ISLAMABAD: A whopping 18% sales tax has been imposed on hundreds of commodities sold in retail packaging across the country, including packaged milk for children, ARY News reported.Milk and Dairy ProductsThe commodities, including packaged milk, infant formula, and other dairy products, will now face an 18% sales tax.Commodities Sold in Branded PackagingFood items sold in branded packaging—including ghee, sweets, cooking oil, pasta, and sausages—will also be charged an 18% sales tax.https://youtu.be/CyhwHPK3l_U?si=HgqSOminnzpaLm2qAgricultural and Household GoodsFurthermore, an 18% sales tax has been levied on agricultural pesticides sold in retail packaging, disinfectants, household plastic products, kitchenware, storage items, women's handbags, suitcases, and other travel goods.Read More: There is nothing in Budget for the poor, says Barrister GoharBathroom Fittings and FootwearMoreover, all types of footwear, bathroom fittings, and sanitary wear will now attract the 18% sales tax.

ISLAMABAD: The Finance Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has announced a significant reduction in the withholding tax levied on overseas transactions made through debit and credit cards during his budget 2026-27 speech.Under the revised policy, the withholding tax on transactions made abroad or through international online platforms using Pakistani bank-issued debit and credit cards has been reduced from 5 percent to 0.5 percent.The finance minister has said that the move would substantially lower the tax burden on travelers using their cards for hotel bookings, shopping, and other expenses while abroad.While the companies and individuals that pay for international software, tools, and cloud-based services subscriptions through card transactions would also get rid of hefty taxes.In addition, consumers purchasing goods from global e-commerce platforms are likely to see lower costs on international payments.

Another case of Monkeypox (mpox) has been reported in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi, Pakistan, according to hospital authorities.A 40-year-old man, a resident of Gulistan-e-Johar, has tested positive for the mpox virus and is currently undergoing treatment in the isolation ward (ICU) of NIPA Hospital. Read Also: Nine Dead as Monkeypox Surge Hits Sindh Hospital officials said the patient had no recent travel history. The infection was confirmed through a PCR test.With the latest case, the number of mpox patients treated at NIPA Hospital has risen to seven, while the total number of reported cases of mpox in Karachi has reached 10.Monkeypox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a viral zoonotic infection, meaning that it can spread from animals to humans. It can also spread from humans to other humans and from the environment to humans.The monkeypox virus was discovered in Denmark (1958) in monkeys kept for research and the first reported human case of mpox was a nine-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, 1970). Mpox can spread from person to person or occasionally from animals to people. Following eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the end of smallpox vaccination worldwide, mpox steadily emerged in central, east and west Africa. A global outbreak occurred in 2022–2023. The natural reservoir of the virus is unknown – various small mammals such as squirrels and monkeys are susceptible.

KARACHI: Another person died of rabies, an illness related to dog bites, on Saturday, bringing the provincial tally to 14, ARY News reported.The 45-year-old patient was transferred to Karachi's Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) from Larkana.According to the hospital administration, a dog had bitten his fingers two months ago. They added that the anti-rabies vaccine had not been administered to the deceased.As many as five cases of rabies have been reported at Jinnah Hospital, while nine cases have been reported at the Indus Hospital.Meanwhile, a whopping 25,000 rabies exposure cases have been reported in Karachi alone, whereas more than 100,000 cases have been recorded across Sindh.

Silver prices in Pakistan have experienced significant volatility during this week with international bullion movement and local market forces playing role in chandi ka rate falling and gaining between Rs 7,102 and Rs 9,002 per tola. Weekend Silver Rate Update- June 13, 2026 As of the weekend close on June 13, 2026, the silver rate in Pakistan settled at approximately Rs. 8,102 per tola, Rs. 6,945 per 10 grams, and Rs. 694.5 per gram. This represents a modest recovery from the mid-week low but remains below the weekly high recorded earlier.Throughout the week, silver prices experienced several swings. The week began on a relatively stable note but saw an early dip followed by a sharp surge mid-week, peaking at Rs. 9,002 per tola on June 10. A correction then followed before prices rebounded and closed the week on a slightly positive note. Overall, the average silver rate hovered around Rs. 7,832 per tola, indicating limited net change despite daily volatility.This movement remained closely tied to gold prices, which also showed strength in the local market. International spot silver trends, combined with steady industrial demand from sectors like solar energy, electric vehicles, and electronics, provided underlying support. Local investors and jewelers continued to show interest in silver as an affordable hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations.The weekly trend can be described as volatile but resilient. While short-term corrections were visible, the broader outlook for silver in Pakistan remains cautiously optimistic due to its dual role as a precious metal and industrial commodity. Going forward, global economic signals and gold price movements are likely to remain key drivers for silver rates in the coming days. Chandi Ki Qeemat - Daily Updates

