KARACHI: Borrowing from banks jumped by 70 per cent in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, reflecting higher participation by the private sector to accelerate economic growth rate. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) latest data released on Tuesday showed that the private sector credit offtake increased to Rs489.5 billion during July-May 2020-21 against Rs288.8bn in the …

KARACHI: Amid a boom in the auto sector, rising production and massive booking of vehicles, a number of issues relating to late deliveries, soaring prices, vehicles’ recalls, booking stoppage and non-issuance of number plates etc continue to haunt consumers. After a possible brisk ending of the current fiscal year especially in cars and SUVs, the next first half of FY22 …

ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Tuesday notified major amendments to the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) regulations with the aim of allowing infrastructure development. A major change made in REIT regulations is the introduction of a new Public-Private Partnership (P3) model. The revised framework has made clear segregation between conventional and infrastructure categories. Non-P3 REIT …

ISLAMABAD: The government has finalised a string of proposals to facilitate small enterprises and introduce stringent penalties to improve enforcement against smuggling and under-invoicing in the upcoming budget. In a major move to launch a crackdown against smuggled goods, it has been proposed to introduce penalties which will be imposed on retailers who sell smuggled goods to consumers without documents …

Google has been on a mission to raise its standards of inclusivity and conscientiousness. It previously worked to improve its recommendations and autocompletes, and now it’s improving its workspace products and services. Google’s new style guide will discourage users and programmers from unnecessarily using sexist, ableist or offensive language. What this means in practice is that when you type ‘policeman’, …

Friendship is the most beautiful relationship in the world.   American singer-actress Michelle Williams also has friends who she cherishes as they always have time for each other despite their busy lives. The 41-year-old singer opened up about her lovely friends – pop titan Beyonce and other fellow band singer Kelly Rowland – in her book Checking In. She also shed light …

Shakira has joined the campaign for the better and safe environment, after the commemoration of World Oceans Day. The Colombian singer shared a post to her Instagram account on Wednesday, highlighting  the damage that the ocean has had due to the waste and plastics that are thrown into  waters. Shakira claimed, so far there are an estimated 17.6 billion pounds …

The world of politics appears to getting crowded with more and more Hollywood stars as Alyssa Milano has joined the list of A-listers who are considering a career switch. During an interview with The Hill, the Charmed actor confessed that she might end up running for California’s 4th Congressional District with her “name recognition and deep pockets” giving her an edge. “I’m looking …

Royal wives, Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton have not enjoyed the smoothest of relationships since the former married into the British royal family. But it appears things are starting to brighten up as reports revealed that the former actor reached out to her estranged sister-in-law and attempted to get her back on her side to heal the escalating rift between …

Tinseltown’s leading lady Angelina Jolie is a stunner on-screen and is hailed as one of the greatest actors of the current times. The 46-year-old Salt star revealed that she recently inadvertently ended up scaring a little child owing to her villainous role in Maleficent. A snipped of Jolie’s interview has come to surface on TikTok where she is speaking to the camera …