ISLAMABAD: Negotiations between the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the technical team of the International Monetary Fund entered their third round on Wednesday, with discussions centering around proposals for an autonomous customs board. The IMF team also visited the ministries of finance and commerce on the same day, sources reported. It is important to note that the ongoing talks are unrelated to the first review of the stand-by agreement, which has already been finalized. A significant aspect under consideration in the discussions with the FBR is the potential establishment of an autonomous customs board, aiming to separate the policy…
Author: Sajjad Ali
ISLAMABAD: Closing out the year, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) is poised to claim the title of Asia’s worst-performing currency, and experts predict that the trend will persist into 2024. BMI Research anticipates a further decline, forecasting a plunge to 350 PKR per USD by the end of the coming year. Throughout the current year, the currency has experienced a significant downturn, depreciating by 20.73 percent or 59.21 rupees against the US Dollar. Analysts, as reported by Bloomberg, suggest that the challenges facing the rupee are unlikely to subside. “This looks like a currency that is set to adjust downwards,” remarked…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has picked Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as his candidate for the chairman post in the upcoming intra-party polls. Imran Khan has held this role since the party’s inception over two decades ago. PTI Senior Vice-President Sher Afzal Marwat confirmed Imran Khan’s decision, stating that the PTI Core Committee formally approved holding the intra-party polls within the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) designated 20-day timeframe. Sher Afzal Marwat, the PTI Senior Vice-President, confirmed Imran Khan’s decision, stating that the PTI Core Committee has formally approved conducting the intra-party polls within the 20-day timeframe designated…
Atlas Honda, one of Pakistan’s leading motorcycle manufacturers, has revealed its inaugural electric vehicle (EV) motorcycle, the Honda BENLY e. The company, however, has not specified the rollout date for the EV in Pakistan. The launch event occurred at Atlas Honda’s Sheikhupura factory, marking the company’s 60th year of operations in Pakistan. Noriaki Abe, Chief Officer of Motorcycle and Power Products at Atlas Honda, announced that the Honda BENLY e will undergo test marketing, with future products based on market feedback to ensure the best offerings for society and customers. Honda products have become integral to daily life in Pakistan,…
BANNU: In yet another incident of terrorism, unidentified miscreants shot dead a policeman in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday. The police official, identified as Ashraf Khan, was on his way to work when unknown men on a motorcycle fired at him. He was heading for duty with a polio vaccination team on Mandan road. The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Mandan police station. The attackers managed to flee the scene after the shooting and have still not been apprehended. Police have shifted the deceased official’s body to DHQ Bannu. Earlier on Tuesday, a policeman escorting a polio…
Dubai, a city known for its towering skyscrapers, luxurious lifestyle, and extravagant experiences, is a haven for wellness enthusiasts seeking the ultimate spa experience. Amidst the desert landscape and opulent surroundings, Dubai’s spa scene stands out as a blend of traditional Arabian rituals, cutting-edge therapies, modern techniques, and lavish settings that promise a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The city’s spas are nestled within plush hotels, lavish resorts, and standalone wellness centers, each striving to deliver an unparalleled experience. Holistic Wellness One of the standout features of Dubai’s spa scene is its emphasis on holistic…
RAWALPINDI: At least two terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by security forces in the Kalat district of southwestern Balochistan province, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Tuesday. The anti-terror operation took place in the Nagao Mountains area of Kalat District on November 28, 2023, based on reports of terrorist presence, said ISPR. The ISPR statement said that an intense exchange of gunfire between security forces and terrorists during the operation, resulted in the elimination of two terrorists. The statement said that a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives has also been recovered.…
PESHAWAR: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has confirmed that the photos, which went viral and tragically contributed to the death of an 18-year-old girl in Kohistan, were manipulated. The FIA’s cyber crime wing has successfully identified the individuals responsible for altering and circulating the woman’s image, and the information has been turned over to the police. According to the FIA, the perpetrators established a fake Facebook profile under the name of Deedar Amanullah. The actual person whose identity was misused in creating this account has also filed a complaint with the FIA. The individuals involved then used Photoshop to manipulate…
London: The United Kingdom police has confirmed the acid attack on Shahzad Akbar, an advisor to former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, at his residence. The incident occurred in Royston, around 50 miles outside of London, where Akbar now resides with his family. The police statement revealed that an acidic solution was used in the assault, resulting in a 46-year-old man, Akbar, receiving hospital treatment and subsequently being discharged. Authorities consider this to be an isolated incident, emphasizing the safety of the victim. Akbar had reportedly expressed concerns about his safety to UK law enforcement two weeks prior, citing that…
LAHORE: In response to public outcry, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to revoke the penalty imposed on cricketer Azam Khan for displaying the Palestinian flag to his bat during the National T20 Cup. Initially, Azam Khan was fined 50% of his match fee, with a warning of suspension for any future display of the Palestine flag. While Azam Khan received praise for his solidarity gesture, the PCB cited a violation of regulations, stating that any display of symbols during matches requires prior permission. PCB regulations stipulate that players, officials, or teams must obtain permission from the board before…