LAHORE: Punjab Traffic Police on Saturday announced that all driving licence-related services are now available through the Dastak Citizen App, marking a major step towards digitising public services.In a statement shared on social media, the department informed citizens that the Driving Licence Issuance Management System (DLIMS) website has been shifted to the Dastak platform.Citizens seeking any driving licence-related service have been advised to download and install the Dastak application from the Google Play Store.The move allows users to access driving licence services through a single digital platform without visiting licensing centres.The Dastak app is part of the Punjab government's flagship "Maryam Ki Dastak" initiative, launched in June 2024 by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to provide doorstep delivery of government services.According to PITB, the programme has successfully completed more than one million of the 1.2 million service requests received since its launch, while around 164,000 requests remain under process.Driving licence services digitalisedOfficials said thousands of trained Dastak facilitators have been registered to ensure the timely delivery of services.The programme is currently operational in 40 districts across Punjab and offers 76 government services, including domicile certificates, birth certificates, copies of FIRs, property documents and registry papers.Citizens can avail these services through the Dastak Doorstep Delivery App or by calling the dedicated helpline 1202, reducing the need for repeated visits to government offices.the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) said the initiative is transforming public service delivery by saving citizens time and resources while improving convenience and administrative efficiency.

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police has appointed PSP officer Kainat Azhar Khan as the new Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Islamabad, while assigning her the additional charge of SSP Operations Safe City (Ops).The posting and transfer order was issued by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi as part of administrative reshuffling within the ICT Police.According to the notification, Kainat Azhar Khan, a BS-18 officer of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), has been appointed CTO Islamabad following the transfer of Muhammad Sarfraz Virk, PSP, whose services have been placed at the disposal of the Punjab government.She will also serve as SSP Operations Safe City (Ops) in addition to her new responsibilities. Awais Ali Khan, PSP, SP Capital Patrols, has been relieved of the additional charge of the post.Before her appointment in Islamabad, Kainat Azhar Khan served as Chief Traffic Officer and SP Cantt in Multan. She has also served as SDPO Civil Lines and SDPO Cantt in Rawalpindi, gaining extensive experience in traffic management and operational policing.A graduate of the 47th Common Training Programme of the National Police Academy, she has held several key field assignments during her policing career.Officials said her appointment is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen traffic management and enhance operational policing in the federal capital.Murree Expressway Accident Toll Rises to 10; Victims Identified at PIMS

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to launch a wide-ranging crackdown against individuals associated with the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), including facilitators and financial supporters, following recent unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), sources said.According to sources, the government plans to block the Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) and passports of individuals linked to the banned organisation, while their bank accounts will also be frozen.Authorities have also sought details of properties owned by individuals associated with the proscribed group in various cities as part of an expanded investigation into its financial and organisational network.Sources said the scope of scrutiny has been widened to include the group's financial backers and facilitators, with authorities examining their assets and financial transactions.The government has also decided to intensify legal action against individuals accused of assisting or facilitating the banned organisation as part of efforts to dismantle networks involved in anti-state activities.Earlier this week, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government announced a reward of Rs10 million for information leading to the arrest of four wanted leaders of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee.According to an official notification, the reward will be paid to anyone providing information that results in the arrest of the suspects, while the identity of the informant will remain strictly confidential.AJK govt announces Rs10 million reward for arrest of JAAC leadersThe four individuals named in the notification are Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Mehran Arshad Khawaja and Sardar Aman.The AJK Home Department has directed the Inspector General of Police to ensure the immediate implementation of the reward scheme and coordinate efforts for the arrest of the wanted individuals.

