Tech and Telecom

Acting on the directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Smuggling Unit conducted a major operation in Lahore, recovering a substantial cache of smuggled Iranian diesel. During the raid, the FIA’s Anti-Smuggling Unit confiscated 43,000 liters of Iranian diesel from a warehouse, which has since been sealed. The operation was carried out with the assistance of Customs officials. A spokesperson for the FIA Anti-Smuggling Unit confirmed that a sample of the seized diesel has been sent to a laboratory for forensic analysis, with further action to be taken based on the report’s findings. This recent operation…

Pakistan Economic Survey, containing the details of major socio-economic achievements during the outgoing fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24), will be launched in a ceremony on Tuesday (tomorrow). Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb will chair the launching ceremony of the Economic Survey for the outgoing fiscal year. The survey will highlight the economic gains and losses experienced during FY24. In FY24 to date, the government has faced significant challenges in meeting crucial economic targets. Economic development, industrial growth, inflation, agriculture, and electricity production have all fallen short of expectations. After the State Bank of Pakistan raised the key interest…

Microsoft has officially announced a white version of the Xbox Series X, which is all-digital lacking a disc drive, but will maintain the same internal specifications and performance as the existing Xbox Series X, similar to the PS5 Digital Edition. It will offer 1 TB of storage and is set to be available later this year for $449.99. During the Xbox Games Showcase, Xbox President Sarah Bond introduced the new white Xbox Series X, along with a 2 TB “Galaxy Black” version of the original Xbox Series X. Additionally, a white 1 TB Xbox Series S will also be released,…

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has enforced an order against the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), recovering a penalty of Rs. 5 million imposed for anti-competitive conduct. Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) filed a complaint with CCP, wherein it was alleged that Regulations and Circulars formulated by APNS were in violation of section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010. The CCP’s inquiry inter alia established that APNS had imposed restrictive trading conditions, and certain rules, regulations, and circulars enforced by APNS were in contravention of the Act. On 6 June 2018, CCP passed an order and held that APNS…

The prices of imported mobile phones are expected to be raised from July 1, 2024, as duties and taxes on the commercial import of mobile phones will be increased in the coming budget (FY2024-25). Sources told ProPakistani that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has suggested implementing a federal excise duty (FED) on mobile phones, besides a gross assessment of FED on imported handsets, with a special focus on increasing PTA tax on luxury phones. Currently, imported mobile phones are subject to a General Sales Tax (GST) rate of up to 25 percent, but the upcoming Finance Bill proposes to…

India emerged victorious in a thrilling low-scoring encounter against Pakistan at Eisenhower Park, New York. The match, characterised by a pitch that offered more assistance to the batters than the previous games at this venue, ultimately saw India defend their modest total of 119 runs, defeating Pakistan by 6 runs. Pakistan, opting to bowl first after winning the toss, initially appeared to be in control, exploiting the slow and unpredictable nature of the pitch to stifle the Indian batting lineup. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Amir were exceptional with the ball, picking up three, three and two wickets respectively…

The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has released a comprehensive list of government institutions with significant outstanding electricity dues under letter No. 3886-99 dated June 7, 2024. AJK Govt Has The Biggest Unpaid Bill The list reveals a staggering total of unpaid bills amounting to billions of rupees across various government departments and institutions. Topping the list is the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which owes an enormous Rs. 54.86 billion. Defense Ministry and CDA Among Top 3 Following this is the Ministry of Defence, with outstanding dues of Rs. 5.29 billion. Several departments under the Capital Development Authority…

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has announced a significant change in its metering system by banning three-phase meters for all consumers. This move is part of LESCO’s strategy to modernize its infrastructure and improve billing accuracy. To replace the three-phase meters, LESCO has begun installing Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) meters. These advanced meters are designed to enhance the accuracy of meter readings, reduce overbilling issues, and curb electricity theft. The transition to AMR meters comes with additional costs for consumers. LESCO has stated that consumers will need to pay an extra 20,000 to Rs 25,000 due to the price…

The upcoming budget will protect the salaried class, particularly those in the lower income bracket, Minister of State for Finance & Revenue and Power Division Ali Pervaiz Malik told a private news channel on Sunday. He said the federal government’s priority is to support the middle and lower classes next fiscal year and efforts will be made to reduce the tax burden on these groups. Malik pointed out the planned exemption from power tax for those using less than 200 units of electricity, and elsewhere the increased allocation of aid under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to the less…

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government has decided to continue the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami project, initially launched by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. Sources informed news outlets that the government has decided to augment the budget for the Ministry of Climate Change by Rs11.82 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25. This substantial increase aims to mitigate the effects of global warming and foster sustainable development initiatives. A significant portion of the budget, amounting to Rs15.62 billion, has been allocated for the Green Pakistan initiative, formerly known as the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami project. This initiative, originally launched…