Polling peaceful in Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, provisional figures indicate highest turnout since 1996. The polling percentage in these polling stations is almost the same as recorded in the rest of the Srinagar constituency. This was the highest since 1996, when a 40.94 per cent turnout was recorded, and much higher than 14.43 per cent in 2019 and 25.86 per cent in 2014. Polling took place in 2,135 polling stations across the constituency with live webcasting at all the polling stations. The CEO said the EVM replacement had been merely 0.24 per cent, which is the lowest in J&K Lok Sabha polls so far.
Source:The Express Tribune
May 13, 2024 22:21 UTC
The constant reduction in size of the federal Public Sector Development Programme over the last three years is yet another indicator of Pakistan’s persisting financial and economic crisis. According to media reports, the IMF wants Pakistan to reduce expenditure by about 163 billion to Rs183 billion to compensate for a major revenue shortfall. This would endanger its chances of receiving a longer and more substantial bailout to stay afloat. However, this’recovery’ is fragile, and any shock now could result in a relapse. In this scenario, it is unrealistic to expect the government to increase investment in public infrastructure development anytime soon.
Source:The Patriot
May 13, 2024 22:10 UTC
COAS General Asim Munir heartens an attendee at the GHQ Investiture ceremony on May 13, 2024. The military’s media wing said that the army chief expressed these views at the Investiture ceremony held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The army chief conferred military awards upon army personnel for their acts of gallantry during operations and meritorious services rendered to the nation at the ceremony, as per the military's media wing. “The shuhada (martyrs) and ghazis are our national heroes and the nation owes its independence and security to the sacrifices of its valiant warriors,” he said. “Our shuhada are, indeed, the beacons of hope and resilience for the nation,” the army chief added.
Source:The Nation
May 13, 2024 20:18 UTC
The Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division stayed the bail orders for eight weeks and directed Bashudeb, and Papia to surrender to the trial court concerned in two weeks in the cases. Prashanta Kumar Halder, known as PK Halder, a former Managing Director of NRB Global Bank, is reportedly involved in Tk 10,000 crore loan scam. He was arrested in Ashoknagar of India on May 14, 2022 on charges of money laundering. On Monday, Justice M Enayetur Rahim, the apex court Chamber Judge, passed the orders following 15 separate petitions filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) that challenged the High Court Division order of bail. The ACC filed the cases in 2021 on charge of laundering Tk 750 crore, Deputy Attorney General AKM Amin Uddin Manik told the media.
Source:The Nation
May 13, 2024 19:59 UTC
A lot has happened at Careem recently. Uber, which had acquired Careem Rides for $3.1 billion in 2019, recently exited the Pakistani market. Even though this does not change a lot for Careem Pakistan and its operations, it did garner attention in the news. Another recent event at Careem was their new, and perhaps belated, flexible fare offering. And lastly, we wanted to verify whether the claim that Careem is too expensive, compared to other apps, holds any truth to it.
Source:Pakistan Today
May 13, 2024 17:42 UTC
Medals of martyrs were received by their family members during the ceremony in Rawalpindi on May 13, 2024. PHOTO: ISPRChief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Monday the nation owes its independence and security to the sacrifices of martyrs, the military said in a statement. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief expressed these remarks during an investiture ceremony held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. During the ceremony, General Munir conferred military awards upon army personnel for their acts of gallantry during operations and meritorious services rendered to the nation. He said that martyrs and war heroes are the country’s national heroes and the nation owes its independence and security to the sacrifices of its valiant warriors.
Source:The Nation
May 13, 2024 13:38 UTC
In a gathering teeming with distinguished businessmen here Sunday, Advocate Zain ul Abdin Sahito illuminated the crucial theme of “Taxation and E-Filing of Income Tax,” a collaborative effort with the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), alongside SMEDA Hyderabad. With warmth and earnestness, he emphasized the essence of grasping the fundamentals of these procedures before embarking on the path of income tax registration and filing. Fostering a spirit of self-reliance, he unveiled the accessible portal www.iris.fbr.gov.pk, empowering individuals with personalized tools to navigate the maze of income tax filing with ease and confidence. During the seminar, he shared essential insights on income tax, addressing topics such as updating personal information, filing procedures, various tax forms, refunds & returns policies, and the importance of maintaining accurate records and confidentiality. Dr Muhammad Ismail Farouk Nami, Senior Vice President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry, expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the SMEDA Hyderabad team in organizing seminars aimed at empowering Hyderabad’s business community.
