New video verification feature provides a flexible account recovery option while protecting against deepfakes and unauthorized access. Your Google Account holds a lot of valuable information, from cherished photos to important emails and documents. To keep that information private, secure, and readily available, Google recommends setting up multiple sign-in methods. Today, Google is introducing a new way to sign in: selfie video. Selfie video gives people more options to access their accounts, especially if they are ever locked out or don’t have access to their primary phone or computer. How to set up and use selfie video Setting up a…
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Poll most Gulf area economies face deeper downturns in 2026 Most Gulf economies will contract more sharply this year than expected three months ago before rebounding in 2027, a Reuters poll found, as crumbling hopes of a quick U.S.-Iran de-escalation keep the Strait of Hormuz – the region’s oil and gas export lifeline -largely closed. The July -16 survey of economists was taken as many abandoned assumptions Gulf shipping and energy exports would quickly normalise. Trump’s latest blockade of Iranian shipping and repeated disruptions around Hormuz have lifted oil prices nearly 20 percent this month to about $85 a barrel.…
Secretariat to buy bullet-proof car The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) secretariat has decided to buy a bullet-proof vehicle at a cost of Rs95 million to provide security to Chinese nationals, as it said the Cabinet Division could not meet its pressing needs, resulting in the cancellation of important official engagements. The new Toyota Land Cruiser 3,500cc vehicle will be in addition to a pool of such vehicles and at least two helicopters that various government departments have either bought or are in the process of buying for the protection of Chinese nationals who are vulnerable to attacks. Due to high…
PM Launches Robotics Program, $20 Million Venture Fund for Pakistan-Made Technology: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a series of initiatives to boost Pakistan’s technology sector, declaring that the country will no longer remain dependent on foreign technology and will instead develop its own advanced capabilities. Speaking at the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo, the prime minister launched the Spark and Elevate Program to promote robotics and autonomous systems and announced the creation of a $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund to support innovation, research, and technology startups. JazzWorld Promotes Waste Reduction Through Rawal Dam Cleanliness Drive in Partnership with…
BYD Pakistan Receives Its Largest-Ever Shipment of NEVs at Karachi Port For Customer Deliveries Mega Motor Company (MMC), the official partner of BYD in Pakistan, announced the arrival of a Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) vessel carrying more than 2000 BYD New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) at the Karachi Port, marking one of the largest consignments of BYD vehicles to arrive in Pakistan to date. This shipment comes at a time when Pakistan’s transition towards NEVs continues to gather pace as consumers increasingly recognize the economic, environmental and technological advantages of electric mobility. This growing demand is thus reflected in the increasing…
Kibor rate is the average interest rate at which term deposits are offered between prime banks in the Pakistani wholesale money market or interbank market. KIBOR as a benchmark, to encourage transparency and improve management of the market risk undertaken by banks. Kibor Rates In Pakistan TENOR BID OFFER 1 – Week 11.38 11.88 2 – Week 11.38 11.88 1 – Month 11.38 11.88 3 – Month 11.42 11.67 6 – Month 11.50 11.75 9 – Month 11.53 12.03 1 – Year 11.55 12.05 Last Updated on 27th July 2026 Source: SBP
Following the completion of Jazz International Holding Limited’s acquisition of a controlling stake in TPL Insurance Limited, the Company is entering a new phase of growth focused on innovation, digital enablement, and expanding access to insurance across Pakistan. For over two decades, TPL Insurance has established itself as one of Pakistan’s leading general insurers through a strong focus on customer centric innovation, disciplined underwriting, and a robust omnichannel distribution network. Joining the JazzWorld ecosystem represents an important milestone in the Company’s journey and creates new opportunities to further strengthen its digital capabilities and broaden access to insurance solutions. “Insurance should…
by Thomas Hinton Not all accommodation spending creates the same economic benefit. Where a traveler stays, and the type of accommodation they choose, fundamentally shapes how much of their spending remains in the local community. As a rule, the smaller the business, the greater the local impact. Data collected by Travel Tech Essentialist based on UNWTO data estimates that 35% of every dollar spent at a chain hotel flows into the local economy, primarily through staff wages and locally sourced supplies. That share rises to 55% for independent hotels and to 72% for short-term rentals (STRs). When a guest stays in a chain…
by Katharina Buchholz Large volumes of vaccines are produced in developing countries, with the three largest Indian producers alone making up more than 40 percent of the global total of vaccine output in 2024. This is in stark contrast to the financial value of vaccines produced that year. Here, U.S. pharma companies Merck and Pfizer together made up more than 40 percent of that metric despite only producing around 10 percent of global vaccines. This is according to the World Health Organizations’ Global Vaccine Market Report. The concentration of earnings is due to the two companies specializing in some expensive vaccines, namely…
by Katharina Buchholz, With a population of 41.9 million, Jakarta in Indonesia tops the list of the world’s most populous cities, followed by Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka (36.6 million) and Tokyo (33.4 million). This is according to data from the UN Population Division. The geographical distribution is striking – Asian metropolises dominate the list of the largest cities, while those in Europe and the Americas rank significantly lower. Europe is notably underrepresented: London, with 10.4 million inhabitants, is the only European megacity, which is defined as a place with more than 10 million inhabitants. At the same time, there are vast differences in population density:…
by Katharina Buchholz, Europe and North America boast many world-famous cities that attract hordes of tourists every year. Despite this, residents themselves do not rate the city centers of their hometowns very highly. According to a recently published study by Gensler Research Institute, European and North American downtowns were ranked lower overall by inhabitants than those in the Middle East, developing Asia and Africa also included in the survey. Downtowns in Latin America, which are notoriously unsafe, were also rated poorly. Different aspects can make downtowns undesirable and several issues have been plaguing cities on both sides of the Atlantic recently. North American metros…
by Felix Richter, China’s lead in renewable energy is matched by its dominance in battery storage. According to data from the Energy Institute’s latest Statistical Review of World Energy, the country’s grid-scale battery energy storage capacity surged from just 2.4 gigawatts in 2020 to more than 140 gigawatts in 2025 – far ahead of the United States, which reached roughly 57 gigawatts, and the rest of the world. This rapid expansion is closely linked to the rise of wind and solar power in the country. Unlike conventional power plants, renewable sources generate electricity intermittently, depending on weather conditions and time of day. Battery storage…
