Home Blog Page 26

PCB Finally Starts Work on PSL Expansion

0

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has begun the expansion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), aiming to add two new franchises and increase the total to eight teams for the 2026 season. An independent valuation will determine the worth of existing franchises and set the base price for new entrants. Current teams will pay either 25% more than their existing fee or 25% of the new valuation, whichever is higher.

The PSL will expand to eight teams in 2026, with franchise valuations being reassessed and entry prices set for new teams. This move builds on the league’s financial growth, commercial strength, and rising fan engagement.
PCB expansion, PSL new teams, franchise valuation

Working in Kuwait Just Became Easier for Pakistanis

0

In May 2025, Kuwait formally lifted its 19-year ban on Pakistani nationals, reopening access to work, family, business, and tourist visas. As a result, Pakistan’s Overseas Employment Corporation will resume exporting skilled workers—such as warehouse staff, carpenters, drivers, and supervisors—through official, legal channels. Eligible applicants must meet qualification, age, language, and health criteria. The KD 150 visa fee now applies uniformly across sectors.

Pakistanis can once again pursue lawful employment in Kuwait across various sectors, as visa restrictions have been fully lifted and official recruitment drives resume.

Overseas Employment, Kuwait visa lift, skilled Pakistani workers

ChatGPT Users Surge by 400% in One Year

0

ChatGPT has witnessed extraordinary growth over the past year, with weekly active users rising from around 200 million in early 2024 to nearly 700 million by mid-2025. This surge reflects its global popularity, expanded features, and increasing integration into daily workflows across free, Plus, Pro, and enterprise plans.

ChatGPT’s user base has quadrupled in a year, jumping to nearly 700 million weekly users by mid-2025. Growth is fueled by feature launches, global adoption, and widespread integration, making it one of the fastest-growing platforms in the world.
ChatGPT growth, AI adoption, user surge

Rupee Extends Rally to 10th Straight Day, Strengthens Against Pound and Euro

0

The Pakistani rupee has appreciated for a 10th consecutive session, maintaining its upward momentum against the US dollar. It gained 24 paisas in the open market to close at Rs 283.21 per dollar and also outperformed the euro and pound, reflecting increased demand for the local currency.

The rupee has strengthened for ten straight sessions, reaching Rs 283/USD while also gaining against the euro and pound. This rally is driven by improved market sentiment and supportive policy measures, offering short-term relief to the economy despite ongoing structural challenges.
rupee rally, USD PKR, forex gains

Govt to Launch Subsidized Electric Bikes Scheme to Promote Green Transport

0

The government is set to introduce a subsidized electric bike scheme aimed at reducing fuel costs and promoting eco-friendly transportation. Under this initiative, eligible citizens will be able to purchase electric bikes at discounted rates, making sustainable travel more affordable and accessible across the country.

The government is introducing a subsidized electric bike scheme to encourage eco-friendly travel and reduce fuel dependency. Citizens will be able to buy electric bikes at discounted prices, making sustainable transport more affordable and accessible nationwide. The program aims to promote green mobility and curb environmental pollution.
electric bikes scheme, green transport, Pakistan government initiative

Pakistan to Send First Astronaut to Chinese Space Station in Upcoming Mission

0

Pakistan is set to send its first astronaut to China’s Tiangong space station as part of a historic space cooperation agreement. Two candidates will undergo training in China, and one will be selected as a payload specialist. The mission is expected to launch by late 2026, involving scientific research in orbit.

Pakistan to send first astronaut to China’s Tiangong station, astronauts to train in China, mission likely in late 2026, scientific payload specialist role
first Pakistani astronaut Tiangong, Sino‑Pakistan space cooperation, human spaceflight Pakistan

BISP’s Sahulat Account Payment System to Roll Out on August 13

0

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) will launch the pilot phase of its new Sahulat Accounts—a direct bank account payment system—on August 13, 2025. Initially, enrollment will take place in major districts including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit and Muzaffargarh.

Under this initiative, beneficiaries will open zero-fee limited-mandate accounts to receive cash disbursements via RAAST/IBFT into bank accounts of their choice. The system aims to move beneficiaries away from traditional cash transfers toward a more secure, dignified digital method, with support from the World Bank and FCDO. Staff training, dedicated coordination teams, and 24/7 complaint resolution mechanisms will ensure smooth implementation.

BISP piloting direct bank disbursement system, launching Sahulat Accounts on August 13, zero-fee limited mandate accounts in seven districts, aims for secure, dignified social assistance delivery
BISP Sahulat Accounts, direct bank disbursement, financial inclusion Pakistan

Gold Prices Rise Again in Pakistan Following Saturday’s Huge Surge

0

The local price of 24-karat gold rose by Rs. 500 per tola on Monday, reaching Rs. 359,500 after a massive Rs. 6,100 jump on Saturday. Ten‑gram 24K rates climbed to Rs. 308,213 (up Rs. 429), while 22K increased to Rs. 282,529. Silver rates held steady.

Gold price in Pakistan rose again, adding Rs 500 per tola on Monday to reach Rs 359,500, following a staggering Rs 6,100 jump on Saturday. Ten‑gram 24K climbed to Rs 308,213 and 22K to Rs 282,529. Silver rates remained unchanged.
gold, Pakistan economy, commodities

Punjab to Convert All Stations of Orange Line Train to Solar Power

0

The Punjab government has approved the installation of a 1.6 MW solar power plant dedicated to Orange Line train operations. This facility will supply electricity to all 26 stations—elevated and underground—for escalators, lighting, and other needs. Expected savings amount to several crores of rupees per month in subsidies.

Phase 1 of the solarisation project is underway following final agreements, with panels being deployed across depots, stabling yards, and stations. The initiative is estimated to save over Rs 3 billion annually.

New 1.6 MW solar plant powering all Orange Line train stations will reduce energy costs and subsidy burden; installation underway across stations and cleaner depot infrastructure.
green-energy, mass-transit, Punjab-development

FBR Introduces Strict Eligibility Rules on Property and Car Purchases for Ineligible Persons

0

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has enacted Section 114C under the Finance Act 2025, redefining eligibility for high‑value economic transactions. Individuals failing to declare sufficient income assets or file preceding tax returns are deemed “ineligible persons.” Starting from July 1, they are barred from purchasing vehicles over Rs 7 million, property above Rs 100 million, and investments over Rs 50 million.

Non‑eligible individuals will also be prohibited from cash withdrawals exceeding Rs 100 million and account operations beyond basic Asaan accounts—all to curb undeclared wealth and boost tax compliance.

New rules block ineligible persons from buying expensive vehicles, high‑value property, or making large investments without proof of declared wealth.
income‑tax, asset‑transactions, tax‑compliance