KARACHI: Police have arrested a groom and his brother after two teenagers were killed in aerial firing during a wedding ceremony in Karachi's Orangi Town, officials said on Saturday.The incident occurred near Johar Chowk in Sector B-14 within the jurisdiction of the Pakistan Bazaar police station, where celebratory gunfire turned deadly.According to rescue officials, 17-year-old Saifullah, son of Shamshad, died at the scene after being struck by a bullet, while 14-year-old Anas sustained critical injuries. He was shifted to Abbasi Hospital Karachi where he later succumbed to his injuries.Police said the victims were accidently hit by bullets during the wedding celebration.Following the incident, Pakistan Bazaar police arrested the groom and his brother and recovered two pistols from their possession. Investigations are underway from multiple angles to determine responsibility for the shooting.Family members of Saifullah said he was a matric student and the third among four siblings. He had attended the wedding festivities to celebrate with friends and relatives but lost his life due to the aerial firing.According to Chhipa welfare officials, Anas suffered a gunshot wound to the head, while Saifullah was struck in the chest.The incident sparked scenes of grief outside the morgue at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital as relatives gathered to receive the victims' bodies.Police records show that aerial firing remains a serious concern in Karachi. During the first 13 days of June alone, 28 people were injured by celebratory gunfire or stray bullets across the city, including nine incidents reported in the West Zone.Karachi Rs 300 mln robbery: Cash van Security In-charge held responsible for heist

KARACHI: Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Saturday said that a request of Karachi for additional water has been in pending with the Council of Common Interest (CCI) since year 2016.Addressing a press conference Mayor Karachi said that the key water project of the city has been five times inaugurated by five different prime ministers. "Federal Government has allocated Rs 10 billion for the K-IV Project in this year's budget".Mayor announced the biodiversity park in Keamari adding that it will be inaugurated in November 2026. He said that this park will provide awareness to children with regard to the utility of mangroves.Mayor said that the green activities will also be promoted at Benazir Bhutto Park, "We have removed walls of the park recently so as the people could see the greenery.Wahab said that over 5,000 mangroves will be planted in specific areas of the city. "Sindh government has earlier set two Guinnes world records for mangroves plantation", mayor said."Karachi, Thatta and Sujawal will jointly work to protect mangroves and marine biodiversity," he said.He said that Gutter Bagheecha Haroonabad sewerage treatment plant will be operationalized by June 30 this year. "The government will activate the 100 MGD treatment plant by December 31, 2026," mayor said."With activation of Mauripur Treatment Plant, 54 MGD sewerage water will be treated," Wahab said.He said Alladin Park land will be turned into a forest and the KMC will use the 50-Acre land of the park for plantation.

ISLAMABAD: Leader of Opposition Mehmood Khan Achakzai on Saturday said that the past mistakes could still be corrected to steer the country out of the crises, ARY News reported."Resolve the problems with dialogue instead of using force," Achakzai said while speaking at the floor of the National Assembly today.He said, "We all have only to protect the constitution and under the constitution of Pakistan only the Parliament has been the source of all decisions and the national power"."I have always sided with the oppressed and will continue to do so," opposition leader said.He said the prime minister should give rights to the people all problems will be resolved. "Give employment to the youth, they will return to the right path", he said.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday renewed his offer of dialogue to the opposition, urging all political forces to set aside differences and work together for Pakistan’s stability, prosperity and development.Addressing the National Assembly, the prime minister said Parliament represents the elected voices of all four provinces and serves as a common house for the federation.“The opposition members are our brothers. We have no personal enmity with them,” he said, adding that politics should not come at the expense of national interests.Recalling his tenure as opposition leader, Shehbaz Sharif said he had repeatedly proposed a “Charter of Economy” to promote political consensus on economic reforms, but the initiative was rejected.“I once again invite the opposition to come and sit together. I am ready for dialogue in the larger interest of the country because it is never too late,” he said.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday renewed his offer of dialogue to the opposition, urging all political forces to set aside differences and work together for Pakistan’s stability, prosperity and development.Addressing the National Assembly, the prime minister said Parliament represents the elected voices of all four provinces and serves as a common house for the federation."The opposition members are our brothers. We have no personal enmity with them," he said, adding that politics should not come at the expense of national interests.Recalling his tenure as opposition leader, Shehbaz Sharif said he had repeatedly proposed a "Charter of Economy" to promote political consensus on economic reforms, but the initiative was rejected."I once again invite the opposition to come and sit together. I am ready for dialogue in the larger interest of the country because it is never too late," he said.The prime minister stressed that Pakistan's survival and progress require unity, mutual respect and sincerity among political stakeholders."Politics has its place, but if Pakistan remains strong, all of us remain strong. It is our collective responsibility to make the country stable and prosperous," he added.Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the security forces, saying 22 Pakistan Army personnel were martyred in a recent helicopter crash in Muzaffarabad while serving the nation.He said terrorists, including Khawarij elements, were involved in attacks across the country, particularly in Balochistan.He also defended the fencing of Pakistan’s borders with Afghanistan as a necessary measure for national security."Our soldiers are sacrificing their lives in the fight against terrorism so that the nation's children may live in peace. We must honour and respect our martyrs from the bottom of our hearts," he said.Finance minister presents Rs18.7 trillion federal budget 2026-27; here are the detailsHighlighting the government's commitment to provincial development, the prime minister said all provinces have an unquestionable right over their natural resources and that ensuring their equitable development is his foremost responsibility.Referring to the Reko Diq project, he said the agreement was reached with the consent of Balochistan's stakeholders and described the province's share in the project as a model for inclusive development.Shehbaz Sharif noted that under the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, Balochistan's share was increased by 100 percent at the province's request, with Punjab and the other provinces willingly contributing to the arrangement. He said Punjab alone sacrificed Rs11 billion at the time, an amount that would now exceed Rs100 billion.The prime minister further said the federal government had allocated Rs75 billion to provide solar panels to farmers in Balochistan, while nearly Rs300 billion is being spent on upgrading the highway from Gwadar to Chaman into a dual carriageway.He reaffirmed that all political and national forces must work together for Pakistan's development, stability and prosperity, saying no sacrifice is too great for the country's future.