by Felix Richter, Over the past few years, China has cemented its position as the global leader in renewable energy, with installed wind and solar capacity far exceeding that of any other country or region. According to data published in the Energy Institute’s latest Statistical Review of World Energy, the country accounts for roughly half of global installed wind and solar capacity as of 2025, with 641 gigawatts of wind and more than 1,200 gigawatts of solar power. No other country comes close, with the United States a distant second in both categories. This dominance is the result of years of aggressive…
by Katharina Buchholz, More than 52 million tons of plastic waste remain unmanaged every year around the world and developing countries bear the brunt of the crisis. This is according to a 2024 research article published in the academic journal Nature. This means that an estimated fifth of all municipal plastic waste in the world ends up in the environment or is burned in an uncontrolled manner. Looking at the data on a per-capita basis, many nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, but also in Central America, the Pacific, Asia and the Middle East let large amount of plastic waste go unmanaged, causing degradation, health hazards and…
Standard Chartered Pakistan today announced the appointment of Adil Salahuddin as its Chief Executive Officer & Head of Coverage, subject to regulatory and statutory approvals. Commenting on the appointment, Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, Middle East and Pakistan, Standard Chartered, said: “Pakistan is an important market for Standard Chartered and one of our longest established franchises, supported by deep client relationships, a strong local presence and the strength of our international network. This appointment reflects our continued commitment to the market and our confidence in its long-term potential. Adil brings a deep understanding of our clients, our business…
English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM), in partnership with NOWPDP inaugurated Pakistan’s first Neuro-Inclusive Discovery Room at the Center of Excellence for Disability Inclusion (CEDI) in Korangi, Karachi. Developed with the experiential learning expertise of The Dawood Foundation’s (TDF) MagnifiScience Centre, the Discovery Room is designed for children with autism, ADHD and other developmental conditions, providing an engaging learning environment where interactive play supports cognitive, sensory, motor and social development. According to Pakistan’s 2023 Population Census, approximately 3.1% of the country’s population lives with a disability. Yet opportunities for neuro-inclusive learning and developmental support remain limited, making initiatives like the Discovery Room…
BankIslami has partnered with EFU Life Assurance and EFU General Insurance to make affordable microtakaful protection accessible to its customers via the Bank’s mobile banking application. The partnership enables BankIslami customers to enroll, pay and claim exclusive microtakaful plans with affordable contribution options. The offering spans a range of protection plans, including health and accidental coverage, mobile device protection, digital transaction security, theft protection, home protection, and travel Takaful, among others. The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at EFU’s headquarters in Karachi, in the presence of BankIslami’s Chief Digital & AI Officer, Waqas Anis; Head of Digital Products…
Pakistan’s digital export economy is entering a more mature and strategically diversified phase, driven by record-breaking growth, as the country exported approximately $4.5 billion worth of IT products in fiscal year 2025-26. Moving beyond a traditional reliance on the US and European markets, Pakistani SMBs are actively expanding into the key Asia-Pacific (APAC) hubs like Japan and Singapore. This strategic expansion is yielding unprecedented results. The data compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) confirms that the IT sector has maintained uninterrupted growth throughout 2025-26, compared with $3.475bn in the corresponding period last year. In addition to the usual…
TikTok announced a new set of initiatives to help people better identify and understand AI-generated content on the platform to ensure that they have a safe digital experience. As generative AI continues to transform how content is created and shared, the company is expanding its efforts to promote transparency through new educational resources, enhanced spam detection, and deeper collaboration with industry partners. As AI unlocks new opportunities for creativity and self-expression, TikTok continues to invest in the tools, partnerships, and safeguards that help people confidently navigate AI-powered experiences while supporting authentic content and creator trust. Helping People Understand, Explore and…
DIB is pleased to announce the successful completion of USD 101 Million in financing for D.G. Khan Cement Company Limited (DGKC) to facilitate the acquisition of Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited (RMPL). The financing, structured as a USD 101m Commodity Murabaha Facility, enabled the Nishat Group to acquire a majority stake in RMPL from the USA-based Ingredion Inc. DIB acted as the Sole Mandated Lead Advisor, Shariah Advisor, Arranger and Financier for this landmark acquisition financing transaction. The successful completion of the transaction reflects the strength of DIB Group’s platform as an international Islamic bank with deep local market expertise,…
On June 30th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) orders for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products following extensive scientific review, allowing Philip Morris International U.S.(PMI U.S) to market these products in the United States of America (USA) with a specific modified risk claim. A U.S FDA’s MRTP order authorizes the marketing of specific tobacco or nicotine products in the United States with FDA-authorized modified-risk and/or modified exposure, claims, subject to the terms of the order and applicable post market surveillance and reporting requirements. Such authorization, for the 20 ZYN nicotine pouches, is limited…
The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and Pakistan Single Window (PSW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on capacity building, executive education, and research initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s trade facilitation ecosystem. The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) Head Office in Islamabad. The agreement was signed by Aftab Haider, Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Single Window, and Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost of LUMS, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions. The University was also represented by Dr. Muhammad Adeel Zaffar, Dean, Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB), and…
