3%, sparking deep concern about the nation’s economic health. The findings underline the growing financial strain on households, with inflation, shrinking job opportunities, and fragile social safety nets worsening the crisis. The alarming figure has intensified discussions among policymakers, economists, and […]
Billionaire Elon Musk may soon lose his long-standing position as the world’s wealthiest individual. Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, 81, has seen his fortune surge due to his company’s explosive growth in artificial intelligence (AI) contracts, potentially catapulting him ahead of Musk in the global wealth rankings. Ellison’s Wealth Soars with Oracle’s Market Rally Ellison’s net […]
Surge in Entrepreneurial Activity Pakistan’s startup ecosystem witnessed a significant boost in August 2025 as the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 3,278 new companies. This surge reflects increasing entrepreneurial activity across the country, with the IT and e-commerce sectors leading the charge through 670 incorporations. The numbers highlight how Pakistan’s digital economy […]
A Major Boost for Punjab’s Education Sector The World Bank has approved a $48.9 million grant under the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Fund to strengthen and expand access to education in Punjab, Pakistan. The initiative, titled Getting Results: Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services and System Transformation in Punjab, is designed to transform […]
Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, has emphasized the importance of a robust tax system for the stability and growth of Pakistan’s economy. Speaking at a ceremony in Karachi, he pointed out that Pakistanis pay the least taxes in the world. Iqbal underscored that strong economies are founded on taxes, exports, and foreign […]
SBP Extends Banking Hours for Hajj 2026 Applicants The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that authorised branches of 14 designated banks will remain open on Saturday, 16 August 2025, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. This decision ensures that intending pilgrims for Hajj 2026 have an additional opportunity to submit their application forms. […]
The rapid expansion of digital technology and mobile connectivity is essential for the economic and social development of any modern country. In Pakistan, however, the high tax rate on mobile phone services has become a significant obstacle to achieving the government’s ambitious Digital Pakistan vision. According to the latest report from the GSM Association (GSMA), […]
Tougher Measures for Non-Filers in Banking Transactions The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced significant amendments to the income tax regulations for the fiscal year 2025-26, aiming to broaden the nation’s tax base and clamp down on non-compliance. According to official documents, one of the most notable changes concerns non-filers of income tax withdrawing […]
Major Tariff Structure Reforms on the Table The federal government of Pakistan is reportedly contemplating significant changes to the electricity tariff structure, a move that could provide substantial relief to millions of low-income households. According to insider sources, the government has realized that the current billing system unfairly penalizes consumers who slightly exceed the 200-unit […]