ISLAMABAD: Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar on Saturday said that there is nothing in the budget for the poor, " the cat is out of the bag"."Neither the load-shedding will decrease, nor the electricity price and prices of other things get cheaper," talking to newsmen at the Parliament House, major opposition party's leader said.He said, "it requires a complete management to bring over-spending of the government down".Barrister Gohar said that the PML-N and the People's Party have their own interests, "they don't practice the people-friendly politics"."The People's Party, yesterday correctly said that the PML-N have only three seats in Gilgit Baltistan, they have been given our seats," PTI chairman said.He said that the People's Party has also won in the GB, like they had won the mayorship election in Karachi.

KARACHI: Seabreeze returns to Karachi after days of sizzling hot weather and high humidity as the Met Office forecast partly cloudy weather in the city on Saturday."Southwesterly winds are blowing in the city with 20 kilometers speed as strong winds are likely during the day," according to the weather report.The weather to remain hot and humid as the humidity level has been recorded 72 percent, which enhances the feel-like temperature, experts said.Maximum temperature to remain between 35 to 37 Celsius, weather officials said.The flow of cool, moist air from the Arabian Sea eases discomfort for citizens. The return of the sea breeze, a key factor in regulating coastal temperatures and bring more tolerable atmosphere to the usually heat-stricken metropolis.Health experts advise the public to continue taking precautions, especially during peak afternoon hours. Staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure, and using sun protection are still recommended.Karachi, known for its coastal climate, often depends on the sea breeze to moderate extreme heat. In recent days, the suspension of the breeze had caused temperatures to rise sharply, with the city experiencing high humidity that made conditions feel even hotter.

RAWALPINDI: Twenty-one Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.According to the ISPR, security forces continued their series of intelligence-based operations by engaging multiple Khwarij hideouts in the general area of Miran Shah and its surrounding localities in North Waziristan district.The military’s media wing said that following intense exchanges of fire over the past 72 hours, 21 more Khwarij belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij were killed, including four ring leaders identified as Khalid Raza alias Salar, Muftoon, Musa and Imran alias Ayan.The ISPR said the operation dealt a significant blow to the terrorist network operating in the area.The killed Kharji leaders were highly wanted for their involvement in numerous terrorist activities, including killing of security forces personnel and innocent civilians.With the latest operation, the total number of Khwarij killed in the ongoing intelligence-based operations has risen to 48, the statement added.The ISPR said weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed Indian-sponsored Khwarij, who had remained actively involved in terrorist activities and the killing of innocent civilians.It added that sanitisation operations would continue to eliminate any remaining Khwarij hiding in the area."The relentless counterterrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace to eliminate the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," the ISPR statement said.27 Khwarij killed in Miran Shah IBO: ISPR