Recognition highlights the Bank’s leadership in supporting home ownership, wealth creation and Pakistan’s housing ambitions Standard Chartered Pakistan has been recognised by Euromoney as Pakistan’s Best Mortgage Bank, reflecting the strength of its mortgage proposition and commitment to delivering a seamless, client-focused home financing experience. This recognition reinforces Standard Chartered’s broader Wealth proposition, which is centred on helping clients build, manage and protect wealth throughout their financial journey. Home ownership remains one of the most important pillars of long-term financial security, and the Bank continues to combine tailored mortgage solutions with holistic financial planning and advisory services for its clients.…
Connectivity, reforms key to expanding GCC-Central Asia trade: IMF Trade and investment between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) remain below their potential despite growing economic complementarities, according to a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) paper presented during a July 7 virtual launch event. The paper, Strengthening GCC-CCA Economic Cooperation, examines trade and investment links between the two regions and outlines policy measures that could help unlock greater economic integration. Opening the discussion, IMF Deputy Director for the Middle East and Central Asia Department Subir Lall said strengthening regional partnerships has become…
Trade with Russia to cross $1bn Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Thursday said Pakistan and Russia had immense untapped potential in trade, energy, education and connectivity, stressing that stronger economic cooperation and improved transport linkages could help bilateral trade surpass the billion-dollar mark in the coming years. Speaking at a webinar titled “Pakistan-Russia: Strengthening Trade, Education and Energy Collaboration,” jointly organised by the University of World Civilisations Moscow and the Institute of Regional Studies, the minister said Pakistan-Russia relations had gained positive momentum over the past two decades, driven by mutual trust, respect and…
Samsung profits jump 1,800% as AI chip sales soar: South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics says it expects to post a 19-fold jump in its profits, driven by global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) memory chips. The company forecast that it made 89.4tn won (£43.6bn; $58.4bn) between the start of April and the end of June, marking its third record quarterly operating profits in a row. Major South Korean firms like Samsung release forecasts of their earnings ahead of official detailed reports to help guide investors. Developer Turns Headphones Into Real-Time Head Tracker for Games: A developer has created a free…
Dutch Ambassador Visits FCEPL To Discuss Sector Growth and Talent Potential The Dutch Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E Robert-Jan Seigert visited FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited (FCEPL) Head Office and met with the company’s leadership team to discuss the organization’s progress, the broader outlook of Pakistan’s dairy sector, and opportunities for future growth and investments in the dairy sector. During the meeting, the FCEPL leadership provided an overview of the company’s performance, ongoing initiatives, and future potential for business growth. The discussion explored the evolving landscape of Pakistan’s dairy sector, including its capacity for expansion and modernization. While exchanging views on the…
Kibor rate is the average interest rate at which term deposits are offered between prime banks in the Pakistani wholesale money market or interbank market. KIBOR as a benchmark, to encourage transparency and improve management of the market risk undertaken by banks. Kibor Rates In Pakistan TENOR BID OFFER 1 – Week 11.34 11.84 2 – Week 11.34 11.84 1 – Month 11.35 11.85 3 – Month 11.34 11.59 6 – Month 11.33 11.58 9 – Month 11.33 11.83 1 – Year 11.34 11.84 Last Updated on 13th July 2026 Source: SBP
The Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) has announced the second edition of the Pakistan Banking Summit 2026 (PBS’26), its flagship annual industry event, to take place on 7–8 July 2026 in Karachi. Hosted under the aegis of the PBA, the Pakistan Banking Summit has established itself as the banking industry’s premier platform for fostering collaboration, sharing global best practices, and advancing policy dialogue to support the long-term development of Pakistan’s financial sector. Building on the success of its inaugural edition last year, PBS’26 will bring together senior leaders from across the industry for two days of strategic dialogue on the opportunities,…
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Pakistan (IEEEP) Karachi Centre, in collaboration with Badar Expo Solutions, held the soft launch of the 15th edition of the IEEEP Fair 2026 at local hotel. Chief Guest Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to reduce its reliance on imported technology and focus on local innovation and manufacturing. Mr. Saquib praised the organizers’ efforts in bridging the gap between engineering talent and industrial growth, stating that the event aligns with…
Overall cement demand showed growth during the fiscal year ended 30th June, 2026. According to the data released by All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), local sales increased from 37.906 million tons during the fiscal year ended on 30th June, 2025 to 41.507 million tons during the fiscal year ended on 30th June, 2026 showing an increase of 9.5%. On the export side, industry experienced decline by 2.19% as the volumes dropped to 9.008 million tons during the fiscal year ended 30th June, 2026 compared to 9.210 million tons exports done during the last fiscal year. Overall, the industry was…
Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) & All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Chairman National Business Group Pakistan (NBG), Chairman FPCCI Policy Advisory Board and Former Provincial Minister of Information Technology, has welcomed the transfer of management of Pakistan International Airlines to the Arif Habib Consortium, calling it an important milestone in Pakistan’s economic reform journey. He said that PIA is not merely an airline, but an institution connected with Pakistan’s identity, overseas connectivity, tourism, trade, investment and national image. For decades, PIA remained sick due to political interference, weak governance, debt burden, outdated fleet, poor route…
Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) & All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Chairman National Business Group Pakistan (NBG), Chairman FPCCI Policy Advisory Board and Former Provincial Minister of Information Technology, has expressed cautious optimism over positive economic indicators, while warning that Pakistan’s economy is standing at a decisive stage where timely policy action will determine whether the recovery becomes sustainable or loses momentum. He said that the recent rally at the Pakistan Stock Exchange and the rise of the KSE-100 Index to the historic level of 181,000 points reflect renewed investor confidence in the national economy.…
Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) & All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Chairman National Business Group Pakistan (NBG), Chairman FPCCI Policy Advisory Board and Former Provincial Minister of Information Technology, has termed the recent visit of Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan an important development in the continuity of Pakistan-Iran relations, confidence-building and the implementation of the already agreed economic cooperation agenda. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has played an active and responsible role for peace, economic connectivity and diplomatic balance in the region, while the effective…
