Karachi: Thursday, June 30th, 2022- President & CEO U Microfinance Bank Limited (U Bank) Mr. Kabeer Naqvi and Mr. Ali Jameel, CEO, TPL Corp Limited, signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of a strategic partnership to promote synergic partnership between the two organizations.
This strategic partnership will create a platform for strengthening the capability of organizations to provide a comprehensive range of tailor-made solutions for the U Bank’s customer base.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Kabeer Naqvi, President & CEO, U Bank said: “We are pleased to partner with TPL to facilitate U Bank to expand the outreach and combine our strengths to create innovative products for our last mile customers. This alliance will contribute towards digitalization and customer care, offering an eco-system of products and solutions to U Bank clients. This coalition aims to explore new avenues of business to generate more benefits and accelerate business growth. He further added, this partnership will go a long way in providing innovative solutions to the consumer segments that seek quality financial security for themselves and their close ones”
The synergy will pave the way towards promoting financial inclusion in the country.
Mr. Ali Jameel, CEO, TPL Corp Limited, commented: “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to constantly innovate and provide seamless access to insurance products in Pakistan. We at TPL strive to lead in InsurTech and cater to Pakistan’s Life, Health, and General insurance needs by offering cutting-edge Insurance solutions.”
The ceremony was held at TPL Corp Head Office and was witnessed by the senior management of both institutions including Mr. Saad Nissar, CEO, TPL Life, Mr. Muhammad Aminuddin, CEO, TPL Insurance, Mr. Ali Zaidi, Chief Operating Officer, TPL Insurance, Mr. Kazim Hasan, Deputy Managing Director, TPL Life, Mr. Humayoon Asghar, Chief Strategy & Retail Officer, TPL Life, Ms. Mariam Pervaiz, Chief Commercial Officer & Chief of Staff, U Bank, Mr. Farooq Kamran, Chief Corporate & Investment Banking, U Bank, and Mr. Mohsin Aslam, Head Budgeting Planning & Corporate Finance, U Bank.
In Pakistan, most people don’t know what constitutes as Cyber Crime. This is why when people experience Cyber Crime, they don’t even realize that they can complain about it. Meanwhile, their rights as a citizen get trampled upon. So we are here not just to inform you what is included in it but also to navigate the situation where you are the victim.
Recognizing Cyber Crime
Before you can file a complaint, you need to be able to acknowledge cyber crimes. We have assembled a list of possible situations that can be defined as crimes. Take a look:
If you are a victim of online sexual harassment
If your email ID or social media account is hacked
Someone has a fake account in your name
Someone has your info or pictures
An unauthorized bank transfer initiated from your account
Someone is spreading racial hatred
If someone is defaming you online
All of these constitute crimes. So, you need to file a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Ways of Filing Complaints
There are various ways of filing a complaint. One of them is to call the organization at 9911 or +92336 6006 060. Another way is to visit the nearest FIA unit to your location. They have offices in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. Once there, the staff can guide you in detail about how to proceed.
Image source: Pakistan Today
If you are living in another city, in that case, you can also choose to complain by sending FIA a mail. The mail must include your complete credentials i.e., your name, address, CNIC, and contact number. You will then send this mail on the following address:
Director NR2C-FIA, National Police Foundation Building, 2nd Floor Mauve Area, G-10/4, Islamabad.
Alternatively, you can also email them at Helpdesk@Nr3c.Gov.Pk/ Again, don’t forget to add all your credentials.
They also offer the opportunity to file a complaint through their online form. It is available on their website.
Image Source: ProPakistani
Pointers
Your complaint can be in English or even in Urdu, whatever is convenient for you. Just provide details. Go into as many details as possible and highlight the maximum limit of offense you have been subjected to. Attach evidence to make the complaint understandable. These attachments can be the screenshots of conversations. If you are nominating someone to be the possible offender, name him/her and their contact details.
Remember, no one has the right to harass you or exploit you. Take a stand for yourself!
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates!
In Pakistan, a new trend is emerging which is equal parts horrible and shameful. Lavish weddings are being taken a step further to exoticise themselves and fully make them the talk of the town. This is achieved through sad means which includes the use of animals. Here’s why it’s been growing and why it needs to be abolished thoroughly.