Federal Minister for Communications of Pakistan, Abdul Aleem Khan, directed the authorities concerned to expedite the implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and introduce cashless electronic toll collection on major highways and motorways across Pakistan to enhance efficiency, security, and public convenience.Chairing a high-level review meeting during his visit to the National Highways and Motorway Police Headquarters, Pakistan, the minister ordered the immediate inclusion of the M2 Motorway in the ITS Program, emphasizing that cameras, security infrastructure, and communication networks should be completely unified and integrated under this modern technological framework.To modernize the infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted and smooth travel for passengers, the minister directed the immediate introduction of a cashless and free-flow electronic toll collection system on all major routes of Pakistan.He clearly directed that this state-of-the-art electronic tolling network be directly linked to the security framework of Safe City and highlighted that these interconnected technological measures would not only help in improving traffic management but would also greatly assist law enforcement agencies in preventing crimes.Emphasizing public safety and passenger convenience, Abdul Aleem Khan instructed the authorities to ensure the presence of Motorway Police personnel at all motorway service areas and provide uniform facilities to commuters across the network.He also made it mandatory to deploy Rescue 1122 staff, fire brigades and fully equipped ambulances at service areas along motorways and national highways. The minister directed the Motorway Police to further strengthen emergency response mechanisms and ensure the early provision of air ambulance services.The minister also ordered the Motorway Police authorities to bring the safety standards on Murree Expressway and other major national highways in line with the prescribed legal norms. Referring to the connecting roads of the northern areas,  Abdul Aleem Khan directed to take special safety measures for the mountain passes, especially the immediate installation of safety guard rails on the Jaglot-Skardu Road and Mansehra-Kaghan-Naran Road.He directed that the temporary IBEX rest rooms established in these beautiful tourist regions should be converted into permanent and fully equipped Rest Areas to ensure better travel facilities for tourists and transporters.During the meeting, Secretary Communications, Chairman National Highway Authority (NHA) and Inspector General of National Highways and Motorway Police briefed the minister on operational and administrative matters. The meeting concluded with the approval of key recommendations and strategic decisions.

Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research of Pakistan, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a high-level meeting on fertilizer availability, pricing, and supply management.The meeting bringing together provincial agriculture ministers, fertilizer manufacturers, importers, industry representatives, and senior officials from across the country.The meeting reviewed the availability of Urea and DAP fertilizers for the ongoing Kharif season and assessed preparations for the upcoming Rabi season, said a press release.Representatives from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, along with major fertilizer companies and importers, participated in the discussions.Reviewing the Urea situation, the Minister was informed that all ten fertilizer plants in the country are fully operational and that more than one million tonnes of Urea are currently available in the market. Participants unanimously confirmed that there is no shortage of Urea anywhere in the country and that existing stocks are sufficient to meet farmers’ requirements.Rana Tanveer Hussain appreciated the coordinated efforts of fertilizer manufacturers and relevant agencies in maintaining uninterrupted production and supply.He observed that despite rising international fertilizer prices, regional tensions, and global market uncertainty, Pakistan has successfully maintained relative stability in Urea prices, protecting farmers from the severe price shocks witnessed in many other countries.Taking serious notice of reports regarding increases in fertilizer prices in certain markets, the Minister directed fertilizer companies and relevant authorities to closely monitor market conditions and prevent any unjustified increase in prices.He emphasized that transportation challenges or operational costs should not become a burden on farmers and warned against profiteering, hoarding, or artificial shortages.Representatives of major fertilizer companies informed the meeting that no significant increase had been made in the end-user price of Urea and assured the government of their continued cooperation in ensuring stable supplies across the country.Provincial representatives from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan reported satisfactory availability of Urea in their respective regions.However, concerns were raised regarding supply interruptions in some remote districts due to logistical constraints and law-and-order challenges.The Minister directed all stakeholders to ensure a smooth movement of fertilizer and assured provincial governments of full federal support to address any bottlenecks.The meeting also undertook a detailed review of the DAP fertilizer situation. Participants were informed that current stocks are sufficient for the ongoing Kharif season. However, rising international prices, increasing raw material costs, regional instability, and uncertainties in global supply chains could pose challenges for the upcoming Rabi season if timely measures are not taken.Expressing concern over the recent upward trend in DAP prices, the Minister questioned the rationale behind increases despite the availability of existing stocks.He instructed fertilizer manufacturers, importers, and regulatory authorities to maintain strict market oversight and ensure that farmers are protected from speculative pricing and artificial shortages.Provincial agriculture ministers highlighted the importance of securing adequate DAP stocks well ahead of the Rabi season.Representatives from Punjab emphasized that fertilizer affordability remains critical for sustaining crop productivity, protecting farm incomes, and ensuring national food security.The Punjab Government proposed that the Federal Government convene a meeting with fertilizer manufacturers, importers, provincial governments, and other stakeholders to develop a coordinated national roadmap for DAP availability and pricing.The province stressed the importance of securing import arrangements in advance, engaging international suppliers proactively, and exploring government-to-government cooperation where necessary to avoid future shortages and price spikes.The Federal Minister informed participants that he has already taken up the matter with relevant authorities and international partners to secure uninterrupted fertilizer supplies.He stated that the issue would be discussed at the highest level, including with the Prime Minister and provincial chief ministers, to formulate a coordinated national strategy aimed at ensuring fertilizer availability and price stability during the Rabi season.Concluding the meeting, participants agreed that fertilizer availability, affordability, and timely distribution must remain national priorities.