TikTok showcased its latest creative solutions at Cannes Lions 2026, introducing new agentic AI-powered tools designed to help brands move faster from cultural insights to creative action and measurable business impact. Unlocking Creative Impact with Agentic AI Today’s marketers are being asked to do more than ever before: move faster, create more content, and stay connected to culture in real time. TikTok’s latest AI innovation Symphony Agent is built with cultural intelligence to help advertisers create TikTok-first campaigns at speed and scale. Developed with built-in safeguards including AI labels, invisible watermarks, and content moderation filters, Symphony Agent turns inspiration into…
InfraZamin Pakistan, in collaboration with the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), convened senior leaders from government, financial institutions, development finance institutions, investors, and the private sector for an exclusive roundtable discussion titled “Investing in Pakistan’s Sustainable Transformation” during London Climate Action Week 2026 at PIDG Headquarters in London. The roundtable brought together senior leaders from the public and private sectors, including Her Excellency Jane Marriott, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Zafar Masud, Chairman of the Pakistan Banks’ Association and OGDCL; Atif Bajwa, President & Chief Executive Officer of Bank Alfalah and Ayesha Khan, MD at Acumen Funds. The roundtable was…
GCC economy to shrink in 2026 before 8.1pc growth The UAE and wider Gulf economies are expected to bounce back strongly in 2027 after absorbing the impact of regional conflict, with GCC GDP forecast to expand by 8.1 percent. This would happen as energy trade routes normalise, tourism demand returns and business confidence improves, according to a new economic report. The recovery forecast follows an expected 2.4 percent contraction in GCC GDP in 2026, as disruption to energy exports, travel and investor sentiment weighs on regional activity, according to the latest Economic Insight: Middle East Q2 2026 report by ICAEW…
FBR misses IMF target by Pkr 975bn Pakistan has missed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) condition on federal tax collection by a margin of Rs975 billion, as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) only managed to collect Rs13 trillion during the just-ended fiscal year. The collection was in line with the FBR’s downward assessment of Rs13 trillion made in June after missing targets for the first 11 months. The banking system had cleared Rs12.97 trillion, with the remaining about Rs33 billion expected to be cleared by midnight, said tax authorities at the close of the fiscal year. It was the…
Asia stock markets slide as tech shares slump: Asian stock markets fell sharply on Friday, led by a sell-off in technology firms as investors worried that recent jumps in share prices had gone too far. Trading on South Korea’s Kospi was temporarily halted as an 8% fall in the benchmark index triggered a mechanism intended to curb panic selling. The index closed 5.8% lower. It comes after shares in Apple fell sharply on Thursday after it announced it would raise the prices of its iPads and MacBooks due to the soaring cost of computer chips. Some investors are also concerned about the hundreds…
easypaisa and Binance Sign MoU to Explore Emerging Financial Technology Growth in Pakistan The two parties came together in Pakistan’s capital, signaling increased focus on building a robust and compliant digital financial ecosystem easypaisa digital bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency exchange, to explore the adoption and growth of emerging financial technologies, as well as innovative digital savings and investment solutions in Pakistan. The MoU was signed in Islamabad by Jahanzeb Khan, President & CEO of easypaisa digital bank, and Tarik Erk, Regional Head for MENAT and Senior Executive…
Kibor rate is the average interest rate at which term deposits are offered between prime banks in the Pakistani wholesale money market or interbank market. KIBOR as a benchmark, to encourage transparency and improve management of the market risk undertaken by banks. Kibor Rates In Pakistan TENOR BID OFFER 1 – Week 11.39 11.89 2 – Week 11.41 11.91 1 – Month 11.41 11.91 3 – Month 11.55 11.80 6 – Month 12.57 11.82 9 – Month 12.58 12.08 1 – Year 12.58 12.08 Last Updated on 29th June 2026 Source: SBP
Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) & All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Chairman National Business Group Pakistan (NBG), Chairman FPCCI Policy Advisory Board and Former Provincial Minister of Information Technology, stated that the signing of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran is a historic development that has brought the ongoing tensions in the Middle East to a peaceful turning point. He said that Pakistan’s key role as a mediator in this agreement is highly commendable and a matter of great pride, as it has not only paved new paths for…
Moving to a new home or office is often an exciting milestone, but it can also be one of the most challenging and stressful experiences people face. From packing fragile belongings to coordinating transportation and managing timelines, there are countless details that must be handled carefully. While some people attempt to manage every aspect of a move themselves, professional movers can provide valuable support that makes the entire process far more efficient and less overwhelming. Hiring experienced movers is not simply about convenience. It is about reducing risk, saving time, protecting belongings, and ensuring that the relocation process runs as…
Gulf security ‘indivisible,’ GCC tells after Iranian attacks The security of Gulf states is “indivisible,” Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi said Wednesday, calling for a return to dialogue and diplomacy after Iran launched retaliatory attacks against U.S. military targets across the region. Speaking at a GCC ministerial meeting in Manama, Bahrain, Budaiwi accused Iran of violating international and humanitarian law through its attacks on Gulf countries, according to Kuwait’s Al Anba newspaper. “Iran is violating international and humanitarian law with its attacks on the Gulf states,” Budaiwi said. He stressed that the security of the six GCC member states…
A holding operation, not a growth budget fy2027 The federal budget for FY 2026-27 arrives at a moment of relative macroeconomic calm, but not yet economic confidence. Pakistan has moved away from the crisis conditions of 2022-23: inflation has eased, reserves have improved, and the current account deficit has been tamed. Yet the recovery remains fragile, dependent on external financing, fiscal discipline and implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. This is not a growth budget. It is a consolidation budget, designed to reassure lenders more than to re-energise the economy. Under war clouds, revenues falter, debt costs increase…
‘Think outside the bots’: How to stop AI from turning your brain to mush: Years ago, I forced myself to start using AI as often as possible. If I was going to be writing about it, I also had to use the technology. But an emerging crop of studies over the last year or so have me worried – am I harming my brain in the process? These studies suggest people who lean too much on tools like ChatGPT could have problems with creativity, attention span, critical thinking, memory and more. Others raise concerns that AI users could be surrendering the cognitive friction that makes thinking sharp, and…
