New Budget For FY2024-25 Leaves Salaried Class Shocked!

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Jun 13, 2024

Federal Minister Announces Budget — Image Source: Business Recorder

Following the release of Pakistan’s budget for the fiscal year 2024–2025 yesterday, there is a noticeable feeling of shock that sweeps across the country. The public seems to be confused and concerned about the government’s budget plan, which was hailed as a way to get the nation through economic difficulties. But ultimately, this year’s budget announcement is only about to make things more difficult for the people. Let’s have a closer look at the highlights of the recently announced budget.

The Common Man’s Nightmare

The budget for FY2024-25 of 18.9 trillion Pakistani rupees ($67.84 billion), sets high goals in the face of difficult economic conditions. The administration intends to deal with a 6.9% GDP budget deficit while aiming for 3.6% economic growth. With defense spending projected to cost 2.1 trillion rupees and debt servicing is predicted to consume a staggering 9.8 trillion rupees!

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has set an enormous tax revenue target of Rs. 12.9 trillion of the Budget For FY2024-25, which has left many people shocked. This number is a considerable increase over prior years, suggesting that the government will tighten its grip on tax evaders while the salaried class prepares for the consequences.

All The Important Details From Budget FY2024-25

While the budget for FY2024-25SaU cover’s a vast spectrum of domains, we’ll be focusing on the more important aspects. These will in one way or another be directly linked to your average salaried individual. Here are the highlights from the budget announcement of 2024-25:

New Income Tax Slabs: The first thing under crosshairs is the tax slab for the average salaried individual. According to the budget for FY2024-25; the tax rate will be applicable from the 1st of June, 2024 and sees an increase in rates where anyone earning between Rs. 600,000 – Rs. 1,200,000 will be taxed double at a rate of 5% of their annual salary exceeding Rs. 600,000.
For those ranging above Rs. 1,200,000 and below Rs. 2,200,000, individuals will have to pay a staggering base 15% of their yearly income showing an increase of 2.5% from the previous year. On top of this, they will also be forced to pay a fixed tax of Rs. 30,000. This trend gets worse as you go higher on the tax bracket. More tax brackets are covered in the following image:

Increase In Petrol Prices: The federal government has also increased levy on petrol by a staggering Rs.20, this sees it going from Rs.60 to Rs.80. This sudden increase in levy will ultimately have a ripple effect on numerous amenities such as transport, production and living expenses. Apart from the rise in fuel prices, the government has suggested raising the tax on light diesel oil. There will be an increase in the development levy on light diesel oil from Rs. 50 to Rs. 75 per liter!
Vehicle Tax Registration: In another shocking turn of events, in place of engine capacity, the federal minister stated that pricing will determine the advance tax on car registration. So you can forget about paying a minimal tax on smaller vehicles, instead their actual values will determine the tax percentage.
Phone Pricing: The mobile market proves to be one of the biggest sources of money, specially in cities such as Karachi. According the the new budget, different phone categories will be taxed an astonishing 18% of their value! This means if you’re looking at smartphones for Rs. 50,000, their new price is officially Rs. 59,000 after taxes. We will also see a eye-watering tax of 25% being implemented on smartphones costing more than $500.
Import Items: The federal minister made the decision to no longer exclude luxury car imports from taxes. It has been agreed to raise the $50,000 import vehicle’s taxes and levies. The import tax on glass goods has also been removed by the government. The rate of import levies on steel and paper goods will be raised, as planned. The only exception to import items are essential goods which will not be taxed.
Tax On Cigarettes & Nicotine: According to reports, the government intends on cracking down on factories where fake cigarettes are being reproduced. Not only this, but according to the budget, to deter people further away from drugs, the government has made the decision to tax the materials used to make cigarettes by Rs. 44,000 per ton! Nicotine pouches will also see a FED at a rate of Rs. 1200 per kg.
Branded Apparel: In an attempt to raise the GST on textile goods, the federal minister declared in his address that the government has placed an 18% sales tax on branded clothing, shoes and other imported leather goods in the country.
Image Source: Economic Times
Property & Construction: If you thought buying a house for your family was difficult in this economy, well it certainly just got more harder. The minister said that a 5% tax will be applied to the acquisition of new plots as well as residential and commercial real estate. FED on cement used in construction of new homes will be increased to Rs.3 per kg. Not only this, but a 15% tax will be imposed on filers and 45% on non-filers when dealing with property.

