Tech and Telecom

The Sindh government has announced a plan to provide interest-free loans to students enrolled at the Agricultural University Tando Jam. The university’s Department of Agriculture has been directed to develop and implement mechanisms to ensure the effective distribution of these loans to the students. Sindh’s Minister of Agriculture, Sardar Bakhsh Mehr, elaborated on the initiative, stating that these interest-free loans aim to empower youth pursuing agricultural education. By easing the financial burden, the government hopes these students will be better equipped to establish their own agricultural enterprises upon graduation. Minister Mehr highlighted the pressing issue of climate change, remarking, “Climate…

Former South African captain AB de Villiers defended Pakistan’s batting maestro Babar Azam against an Indian troll who mocked Babar’s English proficiency on Twitter. The incident unfolded following Babar Azam’s candid revelations during an interview on de Villiers’ YouTube channel where the Proteas legend invited him on his podcast. During the interview, Babar Azam opened up about the frequent trolling he faces, particularly regarding his command of English. The Pakistani captain expressed his frustration over the undue criticism, emphasizing that his primary focus remains on his cricketing skills rather than language fluency. Reacting to Babar’s comments, an Indian troll commented…

New 1233 Helpline has been launched to provide comprehensive cattle purchase information in Punjab, overseen by the Punjab Cattle Market Management and Development Company. Announced by Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique, this helpline offers the convenience of payment on delivery for online purchases. Additionally, as per Rafique’s statement, 20 state-of-the-art model cattle markets are currently under construction under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Furthermore, Minister Rafique emphasized that model cattle markets will also be established along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in the procurement process. The Punjab government has also launched…

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with Jason Lamb, Deputy Director, Focus Country Implementation of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at the Finance Division today. During the meeting, the minister conveyed his appreciation for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s support in engaging McKinsey & Co. for the ongoing digitalization of FBR. He emphasized the significant potential of e-governance in Pakistan, noting that the digitization of the tax system is a pivotal step towards modernizing tax collection, which will enhance transparency and revenue growth. He also mentioned the necessary improvements required in existing data sources to effectively utilize them…

Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, announced major reforms to modernize the education system including the introduction of a performance-based incentive system for teachers. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, effectively imparted basic financial literacy concepts to over 1,500 teachers from 432 Federal Government Schools & Colleges of Islamabad Capital Territory. The training program, conducted in batches of teachers covered essential topics such as savings, investments, the importance of financial literacy, its various elements, and how to identify scams and frauds,…

The Saudi authorities have issued strict instructions to Hajj pilgrims regarding the Nusuk card. According to a statement by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, pilgrims who lose their cards will have to pay a hefty fine of SR 10,000. The ministry added that misplacing the Nusuk card could pose challenges during Hajj. Previously, Saudi authorities announced a fine of SR 10,000 for anyone, including Saudi citizens, expatriates, and visitors, who entered Makkah without a Hajj permit between Dhul Qada 25 (June 2) and Dhul Hijjah 14 (June 20). The fines will apply to individuals found without a Hajj permit in…

Progress on Lahore’s Bund Road Project has hit a snag due to administrative hurdles and outstanding payments to contractors, leading to delays in completion. The Rs. 15 billion Bund Road aims to enhance the flow of traffic, but work has halted due to unpaid bills to contractors. Furthermore, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has not yet approved the revised cost estimate, which includes acquiring land for service roads. According to a source, funds released by the government for the project haven’t reached the LDA yet, as the transfer process is stuck at the Accountant General of Punjab’s office in Lahore.…

The Ministries of Commerce of Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to implement the mechanism of Temporary Admission Document (TAD) w.e.f 01-05-2024 to streamline and regulate the movement of cargo vehicles carrying bilateral trade between the two countries. As per the details, applications for TAD for Afghanistan-registered vehicles will be collected on all working days at Window No. 5 of the Pakistan Embassy Kabul and Pakistan Consulate, Kandahar from 1100-1200 hours daily. In addition, applications for TAD from Pakistani registered vehicles will be collected on all working days at Afghanistan Consulate Generals, Quetta, and Peshawar from 1000 – 1100 hours. Both…

Hyundai is providing a chance for vehicle enthusiasts with free registration on the Hyundai ELANTRA 2.0 GLS and all TUCSON models till Eid-ul-Adha. This exceptional offer demonstrates Hyundai’s dedication to customer pleasure, particularly during difficult economic times. Owning a vehicle may be costly, from the original purchase to regular maintenance. To help ease this hardship, Hyundai is waiving registration fees for the ELANTRA 2.0 GLS and TUCSON models. This incentive not only reduces upfront expenditures but also gives a significant financial benefit, which is critical in Pakistan’s current economic context. The Hyundai ELANTRA is a standout in Pakistan’s sedan market,…

The federal government has proposed to increase the regulatory duty on the import of used vehicles in the upcoming federal budget, well-informed sources told ProPakistani. Sources said a 30 percent increase in regulatory duty has been proposed on vehicles having car engine capacity of more than 1800 cc. This could result in the duty rate on large vehicles rising from the current 70 percent to as much as 100 percent. Additionally, there is a proposal to impose a 15 percent duty on used vehicles of up to 1800 cc. However, both new and old hybrid vehicles up to 1800 cc…