Tech and Telecom

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) customs authorities are trying hard to avoid the investigation against a criminal gang involved in selling non-custom paid products in connivance with some FBR employees, causing huge loss of revenue, and despite four notices no comments have been offered against the allegations. It is reliably learnt that on the basis of public interest complaint lodged by tax lawyer Waheed Shahzad Butt, FTO has ordered the Chairman FBR to conduct an investigation with the help of (FIA) and other agencies and submit a detailed report within one month but after a lapse of two months, FBR…

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will present the federal budget 2024-25 in parliament today. This will be a budget of Rs. 18.9 trillion, while a budget deficit of Rs. 9.8 trillion has been projected for the new fiscal year. The government has sidelined Rs. 9.7 trillion for interest on loans and other payments. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) aims to set a tax target of approximately Rs. 12.97 trillion. The federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) will get funds in the region of Rs. 1.5 trillion for development projects. Meanwhile, the defense budget may exceed Rs. 2.1 trillion. The income…

The federal government of Pakistan is likely to increase tax for non-filers on profit earned from bank accounts and deposits. Sources told ProPakistani that the IMF in recent meetings has directed the Pakistani side to increase the withholding tax rate on profit on debt for non-filers. Currently, the government is deducting withholding tax at the rate of 30 percent from the non-filers on profit on debt. There is a possibility that the government will further increase this withholding tax to raise the cost of non-compliance. Sources also added that the government has decided to enhance tax on dividend income from…

In order to increase the cost of doing business for non-filers, the Federal Government of Pakistan on the instructions of the International Monetary Fund(IMF) will increase tax on the sale of property for filers as well as non-filers in the budget that will be announced on Wednesday (today). Sources told ProPakistani that the government has completed consultations with the IMF on tax reform measures to be announced in today’s budget speech. Sources said that non-filers will ultimately face higher taxes, as it has been proposed to double the withholding tax on property sales from the current rate of 3 to…

Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz announced on Tuesday that there is no forecast of rain for Eidul Azha. However, the first monsoon spell is expected to hit parts of the country after June 19. Sarfaraz indicated that this monsoon season could bring exceptional rains to various regions, although precise predictions will be available a few days before the rainfall begins. He mentioned that southern Sindh, including Karachi, will likely experience heavy rain. Amid the prolonged hot and humid conditions, Sarfaraz noted that Karachi’s temperatures are expected to stay normal, with highs around 35-36°C in June. He added that the rest of…

Four suspects have been referred to the Public Prosecution in Makkah after being arrested for promoting counterfeit Hajj permits and visas on social media, according to the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday. The arrested individuals include two Saudi citizens and two Pakistani residents. Legal action is underway, and they are now under further investigation by the Public Prosecution.   Last month, the General Directorate of Public Security advised citizens to ignore fraudulent advertisements on social media related to Hajj. These ads falsely claim to offer services such as performing Hajj on behalf of others, securing and distributing Adahi (sacrifices), selling…

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) successfully completed its pre-Hajj operation, transporting over 35,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on 171 flights. The operation, which ran from May 9 to June 11, saw flights departing from Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Sialkot, and Peshawar. Pilgrims from Sukkur and Quetta traveled to Jeddah via Karachi. Of the 171 flights, 126 departed ahead of schedule, while 45 were delayed due to weather and operational issues. In preparation for Hajj, more than 1.3 million pilgrims have already arrived in Makkah, many traveling directly via Jeddah or after visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Pilgrims are making their…

On Monday, a health expert emphasized the importance of taking preventive measures while visiting cattle markets before the Eid-ul-Azha festival, particularly to guard against the Congo virus. Dr. Kiran Habib, an infectious disease specialist, highlighted that as the festive spirit draws people to these markets, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Dr. Habib explained that each year during Eid-ul-Azha, a significant number of sacrificial animals are brought to cities for sale, necessitating special arrangements. Health authorities are on high alert to prevent any outbreak of diseases related to these animals, she noted. Regarding the Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Dr. Habib clarified…

Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the Punjab Home Department has established a control room dedicated to maintaining law and order and enforcing government directives throughout the province. This control room will operate round the clock, gathering reports from all districts to ensure effective oversight during the Eid festivities. Led by senior officers, the control room will remain active throughout the holiday period, overseeing compliance with government regulations. The department has announced stringent measures to regulate various activities during Eid. A significant step includes the prohibition of banned organizations from collecting sacrificial animal hides. Only organizations registered with the Charity Commission will be…

Pakistan got off the mark in the 2024 T20 World Cup and registered their first points in the points table. Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first against Canada at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York in the 2024 T20 World Cup, a not-so-surprising decision by Babar Azam, given the difficult pitch. Pakistan showcased their bowling dominance against Canada, restricting them to a modest total of just 106 with a loss of 7 wickets. Canada’s Aaron Johnson played a pivotal role, scoring a resilient 52 runs off 44 balls, including four boundaries and four towering sixes.…