Why Are Animals Used?
The concept of “Big Fat Weddings” emerged in the south Asian culture and is also thriving as wealthy families throw the biggest possible weddings. In doing so, they scamper around to make their wedding as “different” as possible. After all, everyone with money can have beautiful decor, Sabyasachi clothes, and multiple food dishes. So, how does one stand out?
Image Source: The Current
For many, the answer to this question has been through exotic animals. Yes, they resort to bringing animals to their weddings so everyone can wow at their money and might. Mostly, the targets of such families are lions and lion cubs as “Renting” them from people who own them is highly expensive.
The Animal Business
Lions can not be domesticated— they do not understand concepts of loyalty and it is in their nature to hunt for their food and enjoy the wilderness. However, in Pakistan, again to use their money somehow, many purchase lions while spending several lakhs. The result is a beautiful and mighty animal in so many chains, declawed, often abused, and mostly sedated.
Image Source: Tribune
When these animals are brought to weddings, they are kept sedated so they can not attack anyone. Moreover, they are most likely declawed which itself is a highly painful procedure. Additionally, loud music, so many people and especially so many humans while they are tied down can make them feel incredibly scared.
@PunjabWildlife does your permit allow for a lion cub to be rented out for ceremonies?Look at this poor cub sedated and being used as a prop.This studio is in Lahore where this cub is being kept.Rescue him please pic.twitter.com/fMcqZnoRMd
The solution to this lies in stricter laws and greater taxes. If Imran Khan is taxing everything under the sun, the purchase of animals, especially exotic species, should be taxed incredibly high. This will make them more difficult to attain. Moreover, laws against using animals as props should be enforced. This way, those who bring them at weddings can be sued and punished.
When this was recently done, many animal lovers and animal rights activists joined forces to not only shame the couple whose wedding it was but also report them. This worked to the extent that the photographer took off the pictures and stopped publicizing them.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
13th July, 2022 – Bilquis & Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Pakistan’s former Tennis Star – Aisam ul Haq Qureshi to sponsor his initiative – Ace Academy, with the aim to enrich the future of Tennis in Pakistan. The academy will be scouting young, talented sports people who can be groomed into outstanding athletes, while imparting best-in-class sports knowledge and training.
The MoU signing ceremony was graced by the Managing Trustee of BARD Foundation – Ms. Mehreen Dawood as the signatory of the agreement, along with Zain ul Haq Other guests included the Member Board of Governors – Taimur Dawood, along with a few members of Dawood family and some BARD team members, who appreciated this social-enrichment effort, while expressing their commitment to help the young tennis players elevate their quality of life, with more opportunities to earn fame and fortune.
The Ace Academy will offer a 12-months training program for tennis enthusiasts aged 18 years or younger selected from Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and Peshawar. The program will be conducted by top coaches of national-repute, to provide customized training, fitness and nutrition plans, to nurture local talents. This whole regime is formulated with clear performance measures and goals for the participants. Each trainee’s progress is monitored and evaluated regularly, to adjust the methodology, till the 2 best athletes are selected, for their capability to compete well in international tournaments.
The selection process for this program will comprise of trials in Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Karachi that will continue for the initial 40 days, while athletes will be selected in two age groups Under-14 & Under-18 (2 boys and 2 girls from each age group will form a group of 4). The selected players will go through 2 hour-long sessions on Techniques: (drills, hitting, points) and Fitness: (endurance, agility, speed). One boy and one girl from each age group, per city, will be awarded the “Ace Mentorship”.
BARD Foundation is a human-development initiative, founded by the renowned industrialist & technocrat – Abdul Razak Dawood and his philanthropist wife – Ms. Bilquis Dawood. This resourceful foundation has the vision to support less-fortunate individuals for achieving their true potential, as champions in their professional or technical field, while also helping talented sportsmen in learning more skills to compete internationally.
Another initiative of BARD Foundation, Descon Technical Institute (DTI) imparts vocational skills to change the lives of impoverished families. Thus, the Dawood family is creating a conducive environment for professional development.
