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Supreme Court Directs PTCL to Honor Pension Liabilities

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The Supreme Court has ordered PTCL to recognize its pension obligations and formulate a payment schedule within 90 days. PTCL has started verifying pensioner data in coordination with PTET to determine required contributions. The ruling emphasizes that financial constraints cannot override the legal right to pensions.

PTCL has begun pensioner data verification after a court verdict mandated acknowledgment of pending liabilities. The Supreme Court dismissed PTCL’s review plea, affirming pension rights of retired employees and instructing the company to present a payment plan within 90 days.

telecom, pensions, Supreme Court

NA Committee Criticizes FBR for 99% Tax Waiver on Sugar Imports

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The National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee has strongly criticized the FBR for waiving 99% of sales tax on 500,000 tonnes of imported sugar. Lawmakers questioned the justification for reducing tax from 18% to 0.25%, calling it an unjustified benefit to powerful lobbies.

The Public Accounts Committee condemned the massive tax relief on unnecessary sugar imports, saying it hurt market fairness and favored certain interest groups. The committee summoned FBR and Commerce Division officials, demanding accountability and transparency behind the controversial tax exemption.

FBR policy criticism, Sugar import controversy, Tax exemption scrutiny

Bank of Punjab Opens Applications for 2025 Management Trainee Program

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The Bank of Punjab (BOP) has launched its Management Trainee Officers (MTO) Program for 2025, inviting ambitious graduates to apply. This initiative is part of the bank’s ongoing effort to nurture fresh talent and develop future leaders in banking. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (minimum 16 years of education) from an HEC-recognized university, preferably in disciplines such as Business, Economics, Finance, or related fields.

Eligible candidates should have graduated in 2023 or 2024 and be no older than 27 years as of July 31, 2025. Preference will be given to those with a minimum CGPA of 3.2 or 80% marks. The program offers rigorous training and professional growth opportunities within the bank.

Interested applicants can submit their applications online via the BOP career portal. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025.

The Bank of Punjab has opened applications for its 2025 Management Trainee Program. Fresh graduates with strong academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply by July 31. The program aims to develop future banking leaders through structured training, offering long-term career growth within the bank.

Bank of Punjab, MTO Program 2025, Graduate Opportunities

AIOU Launches Three New BS Programs to Expand Academic Offerings

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Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has introduced three new four-year BS programs in International Relations, Islamic Studies, and Sociology for the upcoming academic year. These programs aim to provide students with broader academic opportunities and align with the university’s goal to enhance modern, accessible education in Pakistan.

AIOU has launched BS programs in International Relations, Islamic Studies, and Sociology to offer students diverse academic paths. This move strengthens its commitment to modern, inclusive higher education accessible to all.

AIOU BS programs,Higher education in Pakistan,Academic development

Government to Close All Utility Stores Within Two Weeks

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The federal government has decided to shut down all Utility Stores across Pakistan within the next two weeks. This decision is part of a larger cost-cutting initiative as the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has reportedly become financially unsustainable. Employees are expected to be offered golden handshakes or absorbed into other departments.

The Ministry of Industries is finalizing the shutdown strategy, aiming for minimal disruption. With rising inflation and reduced subsidies, officials argue that the system has outlived its purpose. The closure will mark the end of a decades-old initiative that once served as a vital support for low-income households.

The government will shut all Utility Stores within two weeks due to financial losses. Staff will either get compensation or relocation. The plan reflects a shift from state-run retail to targeted subsidies amid rising inflation. The move ends a long-standing welfare initiative.
utility stores closure, Pakistan government decisions, economic reforms

Federal Cabinet Approves 15% Increase in EOBI Pensions

The federal cabinet has approved a 15% hike in Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) pensions, benefiting thousands of retired workers across Pakistan. With this increase, the minimum pension will rise from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 11,500 per month. This decision aims to support pensioners amid inflation and rising living costs. The enhancement was proposed during a cabinet meeting and is part of broader efforts to strengthen social protection for senior citizens. Implementation will begin from the next monthly disbursement cycle.

