Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Salaried individuals paid Rs85 billion in income tax during first two months of FY26

    Salaried individuals paid Rs85 billion in income tax during first two months of FY26

    Salaried individuals paid Rs85 billion in income tax during the first two months of the ongoing fiscal year 2025-26 – 21% more than the Rs70 billion collected during the same period last year, data from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has shown.

    According to reports, provisional figures from the tax watchdog revealed that non-corporate employees paid Rs41.5 billion, registering a 26% increase from last year, whereas corporate sector employees contributed Rs20 billion, which is 26% higher.

    Employees of provincial governments paid Rs10.5 billion – a 6% increase – and federal employees contributed Rs7.6 billion, up by 8%.

    The government’s new tax on wealthy pensioners, introduced in this year’s budget for pensions exceeding Rs10 million annually, yielded only Rs180 million over two months, suggesting annual collections may reach just over Rs1 billion.

    Earlier, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb acknowledged that tax relief for the salaried class remained limited due to the government’s constrained fiscal space. The increase comes on top of last year’s already elevated base, when contributions rose by more than 50% because of higher income tax rates.

    While the salaried class continues to see rising tax contributions, collection from traders remains limited. Several enforcement measures, including a ban on economic transactions by ineligible persons, were diluted or reversed. 

    Parliamentary committees are scrutinising the unusually high pay packages of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) officials. The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has already flagged serious concerns over a steep salary hike for SECP commissioners and the chairman, which was endorsed by the regulator’s board on management’s recommendation.

    The real estate sector also faced higher taxes, with increased rates for non-filers and a new category for late filers. Withholding tax collections on plot sales rose 92% to Rs28 billion, while collections on plot purchases fell 12% to less than Rs13 billion.

  • ‘Got some great selfie skills too’: Goher Mumtaz meets A.R. Rehman

    ‘Got some great selfie skills too’: Goher Mumtaz meets A.R. Rehman

    Singer, guitarist, and actor Goher Mumtaz recently “reunited” with legendary Indian music composer A.R. Rahman. 

    The moment was shared by Goher in a heartfelt Instagram post, where he praised Rahman’s humility and his unexpected talent for taking good selfies.

    “Great catching up with the maestro @arrahman almost after a decade,” Goher wrote. “Some great learnings, nostalgia and discussions over the innovations like AI in music productions and the future of it. (P.S: @arrahman got some great selfie skills too),” he added with a smile.

    The meeting between the two artists has sparked excitement among fans across the subcontinent, symbolizing the continuing bond between the music industries of Pakistan and India despite political tensions.

    Goher Mumtaz is best known as a founding member of the iconic Pakistani band Jal, which took the South Asian music scene by storm in the early 2000s. Originally formed with Atif Aslam, Jal’s breakout single Aadat became an anthem for a generation. After Atif’s departure, Goher continued Jal’s success with hits like Sajni, Ik Din Aye Ga, Dil Haray and many more. 

    In addition to his music career, Goher has also established himself as an actor in Pakistani dramas.

    A.R. Rahman is one of the most influential and celebrated music composers in the world. Known for blending Indian classical music with electronic sounds and world music influences, Rahman has composed for numerous Bollywood blockbusters and international projects.

    Some of his most iconic works include Roja, Dil Se – featuring the evergreen hit Chaiyya Chaiyya, Lagaan, Rockstar, and Slumdog Millionaire, which won him two Academy Awards (Best Original Score & Best Original Song for Jai Ho.

    He is known for his visionary approach to music, always embracing new technologies and innovations.

    This meeting has sparked speculation and hope among fans about a possible future collaboration.

  • Aryna Sabalenka reaches third straight US Open final after defeating Jessica Pegula

    Aryna Sabalenka reaches third straight US Open final after defeating Jessica Pegula

    World number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to her third consecutive US Open final after beating American Jessica Pegula in a thrilling three-set semifinal on Friday. 

    The Belarusian star will now face Amanda Anisimova, who stunned Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the other semifinal.

    Sabalenka, 27, recovered from a set down to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a tense battle. Pegula claimed the opening set, but Sabalenka fought back, taking control of the next two sets. In the decider, she saved crucial break points and sealed victory on her third match point with a powerful forehand.

    “I had to fight really hard today. Jessica played amazing and pushed me to the limit,” Sabalenka told reporters after the match. “I’m happy to be in another final, and I hope this time I can lift the trophy.”

    The world number one has now reached four of the last five Grand Slam finals. She finished runner-up at this year’s Australian Open and Roland Garros but has not won a major title since her 2024 US Open triumph.