Other Affected Sectors And Details From Budget FY2024-25:

While these details might not affect the average salaried class individual in Pakistan, here are a couple of other aspects discussed in the new budget:

Education Scholarships: The government has announced more scholarship programs to be introduced in order to cater more students. An estimate of 10 million students are to be catered according to the new budget.
Solar Industry: In order to support the solar panel business, the coalition government eliminated import taxes on equipment, including raw materials used in the production of solar panels, inverters, and batteries, as well as plant machinery and associated equipment.
Image Source: ArabNews
Power Generation: Another sight for sore eyes is the allocation of funds for the water resources in the country. Rs. 206 Billion will be allocated which will be distributed amongst the Mohmand, Diamer Bhasha Dams and Chashma Right Bank Canal.
Aviation: Major airports of the country are to be outsourced instead of running them locally and a whopping Rs. 622 billion worth of liabilities have been transferred from PIA.
Increased Salary & Pension: It is reported that government employees from grades 1 thru 16 will see a hefty increase of 25% in their salaries & pensions. While grades above that will receive a handsome increase of 20% in their salaries & pensions as well.
Kissan Package: The budget for FY2024-25 also stated that Rs. 5 billion ha been set aside for farmers’ packagers and that the government has chosen to capitalize on private sector involvement in this area.
Benazir Income Support: The minister stated that a 27% increase in funding has been suggested for the Benazir Income Support Program. The BISP fund would grow to an astonishing Rs. 593 billion! This will in-turn support 0.7 million more people than the previously allocated amount.
Inflation: While this is a hard pill to swallow, the government aims to reduce inflation in the country yet again. The plan is to keep inflation at a steady rate of 12% for the FY2024-25.

Concluding Remarks

The silent pain that the average person endures is ignored in the midst of all these discussions. It appears that the budget does not adequately meet the people’s urgent needs, even though its goal is long-term stability. The government has failed to time-and-time again meet the real requirements of the people and this year looks no different.

The release of the budget for FY2024-25 has resulted in a dire outlook for the upcoming year for the typical Pakistani. The already high cost of living is expected to rise much more. The relief efforts that have been implemented are minimal and hardly begin to address the financial struggles that Pakistani households endure already.

The Budget For FY2024-25 is a sobering reminder of the fine line Pakistan must walk between social welfare and budgetary sustainability as it navigates the economic recovery. It is a call to action for the government to make sure that its citizens are not left behind in the pursuit of economic resilience, in addition to setting lofty goals which might not even be achievable. All we can do now is wait…and hope, as always.

Stay tuned for more insights like these; this has been your average salaried individual Zayaan, Signing Off!

Budget 2023-24: Pakistan Government Unveils New Revenue Measures

By

Usman Kashmirwala

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Jun 10, 2023

Budget 2023-24: Pakistan Government Unveils New Revenue Measures — Source: Global Village

The Pakistani government has recently unveiled new revenue measures amounting to Rs223 billion in its latest budget announcement. These measures are in addition to the taxes introduced in the mini-budget announced in mid-February, which will remain in effect. The government aims to generate over Rs500 billion in additional revenue for the tax year 2023-24 through these measures, which include raising the general sales tax from 17 percent to 18 percent, imposing a 25 percent sales tax on luxury item imports, and increasing taxes on cigarettes and drinks.

