Floods have caused extensive damage across 25 districts of Punjab, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirming on Sunday that at least 56 people have died since heavy rains began on August 26. During a media briefing in Lahore, DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia stated that over 4,155 villages have been impacted by floodwaters. Around 60,000 to 70,000 people are currently in relief camps where they are receiving food, shelter, and medical care. So far, approximately 500 medical camps have been set up, and they have treated nearly 200,000 patients. Critical River Levels Mr. Kathia also noted that the…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
On Sunday, President Asif Ali Zardari signed the Anti-Dumping Duties Amendment Bill 2025 into law. The new legislation provides legal clarity on how anti-dumping duties are applied to projects supported by Chinese aid. With this presidential assent, the amended law will be applied retrospectively from July 1, 2020, ensuring a clear legal framework for duties levied on such projects. The idea to amend this law was first brought up during a Gwadar Projects Progress Meeting in October 2022. Lawmakers at the time argued that the amendment was vital to eliminate any confusion regarding the imposition of duties on foreign-assisted development…
The recent floods have triggered a fresh wave of inflation, causing sharp increases in wheat and flour prices nationwide. Citizens are now facing severe hardship as the cost of a basic 20-kilogram flour bag has surged by hundreds of rupees within a single month. Sharp Rise in Flour and Wheat Prices According to official figures, the price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour has increased by Rs410 in just one month, reaching Rs1,810. In Sindh’s Sanghar district, flour that was previously available for Rs80 per kilogram is now selling for Rs125, creating severe hardship for families already struggling…
Gold prices set a new record high on Friday, continuing their upward trend in both Pakistan and the global market. Record Gold Prices in Pakistan According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association, the price of 24-karat gold per tola surged by Rs1,200, reaching a new all-time high of Rs377,900. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs1,029, bringing its cost to Rs323,988. In contrast, silver prices saw no change for the second consecutive day, with the price of a tola of 24-karat silver remaining at Rs4,315, and the price for 10 grams…
Inflation in Pakistan has surged to a 10-month high, a development primarily driven by the devastating impact of recent floods. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the prices of 23 essential items increased over the past week, making food and household goods more expensive across several regions. Significant Price Hikes for Key Goods Flour: The price of a 20-kilogramme bag of flour rose by Rs465, pushing the average cost to Rs2,294. In some cities, the price was as high as Rs2,500. This represents a more than 25% increase in just one week. Tomatoes and Onions: Tomatoes…
Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has issued a gas supply schedule for 12th Rabi’ al-Awwal, confirming that gas will not be suspended tonight. According to the company, gas will be supplied without interruption across Karachi from 10 p.m. tonight until the morning. Consumers will continue to receive gas without disruption until 10 p.m. on September 6. Sindh Government Declares Public Holidays Separately, the Sindh government has declared public holidays on September 5 and 6, 2025, in observance of 12th Rabi’ al-Awwal. A notification stated that all government offices, public and semi-public institutions, corporations, and local councils under the…
A recent study warns that excessive use of artificial sweeteners could negatively affect mental health, particularly cognitive function. The research, which tracked over 12,000 adults for nearly eight years, found that people who consumed higher amounts of these sugar substitutes experienced a faster decline in memory and thinking abilities. This effect was especially pronounced in diabetic patients, who often use sweeteners to manage their diet. However, it’s important to note that while the study shows a strong correlation, it does not prove that artificial sweeteners are the direct cause of this cognitive decline. Key Findings from the Research …
Common Sense Media, a nonprofit focused on kids’ online safety, has labeled Google’s Gemini AI “high risk” for children and teens. This assessment raises new concerns about how tech giants are handling AI for younger audiences, especially in the wake of recent lawsuits linking AI interactions to teen suicides. Risks to Younger Users The report, released on Friday, states that while Gemini does tell kids it’s a computer—an important step in preventing emotional dependence—the product still risks exposing young users to unsafe or inappropriate material. This includes content about sex, drugs, alcohol, and mental health advice. According to…
Samsung just unveiled the Galaxy S25 FE, but the company’s production line is already preparing for its next flagship. According to new leaks, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch in January 2026, and early renders hint at some design tweaks for the Ultra model. Leaked Render and Potential Dimensions Well-known leaker @UniverseIce has shared an unofficial render of the Galaxy S26 Ultra side-by-side with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, along with its alleged dimensions. Galaxy S25 Ultra: 162.8 x 77.6mm Galaxy S26 Ultra: 163.4 x 77.9mm This suggests the S26 Ultra could be slightly taller and…
Internet users across Pakistan are experiencing slower connectivity after a fault was reported in submarine internet cables near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as confirmed by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) on Saturday. According to a PTCL spokesperson, the fault has partially impacted the SMW4 (South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4) and IMEWE (India–Middle East–Western Europe) cable systems. This disruption is expected to cause a slight reduction in service quality during peak hours. PTCL’s Response PTCL stated that its international partners are working to resolve the issue as a priority. In the meantime, the company’s local teams are securing alternative…