Source:The Nation
May 13, 2024 05:47 UTC
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has called for inter-party dialogue to tackle the pressing issue of economic crisis, stressing that without parties coming to the table, the nation’s problems will persist. Speaking at a seminar in Lahore on former prime minister and PPP's founding father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's legacy and history on Sunday, Bilawal lamented the prevalent politics of animosity even in the face of economic woes. Bilawal criticised the perpetuating hatred in politics, asserting that the pressing issues confronting the nation required constructive engagement between political factions. Speaking during Sunday’s seminar, Bilawal also addressed the historic Supreme Court ruling on the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference and hailed it as a milestone. He called for systemic and historical correction through judicial reforms, recalling that PPP's commitment to such reforms was also outlined in its Charter of Democracy.
Source:The Express Tribune
May 13, 2024 05:40 UTC
Pakistan cricket team’s fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has completed 300 wickets in international cricket. Shaheen Afridi crossed this milestone in the second T20 match against Ireland. He took 300 wickets in 145 international matches. Shaheen Afridi took 113 wickets in Test cricket and 104 wickets in ODI cricket. Apart from this, Shaheen Afridi has taken 84 wickets in T20 Internationals
Source:The Patriot
May 13, 2024 04:53 UTC
Patricia Karvelas: This warning from AEMO says (gas supply) issues could appear as early as next year, which is pretty soon, how is the gas industry responding? The report that AEMO released yesterday is the latest in a series of warnings about gas supply shortfalls on the east coast of Australia. SM: Look, I think the consequences of having gas shortages need to be recognised, there are millions of Australian households that rely on gas for heating and for cooking. Victoria really needs to be developing its own gas resources to be able to supply that local demand. But I think the key thing is there are some opportunities to electrify, including in the household sector, but natural gas currently provides around 42 per cent of the energy needs for our manufacturing sector.
Source:The Express Tribune
May 12, 2024 21:46 UTC
Public transport has been suspended and educational institutions, shops, and business centres have been closed since Friday after the Joint Public Action Committee called for the strike. In a statement on Saturday, the committee announced that the strike would continue until the fulfilment of the charter of demands. Some protesters are guiding returning tourists through alternative routes while others are providing information about the situation. In this situation, both local residents and tourists are facing extreme difficulties in acquiring basic commodities. Clashes were reported between the police and protesters in various areas of Muzaffarabad, with protesters pelting stones at the police, who responded with tear gas shells.
Source:The Nation
May 12, 2024 19:34 UTC
ISLAMABAD: In the budget of the next financial year, there has been a proposal to phase out sales and income tax concessions and exemptions. Sources say that in the upcoming budget, it is proposed to impose tax on imported tractors and consideration is being given to imposing withholding tax on commercial importers, while withholding tax on purchases by commercial importers will be exempted. According to FBR sources, there is a proposal to impose additional tax duty in the budget to discourage the import of wheat. According to the sources, the tax exemption for tractors and pesticides is likely to be abolished in the budget. It is expected to generate revenue of Rs 30 billion in the next financial year.
Source:The Patriot
May 12, 2024 17:39 UTC
Luis Muriel scored two goals — his first in MLS — and Pedro Gallese stopped a penalty kick in the 88th minute to help Orlando City beat the Philadelphia Union 3-2 Saturday night. Muriel, a 33-year-old Colombian international striker who signed with Orlando City in February, ripped a rising left-footer from outside the area that slipped in the corner of the net to take a 2-1 lead in the 44th minute. Orlando City (3-5-3) snapped a three-game winless streak, including back-to-back losses. Phildelphia had 61.5% possession and outshot Orlando City 29-13, 7-4 on target. Philadelphia (3-3-5) is winless in five consecutive games following a three-game win streak.
Source:The Express Tribune
May 12, 2024 14:06 UTC
HYDERABAD - An attempt to blow up the railway track has failed as an explosion took place near the railway track in Makki Shah area of Hyderabad, reported on Saturday. According to police sources, traffic of trains has been stopped after the explosion near railway track. Moreover, BDS and CTD are currently conducting a search operation and collecting evidence from spot, police said. Police sources said that a cracker was detonated near the railway track causing no damage. However, train operation has been resumed after collecting evidence by Police, Rangers, BDS and CTD, said sources.
Source:The Nation
May 12, 2024 14:02 UTC