ISLAMABAD: The quantum of smuggled goods in to the country decreased during the first five months of the current fiscal year as data reported by the Pakistan Customs showed higher collection of duties and taxes. Formal imports of five commodities — prone to smuggling — through legal channels increased by over 55 per cent, latest data showed. In Pakistan, illegal …

WELLINGTON: New Zealand shot to the top of the world Test rankings on Monday when they thrashed the West Indies by an innings and 12 runs to wrap up an emphatic series win at Basin Reserve in Wellington. It lifted the Black Caps to 116 points, equal with Australia at the head of the rankings table, and also extended their …

ISLAMABAD: The National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) on Monday directed the Food Ministry to release wheat to Utility Stores Corporation. The committee further directed additional quota of wheat to be provided to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government. The meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh. Industries Minister Hammad Azhar, Special Assistant on Revenue Dr. Waqar Masood, …

ISLAMABAD: Economic activities generated by the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) would increase job opportunities for local skilled and un-skilled labour, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Monday. The prime minister was chairing the 7th meeting of the Board of Approvals for SEZs. PM Khan said that industrial development was vital for economic growth and directed that SEZs be provided utility …

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Monday notified about Rs1.114 per unit increase in electricity rates for ex-Wapda Distribution Companies (Discos) to generate about Rs17 billion additional revenue. The increase was allowed on account of monthly fuel cost adjustment (FCA) for electricity consumed in September and would be charged to consumers in current billing month (December). The …

ISLAMABAD: The second attempt by Pakistan authorities to arrange import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in January through emergency bidding has attracted record high prices. In a desperate attempt to fill the gap arising out of no bids for LNG vessels between Jan 8-18, the government exercised emergency clauses of the procurement rules to allow Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) for …

Famed Pakistani Meesha Shafi has beenmaking waves since her cover of Nazia Hassan’s Boom Boom was released. And while all fans were all blown away by Meesha’s cover, she was also given a stamp of approval by late music icon Nazia Hassan’s brother, Zoheb Hassan. Following the message from Zoheb, the Waar actor, 39, turned to her Instagram and shared a screenshot of his …

Pakistani actor Mehwish Hayat is known far and wide for her stellar performances on silver screens. However, what many may not be aware of is how the Load Wedding actor, 37, is also hiding many other talents, which includes singing. Turning to her social media, the diva showed off her vocals with a mesmerizing rendition of Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon. …

British-American media personality Sharon Osbourne has tested positive for novel coronavirus, she has confirmed on social media. ‘The Talk’ host shared the news on her Instagram handle late on Monday. Sharon, 68 wrote, “I wanted to share I’ve tested positive for COVID-19.” She further said “After a brief hospitalization, I’m now recuperating at a location away from Ozzy (who has …

Scott Disick has extended gratitude to his ex partner Kourtney Kardashian for being ‘the best baby maker in town’ as they celebrated the birthdays of their sons Mason and Reign. Scott took to Instagram and shared a sweet family photo featuring Kourtney, his son and daughter. He wrote, “Thank you @kourtneykardash for being the best baby maker in town.” Scott, …