  • Mariyam Nafees urges parents to not hire male nannies for daughters

    Mariyam Nafees urges parents to not hire male nannies for daughters

    Actor Mariyam Nafees has addressed hiring of male nannies for children, urging please to not do so for their daughters.

    Taking to Instagram, Mariyam raised serious concerns over the employment of male helpers to care for children, particularly young girls. She described the practice as dangerous, citing growing incidents of child abuse in the country.

    She recounted a troubling experience when she took her son Issa for vaccination. While at the clinic, she said she noticed two young girls being looked after by male caretakers, which she found deeply unsettling. One of the girls was four years old while the other was just two.

    The actress emphasised that hiring male helpers to look after children, especially girls, was risky. “Many cases have already been reported in Pakistan,” she said, adding that incidents of harassment and abuse against children occurred frequently.

    “Every hour, a case of child abuse is reported in Pakistan. That means 12 children are abused every day in this country,” she said, urging mothers to stay vigilant and protect their children.

    Mariyam appealed to parents to avoid hiring male staff for their daughters’ care, stressing the importance of safeguarding young girls in an increasingly unsafe environment.

    “Please don’t take chances […] you can NEVER be sure about any guy around your baby girls,” she wrote in the caption of her post.

    Since after she posted the video, social media users are widely supporting her message, echoing her concerns and urging fellow parents to prioritise the safety of their children by avoiding the employment of male caregivers for young girls.

  • Man shot dead in front of children during robbery

    Man shot dead in front of children during robbery

    A tragic incident took place in Duki’s Jalalabad neighbourhood where armed robbers shot a man dead in front of his two children before fleeing with his motorcycle, media reports said.

    According to reports, police and local sources identified the victim as Mirza, son of Suleman Khel. He was travelling with his minor children when the robbers intercepted him. Eyewitnesses told reporters that the robbers tried to snatch his motorcycle, and when he resisted, they opened fire.

    Mirza died on the spot while his children witnessed the horrifying scene. Rescue workers shifted the body to Duki Hospital for medico-legal formalities.

    Further investigation is underway.

  • Cause of death revealed for investigator who died suddenly during ‘Annabelle’ doll tour

    Cause of death revealed for investigator who died suddenly during ‘Annabelle’ doll tour

    A cause of death has been confirmed for Dan Rivera, a paranormal investigator who was found dead in July following an event in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, that featured the infamous Annabelle doll.

    Rivera, a 54-year-old Army veteran and senior lead investigator with the Connecticut-based New England Society for Psychic Research, died on July 13, just a day after the event involving the allegedly haunted doll known from horror folklore.

    On Thursday, September 4, Adams County Coroner Francis Dutrow announced that Rivera’s death was cardiac-related and classified as natural. “Mr Rivera had a known history of cardiac issues, which were consistent with the findings,” Dutrow stated.

    He also clarified that the doll was not present in the room at the time of his passing.

    Earlier, a report from the Pennsylvania State Police had also described the circumstances of Rivera’s death. According to the report, officers responded to a hotel in Straban Township, Adams County, where Rivera was found deceased in his room by hotel staff.

    Authorities noted that there was nothing suspicious or out of the ordinary at the scene.

    Rivera had reportedly been with colleagues earlier that morning but told them he was feeling unwell and returned to his hotel room. It remains unclear what specific symptoms he was experiencing.

    At the time of the incident, Rivera was part of a tour in Gettysburg showcasing Annabelle, which the New England Society for Psychic Research claims is “demonically possessed”.

    Annabelle’s origins trace back to 1968, when she was reportedly gifted to a nursing student, who later brought the doll to the apartment she shared with her roommate.

    The doll has been a part of pop culture in recent years after it was featured in The Conjuring film series, latest instalment of which was released in the United States (US) on Sept 4.

  • Sialkot molestation suspect ‘accidentally shoots himself in private parts’

    Sialkot molestation suspect ‘accidentally shoots himself in private parts’

    A man accused of molesting a woman on Sialkot’s Pasrur Road was injured after accidentally shooting himself in private parts during a police chase.

    A viral CCTV footage had earlier this week shown the suspect driving past two women on a street, only to turn his bike around and grope one of the women outside their house.

    Days after the video started doing the rounds on social media, a new video has surfaced online, showing the suspect confessing to what he did.

    He went on to confess to a similar incident six months ago, and revealed that he had accidentally shot himself in his private parts during a consequent police chase. “I seek an apology from my sister [the victim] as well as from CCD [Crime Control Department] and the government. I will not perform any such act in the future,” the suspect said.