The Government of Pakistan, in its Budget 2026-27, has announced an incentive for filers by reducing withholding tax on property purchases and sales.   The federal finance minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has announced that the withholding tax on property purchases for filers has been reduced from 2.5 percent to 1.25 percent.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXOsFGXFN3QHe added that the tax on property sales for filers has also been cut from 5.5 percent to 2.75 percent.Muhammad Aurangzeb also announced the complete abolition of the super tax on income ranging from Rs. 150 million to Rs. 250 million as part of the Budget 2026-27.In addition, the advance income tax rate on exports has been reduced from 2 percent to 1.2 percent.The finance minister further announced that the FTR concession on IT export income will continue until June 2029.

Renowned Pakistani stock trader and owner and founder of the Arif Habib Group, Arif Habib has confirmed that the government of Pakistan is fully supporting the country’s construction industry.Talking on the ARY News program ‘On My Radar’, Arif Habib said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has been supporting the promotion of the construction industry for several months, and various committees have been working on the issue.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efCvGsYXHX4He said that the government of Pakistan now has a clear understanding of the importance of the construction sector because of the industry’s potential for job creation, support to allied industries, and provision of housing to the public. Taxes associated with construction are also higher than those imposed on many other sectors.Arif Habib said that the government has recognised the significance of the construction industry and is actively supporting it.He claimed that during a meeting, the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, had reportedly said that every possible obstacle to the promotion of construction should be removed.He emphasized that taxation is not the most critical factor for the construction sector. The primary requirement is the availability of mortgage financing, and people who buy houses do not have reconciled wealth.Arif Habib said that following requests from stakeholders and the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD), the Prime Minister said the government would consider allowing cash transactions for first-time home purchases of up to Rs. 100 million.He added that according to his calculations, an investment of approximately Rs. 350,000 creates one job. If Pakistan undertakes public-private partnership projects worth Rs. 10 trillion to Rs. 15 trillion, substantial private capital currently available in the market could be mobilised.He believes that there is significant investor appetite for such projects, which would stimulate numerous industries and generate large-scale employment opportunities.‘We are willing to work closely with the Prime Minister to achieve these objectives, Arif Habib added.

KARACHI: The Karachi Police have found the security in-charge hailing from Parachinar of a cash van responsible for orchestrating a massive heist, looting a whopping sum of Rs 300 million in the Federal B Area today, ARY News reported.According to police officials, the cash van had initially departed from Tariq Road to deliver the money to a private bank in the FB Area.The incident occurred when the crew stopped near Rizwan Park to have tea. While they were stopped, four unarmed robbers approached and took control of the vehicle.Investigators revealed that the van’s security guards stood outside with the doors wide open for about 15 minutes. The security in charge actively aided the criminals by taking the keys from the guards, getting into the vehicle, and closing the doors.Surprisingly, the robbers did not carry any weapons and left behind two pistols and a repeater rifle possessed by the guards.https://youtu.be/xFXNhL6OjaU?si=JN1TvN84WLfm3MJwThe suspects then drove the van into a street near Altaf Pakwan, where they transferred bags containing the staggering Rs 300 million into a getaway vehicle. The security in charge subsequently fled the scene alongside the culprits.While authorities have taken the remaining security guards and the driver into custody for questioning, a formal case has not yet been registered as the search for the prime suspects continues.The investigation of the massive heist is underway, examining all the perspectives.