Former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique on Sunday expressed concerns over the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), stating that no government should have unlimited powers to suppress citizens. Speaking on X (formerly Twitter), Rafique acknowledged that fake news had become a serious issue but cautioned against excessive government control. He stated, “Undoubtedly, fake news has become a major problem, but no government should have unlimited powers to tighten the noose around citizens.” Rafique emphasized the importance of consulting representative media organizations regarding the PECA Act. He remarked, “Consultation with relevant media bodies should take place, and the right to…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
A groundbreaking study has raised concerns about the potential impact of sleep aids like Ambien on brain health, particularly in relation to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Research published on January 8 in the journal Cell revealed that zolpidem, the active ingredient in Ambien, suppresses a natural system responsible for clearing protein waste during dreamless sleep. This system, known as the glymphatic system, plays a critical role in removing harmful proteins, such as tau and amyloid, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The study highlights the potential risks associated with certain sleep medications. Dr. Maiken Nedergaard, co-director of the University…
A groundbreaking study has raised concerns about the potential impact of sleep aids on brain health. The research, which looks at the brain’s glymphatic system, shows that zolpidem—commonly prescribed for sleep disorders like insomnia—may interfere with the brain’s waste-removal process. The glymphatic system, active during non-REM sleep, plays a critical role in clearing harmful substances from the brain. This process, essential for preventing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, relies on synchronized oscillations powered by the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. However, the study reveals that zolpidem might suppress these oscillations, disrupting waste removal during sleep. Sleep is vital for the brain’s maintenance tasks, including…
A comprehensive working paper has been prepared on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to revive Pakistan’s struggling real estate and housing sector. According to sources, the recommendations put forth by a specially formed task force have been submitted to the prime minister, with a high-level meeting scheduled for February 3 to review and finalize the proposals. Key Proposals Under Consideration: The task force has recommended several significant reforms aimed at stimulating growth in the housing and construction industries. One of the major proposals includes allowing the construction of additional floors for residential houses. Additionally, the government is considering…
The government is considering a significant reduction in tax rates to stimulate business activities and revitalize Pakistan’s sluggish real estate market. According to sources, comprehensive proposals have been prepared to lower transaction-related taxes, with the government planning to take the International Monetary Fund (IMF) into confidence before finalizing the measures. Key Tax Reforms: The government aims to ease property purchases for overseas Pakistanis. One of the key proposals includes reducing the advance income tax from 4% to 0.5%. Additionally, the plan suggests cutting down the federal excise duty and abolishing the late filer category, which has long been a barrier…
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sought Rs30 billion from the government for the fiscal year 2025-26 to complete major development projects, official documents revealed. According to the documents, the requested funds would be spent on ten different development initiatives. A sum of Rs17.83 billion had been proposed for the Pakistan Raises Revenue Programme, while Rs3.36 billion had already been expended on a Rs21.51 billion project. The FBR stated that a project funded by the World Bank aimed to enhance capacity and boost revenue generation. Additionally, a proposal had been made to allocate Rs9.2 billion from the Asian Development Bank’s…
The government decided on Friday to raise the prices of petroleum products for the next fortnight, effective from February 1 (Saturday). The increase affected both petrol and high-speed diesel. According to the official notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the price of petrol surged by Rs1 per litre, setting the new rate at Rs257.13 per litre. Meanwhile, the cost of high-speed diesel witnessed a substantial hike of Rs7 per litre, bringing its new price to Rs267.95 per litre. The finance ministry formally announced the revised fuel prices through an official notification. Earlier last month, on January 16, the government…
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, the Saudi Riyal (SAR) saw a slight decline in Pakistan’s open market, with its buying rate falling by one paisa to stand at Rs74.36. The selling rate also decreased, reaching Rs74.57. Saudi Arabia remained Pakistan’s top contributor to foreign remittances in December 2024, with overseas Pakistanis in the kingdom sending $770.6 million during the month. This was a 6% increase compared to the previous month and a 33% rise from the $577.6 million sent in the same month the previous year. SAR to PKR Rate – 01 February 2025 Date: February 1, 2025 Latest Exchange…
Nvidia, a leading company in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, broke a questionable record on Wall Street on Monday, January 27. As per Forbes, this situation arises as DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, introduced a rival to ChatGPT at a much lower cost. The release of this model challenges US leadership in generative AI. At first, this may not seem like bad news for Nvidia, as DeepSeek used Nvidia’s GPUs to train the model. But DeepSeek claimed it spent only $5.6 million on Nvidia’s technology to develop the model. Nvidia’s success largely depends on the high demand for its expensive GPUs…
A new and innovative treatment for sickle cell disease will now be offered to patients in the NHS for the first time. This treatment, costing £1.65, provides hope for patients with severe sickle cell disease. Approximately 50 people are expected to receive the treatment annually, according to Sky News. Around 1,700 individuals are expected to receive the treatment after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved Casgevy for use in some patients with the genetic condition. Professor Bob Klaber, Director of Strategy, Research, and Innovation at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, which led the UK arm of…