Pakistan, 13 July 2022 – Global B2B e-commerce platform Alibaba.com and AliResearch Institute, Alibaba Group’s research arm, have co-published the report “Challenges, Responses, and Transformation of MSMEs in the Post-Pandemic Era”. The report takes a multi-focal look at how Micro- Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) fared during the pandemic to provide a better understanding of the action businesses took to survive, revealing key findings that include:
MSMEs are critical to the global economy, comprising 90% of businesses worldwide and contributing 70%+ of global employment and 50-60% of GDP.
MSMEs were hit hard by the pandemic, with micro-businesses suffering disproportionately: up to 70% of global MSMEs saw sales decline with two-thirds reporting their sales dropped by 40%.
MSMEs’ offline business has been severely disrupted by lack of demand while online sales have skyrocketed; digitalisation is an effective way for MSMEs to risk-proof their business: the survival rate of MSMEs is 7 percentage points higher in the regions with the highest e-commerce penetration than in those with the lowest.
The research finds that, of all MSMEs, the pandemic took the largest toll on smaller MSMEs. This was to be expected since many smaller businesses did not have the resources or infrastructure to roll with the punches of repeated shutdowns, local restrictions, shortages and other issues caused by the pandemic. Less than a quarter of MSMEs escaped the negative effects of the pandemic, with only 23.5% of them not suffering from a decline in sales. Two-thirds of MSMEs had business drop by 40%.
In Pakistan, there are 5 million SMEs which contribute 40% in GDP of Pakistan and 25% in overall exports, as per the estimates of Small & Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA). For some countries, business continuation would remain grim if lockdowns persisted – Close to 30% of Pakistani MSMEs in the survey indicated that they had to shut down their businesses completely during the pandemic. 30% of MSMEs that participated in the survey reported a huge loss of close to 50% because of the pandemic.
“We have to recognize that MSMEs are not only critical economic players but their health and prosperity are also critical to a full and sustainable global economic recovery. Consequently, we have released this report to help return MSMEs to the center stage and facilitate broader and more practical discussions about supporting MSMEs and equipping them for greater economic impact,” said Hongbin Gao, Vice-president of Alibaba Group, Head of AliResearch Institute.
The potential for market expansion remains huge for Asia-Pacific, nevertheless. For example, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, exports in Pakistan were 500 billion Pakistan Rupees in November’ 21compared to 421 billion PKR the year before. Digital transformation has proven to be a lifeline to many MSMEs during the pandemic, by reducing their costs, providing timely access to information, optimizing workflows, and helping them expand into new markets.
Unsurprisingly, the research revealed that the survival rate of MSMEs is 7 percentage points higher in the regions with the highest e-commerce penetration than in those with the lowest. In addition, the economic downturn was less severe in regions with higher e-commerce penetration rates.
Andrew Zheng, Vice-president of Alibaba.com, said, “The pandemic has changed global trade forever. There is no denying that businesses and individuals have suffered tremendously. However, the creativity and ingenuity that MSMEs have put into action to overcome the many hurdles created by the pandemic are nothing short of impressive. E-commerce may have served as a survival mechanism throughout the pandemic, but moving forward, it will remain a valuable tool for global trade. Social selling, live commerce, virtual trade shows, and request for quotation (RFQ) marketplaces allow sellers to get creative in how they reach their audiences and make it easier for them to connect with their ideal clients. Through digitalisation, MSMEs can also easily access insights related to internet traffic, demand forecasting, and other key analytics that empower them to make better decisions for their businesses.”
However, the report also revealed a significant gap in the adoption of digital strategies between smaller and larger enterprises. Smaller enterprises were found to have lower adoption of sophisticated digital technologies and tended to digitalise only general administration and marketing functions, neglecting aspects including enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and big data, comparatively speaking.
This research report was led and drafted by Professor Gan Li, an economist at Texas A&M University, and his academic research team, based on key findings from a quantitative survey among MSMEs led by Alibaba.com and AliResearch, as well as studies through a wide variety of relevant public and academic information sources. The report is available in multiple languages and can be downloaded here.