The federal cabinet has approved a 15% increase in EOBI pensions, raising the minimum amount to Rs. 11,500 per month. This move is designed to offer financial relief to pensioners struggling with inflation. The revised pension will be effective from the next payment cycle.
EOBI pensions, federal cabinet decision, social welfare

Meezan Bank Hiring Business Development Officers

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Meezan Bank has announced new job openings for the position of Business Development Officer (BDO) across multiple cities in Pakistan. Applicants with at least a graduate degree from a recognized university and strong communication skills are encouraged to apply. Fresh graduates are eligible, and the age limit is set at 26 years.

The role primarily involves promoting banking services, attracting new customers, and achieving sales targets. Interested candidates can apply online through the bank’s official careers portal. The last date to apply is July 21, 2025.

Meezan Bank is hiring Business Development Officers across Pakistan. Graduates up to 26 years of age are eligible, and the bank encourages fresh candidates to apply. The position focuses on client engagement and sales growth. The last date to apply online is July 21, 2025.

Meezan Bank jobs,Banking career Pakistan,Business Development Officer recruitment.

China Eyes Deeper Investment in Pakistan’s Mineral Sector

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China has expressed strong interest in expanding its investments in Pakistan’s mineral sector. This includes exploration, mining, and value addition, particularly in critical minerals. Both countries are in talks to enhance cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to boost economic growth and industrial development in Pakistan.

China plans to invest further in Pakistan’s mineral industry, focusing on critical minerals, mining, and value addition. Discussions aim to strengthen ties and economic collaboration under the Belt and Road framework, potentially enhancing Pakistan’s industrial capabilities and export potential.

China-Pakistan relations, mineral exploration, foreign investment

UK Reopens Skies for Pakistani Airlines After Safety Ban Lifted

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UK Lifts Ban on Pakistani Airlines

The United Kingdom has officially lifted its ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing them to resume flights to and from the UK. This marks a major milestone for Pakistan’s aviation sector, which had been under international scrutiny due to concerns over pilot licensing and overall safety compliance. The ban, originally imposed in 2020 after a fake license scandal, significantly impacted Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other carriers, halting direct travel routes and damaging the country’s aviation reputation.

Audit Findings and Future Prospects

Following multiple assessments and rigorous safety audits conducted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Pakistan’s aviation oversight was found to have improved to acceptable international standards. As a result, the UK has now cleared Pakistani airlines to resume their operations. Pakistani officials have welcomed the move, seeing it as a turning point that can strengthen economic ties, encourage tourism, and reconnect the Pakistani diaspora living in the UK. Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining ongoing reforms and upholding global aviation safety standards to prevent future restrictions.

The UK has lifted its ban on Pakistani airlines, permitting them to resume operations after safety concerns were addressed. This decision follows successful audits of Pakistan’s aviation safety systems. The move is expected to strengthen economic ties and support the Pakistani diaspora in the UK.
aviation policy, UK-Pakistan relations, flight operations

Poor Security Habits Behind Most Cyberattacks in 2024, Says Government Advisory

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A recent government advisory has revealed that the majority of cyberattacks in Pakistan during 2024 stemmed from weak cybersecurity practices by users. Common issues included using outdated software, clicking on suspicious links, and setting weak passwords. The advisory urges citizens and organizations to adopt strong digital hygiene, including enabling two-factor authentication, updating systems regularly, and being cautious with email links. The government also emphasized the role of awareness campaigns to reduce the risks of digital threats, noting that most incidents could have been prevented through simple security measures.

Most cyberattacks in Pakistan during 2024 were due to poor cybersecurity habits like weak passwords and outdated systems. A government advisory urges stronger digital hygiene, including software updates and two-factor authentication, to prevent future breaches. Awareness campaigns are also being promoted to tackle this growing threat.
cybersecurity awareness, government advisory, digital threats