Key Highlights

The government plans to share the tax details with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and expects that the Fund will not raise any objections, as all their concerns have been addressed.
The government intends to allocate Rs23 billion to industries and individuals under the revenue relief changes announced in the Finance Bill 2023. This relief includes Rs13 billion in customs duty and Rs10 billion in income tax. However, no relief has been announced in sales tax and excise duty.
The government is optimistic about achieving a 28 percent higher revenue target for the next fiscal year, based on a projected GDP growth of 3.5 percent, average inflation of 21 percent, and the revenue measures outlined in the budget.
To promote various sectors, the budget offers major relief in the IT sector for exports, solarisation, agriculture, and real estate.

BUDGET 2023-24: 'Populist' measures in trying times - Newspaper - DAWN.COM — Source: Dawn

Income Tax

The Finance Bill proposes the continuation of the super tax but with fair adjustments for individuals earning over Rs150 million. Three new income levels have been introduced: Rs350 million to Rs400 million, Rs400 million to Rs500 million, and above Rs500 million. These income brackets will be subject to tax rates of 6 percent, 8 percent, and 10 percent, respectively.
Other income tax changes include a 0.6 percent withholding tax on citizens not on the Active Taxpayers’ List (ATL) when they withdraw cash exceeding Rs50,000. The withholding tax rates on goods supply, services, and contracts will increase by 1 percent, with exceptions for specific items. Furthermore, a final withholding tax of 10 percent will be charged on bonus shares issued by a company, or 20 percent for non-filers of tax.
The Finance Bill also proposes adjustments to the withholding tax rates on payments to non-residents using debit/credit or prepaid cards. Similarly, an adjustable advance tax of Rs200,000 will be charged when issuing a work permit/visa for a foreign domestic helper.

Sales Tax and Excise Duty

In terms of sales tax and excise duty, the government has made certain adjustments. Sales tax has been withdrawn on edible products sold in bulk under brand names or trademarks. The tax rate has increased from 12 percent to 15 percent on supplies made by point-of-sale (POS) retailers dealing in leather and textile products.
Furthermore, a federal excise duty (FED) has been imposed on energy-inefficient fans and incandescent bulbs at rates of Rs2,000 per fan and 20 percent ad valorem, respectively. The scope of FED on services has been expanded to include royalty and fees for technical services.
Sales tax has been exempted for another year ending June 2024 on contraceptives and accessories, plant saplings, combine harvesters, dryers for agricultural products, no-till-direct seeders, planters, trans-planters, other planters, bovine semen, and the import of IT equipment by IT and ITeS exporters registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board.
In the federal capital, a 15 percent tax will be charged on electric power transmission services. The rate has been reduced to 15 percent from 16 percent on IT-based system development consultants. A lower rate of 5 percent is proposed for services provided by restaurants and other food outlets if payment is made through debit or credit cards, mobile wallets, or QR scanning.

Key highlights of budget 2023-24 - Business & Finance - Business Recorder — Source: Business recorder

The Pakistani government’s new budget is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it raises taxes on a number of goods and services, which will likely lead to higher prices for consumers. On the other hand, it also provides some relief to certain sectors of the economy, such as the IT sector. Overall, the impact of the new budget on the Pakistani economy remains to be seen.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest new and updates.

Sindh Government Announces Shift To Solar Power For Major Hospitals

By

Usman Kashmirwala

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May 31, 2023

Sindh Government Announces Shift To Solar Power For Major Hospitals — Source: PakTV

The Sindh government has taken a significant step towards sustainability by announcing plans to shift major hospitals in the province to solar power. This initiative is part of the government’s larger solar power plan, aimed at reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and promoting clean, renewable energy solutions. The announcement was made by the Provincial Minister of Sindh for Energy, Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh, during the inauguration of a solar power park in the Karachi press club.

The logistics of the plan

The solar power park, with a capacity of 60KV, will play a crucial role in meeting 90 percent of the press club’s power needs. This is a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to harness the power of the sun and provide sustainable energy solutions. Minister Sheikh also highlighted that government buildings, prisons, and schools will be included in the solar power plan, with the aim of ending electricity load shedding in the province.