    It merits a mention that the “accidental” firing of the suspect’s own weapon and injuring his private parts is not the first incident of its kind as several similar cases involving rape or molestation suspects have been reported in recent weeks.

    On August 22, a man accused of molesting a 10-year-old girl in Chunian was critically injured after accidentally shooting himself in the private parts during a police raid for his arrest.

    Earlier, another suspect who harassed a minor in Kasur’s Shah Inayat Colony, accidentally “shot himself” while trying to evade arrest.

  • Nepal blocks Facebook, X and YouTube among other social media platforms

    Nepal blocks Facebook, X and YouTube among other social media platforms

    Nepal has announced blocking most social media platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, after the companies refused to comply with new regulations requiring them to register with the government.

    Minister for Communication and Information Prithvi Subba Gurung said that about two dozen popular social networks in Nepal received repeated notices to officially register their companies but ignored them. “The platforms will be blocked immediately,” he told reporters.

    TikTok, Viber and three other social media platforms will continue to operate because they have registered with the government.

    While authorities have directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to disable all platforms that fail to meet the requirements, the action comes days after the government demanded that social media companies set up liaison offices in Nepal, appoint grievance officers and follow a strict code of conduct.

    Officials argued that fake accounts and hate speech were fueling cybercrime and disturbing social harmony in a country where nearly 90 percent of the 30 million population uses the internet.

    At the same time, the government has introduced a bill in parliament aimed at tightening control of social media. The legislation, which has not yet been fully debated, has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups. Activists say it could be used as a tool for censorship and to punish opponents voicing dissent online.

    Officials defend the move, insisting that laws are needed to hold both users and operators accountable for what is published on social platforms.

  • Atif Aslam says he misses Bollywood

    Atif Aslam says he misses Bollywood

    One of Pakistan’s biggest stars, singer and sometimes-actor Atif Aslam, has said that he misses working in Bollywood.

    Atif, who is currently in Canada for a concert tour, sat down for an exclusive interview with Indian host and journalist Faridoon Shahryar.

    During the interview, he opened up about his musical journey and said, “I miss you guys. It has been what 8 to 10 years since I last worked there. I miss performing there, recording in studios… miss friends there but I am happy that music is flourishing all over the world.”

    He also shared his thoughts on what a singer feels when he gets on stage. “When I get to the stage, I forget everything and I don’t have any clue what’s happening in my life. At first, you sing for fame, then for money and when you’ve reach at certain position, you only do it as an art and then a time comes when you do it for yourself.”

    “If we talk about Pakistan, we don’t have a lot of big names or singers. Our industry isn’t as large as Bollywood…  and that’s just the reality,” he said.

    Reflecting on his own success, the singer added that despite limited resources, God had enabled him to reach Bollywood and that was the greatest blessing for me. “He made me shine in such a vast world. I can never thank Him enough for His blessings.”

    To a question about memories of song Dil Diyan Gallan, Atif said he was in Dubai with Vishal Shekar. “I remember they made me sing on low notes and I am glad they did that because everyone wanted and expected high notes from me. When I sang it in low notes, a beautiful tune popped in. Also, the song had beautiful lines. Yes, I sang for Salman Khan as well and it is always a pleasure to sing for Salman Khan because we have met a few times… what a man, what a guy.”

    Meanwhile, many Indian fans of the singer are saying that they miss him too.

  • Three schoolchildren killed, five injured as dumper runs over students in Abbottabad

    Three schoolchildren killed, five injured as dumper runs over students in Abbottabad

    Three children were killed and five others sustained injuries when a dumper truck ran them over in Abbottabad on Friday morning.

    Abbottabad police spokesperson Azam Mir Afzal told a private news outlet that the accident took place as the children were crossing the road near Lady Garden Park on their way to school.

    A first information report was registered against the driver, who fled the scene, while the dumper truck was seized, he said.

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmad Faizi told reporters that a rescue team immediately went to the accident site after receiving information. “The bodies of the deceased, as well as the injured children, were taken to the district headquarters hospital.”

    After the incident, family members of the children and locals staged a protest by blocking the Old Karakoram Highway.

    “They demanded the arrest of the dumper truck’s driver,” the police spokesperson noted, adding that the protest ended after police assured the families that the driver would be arrested. Raids are being conducted to trace him.

    It may be noted that the city has witnessed such tragedies before. In March, at least two students died and nine others were injured when a private van plunged into a gorge in Abbottabad’s Tarnoi Qalandarabad area.