Elf Cosmetics is eyeing and roping in games with its latest collection launched for the International Video Game Day. The new collection is worthy of being noticed and as hyped up as it is already. Have a look at how they’ve brought the spirit of gaming together with beauty, its innovation at its best:
The collection is the biggest example of makeup meets beauty. The whole collection features many products all of which have been designed keeping in mind the gaming aesthetic. The neon shades, the glitters and even the packaging that looks like it is all a part of some new game is getting us excited.
If you’re into gaming and makeup or even if you’re just a makeup-obsessed person, you’ll find that there are a lot of creative and fun colours to play with.
What Is In The Collection?
The collection has eyeliner pots that are smudge resistant and super pigmented. Then there is the make-up setting spray which elf cosmetics is always famous for. The awakening eye cream is much appreciated keeping in mind the ‘game up’ theme. This is because sitting in front of the screen all day can make your skin lackluster, here’s how to bring it back to life.
The eyeshadow palette is everything a makeup lover could ask for. Matte and glitter shades come together to form the best ‘Game Up’ palette. There are lipglosses, a nail kit (yay!) and an extra life kit. The extra life kit is interesting because it includes mini refreshers for your makeup look.
Secret Codes
Did you also know that each Game Up product has a secret code on it? When you purchase it, you have to find the secret code and redeem it on the site for extra gift points and rewards. Elf has also said that if someone purchases the entire Game Up collection, they can use all the points to claim a product reward! How exciting is this?
There are also reports about some IRL game-up scene happening by Elf Cosmetics somewhere in the US. Again, if you’re in the US and you love gaming and makeup, stay in the know about this collection!
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has again jacked up interest rates, also called policy rates, taking it to a 14-year high of 15% after increasing it by 125 basis points.
The State Bank says it has increased the interest rate in an effort to control inflation, ease pressure on rupee (exchange rates), and reduce the current account deficit.
But how do increased interest rates achieve these goals of improving numbers of economic indicators and how far have they been successful?
In basic economics, interest rate determines a nation’s appetite to consume things such as auto financing and start new businesses and expand already running businesses such as the cement industry establishing a new plant to increase capacity.
The interest rate will determine how much a person will be paying monthly in mark-up payments after buying a car through the bank.
Image Source: PakistanKaKhudaHafiz
For instance, an interest rate of 10% will make the monthly installment of a car financed through a bank at Rs30,000. At a 15% interest rate, a car buyer may end up paying Rs40,000. This will turn away many buyers, demand for cars will come down, and eventually, car sales will also come down.
High-interest rates will reduce auto sector profitability. It will also increase companies’ loan payments to banks.
This will happen with other similar industries too as high-interest rates will reduce demand and reduce their profitability.
Meanwhile, on the supply side, high-interest rates will make it infeasible for many industries to start new projects such as plant expansion and starting new verticals. Companies will wait for interest rates to come down.
Almost all big companies take loans to establish their businesses and expansions. They already have a large chunk, let’s assume 30% of their investment in businesses, financed by banks. Their interest payments will increase and that will erode their profitability.
The interest rate at 10% will make the monthly instalment of a car financed through a bank at Rs30,000. At 15% interest rate, a car buyer may end up paying Rs40,000. This will turn away many buyers, demand for cars will come down and eventually car sales will also come down.
Companies tend to close down their low-margin verticals when profit margins go into the red zone, or losses, due to high-interest rates. It means the job market contracts too when interest rates are high while it all eventually reduces economic or GDP growth.
In a press briefing after the monetary policy announcement on Thursday, acting SBP Governor Dr. Murtaza Syed pointed out that economic growth was projected to slow down to 3-4% in the current fiscal year (FY2022-23).
Syed said that the central bank would try to keep the inflation level in a high range of 18-20%.
According to former Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, indicators such as the wholesale price index, which stands at 40% at the moment, inflation for consumers (common people) can go up to 50% in the near future if the economy is not properly managed.
Image Source: Shakhesbazar
However, the central bank’s apparently powerful tool of interest rate may not be capable enough to control inflation in a country like Pakistan which has a large undocumented economy, also loosely called the black economy.
According to some economic experts, Pakistan’s undocumented economy is as large as documented economy.
Under these circumstances, official numbers of economic indicators don’t corroborate with what’s actually happening on the ground.
