FBR revises customs values The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), through the Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi, has introduced major revisions to customs values on a wide range of imported paper products. The updated valuation rulings—covering uncoated offset paper, self-adhesive sticker sheets, non-carbon releasing paper, art card, coated boards, and lightweight coated papers—aim to…
Saudi Arabia Eases Alcohol Rules Saudi Arabia is undergoing another notable shift in its social and regulatory landscape, as foreign residents report a further relaxation of the country’s long-standing restrictions on alcohol. According to multiple expatriates living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia alcohol rules have been quietly softened, expanding legal access to alcoholic beverages beyond diplomats…
Manufacturing PMI Manufacturing activity across the globe presented a mixed but cautiously optimistic picture in the latest round of Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data. Pakistan’s manufacturing sector made a strong comeback in November, returning to growth after three months of contraction, while the United States recorded stable though moderating expansion. Globally, factory activity has edged…
PayPak Mastercard Co-Badge Debit Card Faysal Bank Limited (FBL) has taken a pioneering step in Pakistan’s financial landscape by launching the country’s first-ever PayPak–Mastercard Co-Badge Debit Card. Developed in collaboration with PayPak and Mastercard, this innovative product marks a major milestone in enhancing Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem. The breakthrough combines the global acceptance of Mastercard…
Gold prices in Pakistan Gold prices experienced another sharp rise both in the local and international markets, extending their upward momentum after a brief dip earlier in the week. This sustained increase comes amid global economic uncertainties, a weakening U.S. dollar, and rising expectations of future interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Investors worldwide…
Finland Embassy Closure Islamabad Mission to Shut in 2026 Amid Strategic Diplomatic Shift Finland has announced a major overhaul of its global diplomatic network, confirming that its embassy in Islamabad will close by 2026. The decision is part of a broader strategic realignment by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, aimed at strengthening Finland’s presence in…
Rawalpindi Commercial Market to Become Car-Free Zone as New Deadline Announced Rawalpindi’s famous Commercial Market in Satellite Town is set to transform into a car-free pedestrian zone, with the Punjab government pushing forward a major beautification and underground utility project. Authorities have now fixed December 30 as the new deadline for shifting all electricity, gas,…
AUH Booklet ANSES 2025 As the year comes to an end, Argentina’s National Social Security Administration (ANSES) is once again urging families who receive the Asignación Universal por Hijo (AUH) to submit the annual AUH Booklet before December 31. This deadline is crucial for maintaining eligibility for the program and for unlocking the 20% of…
Australian Border Force Passport System Outage Causes Delays Nationwide A major Australian Border Force passport system outage on Saturday caused widespread disruption across the country, leaving thousands of travellers stranded in long queues at major airports. The unexpected system failure brought international departures and arrivals to a near standstill for several hours, impacting both inbound…
Meezan Bank has once again reinforced its unmatched position in Pakistan’s financial landscape by securing the prestigious “Best Bank of Pakistan” award for the fifth time. This remarkable milestone reflects the bank’s consistent performance, customer trust, and unwavering commitment to Islamic banking principles. A Legacy of Excellence Meezan Bank’s journey to becoming the country’s most…