Bitcoin Set to End 2025 on a Weak Note

    By Salman Khan | December 9, 2025

    Bitcoin’s turbulent year appears set to end weakly as the cryptocurrency struggles to regain momentum after October’s massive crash. Analysts warn that increasing links with stock markets and AI-driven volatility could restrict Bitcoin’s gains for the remaining year. Earlier this year, Bitcoin saw extreme highs and lows, reflecting volatility across global markets influenced by shifting…

    New GP Fund System Eases Retiree Payments

    By Salman Khan | December 9, 2025

    Punjab has set up a Fast-Track Cell at the Accountant General, Punjab, office to ensure timely release of GP Fund payments to retired employees. Additional Chief Secretary Ahmed Raza Sarwar inaugurated the dedicated fast-track cell during a ceremony attended by AG Punjab, senior officers, and retiring employees. Sarwar said the fast-track facility is designed to…

    Monthly Remittances Dip, Annual Growth Remains

    By Salman Khan | December 9, 2025

    Overseas Pakistanis sent home $3.2 billion in November, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan. While monthly remittances fell, annual inflows continued to show strong growth, reflecting confidence supported by a stable exchange rate. The SBP reported a 6.7% month-on-month decline in remittances, which experts attributed to fewer dollars arriving from Gulf…

    IMF Urges Pakistan to Simplify Tax System

    By Salman Khan | December 8, 2025

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on Pakistan to simplify its tax system ahead of the fiscal year 2026-27 budget, ARY News cited official documents. The Fund recommended implementing a tax simplification strategy by May 2026 and urged removal of many tax exemptions granted to various sectors. IMF advice included scaling back special tax…

    Survey Shows Strong Tax Trust Across Asian Region

    By Salman Khan | December 5, 2025

    Asia and Beyond, produced by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Chartered Accountants Australian and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), surveyed more than 12,000 individuals across 29 countries, primarily in Asia but also in Latin America, Western Europe and the…

    Punjab Launches Mixed-Use Mega Project in Lahore

    By Salman Khan | December 5, 2025

    The Punjab Central Business District Development Authourity (PCBDDA) also known as CBD Punjab has launched the international bidding process for a world-class five-star hotel and integrated mixed-use complex in CBD Punjab Quaid District. The landmark project is a key feature of the authority’s flagship $1.8 billion Al-Watani Joint Venture & PPP Initiative, designed to attract…

    Haroon Akhtar Warns EPZA: No More Fires, No More Negligence

    By Salman Khan | December 5, 2025

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired an important meeting with the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) to review the recent fire incident at the Landhi Export Processing Zone in Karachi. Haroon Akhtar expressed serious concern over the repeated fire incidents in export zones, stating that such occurrences…

    Saudi Arabia Extends $3bn Deposit for Pakistan

    By Salman Khan | December 4, 2025

    Saudi Arabia has extended its US$3 billion deposit for Pakistan after the Saudi Development Fund approved a one-year rollover, officials said on Thursday. The deposit, currently held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), was first provided in 2021 under an agreement aimed at supporting Pakistan’s external account. Sources said the Saudi Fund for Development…

    PBS: Sharp Monthly Rise in Health, Education

    By Salman Khan | December 4, 2025

    Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported a significant month-on-month rise in health and education costs across the country, media report said on Thursday. The PBS found urban health costs increased by 6.99 per cent, while rural health expenses rose by 9.65 per cent during the month. Medicines experienced a 6.94 per cent increase and therapeutic appliances…

    Pakistan Drafts AML Rules for Crypto VASPs

    By Salman Khan | December 2, 2025

    Pakistan has drafted new anti–money laundering and counter-terror financing regulations for virtual asset service providers to strengthen oversight. The rules are designed to monitor large crypto transactions, curb illicit financial flows, and reinforce supervision of the country’s digital asset ecosystem. The draft aims to prevent money laundering and terror financing by requiring database submissions for…