Sindh govt announces to shift govt offices to solar power - Pakistan Observer — Source: Pak Observer

The minister emphasized that the government’s objective is to address the economic crisis and uplift the country. By investing in solar power, the government hopes to create a more sustainable and self-reliant energy sector. Minister Sheikh took the opportunity to criticize the PTI government, accusing them of hindering power projects in Sindh. He expressed confidence that the PPP (Pakistan People’s Party) will secure victory in the upcoming elections, highlighting their commitment to promoting renewable energy and sustainable development.

Provincial and Federal agenda aligning

This announcement from the Sindh government aligns with the federal government’s efforts to embrace solar power. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the conversion of all federal government buildings in Islamabad to solar power within a strict timeframe of seven weeks. This directive showcases the government’s determination to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuel and embrace renewable energy sources. The prime minister also instructed officials to initiate solarization projects in other parts of the country, extending the benefits of solar power to various regions.

With solar mosques and schools, Pakistan's northwestern province pushes clean energy | Arab News PK — Source: Arab News

The shift to solar power for major hospitals is a commendable move by the Sindh government. Solar energy offers a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional power sources, reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental preservation. By embracing solar power, hospitals can ensure a reliable and uninterrupted energy supply, leading to improved healthcare services. Moreover, the initiative to expand solar power to government buildings, prisons, and schools will have a significant impact on reducing electricity load shedding and enhancing energy efficiency in the province.

The Sindh government’s commitment to renewable energy is a step in the right direction, contributing to the overall development and sustainability of the province. It sets an example for other regions and institutions to follow, encouraging the adoption of clean energy solutions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. With continued efforts and investments in solar power, Pakistan can pave the way towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

The Untapped Potential Of Women In Pakistan

By

Anusha Zahid

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Jun 17, 2022

Pakistan has a lot of potential for growth but undeniably, one of the biggest untapped resource is its significant female population that still awaits inclusion in the national economy. As per the World Economic Forum’s 2021 Global Gender Gap Report, Pakistan ranked 153rd out of 156 countries, which indicates massive strides the country needs to take to ensure gender diversity and inclusion of women in its socioeconomic mainstream.

Source: Pakistan Labour Force Survey 2020-21

As per the last published Pakistan Labour Force Survey 2020-21, numbers show stark disparities along gender lines. Women’s participation in the national labor force is most concerning being 21.4 per cent of the country’s working-age population, as against the male labour force marked at 67.9 percent.
We interviewed Rabel Sadozai, the newly appointed Director Marketing and Sales at Fatima Fertilizer and the first female to hold such a prominent position in Pakistan’s agriculture and fertilizer sector, to discuss the potential role of Pakistani women to promote the country’s socio-economic prosperity and what it will take towards its realization.

B: How important is it to be recognized as the first woman in Pakistan’s agriculture sector to hold a senior-level management position?

RS: I consider this recognition as a true representation of millions of empowered women, directly or indirectly associated with the agriculture sector of Pakistan. It gives me the opportunity to use my influence for the betterment of farmers in general and female farmers in particular. A recent example of this commitment was marked by Sarsabz – the flagship brand of Fatima Fertilizer, hosting a special panel discussion at the Pakistan Pavilion in Dubai Expo 2020 to celebrate our three exceptionally inspiring female farmers and share their inspirational stories with the World.

The guest panelists included Rabia Sultan – progressive farmer from Muzaffargarh who defied all odds in a male-dominated profession, Nazo Darejo – a brave woman from Sindh who sacrificed a great deal to protect the piece of land she called home and whose inspirational story was highlighted by Sarsabz through a special web series called ‘Kissan Kahani’ to a wide online audience, and Azra Mehmood Sheikh – a progressive farmer from Bahawalpur who actively advocates about the hardships faced by farmers in South Punjab.

Being able to introduce Kissan Day to Pakistan is something that I will always be proud of, as it was not only recognized by the country and its industry stakeholders, but it has also become an annual event to be celebrated on December 18. The campaign was so influential that it was selected by Kotler as a case study in Essentials of Modern Marketing – Pakistan Edition.