With a 15% interest rate, the government may think it would control inflation in the range of 18-20%. However, the numbers they mainly ascertained come from the documented side of the economy. The government may think that by this increased interest rate, they may control demand and eventually inflation. However, demand coming from the undocumented sector may not let their predictions perfectly align with what level of inflation remains on the ground.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
While the England Test squad has been jolted out of its slump and is right back on track, the England Twenty20 team has lost another series a few months ahead of ICC World T20. England’s 2-1 loss against India may be attributed to the unavailability of key players, due to injury and workload balance. They’ve had two rough outings in a row since new coach Matthew Mott took over two months ago, however, they bounced back in the last Twenty20 match to avoid a clean sweep.
However, this is their third loss in a row in a series and their second loss in a row overall. Prior to this, they won seven out of eight, drawing the other one.
With only 97 days till the start of the T20 World Cup, even after their consolation win at Trent Bridge, many more questions remain. Let’s take a look at how the England team could shape up in the months to come for T20 World Cup.
How could the England team shape up for WT20?
Jos Buttler, England’s captain, will open the batting when the Three Lions take on Afghanistan in their World Cup opener in Perth on October 22. He will likely be joined by Jason Roy, who despite scoring 31 runs from 43 balls in three innings against India, is considered England’s best bet at the top order.
Image Source: SportsCafe
Adil Rashid, who missed the India series for the Hajj pilgrimage will return to fulfill his role as a world-class leg-spinner. Jonny Bairstow, on the back of his excellent test form, will return to boost the middle order. His big-hitting was seen in the shortest format long before his recent red-ball run.
Mark Wood is also out with an elbow injury. His reappearance has been postponed, and we have no idea when he will make another appearance at this time. These two bowlers are the backbone of England’s pace attack, and they have the talent and temperament to lead England to victory.
However, with the exception of Liam Livingstone’s job as the finisher and the strong possibility of Dawid Malan’s position at number three, there are not many others who are certain to have their roles defined.
The pace bowling has been England’s biggest takeaway from this series, and this is an encouraging thing, for a team that has been hit with injuries.
The standouts were Richard Gleeson and Chris Jordan. Gleeson got rid of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant in his first eight deliveries in international cricket, and Jordan grabbed eight wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 7.25. Jordan’s performance was impressive.
Reece Topley was equally outstanding, claiming three wickets while allowing only 22 runs in the high-scoring final game, where a total of 413 runs were scored from both sides.
However, it is still uncertain who will be England’s first-choice attackers, and there is a lingering feeling that the team lacks the talent necessary to win a world cup.
While they have Jofra Archer, who can do that when he is fit. The 2019 World Cup is the highlight of his career, where he wreaked havoc against opponent teams. However, elbow and back issues have kept him off the field since March 2021.
Archer is expecting to return to bowling by September and is still eyeing a spot in the World Cup squad, however, this is widely seen as an improbable scenario.
Mark Wood is also out with an elbow injury. His reappearance has been postponed, and we have no idea when he will make another appearance at this time. These two bowlers are the backbone of England’s pace attack, and they have the talent and temperament to lead England to victory.
With batters and bowlers out of the conversation, let’s take about all-rounders, who provide balance to the team. England’s victory in the third T20 came after they altered their lineup by starting with an additional batter in favor of an all-rounder (Sam Curran) in an effort to find a better balance. Despite the fact, that it has borne fruit, with Moeen Ali at six and Brook at seven, the lineup as a whole appears more formidable.
Another match-winner, Ben Stokes, has opted to miss this series. Even though he hasn’t played for the T20 side in over a year and a half, he’s repeatedly shown what he can do with the white ball. Just ask New Zealand, a country still recovering from the emotional effects of the 2019 ODI World Cup Final. Considering that Stokes is still in the squad for the three-game one-day international series, it is safe to say that he has not completely abandoned the white ball.
After the returns of Rashid, Bairstow, and Stokes, England’s XI will shape into one of the best sides, at least on paper. Any more returns will be icing on the cake.
Gone are the days when drama serials used to make some sense. Haseena Moin gave us some priceless gems. And now, when I have to settle for less, I just can’t watch anymore!
