The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken a significant step towards digitalizing the economy by making debit and credit card payments mandatory for businesses instead of cash transactions. This initiative is part of Pakistan’s commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and aims to enhance revenue collection. In the first phase, tier-one retailers and large businesses are required to install point-of-sale (POS) machines connected to the FBR’s computerized system. Additionally, the government has decided to monitor business transactions through CCTV surveillance to ensure compliance. Experts in economics have largely welcomed the transition towards digital payments. Economist Dr. Khaqan Najeeb…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
Starlink has received approval from the Bhutan Information, Communication, and Media Authority (BICMA) to launch its high-speed satellite-based internet services in Bhutan. BICMA officials revealed that several factors were carefully considered before granting Starlink its license. The approval was contingent upon Starlink registering as a foreign direct investment (FDI) company, appointing local representatives to comply with regulatory requirements, and ensuring service quality and data privacy. The license granted to Starlink strictly covers internet services through user terminals and does not extend to satellite-to-mobile cellular services. A major issue raised by Bhutanese consumers has been the need to make payments in…
Sky gazers are in for a stunning treat with the Snow Moon, which will rise in the east with an orange glow. This event will be even more special as, as the moon rises higher, a bright star or planet will appear near it. It will be positioned in the Leo constellation, above the bright star Regulus. Regulus is the brightest star in the Leo constellation, about 79 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the brightest stars in the night sky. It is called the “Heart of the Lion” because of its position in Leo, but its name…
Elon Musk has finally broken silence on the reports and rumors about buying the social media app TikTok. According to Money Control, it was reported that the Tesla owner was interested in buying the popular video-sharing app TikTok to save it from being banned in the United States. When U.S. President Donald Trump was asked whether he was open to Musk buying TikTok, he told reporters, “I would be if he wanted to buy it. I have met with owners of TikTok, the big owners. So, what I am thinking about saying to somebody is ‘buy it and give half…
The PlayStation Network, which had been down for several hours starting on Friday evening, is now back online. PlayStation announced that the network had been “fully recovered” and also apologized for the disruption. According to BBC, they did not reveal the cause of the issue. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PlayStation said, “Network services have fully recovered from an operational issue. We apologise for the inconvenience and thank the community for their patience.” The statement added, “All PlayStation Plus members will automatically receive an additional 5 days of service.” The outage prevented players from accessing online features of…
Karachi: The production of locally manufactured or assembled mobile phones increased by 28% in December 2024, driven by high demand for low-priced smartphones. However, the import of mobile phones also rose by 50% in the first six months of 2024-25, indicating a growing market size. “Pakistan fulfilled 95% of its mobile phone demand through local manufacturing/assembly in 2024, compared to a five-year (2019-2023) average of 67% and an eight-year (2016-2023) average of 47%,” said a research report from Topline Securities. According to the latest data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), local mobile companies manufactured or assembled 2.95 million units…
Pakistani opener Saim Ayub has urged the nation to support the Pakistan cricket team, expressing optimism about their performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy. In his first statement since suffering an injury, Ayub said, “Whatever is written in destiny will happen. I want everyone to pray for our team and support Pakistan cricket.” He emphasized that the team is in good form and has high potential. “Our team is very strong, and I am confident that we will achieve good results in the Champions Trophy. I have full faith in the Pakistan squad,” he added. Commenting on the inauguration ceremony…
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi announced on Sunday the inauguration date of the Karachi stadium. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi asked cricket fans to brace for the inauguration of the newly revamped stadium. “Get ready for another unforgettable night.” He added, “The grand inauguration of Karachi Stadium is happening on 11th February with spectacular musical performances by Ali Zafar, Shafqat Amanat Ali, and Sahir Ali Bagga.” Naqvi said that President Asif Ali Zardari will inaugurate the new building of the Karachi stadium. Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in…
Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta said that it will be foolish to underestimate New Zealand in the highly-anticipated Champions Trophy. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gupta said: “Fresh look at the Kiwis in ODIs in subcontinent conditions – in India’s group along with Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy.” He acknowledged the batting prowess of Glenn Phillips, who notched a blistering century, saying, “They are just toying with Pakistani bowling, Phillips is swatting sixes at will.” Gupta maintained, “As ever in any ICC tournament, it would be foolish to underestimate them in the Champions Trophy.” New Zealand will take…
South Africa all-rounder Corbin Bosch replaced fast bowler Anrich Nortje in the highly anticipated Champions Trophy after the latter sustained an injury. According to details, Kwena Maphaka will become part of South Africa’s travelling reserve squad. South Africa will take on New Zealand in the second match of the tri-nation series at the Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the marquee international tournament. Earlier, on Saturday, ton-up Daryl Mitchell (81) and bowlers powered New Zealand to a 78-run victory against Pakistan in the tri-nation series opener at the newly revamped Gaddafi Stadium. Chasing a staggering 330-6, Pakistan were bundled out for 252…