B: Tell us about your journey of nine years at Fatima Fertilizer and your key accomplishments related to marketing communications?

RS: I was able to achieve a number of goals during my nine years at Fatima Fertilizer, and I took on as many marketing communication challenges as I could, but being able to introduce Kissan Day to Pakistan is something that I will always be proud of, as it was not only recognized by the country and its industry stakeholders, but it has also become an annual event to be celebrated on December 18. The campaign was so influential that it was selected by Kotler as a case study in Essentials of Modern Marketing – Pakistan Edition.

Over the years, I’ve used data to establish how Fatima Fertilizer’s products are giving on average 10% greater yields as compared to conventional fertilizer. This brand promise has been purposely communicated in such a manner that it shows how a farmer can create a better life for himself and his family that leads to prosperity of the village and eventually impacts Pakistan’s GDP as agriculture contributes on average 22-25%.
We also launched true farmer stories under Kissan Kahani to help educate our stakeholders on the impactful role our farmers are playing in helping sustain Pakistan’s food security.
Overall, our efforts have been duly recognized not only by local platforms such as the Pakistan Digital Awards but also the global ones including MARCOM, AVA, and Effies.

B: In your opinion, what factors are responsible for the under-representation of women within the corporate and civil sectors of Pakistan?

RS: Women may be under-represented in these sectors but not in the agriculture sector. Women are extremely empowered on the rural side to help not just with domestic housework but field work and livestock farming as well. I feel it is my responsibility to clarify this common misconception. As far as corporate and civil sectors are concerned, I feel women are deprived of an environment that helps them balance work and home responsibilities efficiently. The key to my success was not only my ability to effectively manage the roles of a team leader, manager, wife, mother, and so on, but the fact that I was given an environment where I was empowered to manage and balance these roles. Employers whether government or private need to realize that the needs of women are different from men. We need policies and benefits that match their circumstances. For example, women need to feel secure while stepping out of their homes for work, they need to be given daycare facilities or an equivalent allowance to manage it, maternity leaves and so on. According to recent studies, the gender-wage gap in Pakistan has reached 55.6 percent, which is concerning, to say the least, because a woman has to weigh the benefits of her working against the associated costs.

B: How many Pakistani women are currently engaged in Pakistan’s agriculture sector and how can they claim more important roles within this industry?

RS: Currently, more than 22 million women work in the agriculture sector and contribute to the advancement of this sector. As per an earlier issued report by UN Women titled “Rural Women in Pakistan-Status Report 2018”, agriculture is the main labour activity of rural women with approximately 75 percent of women employed in the agriculture sector. The empowerment of these rural women and the realization of their human rights, in addition to their important role in nation-building, is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) related to gender equality.
Women need education foremost followed by skill-set enhancement. Companies like ours work with a lot of progressive females and seek to empower them by giving them an opportunity to project their work. For example, we recently helped Ms. Jugno Mohsin, a female farmer who worked to revive a dying breed of local cotton called ‘Khaki Desan’, by providing her with the technical knowledge and giving her the opportunity to create a fabric from this cotton which can be marketed to a global audience.

B: How important is women’s participation to achieve overall economic growth and prosperity for the country?

RS: I think our founding father, Quaid-e-Azam made it clear that women had to work side by side with men if we are to transform Pakistan into a strong and prospering nation. Now whether we do it starting from our homes, schools, offices or factories is dependent on a mix of our own capabilities and opportunities available to us. Women are almost 50% of Pakistan’s population, so there is no question that a big responsibility rests on our shoulders to help develop our home i.e. Pakistan, and I believe being aware of this responsibility is the first step we need to take.

Coronavirus Outbreak Live Updates: Here’s All You Need To Know!

By

Ariba Raza

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Apr 3, 2020

valley morning star — Source: Valley Morning Star

Update: 3rd April 2020

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has given out a warning that he would order the country’s police and military to shoot anyone who would violate the laws during a month-long lockdown of the island of Luzon, to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Here’s what he said addressing to the nation late at night, on Wednesday.