DIB Pakistan’s New Brand Identity, Signals the Next Phase of Purpose-Driven Growth The DIB Pakistan’s new identity signals the next phase of purpose-driven, ethical banking in Pakistan. DIB Pakistan unveiled its new global brand identity across many branch locations nationwide, marking two decades of service in Pakistan, embracing a bold, purpose-driven new chapter. The transformation reflects the Bank’s commitment to carrying forward the legacy of DIB (UAE), which has pioneered Islamic banking for over 50 years, while reinforcing its vision for the future as the most progressive Islamic financial institution in the world. The new logo combines a distinctive DIB…
Kibor rate is the average interest rate at which term deposits are offered between prime banks in the Pakistani wholesale money market or interbank market. KIBOR as a benchmark, to encourage transparency and improve management of the market risk undertaken by banks. Kibor Rates In Pakistan TENOR BID OFFER 1 – Week 11.43 11.93 2 – Week 11.47 11.97 1 – Month 11.58 12.08 3 – Month 11.96 12.21 6 – Month 12.11 12.36 9 – Month 12.24 12.74 1 – Year 12.33 12.83 Last Updated on 15th June 2026 Source: SBP
Exemption from audits and number plates will eliminate harassment. Prime Minister, Finance Minister commanded for resolving longstanding issue: Mian Zahid Hussain Mian Zahid Hussain, President of Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President of All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Chairman of National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman of FPCCI’s Policy Advisory Board, and former Provincial Minister for Information Technology, has welcomed the government’s newly introduced “Fixed Tax Asaan Scheme” for traders. He termed it a crucial and historic milestone toward documenting the national economy and expanding the tax net. Mian Zahid Hussain stated that having learned from the failure of past…
IBA School of Business Studies (SBS) has secured the National Business Education Accreditation Council’s (NBEAC) highest ‘W’ Category Accreditation for a period of five years. Awarded to educational institutions scoring 80% and above, the ‘W’ Category represents NBEAC’s most rigorous standards of academic quality, institutional excellence, governance, faculty strength, curriculum relevance, research, and continuous improvement. This prestigious recognition reflects the collective efforts and unwavering commitment of our faculty, students, leadership, and stakeholders who continue to uphold the values of excellence that define IBA Karachi. It also reinforces IBA-SBS’s position among Pakistan’s leading business schools and its dedication to delivering world-class business…
Mian Zahid Hussain, President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President of the All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Chairman of the National Business Group Pakistan (NBG), Chairman of the FPCCI Policy Advisory Board, and Former Provincial Minister of Information Technology, has termed the recent meeting between the Prime Minister of Pakistan, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, United Business Group Patron-in-Chief S. M. Tanveer, and presidents of various chambers of commerce as a highly encouraging development towards economic stability and industrial growth. Mian Zahid Hussain stated that during this crucial meeting, the FPCCI leadership and business representatives candidly discussed…
Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, and Former Provincial Minister Information Technology, has strongly urged the federal government to pivot away from ad-hoc fiscal adjustments and aggressive taxation on the existing formal sector in the upcoming Federal Budget 2026–2027. Speaking at a high-level pre-budget panel discussion organized by the Centre for Policy Research and Sustainability at Salim Habib University, titled “From Global Crises to National Policy: Shaping Pakistan’s Fiscal Budget 2026–2027,” he stressed that the national economic strategy must balance stringent International…
Cement despatches declined during May-26. Total Cement despatches during May-26 were 3.837 million tons against 4.858 million tons despatched during the same month of last fiscal year, showing a decline of 21.02%. According to the data released by All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), local cement despatches by the industry during the month of May-26 were 3.205 million tons compared to 3.869 million tons in May-25, showing a decline of 17.17%. Exports despatches also decreased by 36.06% as the volumes fell from 989,434 tons in May-25 to 632,648 tons in May-26. In May-26, North based cement mills despatched 2.657 million…
Economy must be aligned with industrial growth and exports rather than revenue collection, says Mian Zahid Hussain Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board of FPCCI, and Former Provincial Minister of Sindh for Information Technology, has expressed deep concern over the emerging news regarding the upcoming federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. He urged the government that after achieving economic stability, the national economy must now be steered toward a sustainable, growth-oriented path rather than running it on the traditional mechanism of merely…
BYD, world’s no. 1 NEV brand has topped the global automotive innovation ranking in the Automotive INNOVATIONS Report 2026 released by the Germany-based Center of Automotive Management (CAM), marking a new milestone for the Chinese automaker. According to the report, BYD ranked first with 157 points, ahead of last year’s champion Volkswagen with 143 points. Mercedes-Benz ranked third with 134 points. Since CAM launched its Automotive INNOVATIONS study in 2005, this is the first time a Chinese automaker has claimed the top spot in the global ranking. The result highlights BYD’s growing innovation strength and its rising competitiveness in the…
Pakistan advances economic diplomacy with Iran and GCC countries Pakistan has reaffirmed the strategic importance of its ties with Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif directing ambassadors to Gulf states to take a more proactive role in boosting trade, investment, energy cooperation and people-to-people contacts. The meeting focused on strengthening economic diplomacy, increasing remittances, and addressing the concerns of the Pakistani diaspora in the region. The Prime Minister chaired the session at the Prime Minister’s Office, attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad…
Experts clear CDC investment The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the proposed investment by the Central Depository Company of Pakistan Ltd (CDC) in Naymat Collateral Management Company Ltd (NCMCL) following a Phase-I review conducted under the Competition Act 2010. CDC had submitted a pre-merger application to the Commission under Section 11 of the act, seeking approval for the subscription of additional ordinary shares in NCMCL. Following a competition assessment, the commission authorised the transaction, allowing CDC to acquire additional shareholding in the company. CDC, established in 1993, is one of Pakistan’s key capital market institutions, providing electronic custody…
