Tech and Telecom

The Punjab government has announced an ambitious budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, unveiling a significant initiative aimed at providing free solar systems to low-electricity consumers in the province. This move is designed to alleviate the financial burden of high electricity costs and bills for residents. The initiative, titled the “Roshan Gharana Program,” is highlighted in the budget document as a critical measure to support domestic users. With a budget allocation of Rs 9.5 billion, the program will offer complete solar systems at no cost to households consuming up to 100 units of electricity in the first phase. The Punjab…

On the direction of the President of Pakistan, the Large Taxpayer Office (LTO) Lahore has concluded an audit of a leading tractor manufacturing company, allegedly detecting serious sales tax discrepancies to the tune of Rs. 13.286 billion. According to the audit report of M/s Millat Tractors Ltd (MTL) submitted by the LTO Lahore to the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), the LTO has also imposed a penalty of Rs. 5.414 billion besides a sales tax involved of Rs. 13.286 billion. The LTO Lahore has issued a show cause notice to the tractor manufacturing company (tax year 2022) to explain sales tax…

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has officially announced a three-day holiday period for Eid-ul-Adha, applicable to courts across the province. A notification confirmed that the LHC and civil, district, and session courts will observe holidays from June 17 to June 19. The announcement was made following the approval of Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan. This decision aligns with the federal government’s earlier notification, which declared Eid-ul-Adha holidays from June 17 to June 19, as approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In practice, the holidays will commence on June 15 (tomorrow), as most government offices and educational institutions are closed…

MS petrol and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) prices are expected to fall tomorrow due to international oil prices declining in the current fortnight. The federal government is expected to decrease the price of petrol and diesel by Rs. 9 per liter and Rs. 5 per liter each on 15 June 2024. Globally, MS and HSD have devalued by $3.75 and $2.7 per barrel in the current fortnight. Moreover, the import premium on petrol has fallen to $9.5.  And despite all the ruckus seen in the previous two fortnights, the Pakistani rupee remained stable at 278. Considering the above, it is expected…

The federal government has proposed to impose an 18 percent sales tax on milk and fat-filled milk (presently zero-rated) in the new federal budget 2024-25. According to the details, the government has proposed to tax infant milk items not exceeding Rs. 600 per 200g at the rate of 18 percent. If these taxes are approved, the total revenue impact would be around Rs. 95 billion (Rs. 75 billion standard milk + Rs. 20 billion infant milk). a Following his budget presentation a day earlier, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb at the post-budget briefing on Thursday said the middle class shouldn’t find…

Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet at the Finance Division on Thursday. The proposal of Ministry of Industries & Production for the export of 0.15 million metric tons (MMT) of surplus sugar was approved by ECC with the condition that in the event of a rise in retail price of sugar, the permission to export would be revoked. It was also directed that it may be ensured that export proceeds be utilized by the mills for clearing the overdue payments to farmers. Funds for clearing claims of OMCs…

Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet at the Finance Division on Thursday. The committee gave approval to a number of Technical Supplementary Grants (TSGs) to various Ministries/Divisions worth Rs. 245 billion. They include: A TSG of Rs. 168.834 billion to the Economic Affairs Division on account of revised budget estimates for FY 2023-24. Another TSG of Rs. 10 billion to the Ministry of Interior for the clearing of pending liabilities of ration for Headquarters Frontier Corps and Headquarters Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts. Rs. 23.945 billion to the Defence Division against…

Zong 4G, Pakistan’s largest telecom operator offers affordable International Roaming Bundles for your next trip to Saudi Arabia this holy month to ensure you stay connected to your loved ones while performing Hajj! Zong 4G stands as Pakistan’s only telecommunications provider, offering thoughtfully designed international roaming packages. In response to the contemporary connectivity issued faced by travelers, Zong has introduced specialized roaming bundles aimed at offering both cost-effectiveness and accessibility for users travelling abroad. Zong users can avail 1GB for 1200 PKR + Tax. Package Price Details Subscription Saudi Arabia prepaid Voice + Data IR offer (30 Min, 30 SMS,…

Given the prevalence of smoking in Pakistan, it’s essential to support smokers’ access to information about Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) tools like vapes and oral nicotine pouches. By providing accurate information, we can empower smokers to make informed choices for harm reduction. Countries worldwide have recognized the value of THR as part of comprehensive tobacco control efforts. For example, Sweden’s successful adoption of snus and oral nicotine pouches has led to a remarkable decline in smoking rates. From 16.5% in 2004, Sweden’s smoking prevalence has dropped to 5.8% today, making it the lowest globally. This success story underscores the importance…

The latest 2024 T20 World Cup points table after Bangladesh secure a crucial victory against the Dutch. Netherlands won the toss and decided to bowl first at the Arnos Vale Ground Stadium in St.Vincent in their Group D match of the T20 World Cup. Shakib Al Hasan smashed 64 runs off 46 balls in his masterful innings that helped Bangladesh reach a formidable total of 159-5. Tanzid Hasan provided impetus from the top of the order with 35 runs off 26 balls while Mohammad Mahmudullah chipped in with 25 runs at the end to finish off the innings strongly. Aryan…