Let this be a warning to all. Follow the government at this time because it is critical that we have order,”

The coronavirus pandemic has affected the world in the worst possible manner. As it is spreading rapidly throughout the globe, the economy, the events industry, airlines and tourism have taken a huge hit!

With thousands of people affected and killed by this horrifying disease, this doesn’t seem to end anytime soon. However, countries worldwide are taking strict actions against this deadly.

Meanwhile, here’s all you need to know about what’s going around in the world in regards to coronavirus aka COVID-19.

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Aamir Ibrahim | CEO Jazz | Brandsynario CEO Stories

By

Web Desk

-

Sep 26, 2019

Whilst we are successful, we are only as good as our next game- so we can not never be complacent. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz talks to us about the office culture, success stories, diversity and practices at Jazz while on an office tour at the Headquarters in Islamabad. #jazz #ceo #ceostories

IPL 2025 Coverage Blocked in Pakistan Over PSL Streaming Ban

By

Yousuf Yaseen

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May 3, 2025

IPL 2025 Coverage Blocked in Pakistan Over PSL Streaming Ban

In a tit-for-tat response to India’s blackout of the Pakistan Super League (PSL X), Pakistan has banned the live broadcast and streaming of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) within its borders. This move follows Indian sports streaming platform FanCode’s suspension of PSL coverage in India, which came after the recent incident in Pahalgam.

FanCode removed all PSL-related content from its platform, including match highlights and live broadcasts. Other Indian broadcasters like Sony Sports Network and Cricbuzz had already taken similar actions, removing PSL 2025 content from their channels and websites earlier.

As a result, Pakistani authorities decided to stop the broadcast and streaming of IPL matches in Pakistan. Viewers in the country will no longer be able to access IPL content via local TV channels or digital platforms, marking a sharp shift from the previous seasons where IPL matches were easily accessible in Pakistan.

Until now, fans in Pakistan could watch IPL games on several satellite TV networks and streaming apps. The ban signifies the latest escalation in political tensions between the two countries, with the fallout from the Pahalgam incident further straining ties.

The rising conflict between India and Pakistan is now affecting not just politics and diplomacy but also sports. The ban on each other’s top domestic cricket leagues has caused concern among fans and officials. This clash has also raised questions about the future of regional tournaments like the Asia Cup 2025, which now faces uncertainty due to the growing divide.

The restriction of sporting events has triggered concerns in the cricketing world about the increasing role of politics in sports. Many worry this may reduce fan engagement and disrupt regional cooperation. Both countries have now used cricket as a platform to express diplomatic displeasure, showing how deeply the political rift has extended.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates

Pakistani Media Visit LoC to Counter India’s Terror Allegations

By

Yousuf Yaseen

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May 3, 2025

Pakistani Media Visit LoC to Counter India’s Terror Allegations

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has arranged a visit for both Pakistani and international media to the Line of Control (LoC) today and tomorrow. The goal of this visit is to expose what it calls India’s “baseless and fabricated propaganda” about the existence of so-called terrorist camps in Pakistan.

According to a statement issued on Saturday, India has continuously made false claims about the presence of alleged terrorist hideouts near the LoC. The visiting media teams will be shown the specific locations India referred to as terrorist camps. They will be presented with actual facts and on-ground realities to counter these allegations.

“Pakistan reaffirms its steadfast commitment to peace and categorically rejects any form of terrorism or terrorist activities anywhere in the world,” the statement said.

It also said that Pakistan is firm in protecting its sovereignty, and any act of aggression by India will be met with “a swift and befitting response.”

Meanwhile, India has blocked the social media account of Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Before this, India had already restricted access to the accounts of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

As reported by state news agency APP, Minister Tarar had spoken out on international media about India’s human rights violations, its efforts to suppress voices from Kashmir, and its use of state repression. As a response, India blocked his account.

