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Tag: Pakistan

  • Car sales increase in Pakistan despite high prices, economic challenges

    Car sales increase in Pakistan despite high prices, economic challenges

    In a surprising turn of events, the soaring prices of cars in Pakistan have not deterred buyers, as car sales experienced a notable uptick in February 2024.

    According to data released by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), car sales edged up by 1.94 per cent, reaching 7,953 units, compared to 7,802 units recorded in January 2024.

    This positive momentum follows a robust performance in the preceding month, where car sales hit their highest mark since December 2022.

    Analysts attribute this continued growth to the momentum generated by the new year, which has carried over into February.

    Year-on-year comparisons reveal a substantial increase, with car sales spiking by 2.18 times compared to February 2023, when only 3,642 units were sold.

    However, despite this recent surge, cumulative sales for the first eight months of fiscal year 2024 stand at 46,417 units, marking a 40.93 per cent decline from the same period last year.

    Similarly, the production of passenger cars has witnessed a significant downturn, with 8MFY24 recording 48,402 units, reflecting a 40.84 per cent decrease compared to the previous fiscal year.

    In February alone, production plummeted by 16.77 per cent month-on-month, totaling 8,002 units, down from 9,614 units in January 2023.

    Nonetheless, on a year-on-year basis, production saw a remarkable surge of 69.97 per cent, indicating a shift in manufacturing trends.

    Despite these fluctuations, the automotive landscape faces challenges, notably with Pak Suzuki Motor Company announcing two price hikes within a span of ten days in response to increased sales tax.

    The repercussions of these adjustments on sales are anticipated to unfold in the coming weeks, as the market adapts to the new pricing structure.

  • 24-karat gold price dips slightly by Rs100 per tola

    24-karat gold price dips slightly by Rs100 per tola

    In the domestic bullion market, Tuesday saw a relatively stagnant session, with the price of 24-karat gold slipping by Rs100 to Rs230,100 per tola.

    Notably, this marks the first decline in gold prices in Pakistan following ten consecutive sessions of growth.

    Just last week, the price of 24-karat gold surged by almost Rs10,000 per tola, reaching levels unseen since September 2023.

    However, according to the Karachi Sarafa Association, the price of 10-gramme 24-karat gold dropped to Rs197,274 per tola, reflecting a decrease of Rs86.

    Similarly, the price of 10-gramme 22-karat gold experienced a slight dip, settling at Rs180,834.

    Contrastingly, silver prices remained stable today, with 24-karat silver maintaining its rate at Rs 2,600 per tola and Rs2,229.08 per 10-gramme.

    On the global stage, international spot gold traded near $2,177.14 an ounce, marking a 0.26% decrease from the previous session.

    Investors are closely monitoring Tuesday’s U.S. inflation data, anticipating its impact on monetary policy.

  • IMF mission to arrive tomorrow for final review discussions on Pakistan’s SBA

    IMF mission to arrive tomorrow for final review discussions on Pakistan’s SBA

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission is poised to commence vital economic review discussions from March 14 to 18, 2024, marking the conclusive evaluation of Pakistan’s Standby Arrangement (SBA).

    Sources within the Finance Ministry have confirmed that the IMF mission is scheduled to touch down in Pakistan tomorrow night, kickstarting a series of pivotal discussions set to unfold over the next four days.

    During this intensive period, the IMF mission is slated to engage in comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan’s economic team. Key participants include representatives from the Finance Ministry, Energy Ministry, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Planning Commission, and the Petroleum Division.

    Insiders suggest that the IMF mission will delve into discussions covering a spectrum of economic facets. Talks are expected to encompass various critical sectors, including finance, energy, taxation, and central banking.

    Furthermore, in parallel with these discussions, preliminary conversations are anticipated to unfold regarding the potential initiation of a new loan programme with the IMF mission. This prospect adds an extra layer of significance to the ongoing economic deliberations as Pakistan navigates its financial landscape in the pursuit of sustainable economic growth.

    Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage as the IMF mission engages in the final review of Pakistan’s Standby Arrangement, paving the way for crucial decisions that could shape the nation’s economic trajectory in the coming months.