Drama serials like Aangan Terha, Dhoop Kinary, Parchaiyan, Waris, Taal Matol to name a few were a blend of humor and a great plot with the addition of top-notch acting.
Sadly, drama serials today are missing that certain spot and we couldn’t help but point them out. So, without further ado, here’s the list of things Pakistani dramas need to STOP doing.
1. Quit portraying women as the becharai aurat
Source/ Giphy
There are several drama serials that flaunt that women in Pakistan are either a target of a cruel husband or in-laws who have their own insecurities to deal with. With media reaching everywhere, these serials do have an opportunity to empower women. Instead, they are sending them back to the stone ages. Dramas like Kahin Deep Jalay and Ruswai are two of the recent examples of such an exhibition.
2. Romanticizing rape
Source/ ARY Digital
The motif of the “romantic rapist“ has made a revival in serials like Sangat,Gul-e-Rana,Muqqadas and, ARY’s Bay Khudi.
Bay Khudi showed an angry man whose proposal has been rejected, sneaking into the family home and raping his unsuspecting cousin in a well-planned fit of jealous rage and then tearing himself up with remorse. Above all that his sin is later considered his nadaani.
3. A woman is always supposed to be dependent on a man
Source/ India TV
Without mard ka sahara, a woman’s life is simply incomplete. Even if the marriage is abusive, she is expected to put up with it. If not for herself, then for her kids.
Consider Digest Writer and Vasl as an example. These two dramas would have been so good if the women had, in the end, decided to live on their own.
4. It’s okay to marry more than one woman
Source/ Tribune
If we’re debating about this certain issue, we must add that if a husband is unable to provide his wife with everyone she needs, he shouldn’t marry another woman.
Our dramas show why a husband chooses to have more than one wife. The reasons are so ridiculous – she can’t pop out a baby or more specifically, a baby boy.
Marrying two women at the same time is such a recurring theme and that’s disturbing for all the right reasons. An example such tale is Mera Saaein.
5. A woman is a home-wrecker
Source/ Entertainment Pakistan
Clever, manipulative girls or ‘chalaq larkiyan‘ seem to be a perennial favorite with Pakistani drama writer.
A much as dramas like Ghar titli ka par, Balaa and Waada managed to gain popularity, it’s no surprise that the drama serials show how a woman can be the biggest homewrecker regardless of the circumstances.
6. Domestic Violence is trivial
Source/ ARY Digital
The recent Iqra Aziz’s drama jhooti is the biggest example of making a mockery out of domestic violence.
The idea belittles the struggles of women who already find it difficult to explain how its not their fault they were abused, in a society deeming any kind of abuse to be the woman’s fault.
The drama is about a woman who’s not just a gold digger but has zero empathy towards her husband. Basically, she’s the bad guy and in future, she intends to discard him like an old purse.
Journalist and author Laaleen Sukherr tweeted “how could you trivialize real pain that women endure and barely/rarely survive?”
Today, dramas like Ehd-e-Wafa are fresh breath of air in the entertainment world of saas bahu chaosand helpless women. Let’s hope our drama industry thinks out of the box and creates drama serials like that.
Driving a vehicle is not the only thing that is associated with it. There is a lot more at stake when the driver is behind the wheel. Whether it is on the country road or on the highway, the essentials of a vehicle must be kept in mind. The fuel mileage, the tyres, battery power, everything should be kept an eye on. In this technological age, a lot of vehicle management is possible from the comfort of your smartphone.
You want to keep a track on gas usage? No problem! Every car lover ought to have a certain set of mobile applications on their phone. This will keep them up to date with the latest ongoings of their car. Even if you’re not an avid driver or a die-hard car lover, these apps can still be quite useful to you. These can be extremely vital for people going on long road trips. Check out some of them here!
Image Source: indianauto.com
1. aCar – Vehicle Management
This is considered one of the best car management applications out there. It can manage your vehicle statistics on a lot of fronts. Whether it is related to keeping track on fuel or destination logs, this app is the perfect companion. Vehicles are quite high maintenance when it comes to long road trips.