Following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 dead and several injured, India immediately blamed Pakistan without offering any evidence. Since then, India has taken several measures targeting Pakistan. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (also known as the Sindh Tas Agreement) and ordering Pakistani citizens to leave India within 48 hours. The Indian government has also started blocking social media accounts of Pakistani politicians, news channels, artists and even cricketers in the days following the attack.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates

Google Warns Gmail Users to Upgrade Security Urgently

By

Maham Hussain

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May 3, 2025

Google Warns Gmail Users To Upgrade Security Urgently

Google has confirmed that Gmail accounts are now being targeted by more advanced phishing attacks. The company is urging users to improve their account security immediately to stop attackers from stealing login details. These recent attacks are tricky because they copy Google’s official support messages to fool people. According to Check Point, Google is the second most impersonated brand after Microsoft. They also warned, “As we move through 2025, phishing threats will continue to evolve, requiring heightened vigilance.”

Google made it clear that they will never reach out to users about account issues like password resets or troubleshooting. In their words, they will not call you about your account. To help protect users, Google is pushing for the use of passkeys. These are more secure and also make logging in easier. Passkeys can also confirm who you are when making important account changes.

Unlike Microsoft, which wants users to stop using passwords altogether, Google still recommends keeping your password and using two-factor authentication (2FA) as backup. They suggest connecting 2FA to a trusted device or using an authentication app, not SMS-based 2FA.

This warning comes at a time when AI-powered attacks are becoming more common and harder to detect. The FBI has already raised concerns about these threats. Check Point said, “AI threats are no longer theoretical—they’re rapidly evolving.”

This timing also matches World Password Day on May 1. Many companies, including Microsoft, now call it World Passkey Day to encourage users to switch to passkeys. The FIDO Alliance, which supports passkey use, reported that more people around the world are starting to use them. Their CEO, Andrew Shikiar, stressed the need to move away from weak passwords to stop data leaks and account takeovers.

Microsoft has already made passwordless login the default by using their Authenticator app. They don’t support alternatives like Google Authenticator. Meanwhile, Google offers a more flexible approach but says it’s just as urgent to take action now.

Since Gmail gives access to many other platforms, experts say switching to passkeys and upgrading 2FA is essential to stay protected from cyber threats.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates

Pakistan Conducts Abdali Missile Launch As Part Of Exercise INDUS

By

Yousuf Yaseen

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May 3, 2025

Pakistan Conducts Abdali Missile Launch As Part Of Exercise INDUS

Pakistan successfully carried out a training launch of the Abdali weapon system on Saturday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), this launch was part of Exercise INDUS. Abdali is a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres.

ISPR confirmed that the purpose of the launch was to test the operational readiness of troops and confirm key technical features. These included the missile’s upgraded navigation system and better manoeuvrability.

Senior officials observed the launch. Among them were the Commander of the Army Strategic Forces Command, officials from the Strategic Plans Division, and engineers and scientists from Pakistan’s strategic organisations.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the heads of the armed forces congratulated the teams involved in the successful launch.

“They expressed complete confidence in the operational preparedness and technical proficiency of Pakistan’s Strategic Forces to ensure credible minimum deterrence and safeguard national security against any aggression,” ISPR said.

The test took place during a tense time in the region. India recently blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India has not provided any evidence to support its claim. Pakistan strongly denied the accusations.

Following the attack, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his military “full operational freedom” to act. In response, Pakistan warned earlier this week of a possible strike by India.

The missile launch and statements by leadership underline Pakistan’s stance on maintaining a credible defence system. The country’s leadership continues to stress national security and operational readiness amid rising tensions with its neighbour.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates

PM Accuses India of Falsely Linking Pakistan to Pahalgam Incident Without Proof

By

Maham Hussain

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May 3, 2025

PM Accuses India Of Falsely Linking Pakistan To Pahalgam Incident Without Proof

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said India is trying to falsely link Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He stated that India has not provided any evidence to support this claim. Despite India’s provocative actions, he said Pakistan has shown responsibility and restraint. He stressed that Pakistan has always condemned terrorism in all its forms.