  • What should a girl go for: Money or looks? Azekah Daniel gives her opinion

    What should a girl go for: Money or looks? Azekah Daniel gives her opinion

    Azekah Daniel, who works as both an actor and a model, recently appeared on the cricket show ‘Har Lamha Purjosh’. She talked about what she likes in men, saying she prefers intelligence and personality over just good looks.


    During the show, she joined in fun activities and answered the host Najeeb-ul-Husnain’s questions.
    When asked about what she thinks is more important in marriage, money or looks, Azekah said, “None, I believe.” She explained, “As far as money is involved, it can be earned by either of the two parties involved or even both together. And about looks, I prefer intellect and personality over it.”


    In response to another question, Azekah said, “Directors, producers, and channels are more important for acting, rather than scripts and co-stars. I have worked with good directors on weak scripts, they either rewrite or execute in such a way which looks visually appealing to the viewers, so it’s all about how you are able to present something to the audience.”


    She also admitted that she sometimes chooses not to work on projects because of certain co-stars she doesn’t want to work with.

  • Aik MNA ki salary kitni hai?

    Aik MNA ki salary kitni hai?

    Whenever you start a new job people ask “Salary kitni hai?” Well our newly inducted Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) are being asked the same and we are telling you what their salary is.

    Their basic pay is Rs 150,000 while the sumptuary allowance, a benefit granted to several grades of Central Government employees to cover the expenses incurred on entertaining visitors, is 5,000. They also get a telephone allowance of ten thousand rupees and they also get an office maintenance allowance of eight thousand rupees. In addition to this, their ad-hoc relief allowance is 15 thousand rupees.

    The breakdown of allowances for attending each session of the National Assembly is as follows:

    Daily allowance (special): Rs4,800 per day
    Daily allowance (ordinary): Rs2,800 per day
    Conveyance allowance: Rs2,000 per day
    Housing allowance: Rs2,000 per day

    These allowances are dispersed for three days preceding the session and three days following it.

    Moreover, MNAs receive additional funds based on their mode of transportation:

    By air (business class): Rs150 per kilometer
    By road: Rs10 per kilometer
    By rail: An amount equivalent to one air-conditioned class fare and one second-class fare

    Additionally, the government provides MNAs with “free travel” vouchers, enabling them to avail Pakistani airline services or Pakistan Railways. The benefits include:

    Travel vouchers worth Rs300,000 annually or a cash allowance of Rs90,000
    Twenty-five business class return air tickets per year.
    Furthermore, each MNA is eligible to have a telephone installed free of charge at their residence.

    Lastly, MNAs are reimbursed for their medical expenses, ensuring comprehensive coverage for their well-being.

  • Rani Mukerji wins best actress award for ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’

    Rani Mukerji wins best actress award for ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’

    Bollywood star Rani Mukherji, known for her powerful role in ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,’ won the Best Actress award at the Zee Cine Awards. She portrayed a strong-willed mother fighting against all odds to reunite with her children.

    While receiving the award she said, “This award is very special for me. This is my 27th year in the industry, and it is heartening to see my work being acknowledged and awarded.”
    Calling ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’ a “very special film”, Mukherjee said that for her it was essential to ensure that this story reaches a wider audience. “This is the story of every Indian woman, every mother.”
    She thanked director Ashima Chibber for bringing the story to life and reaching a larger audience.
    “A huge thanks to my producers Zee Studios and Emmay Entertainment for supporting this film when many doubted content-driven movies’ success in theaters,”
    Rani further stated, “I am also grateful to the Estonian crew for their Rani Mukerji wins best actress award for ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’


    Bollywood star Rani Mukherji, known for her powerful role in ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,’ won the Best Actress award at the Zee Cine Awards. She portrayed a strong-willed mother fighting against all odds to reunite with her children.
    She said, “This award is very special for me. This is my 27th year in the industry, and it is heartening to see my work being acknowledged and awarded.”
    She continued, “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’ is a very special film because it is the story of a mother and her strength. For me, it was essential to ensure that this story reaches a wider audience because this is the story of every Indian woman, every mother.”
    She expressed, ‘I would like to specially thank my director Ashima Chibber for bringing this story to life and reaching a larger audience through me.’


