Tech and Telecom

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has commenced issuing Umrah visas for the post-Hajj season, as confirmed by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Thursday. The new Umrah season aligns with the beginning of the Islamic year on Muharram 1, aiming to streamline pilgrim arrivals and ensure a seamless experience.   According to SPA, the ministry is diligently executing directives from Saudi leadership to accommodate a greater number of Umrah pilgrims and provide tailored services to meet their needs. Previously, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah temporarily halted issuing Umrah permits through the Nusuk application for a month starting…

In an audacious heist, thieves have stolen an entire mobile phone tower from Bhoonbhutpur village in Naudero, a suburban area of Larkana. The tower, owned by a private mobile company, was dismantled and taken away piece by piece in an unprecedented crime that has left local authorities and residents in shock. According to the report, the theft was meticulously executed. The thieves used cutters to dismantle the mobile tower from top to bottom, ensuring they left no part behind. In addition to the tower, they also stole the iron main gate and other associated installations. The private mobile company had…

The Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) has dismissed the appeals filed by electric cable manufacturers against the Competition Commission of Pakistan’s (CCP) order, which fined these manufacturers for hiding cash coupons in their products without informing consumers. CCP enquired against 18 electric cable manufacturing companies for inserting cash/cash coupons inside bundles of electric wire without disclosing this on the packaging or promotional material. This practice only benefited electricians who typically opened the packs, deceiving end consumers who paid for the value of the coupons without being aware of it. During the hearings, most of these manufacturers admitted to the deceptive practice…

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is proposing 15-year licenses for small companies to operate as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). MVNOs don’t own any spectrum but use the networks of established Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to provide mobile services. According to the PTA this initiative aims to boost investment and improve mobile services in remote areas. PTA has prepared a revised draft of the MVNO framework and published it on its website after gathering feedback from industry and other stakeholders. The draft is open for further comments for the next 14 days to finalize it. In response to industry feedback,…

Car financing continued to fall 23 months in a row in the calendar year 2024, down 22.5 percent YoY to Rs. 233 billion by the end of May from Rs. 300 billion in the same period last year, data revealed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Sales were stunted in the auto market over the last 11 months due to rising car prices, expensive auto financing, and reduced consumer purchasing power. As seen in FY23, the cost of cars is still a massive barrier to sales. While some assemblers gave discounts on registration and other charges in the past…

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to develop a wildlife safari park in the federal capital, a significant move aimed at enhancing recreational and conservation facilities in the region. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa and attended by senior officials of the authority. The safari park will be developed with a ‘Jungle Theme,’ featuring tree houses designed to offer visitors close encounters with wild animals. The park will also include an animal rehabilitation center, further emphasizing its focus on wildlife conservation. The CDA meeting established a technical team tasked with…

Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has ignited controversy with his recent remarks targeting Babar Azam and the national cricket team following their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, currently co-hosted by the USA and West Indies. Shehzad stated that rather than supporting Haris Rauf on social media for the unsavoury incident with the fan, the Pakistan national team players should apologize to the fans for a horror display in the 2024 T20 World Cup. “While we fully condemn what happened to Haris Rauf, it is also important that the posts put up by the players in support of Haris should be taken…

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has taken action to prohibit the sale of specific batches of four medicines, including two cough syrups, due to health hazards. This decision comes in response to findings from a drug testing laboratory report, which identified eight batches of two drugs and four batches of four additional drugs as substandard. The affected medicines encompass a variety of treatments such as antibiotics, anti-allergic drops, injections, and medications for viral infections. Specifically, the substandard batches include: Cough Syrups: Tussin DM Suspension and one batch of Arp Powder Other Medicines: Metrovan Syrup, Ann-vil Injection, and seven…

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced the Companies Regularization Scheme (CRS), effective from June 15 to September 15, 2024. This scheme allows companies to file overdue statutory returns under the Companies Act, 2017, without incurring additional fees. The Companies Regularization Scheme (CRS) enables companies to submit overdue annual returns, statutory forms, and annual accounts by paying a one-time filing fee. SECP assures that no penalties for late filings will be imposed for documents filed under this scheme. However, documents requiring registration under sections 100, 101, 105, 106, 108, or 109 of the Companies Act, 2017, are…

The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has announced a scheduled power suspension for Friday, affecting various areas within its jurisdiction due to essential maintenance and routine development work. According to an IESCO spokesman, the power supply to different feeders and grid stations will be suspended from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The affected areas include: Islamabad Circle: CDA Flats, G-8/2, Iqbal Town, UC Road, Charah, Melody, New Marvi, Park Enclave, F-10 Markaz, G-10/3, Industrial I & II, Carriage Factory, Golara II, Railway Road, Shahpur, Company Bagh, Kohala, Pearl Canton, Patriata, Angori Feeders. Rawalpindi City Circle: Medina Colony, Amer Hamza Colony…