He made these remarks during a meeting with Turkish Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu at the PM House on Saturday. The Prime Minister thanked Türkiye for its continued support. He also sent his best wishes to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Sharif recalled his visit to Ankara on April 22, 2025, where he discussed stronger cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye in several areas.

“Pakistan has always condemned all forms of terrorismt,” he said again. He added that Pakistan has made huge sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. The country has lost 90,000 lives and suffered over $152 billion in economic damage. He said India is making baseless claims to shift attention away from these efforts.

Sharif noted that India has yet to respond to Pakistan’s offer of a “credible, transparent, and impartial” international investigation into the Pahalgam incident. He said ”Pakistan is ready to fully cooperate with an international investigation and would welcome Türkiye’s participation.” He also stressed that peace and security in the region are essential as Pakistan works on its economic recovery and growth.

Ambassador Neziroglu confirmed Ankara’s support for Pakistan’s stance and expressed solidarity. He also called for restraint to ease regional tensions and protect peace.

Earlier, the Prime Minister also thanked Chinese Premier Li Qiang for supporting Islamabad’s demand for a credible and transparent international probe into the April 22 attack. He made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong at the Prime Minister’s Office. Sharif appreciated China’s steady support amid increasing regional tensions.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates

Clean Gilgit-Baltistan Project by Nestlé Pakistan Reaches Askole – Zero Point to K2

By

Sania Saeed

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May 3, 2025

Nestle — Nestlé Pakistan has previously contributed to regional sustainability by installing 225 benches and over 100 waste bins

In line with its vision for a waste-free future, Nestlé Pakistan has expanded the Clean Gilgit-Baltistan Project (CGBP) to Askole – Zero Point, a remote hamlet located almost 10,000 feet above sea level and the final settlement before the K2 base camp. The initiative will support the collection and recycling of approximately 40,000 kilograms of annual plastic waste from the region.

As part of the expansion, Nestlé Pakistan has donated a compressing and baling machine to the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP). The machine will enable efficient compression of various types of plastics and paper waste collected in the area, which will then be transported downstream for recycling in collaboration with the Gilgit Baltistan Waste Management Company (GBWMC).

Acknowledging the effort, Raja Nasir, Minister for Planning, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan said,

“We are delighted at Nestlé’s efforts for a waste-free future, in this fragile site Askole, that is close to important glaciers of Baltoro and Biafo, considered to be the gateway to some of world’s highest peaks and the launchpad for mountaineering expeditions.”

Speaking on the occasion, Jason Avanceña, CEO Nestlé Pakistan, said,

“We are accelerating our actions to reduce the environmental impact of various kinds of packaging waste. Our vision is that none of our packaging, including plastics, ends up in landfill nor in oceans, lakes and rivers.”

“Tackling packaging waste requires a collective action of leveraging public private partnerships to find improved solutions to reduce, reuse and recycle,” he added.

Sharing key project milestones, Sheikh Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Nestlé Pakistan, said,

“Earlier, as part of the CGBP, Nestlé installed three compressing and baling machines, one each in Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu, along with a sorting machine in collaboration with EPA-GB and GBWMC. In the last five years, these efforts culminated into waste management facilitation of over 6800 tons of plastic packaging in the region, making a positive environmental impact.”

Nestlé Pakistan has previously contributed to regional sustainability by installing 225 benches and over 100 waste bins made from recycled plastic across 16 tourist hotspots in Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Shigar, and Kharmang. The company also donated 15,000 reusable bags for distribution among local communities.

Commissioner Baltistan, Kamal Khan, appreciated the expansion of the project to Askole – Zero Point and emphasized the importance of preserving the natural landscape of the region.

“We are thankful that Nestlé is playing a role in promoting a waste-free Gilgit-Baltistan.”

Also present at the occasion were Wali Ullah Fallahi, Deputy Commissioner Shigar, and senior representatives of CKNP and local administration.

This initiative contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by improving waste management systems and supporting local environmental resilience in one of Pakistan’s most ecologically sensitive regions.