Tuesday, December 30th, 2025
IMF makes new demands from Pakistan under $7bn loan program
ISLAMABAD, DEC 30: The series of demands from the International Monetary Fund continues, as new conditions linked to Pakistan’s $7 billion loan program have come to light, potentially impacting the country’s growing electric and hybrid vehicle industry. According to sources, the IMF has demanded the abolition of sales tax exemptions on locally manufactured electric vehicles and electric bikes. The proposal calls for the imposition of the standard 18% General Sales Tax (GST) from the 2026–27 fiscal year. Hybrid electric vehicles also targetedThe IMF has also urged Pakistan to end taxRead More
AIOU approves new psychology, business analytics, media degree programs
ISLAMABAD, Dec 30 (APP/DNA): Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) held a meeting of the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities under the chairmanship of the Dean of the Faculty, Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Sahir. During the meeting, the Schemes of Studies of BS, MPhil and PhD programs offered by various departments were reviewed in detail and approved. The approved programs included a two-year Associate Degree in Psychology, a four-year BS in Psychology, BS in Business Analytics, BS in Media and Communication Studies (Electronic Media) and BSRead More
Islamabad Roads under Strict Monitoring
ISLAMABAD, 30 DEC (DNA) — Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (R) Hamza Humayun, in a strict move to curb accidents, on Tuesday announced that the ITP has launched an aggressive crackdown on motorcyclists and heavy vehicles violating ‘lane discipline’, enforcing dedicated lanes, green-marked awareness zones and continuous technology-based monitoring to ensure responsible riding is strictly followed. Speaking to a local media channel, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (R) Hamza Humayun stated that the majority of accidents on Islamabad’s express and Srinagar highways are caused by reckless motorbikes and even heavy vehicles violating laneRead More
Islamabad chamber invited to visit Abuja for stronger business ties
Sardar Tahir Mehmood for Unlocking New Trade Avenues With Nigeria ISLAMABAD, DEC 30 /DNA/ – The Charge d’ Affairs of the Nigerian High Commission to Pakistan, Mr. Yushau Mohammed, has said that Nigeria and Pakistan enjoy numerous areas of common interest and that his country offers multiple promising avenues for trade and investment. He emphasized that the Government of Pakistan, the private sector, and the people of Pakistan must move forward collectively to fully capitalize on these opportunities. He expressed these views while speaking at the Islamabad Chamber of CommerceRead More
Dar, Saudi foreign minister discuss regional situation in phone call
ISLAMABAD, DEC 30: /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, called Saudi Foreign Minister H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan @FaisalbinFarhan. Both leaders exchanged views on the current regional situation and recent developments. The DPM/FM conveyed Season’s Greetings and best wishes for the New Year, which were warmly reciprocated by Prince Faisal. The DPM/FM expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations. Prince Faisal reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening and enhancing bilateral ties.