Over 33,000 Students Take Pakistan’s First Nationwide IT Skills Exam: The Government of Pakistan has introduced the National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) for Information Technology graduates to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements in the information technology sector, according to a Ministry of IT and Telecom document. The initiative comes amid concerns that, despite producing a large number of ICT graduates every year, inconsistencies in skill standards and limited alignment with market needs have affected employer confidence and restricted the growth of high-value IT exports. X Adds New Restricions for Free Users: X has introduced new limits…
Pakistan Produces Its First Female Ph.D. in Blue Economy Pakistan proudly recognizes its first female Ph.D. in Blue Economy as Ms. Urooj Aijaz, a faculty member at Bahria University, who completed her research titled “Blue Economy of Pakistan: Investigating the Impact of Tourism, Environment and Technology on Blue Growth.” She earned her Ph.D. from Jinnah University for Women, and her work highlights the drivers and barriers of blue growth in Pakistan, emphasizing Blue Education as a key contribution. NBP Receives Approval for Commercial Launch of Raast P2M Acquiring National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has received approval for the commercial launch…
Kibor rate is the average interest rate at which term deposits are offered between prime banks in the Pakistani wholesale money market or interbank market. KIBOR as a benchmark, to encourage transparency and improve management of the market risk undertaken by banks. Kibor Rates In Pakistan TENOR BID OFFER 1 – Week 11.36 11.86 2 – Week 11.36 11.86 1 – Month 11.59 12.09 3 – Month 12.09 12.34 6 – Month 12.34 12.59 9 – Month 12.44 12.94 1 – Year 12.51 13.01 Last Updated on 22nd May 2026 Source: SBP
At I/O 2026, Google shared how it’s making AI more helpful for everyone. Anchored in the belief that technology should simplify and make life fun rather than complicate it, Google’s impressive new developments range from hands-free Intelligent Eyewear that gently guides people through their physical world, to Antigravity 2.0, a powerful application capable of orchestrating multiple AI agents simultaneously to handle complex tasks, and so much more. Read on to explore how these latest breakthroughs are redefining what is possible. 1. Gemini Omni [Model] Gemini Omni, Google’s new model that can create anything from any input, is built to make…
GCC Economies Outperform Worldwide Average In Economic Freedom Index Gulf Cooperation Council economies have strengthened their collective standing in the 2026 Index of Economic Freedom, outperforming the global average as reforms continue to reshape regulatory frameworks, market openness and investment conditions across the region. According to data released by the GCC Statistical Center, the six-member bloc posted an average score of 66.9, exceeding the global average of 59.9 and highlighting the region’s relatively higher level of economic openness. “All GCC countries recorded a slight improvement and relative stability in the index value between 2025 and 2026, with limited variation among…
MoITT Launches Plan to Open Govt Data to Citizens for Easy Access: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has started work on developing a National Open Data Ecosystem (NODE) as part of efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy. According to officials, the planned system is intended to make government data more accessible and usable for citizens, businesses, and researchers. By organizing and sharing public data in a structured format, the project aims to support transparency, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making across different sectors. Tired of Buffering? StormFiber Brings You Storm Social+: Pakistan’s digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and today’s…
Islamabad Police Leads Pakistan’s Electric Revolution with BYD NEVs Global NEV leader BYD, through its official partner in Pakistan, Mega Motor Company, has delivered BYD Atto 2 and BYD Sealion 7 electric vehicles to Islamabad Police, marking the first operational adoption of a new energy vehicle (NEV) fleet by a federal department in Pakistan. The induction of these vehicles was formally celebrated through an official ceremony inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Inspector General of Islamabad Police, Ali Nasir Rizvi, and Chief Traffic Officer of Islamabad, Muhammad Sarfraz Virk, were also present, along with other senior officials from the department.…
Kibor rate is the average interest rate at which term deposits are offered between prime banks in the Pakistani wholesale money market or interbank market. KIBOR as a benchmark, to encourage transparency and improve management of the market risk undertaken by banks. Kibor Rates In Pakistan TENOR BID OFFER 1 – Week 11.36 11.86 2 – Week 11.36 11.86 1 – Month 11.38 11.88 3 – Month 11.58 11.83 6 – Month 11.78 12.03 9 – Month 11.83 12.33 1 – Year 11.86 12.36 Last Updated on 11th May 2026 Source: SBP
Government to close untargeted subsidies Pakistan has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to end untargeted electricity subsidies for all residential consumers and give any further subsidies only through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as part of conditions agreed for a $1.2 billion climate support loan. This will impact residential consumers having up to 300 units of monthly consumption, particularly lower and middle?income people who have installed multiple electricity meters to divide their consumption. By spreading monthly consumption over two or three meters, these users avoid abnormally high rates that hit consumption of more than 300 units. Pakistan has…
Despite decades of tobacco control measures, smoking continues to impose a heavy health burden on Pakistan. What has shifted in recent years is the scale of an unintended consequence: the rapid expansion of the illicit cigarette market. Estimates cited by tax authorities and independent analysts suggest that illegal cigarettes may now account for more than half of all sales, raising questions about whether existing policies are achieving their intended public health outcomes. Higher taxes, stricter enforcement, and repeated crackdowns have long formed the backbone of Pakistan’s tobacco control strategy. Yet smoking-related disease remains a major contributor to non-communicable illness, while…
TCL, Pakistan’s No. 1 LED TV brand, hosted the 2026 TCL Industries Global Partners Conference (GPC 2026) in Shenzhen. Held under the theme “Pioneering for Greatness,” the biennial gathering brought together nearly 500 key accounts, strategic partners, and industry leaders from 49 markets, including Pakistan, to review two years of sustained growth, explore the next wave of innovation, and reinforce a shared commitment to long-term collaboration. Building value through innovation and product excellence On site at the conference was an extensive showcase of product innovations leading the way to a new generation of smart living: The X11L SQD-Mini LED TV,…
itel Energy has successfully concluded its showcase as a Diamond Sponsor at the Lahore Solar Expo 2026, marking a landmark achievement for renewable technology in the country. Moving beyond a traditional hardware display, itel Energy utilized this premier platform to unveil a visionary commitment: we are not just delivering products; we are empowering the lighting future for Pakistan. The three-day exhibition drew exceptional crowds of industry professionals and technology enthusiasts eager to experience the brand’s latest innovations. The showcase boldly highlighted a suite of technologies designed to elevate the nation’s economic and environmental resilience, perfectly aligning the brand’s trajectory with…
Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, and Former Provincial Minister Information Technology, has termed the recent diplomatic marathon in Islamabad as a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s foreign policy, positioning the country as a central “bridge for peace” in a world teetering on the edge of economic collapse. Mian Zahid Hussain expressed that the 2026 Iran-US conflict, which saw oil prices surge past $120 per barrel following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on March 4, has triggered the largest energy supply…
Reinforcing its position as a leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank has successfully graduated 18 women-led startups under its Women Inspirational Network (WIN) Incubator Program, an industry-first initiative designed to unlock the economic potential of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. The graduation ceremony, held in Islamabad, was attended by Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education & Professional Training, as the Chief Guest, alongside key stakeholders from the public and private sectors. The WIN program equipped participants with practical skills in digital entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and business scaling, enabling them to…
– From the Fields to the Crease — Fatima Fertilizer Brings Farmers Face-to-Face with Multan Sultans – Fatima Fertilizer Puts Farmers in the Spotlight at Exclusive Multan Sultans Meet & Greet – Dealers, Farmers, and the Entire Multan Sultans Team Come Together at Mövenpick Hotel in a Celebration of Cricket, Community, and an Eight-Year Partnership Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited, Title Sponsor of the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), hosted an exclusive Meet & Greet event at Mövenpick Hotel, Karachi, bringing together the entire Multan Sultans Team, company dealers, and the farming community in a memorable evening that…
GCC secretary general stresses importance of Gulf economic integration Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, affirmed that gulf economic integration is a fundamental pillar for safeguarding developmental gains and addressing challenges amidst exceptional regional circumstances. This came during the eighth extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Preparatory Committee at the ministerial level of the Economic and Development Affairs Authority of the GCC, held on Monday via video conference. At the beginning of the meeting, the Secretary General stated that this extraordinary meeting was being held at a critical juncture due to the treacherous Iranian attacks targeting…
Tinder and Zoom offer ‘proof of humanity’ eye-scans to combat AI: Tinder will let users prove they are human and not robots by bringing advanced eye-scanning technology to the app amid rising fears over AI. Users of the dating app, as well as other major platforms such as video calling service Zoom, will be able to scan their irises to earn a “proof of humanity” badge attached to their profile or name. Canva Killer? Anthropic Releases Claude Design: Anthropic has introduced Claude Design, a new product under Anthropic Labs that allows users to work with Claude to create visual content such…
Mobilink Bank, HBL Zarai Services partner to strengthen agricultural financing for underserved communities Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank has signed a crucial partnership with HBL Zarai Services Limited to advance agricultural financing for underserved communities under the ‘Zarkhez-e’ Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme. Under this partnership, Mobilink Bank will expand access to structured, in-kind agricultural financing for farmers across Pakistan. The Bank, in collaboration with HBL Zarai services, will link financing with essential agricultural inputs and services to help ensure that credit is utilized for productive purposes and contributes to improved farm-level outcomes. Moreover, it will strengthen the…
Kibor rate is the average interest rate at which term deposits are offered between prime banks in the Pakistani wholesale money market or interbank market. KIBOR as a benchmark, to encourage transparency and improve management of the market risk undertaken by banks. Kibor Rates In Pakistan TENOR BID OFFER 1 – Week 10.39 10.89 2 – Week 10.40 10.90 1 – Month 10.49 10.99 3 – Month 11.04 11.29 6 – Month 11.19 11.44 9 – Month 11.42 11.92 1 – Year 11.46 11.96 Last Updated on 27th Apr 2026 Source: SBP
International monetary fund urges removal of non-tariff curbs Pakistan has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it would review more than 2,660 non-tariff barriers that discourage imports, and many of these will be removed soon, including those restricting the import of mobile phones and cars. In yet another major concession agreed with the IMF under the $7 billion bailout package without much internal consultation, the government has assured the fund that it would start ending these restrictions from June this year, sources told . Barriers such as low priority in giving foreign exchange for car imports and linking mobile…
ChildLife Foundation will receive the Skoll Award for Social Innovation 2026 during the 23rd Annual Skoll World Forum that is to be held in Oxford, U.K from April 21-24. The ChildLife Foundation is one of the three organizations in the world that will receive this award for saving thousands of children daily by modernizing Pakistan’s pediatric emergency rooms and linking them to a telemedicine network. “This recognition belongs to our frontline teams working 24/7 to save children’s lives, to our government partners who make scale possible, and to our supporters who believe in this mission,” said Dr. Ahson Rabbani, CEO…
With reference to the news circulating in the media, Sui Southern Gas Company has issued the following clarification to put the facts in order. Under the Fatal Accidents Act, 1855, two separate suits were filed in the Civil court of Karachi, seeking recovery of damages amounting to Rs. 50 million. The claims arose from an unfortunate incident in which a gas explosion at a residential premises resulted in the death of a husband and wife and burn injuries to their children. The defendant, Sui Southern Gas Company, while contesting these cases, emphasized its fundamental position that no gas connection had…
Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, and Former Provincial Minister Information Technology, has hailed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran as a landmark victory for global stability and a testament to the effective mediation of Pakistan’s leadership. Speaking to the business community today, he expressed profound relief that the 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time deadline for a major military escalation was averted following intensive diplomatic efforts by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and…
Pakistan Cables proudly sponsored Team Envision from NUST PNEC at the Shell Eco-marathon 2026 by providing wires and cables for the team’s winning vehicle. The Company congratulates Team Envision on their remarkable achievement of winning the Spirit of Shell Award, bringing pride to Pakistan on an international platform. The achievement reinforces the importance of industry-academia collaboration in creating meaningful opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in globally recognized competitions. Pakistan Cables remains committed to empowering young minds and supporting initiatives that celebrate excellence, innovation, and the future of engineering in Pakistan.
Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, and Former Provincial Minister Information Technology, stated today that Pakistan is entering a decisive phase of debt management as it prepares to repay a staggering $4.8 billion in external obligations during the month of April 2026. This significant outflow includes the full settlement of $3.5 billion in loans to the United Arab Emirates and the redemption of a 10-years old $1.3 billion Eurobond maturing on April 8. Pakistan’s foreign reserves may ease out by the receipt…
Cement despatches showed slight increase in Mar-26. Total Cement despatches during Mar-26 were 3.745 million tons against 3.712 million Tons despatched during the same month of last fiscal year, showing an increase of 0.91%. According to the data released by All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association, local cement despatches by the industry during the month of Mar-26 were 3.097 million tons compared to 3.103 million tons in Mar-25, showing a decline of 0.20%. Exports despatches however increased by 6.56% as the volumes jumped from 608,614 tons in Mar-25 to 648,564 tons in Mar-26. In Mar-26, North based cement mills despatched 2.639…
TCL, Pakistan’s No. 1 LED TV brand, has announced the launch of TCL Champions Arena, a grand esports tournament bringing together the country’s top gamers. The competition will feature qualifiers in Karachi and Lahore, leading up to a thrilling grand finale in Lahore, showcasing high-level competitive gameplay. With e-gaming growing fast in Pakistan, TCL Champions Arena comes at the right time. Large, professionally organized tournaments are still rare, and this event gives gamers a premium stage to compete and shine. Adding to the excitement, esports icon and Tekken world champion Arslan Ash will serve as a judge at the grand…
Bankers contemplate post-conflict prospects in Dubai Nearly four weeks after the launch of Iranian attacks against Dubai and the wider Gulf region, the emirate’s bankers are contemplating a significantly altered financial landscape, even as hopes rise for an end to hostilities. While buildings linked to financial institutions have received only minimal damage, strikes on Dubai International Airport, a luxury hotel and local residential areas — let alone in the wider United Arab Emirates — have prompted several bankers to leave the emirate for good. Those that have chosen to remain face a significantly changed reality, as authorities seek to restore…
Samsung, Other Tech Stocks Crash After Google Unveils 6x More Efficient AI Tool: The world’s leading memory stocks like Samsung, Micron Technology and Sandisk fell sharply this week after Google unveiled its new TurboQuant algorithm which significantly shortens AI memory requirements. Micron dropped 7 percent while Sandisk plunged nearly 10% on Thursday. Samsung lost between 6-8 percent of its value at close on Friday. Apparently Google’s Tuesday blog on TurboQuant triggered a big sellout from big tech chip stocks. Hakeem Easy Finance Joins RawalPindiz as Ethical Finance Partner, United by a Shared Commitment to the Masses: Hakeem, the Shariah-compliant ethical finance platform…
Social transformation in Thar Wins National Recognition Thar Foundation, the community investment arm of Thar Block II entities, has received three awards at the 15th Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Summit & Awards 2026, in the categories of Community Impact, Social Impact and Women Empowerment. Addressing the gathering, Farhan Ansari, General Manager of Thar Foundation, attributed the recognition to the Foundation’s inclusive business model based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He said that since inception, Thar Foundation and Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) have strived to ensure that the benefits of the Thar project directly uplift local communities…
Kibor rate is the average interest rate at which term deposits are offered between prime banks in the Pakistani wholesale money market or interbank market. KIBOR as a benchmark, to encourage transparency and improve management of the market risk undertaken by banks. Kibor Rates In Pakistan TENOR BID OFFER 1 – Week 10.39 10.89 2 – Week 10.40 10.90 1 – Month 10.60 11.10 3 – Month 11.34 11.59 6 – Month 11.45 11.70 9 – Month 11.54 12.04 1 – Year 11.58 12.08 Last Updated on 6th Apr 2026 Source: SBP
PR’s record earnings collide with safety fears Pakistan Railways (PR) is celebrating record passenger revenues, but a string of recent derailments is raising uncomfortable questions about whether financial gains are outpacing safety reforms on the ground. The department earned Rs110 million on the first day of Eid, Rs170 million on the second and more than Rs200 million on the third, taking total passenger revenue for the week beyond Rs1 billion. The surge comes as the government pushes to lift overall earnings past Rs100 billion in FY26, following estimated revenue of Rs93 billion in FY25. Yet, on the very first day…
Today, Google announced that it is expanding Search Live globally to all languages and locations where AI Mode is available. Now, people in more than 200 countries and territories can have interactive conversations with Search in AI Mode, using both voice and camera. This expansion is enabled by Google’s new audio and voice model, Gemini 3.1 Flash Live, which delivers even more natural and intuitive conversations. The new model is also inherently multilingual, which means that people around the world can now speak with Search in their preferred language. Bringing Search Live to more people Search Live is designed for…