Kasur: In Pattoki, a drug addict lost his life after being electrocuted while attempting to steal from a mosque’s donation box. According to the police, repeated thefts from the donation box had become a persistent issue, prompting the mosque’s imam to install an electric current as a deterrent. Last night, the thief once again attempted to empty the donation box but was fatally electrocuted on the spot. Upon receiving the report, police arrived at the scene and launched an investigation, while also questioning the imam regarding the incident.
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a comprehensive revision of the valuation criteria for various types of properties in Karachi, including commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. This update, communicated through S.R.O. 144(I)/2025, aims to address concerns raised by tax experts and stakeholders in the real estate sector. The FBR has clarified the calculation procedures for different property categories. Key points include that the value is determined per square foot for the ground floor and additional floors, and that amenity plots will be valued at 50% of residential plots in the area. The existing valuation tables remain unchanged. According…
Gold prices in Pakistan recorded a sharp decline, reflecting trends in the international market. The price of 10 grams of gold fell by Rs1,372, bringing it down to Rs258,487. Similarly, the per tola price dropped by Rs1,600, settling at Rs301,500. The global gold market also experienced a downturn, with prices falling by $16 per ounce, bringing the international rate to $2,888 per ounce. Meanwhile, silver prices remain unchanged.
A number of companies with market capitalizations exceeding Rs200 billion are looking to invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) after a remarkable rally in 2024, according to a leading U.S. publication. Bloomberg reported that this surge in market activity has attracted the attention of prominent firms, signaling strong confidence in the country’s economic recovery. Industry experts believe that the influx of investments from these major players could further enhance market stability and growth. The PSX’s impressive performance has been driven by various factors, including improved economic indicators and positive investor sentiment. As these companies prepare to enter the market,…
The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has announced revised profit rates for short-term savings certificates, effective February 2025. This decision comes in response to a decline in inflation, prompting adjustments in returns offered to investors. Under the new rates, the three-month savings certificate will now yield 11.24 per cent, providing a return of Rs2,810 on an investment of Rs100,000. Previously, the rate stood at 12.76 per cent. The six-month certificate has been adjusted to 11.32 per cent, bringing the return on Rs100,000 down to Rs5,660 from the earlier Rs6,370, which was based on a 12.74 per cent rate. Similarly,…
In a major victory for Pakistan, the global battle over Basmati rice ownership has resulted in India’s defeat. Both New Zealand and Australia have officially recognized Basmati as a Pakistani product, while a similar decision from the European Union is also expected in Pakistan’s favour. Indian attempts to undermine Pakistan’s claim on Basmati rice have failed, as international trade experts and historians have proven that Basmati originates from Pakistan’s Hafizabad district. Indian claims were dismissed outright by Australia and New Zealand, with the EU expected to follow suit soon. Pakistan’s Basmati rice is known for its superior aroma, quality, and…
Every year, winter brings with it an unwanted guest in the form of dry, ashy skin. According to CNN’s report, in cold climates, the skin can become substantially drier, and the effects are quite visible, leading to painful cracking and bleeding. The skin dries due to the combination of environment, temperature, and the lack of moisture reaching your skin. Along with that, chronic medical conditions such as psoriasis and eczema usually worsen in winter. Here are some ways to control your flaky, dry skin. Moisturize and RepeatThe most effective way to get rid of dry skin is to moisturize before…
Experts have warned that bird flu in domestic cats could transmit to humans, raising concerns for public health. According to Real Clear Science, more than 80 house cats have been detected with bird flu since 2022, but during the current outbreak of the H5N1 virus, the number of infected cats has been rising. Usually, cats that live on farms or spend time outside have a higher risk of catching viruses from wild birds and hunting diseased rodents, but now cats are also catching the virus after eating raw food or drinking unpasteurized milk. Virologist Angela Rasmussen, who studies disease progression…
The US and the UK declined to sign an international declaration on “inclusive and sustainable” artificial intelligence (AI) at the global summit in Paris on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. US Position US Vice President JD Vance expressed dissatisfaction with the rules, criticizing the excessive regulations. He stated that some authoritarian regimes have used AI to enhance their military intelligence and surveillance capabilities, capturing foreign data and creating propaganda to undermine other nations’ national security. Vance said, “We will block such efforts, full stop.” UK Position A spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister said that the government would only sign initiatives…
Meta has launched another round of mass layoffs, cutting approximately 4,000 jobs to streamline operations. This workforce reduction, part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision to optimize company functionality, has left employees shocked, especially those with positive performance ratings last year. Confusion Over Performance-Based Layoffs Many affected employees reported being given an “At or Above Expectations” rating in mid-2024, but their rating was revised to “Meets Most” during the year-end review. This sudden downgrade led to their inclusion in the layoff list. Meta had previously announced a plan to cut 5% of its workforce, primarily targeting the lowest-performing workers. Who Is…
