Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance convened today, reiterating its firm stance against government intervention in the sugar trade and urging a hands-off approach to pricing and imports. The committee meeting also highlighted ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding controversial tax exemptions on …
Read More »Girls outshine boys in FBISE SSC exams
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: Girls have once again demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, sweeping the top positions in the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) Secondary School Certificate (SSC) annual examinations 2025. The overall pass percentage for SSC Part-I (9th class) stood at 62.18%, while SSC Part-II (10th class) saw …
Read More »USC shutting down by July 2025; employee plan underway
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting of the committee tasked by the Prime Minister to oversee the closure and privatization of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC). The meeting, held at the Finance Division, focused on ensuring a smooth and transparent wind-up process, …
Read More »Govt announces fuel price hike
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The Finance Division has announced a significant revision in the prices of petroleum products, effective from July 16, 2025. The decision, outlined in a press release issued today, comes following recommendations from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and other relevant ministries. This move is expected …
Read More »Business community defers strike after govt forms panel on tax grievances
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: In a significant development that offers a temporary reprieve for the nation’s economy, the country’s business community has postponed its planned nationwide strike following a high-level meeting with Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. The decision came after extensive deliberations in Islamabad today, aimed …
Read More »Ogra Cuts LNG Prices for July 2025
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has announced a reduction in prices of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) for July 2025. These prices will be applicable in the current month, effective from July 1, 2025. According to a notification issued by OGRA, the RLNG prices for …
Read More »Pakistan’s digital dream: A reality check amidst lofty ambitions
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is charting an ambitious course towards a digitally transformed future, with recent legislative milestones like the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025 hailed as a cornerstone for economic growth and societal advancement. While the government’s vision paints a picture of bypassing traditional development stages through digital prowess, …
Read More »OGDCL faces significant headwinds: production declines, financial slump, and persistent security woes
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: Despite its formidable position as Pakistan’s leading exploration and production (E&P) company, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) is navigating a challenging landscape marked by declining production, a substantial drop in profitability, and persistent operational hurdles. While the company touts its vast exploration acreage and strategic …
Read More »PARCO’S profit mirage: A deep dive into liquidity drains and stalled evolution
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: A recent analysis of Pak-Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO), a crucial joint venture between the Governments of Pakistan and Abu Dhabi, paints a concerning picture of the company’s financial health and strategic outlook, despite its significant national asset base. The report highlights a perilous mix of liquidity strain, …
Read More »Committee slams PTCL along with Telecos for mismanagement & poor service
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has come down hard on Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), recommending disciplinary action due to serious concerns about mismanagement, lack of transparency, and failure to cooperate with parliamentary oversight. The committee also sharply criticized the broader telecom …
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