Attention gamers! Dubai is calling with an exciting opportunity – the all-new Dubai Gaming Visa. This innovative program is designed to attract talented individuals to the city’s burgeoning gaming industry. The Dubai Gaming Visa offers a path to long-term residency through the Creative and Talented Accreditation Certificate. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s ambitious “Program for Gaming 2033,” aiming to create 30,000 jobs and significantly boost the city’s GDP. Dubai Gaming Visa: How to Apply The application process for this program is streamlined and convenient. Applicants can submit their applications directly through the official website. They must be at least 25…
Author: Amna Riaz
Pakistan’s steel industry receives a boost with the extension of anti-dumping duty on steel imports from China. The National Tariff Commission (NTC) announced a five-year continuation of the 19.15% duty on Chinese steel rebar imports, effective from October 17th, 2022. This decision aims to protect domestic steel producers from unfair competition caused by steel import from China. The duty applies to steel rebars, which are crucial raw materials used in construction projects. Previously, in 2017, the NTC imposed the initial anti-dumping duty on steel for five years after local manufacturers, Amreli Steels, Agha Steels, and Abbas Engineering, raised concerns about…
The Pakistani government is taking a stricter approach towards non-filers, those who haven’t filed their income tax returns. This includes imposing non-filers pay tax on mobile phone top-ups and bundles. Starting May 15th (subject to implementation), non-filers will face a non-filers tax on mobile charges in the form of a 2.5% additional tax and withholding tax. This move aims to incentivize tax filing and increase government revenue. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is also considering levy potentially taxing every mobile and data recharge. The data of non-filers has already been shared with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to facilitate…
The question of Palestine membership remains unresolved despite a recent vote by the UN General Assembly. The assembly overwhelmingly called for Palestine’s admission as a full member, but the decision ultimately rests with the Security Council, where the US veto power creates a significant obstacle. While Friday’s vote signifies a gesture of support for the Palestinians, it doesn’t guarantee Palestine membership. The resolution enhances Palestine’s rights within the organization but falls short of granting voting power, a privilege reserved for full members. This latest development comes amidst growing international pressure on the membership issue. Several European countries, including Spain, Ireland,…
Pakistanis, be cautious! A recent report by the Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) reveals that unsafe bottled water is a growing concern. The report identified 19 brands of bottled and mineral water contaminated with harmful substances, making them unfit for consumption. This discovery highlights the importance of unsafe bottled water awareness. To safeguard public health, the government has directed PCRWR to conduct quarterly inspections of bottled water brands and publicize the findings. This allows consumers to make informed choices about the water they drink. The PCRWR analysis involved collecting and testing 185 bottled water samples. Comparing these…
Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone in space exploration with the successful deployment of iCube Qamar. Led by the Institute of Space Technology (IST), this endeavor marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s space. Dr. Khurshid, a key member of the IST team, hailed the deployment as a monumental success. This satellite, now in orbit, poised to revolutionize our understanding of lunar surfaces. Launched aboard China’s Chang’e-6 from Hainan, China, on May 3rd, iCube Qamar primed to capture high-resolution images of targeted lunar areas. Dr. Khurram revealed satellite’s mission duration, circling the moon for three to six months. With this mission,…
Google is making a significant investment in Google boosts AI in Pakistan through a series of initiatives. This includes offering 45,000 scholarships for Google Career Certificates in 2024, empowering the country’s workforce with in-demand AI skills. Recognizing Pakistan’s thriving freelance sector, Google has also launched two new programs. The first, in partnership with the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), provides up to 50,000 freelancers with access to training on crucial soft skills like personal branding and communication. This will enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan’s Google AI in Pakistan talent pool in the global market. The second program, “Career Kamyabi,” focuses on…
Pakistan faces a new challenge as the IMF proposes taxing pensioners as part of a bailout package negotiation. This move, aimed at raising additional revenue, could significantly impact the country’s already struggling fixed-income population. The IMF’s proposal involves withdrawing income tax exemptions currently enjoyed by pensioners, both civilian and military. This would generate an estimated Rs22-25 billion annually for the government. Additionally, the global lender recommends taxing pensions and gratuities, including those received from private schemes and government commutation options. Taxing pensioners has raised concerns about the burden it places on vulnerable citizens already facing high inflation. Pensioners, along with…
The ongoing wheat crisis in Pakistan is starting to have ripple effects across the agricultural sector, with cotton sowing delays. This development has rung alarm bells in the country’s vital textile industry, which heavily relies on domestically produced cotton. The primary reason for the delay is the unexpected drop in temperatures during February and March. This disrupted the usual wheat harvest schedule, pushing back the time when fields become available for planting the next crop – in this case, cotton. However, the impact of the wheat crisis goes beyond simple timing. Due to difficulties selling wheat at the government-mandated price…
Sher Afzal Marwat, a prominent figure in PTI party, has been ousted from key party committees. PTI leader Omar Ayub announced it. This decision comes in the wake of Marwat’s recent remarks regarding Saudi Arabia. PTI removes Sher Afzal Marwat from key committees both core and political committees confirmed by Ayub, who emphasized Khan’s directive in response to Marwat’s controversial statements. Marwat’s criticism of senior party members and his alleged exclusion from the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sparked controversy within PTI ranks. He accused Shibli Faraz, the Senate opposition leader, of influencing Imran Khan’s decision-making process regarding his…