Through this app, you can keep an eye on each and every internal ongoing of the vehicle. Even if you’re not a car lover, this can still be a good app for your smartphone. Even if there are other expenses on the vehicle, it can still be kept in perspective.
2. Fuellog
As the name suggests, this is the perfect application-specific to fuel usage. It tracks your kilometers driven and how much fuel you put in every time you’re at the gas station. If you’re someone who has to keep a strict eye on fuel usage, this application is something you should have.
Keeping an eye on your fuel log will allow you to keep some in reserve and even save money. Additionally, the app will track your log and adjust it according to your driving habit and when you re-fuel. Aren’t we zooming in the niche of technology in 2020?!
Image Source: autoexpress.co.uk
3. Driver Knowledge Test Apps
When we take the car out for a spin, there is much to know about it. However, not just about the car, but one should have knowledge about the road. Traffic signs are extremely important to be known because without their knowledge, one can get into accidents. When to not go over the speed limit or when there is a speed breaker approaching, can avoid accidents and avoid tickets.
There are many applications present on the app store which are related to such tests. As a car lover, you have mastered the workings of your vehicle. It is now time to master the workings of the road and its rules. Don’t cross red traffic lights, please!
4. Waze
Out of each and every application that the writer of this article has seen on the store, this one seems to be the best one. It has everything a car lover could dream of. You can keep track, have an eye out on the logs and keep the stats of your car in check. Has your car not been given engine oil in three months? Maybe it’s time to open the hood and check.
We must urge you to check how well the application works in Pakistan, though. It also gives you an update on shorter routes, traffic jams and accidents. The next time you’re about to be late for work, fire up this app and avoid all the risky routes!
Image Source: fortune.com
5. Android Auto
This application is specific to Android users, as the name suggests. It’s a vehicle management system that works as a connection to your vehicle. It links up to your smartphone to the car and helps you navigate.
It’s widely used here in Pakistan too and almost all the new vehicles are releasing with Android Auto equipped. It is the perfect travel companion. You can even adjust your music settings with it.
Most people might think that this film is probably a sequel to Punjab Nahi Jaungi but this is not the case. It has almost the same cast and a title with a similar feel (only this time, it’s a male version and a different location). However, LNJ is a completely different story that carries the essence of women empowerment and rejects discrimination on the basis of gender in matters of love. This comes as a pleasant surprise because Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar (writer of both films) is quite infamous for his inappropriate misogynist comments. With this film perhaps he’s trying to absolve himself of all such previous accusations.
Here’s the trailer:
The story revolves around the protagonist Jameel Qamar (Hamayun Saeed), a rich feudal landlord who doesn’t want to marry his cousin Arzu, played by Kubra Khan. Instead, he hopes to marry a westernized girl rather than ‘bahir ki larkee’ which, in this case, happens to be Zara Tiwana (Mehwish Hayat).
Their encounter is unexpected and Qamar falls in love with her at first sight. Zara has come from UK and is motivated by a much serious goal that is related to the murder of her father. Too many complications and conflicts prevent Qamar from winning her heart and whether or how he succeeds in doing so or not is something you must watch on screen.
Both, Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat, bring glamour to the screen for their onscreen chemistry (though one can clearly see the signs of aging now). Kubra has never looked so pretty on the big screen before. Besides the lead, we have Sohail Ahmed, Saba Faisal, Iffat Umer, Salman Shahid Saba Hameed, Asif Raza Mir, and Gohar Rasheed in the supporting cast.
Image Source: Image Dawn
They play members of one joint family while Rasheed plays Saeed’s confidant. Gohar Rasheed is a wonderful actor and we do get to see his energetic dance skills accompanied with brilliant facial expressions too. Sohail Ahmad and Salman Shahid are given some nice punch lines that add light humor to a somewhat serious scene. One cannot ignore the absolutely incredible cinematic presence of Asif Raza Mir even though he is given less screen time.
The film is directed by renowned filmmaker Nadeem Baig whose previous films are one of the highest-grossing films at the box office to date and it is no surprise because the man knows his craft well. LNJ has all the right spices needed for a good commercial cinema. Perfectly composed shots, seamless editing and engaging monologues.