    She added, ‘A huge thanks to my producers Zee Studios and Emmay Entertainment for supporting this film when many doubted content-driven movies’ success in theaters.”
    Rani further stated, “I am also grateful to the Estonian crew for their significant contribution to the film’s production. 2023 was an important year for cinema, and films like ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’ received immense respect and love from the audience.”
    She concluded, “It is because of your love that I have been honored with this award. We receive awards because of the love of our colleagues and the audience. Thank you once again for giving so much love to ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.’ I am very grateful.”

  • Atif Aslam sings ‘Allah Hu Allah’ for Ramazan 2024

    Atif Aslam sings ‘Allah Hu Allah’ for Ramazan 2024

    Atif Aslam may have numerous pop and romantic hits to his credit, but he always makes time for singing devotional songs.

    The superstar often recites naats and hamds, not only for his fans but also for himself and his children, a fact he confirmed in an interview. Reciting Kalam makes him feel peaceful and he even wishes to recite aazan someday in Makkah.

    Atif Aslam has sung Tajdar e Haram, Mustafa Jaan e Rehmat Pe Lakhon Salam, and Wohi Khuda Hai. This year, for Ramadan 2024, he worked together with Sarsabz and sang Allah Hu Allah. When you hear Atif’s mesmerizing voice against the backdrop of the stunning Badshahi Mosque, you’ll feel amazed.

  • Kubra Khan breaks silence on Gohar Rasheed link-up rumors

    Kubra Khan breaks silence on Gohar Rasheed link-up rumors

    Popular film and TV star Kubra Khan has finally addressed rumors linking her to her close friend and seasoned actor, Gohar Rasheed.
    In a recent interview with a digital magazine, Kubra discussed her relationship with Gohar and how she feels about the persistent rumors. She remarked, “I’m used to it now. I’m like if it happens, you guys made it happen. I swear, you guys pushed it so much… But no, it doesn’t bother me anymore to be honest because it has been happening for eight years, and eventually now I’m like, yeah whatever.”


    She further added, “I’m not going to say that I’m mature or thick-skinned now, but the thing is the truth always comes out eventually, and I don’t have the energy to react to every Tom, Dick, and Harry.”


    When questioned about her personal life and any romantic interests, Khan humorously suggested, “Maybe I have been married all this time, and no one got to know because I have kept my life so private from social media.” However, she clarified that she was joking. “I’m not married, I’m really not. But honestly, the extent of privacy I have kept in my personal life, you might not know if when I get married,” she told the host.


    Gohar Rasheed and Kubra Khan appeared together in the Eid-al-Adha blockbuster ‘London Nahi Jaunga’, alongside Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat.

  • Export of onions and bananas banned in first meeting of cabinet

    Export of onions and bananas banned in first meeting of cabinet

    The federal cabinet has approved a ban on the export of bananas and onion till April 15, 2024, a step taken to bring down rates during Ramzan, reporting Geo News.

    The first meeting of the newly elected federal cabinet was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in which the economic situation of the country was deliberated upon and important decisions were taken including the ban on exporting bananas and onions.
    The ban was imposed to ensure ample availability in the market.


    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to immediately form a committee to control the prices of food items. The cabinet says that the committee will closely monitor the prices of food items in collaboration with the provincial governments.


    The Prime Minister also issued orders to take strict action against unnecessary increase in prices of essential commodities and illegal profiteering.
    Shahbaz Sharif said that no negligence will be tolerated in taking strict action against profiteering.


    With the beginning of Ramzan, onion prices have reached 300 rupees per kg, while the prices of other food items are also very high.

  • President Zardari will not take salary as president

    President Zardari will not take salary as president

    The newly elected president, Asif Ali Zardari, has decided that he will not take salar in light of the economic crisis in Pakistan.

    President Zardari took the decision as the country is passing through a difficult time and the economy is not stable.

    President House said that Asif Ali Zardari has decided not to burden the national treasury and prefers not to take a salary.

    Zardari took the oath as the 14th president in a ceremony held at the President’s House on Sunday, with his children and grandson in attendance.

    The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, took the oath from the newly elected president. Political and military leaders, along with foreign ambassadors, attended the ceremony.

    A guard of honour was presented to the new president on the day after the swearing-in ceremony.