The songs are fabulous and the arrangement is fantastic. Music is composed by Adnan Dhool (lead vocalist band Soch) and Saad Sultan. Each song has its own Punjabi desi flavor and filmi vibe that definitely evokes emotions in the viewer. The first song is inspired by typical wedding folk songs ‘tappay’ sung beautifully by Meesha Shafi. Colorful costumes, great production value, and clap-worthy pro-feminist dialogues make LNJ a true entertainer and a complete Eid package.
Have you watched the movie yet? If you have, let us know your thoughts about this in the comments below.
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Online gaming is the forte of many. Mostly, it’s considered a leisure activity indulged in for entertainment. However, how ideal is it when you can earn money from a source of entertainment? Exactly!
These are ways in which you can earn money through online gaming:
1. Stream Your Talent
Online gaming can help you earn a lot if you stream your video gaming. Twitch is a platform created entirely for video game players. Players can either record their match and upload it there, or they can do a live screen record. Either way, Twitch works just like Youtube. The more viewers you have, the more companies will notice you and pay you to advertise.
A popular Twitch streamer, Ninja, made over $10 million in 2018 with ads, sponsorships, and Twitch subscribers. Top 10 Twitch streamers, collectively, made over $20 million in 2017.
Moreover, you can also start being sponsored by the said games. PewDiePie on youtube was the sixth highest-paid YouTuber in 2017. How did he make his money? He only started with video game commentary.
2. Go Global With Online Tournaments
Image Source: FIFPlay
Online tournaments are also frequent for many gaming companies. Most times, energy drinks like RedBull or Mountain Dew collaborate with them for matches. If you participate in the tournament and win, you can get huge cash prizes of $1000 and above.
Take the example of Arslan Ash. Arslan beat legends of Tekken in an online tournament in 2019. His name is considered legendary in the game, and his efforts made Pakistan’s esports competition recognized. Arslan, over the years, collected over $67000 in cash prizes from various games.
3. Esports Teams
Image Source: Blooloop
In addition to these ways, there are esports teams you can join. In foreign countries the way there are professional cricket teams, there are professional esports teams. Esports is a form of sport competition using video games. It takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions between professional players, individually or as teams.
Esports players earn about $1000-$6000 per month or roughly $60,000 per year. Imagine, all you have to do to earn is play games!
However, unfortunately, Pakistan does not have a professional esports team. Although given the amount of talent we see, our country needs to step up. On the other hand, several companies are working to fill this gap. Check out Esports Pakistan that is trying to provide opportunities to gamers to earn.
PTA didn’t even look at the people who were earning money for their families from these online games/esports. And they didn’t even think that our country is getting recognized in the whole world.
This is another reason why the ban on PUBG was so vehemently opposed. Many esports players protested that games like PUBG help them support their families. Instead of banning a game altogether, the public must be educated.
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Singaporean rice is one of those continental dishes which has been a forever favorite. A weird combination of noodles, rice, and garlic sauce, is one of the most mouthwatering dishes you will ever try. The recipe is not difficult to master, but what to do when you don’t feel like stepping into the kitchen? You sit back and order from your favorite restaurants.
Let’s look at a few places that offer a delicious serving of Singaporean rice on a budget.
1. Foods Inn
The decent eatery with a good ambiance and pocket-friendly food options is situated in the heart of Sindhi Muslim society. The four-floor restaurant offers a versatile menu that includes dishes from all the food groups. However, one of the most beloved items on the menu is their Singaporean rice. The mouthwatering toppings are served in a generous serving which is also economical from the price point.
Image source: facebook.com
2. Kashif Foods
For all the Singaporean lovers in Gulshan-Iqbal and Gulistan-Johar, Kashif Foods are among the best options if you are craving rich flavored Singaporean rice. The best part is that the quantity of one serving is large enough for two people to enjoy it wholeheartedly.
Image source: facebook.com
3. Food Break
Food break is located on Boat Basin which offers one of the city’s most budget-friendly options without compromising the quality. Food Break allows the customers to customize a plate with delicious taste and good quality food portions.
Image source: facebook.com
4. Cul De Taste
Cul De Taste is located in Gulshan-Iqbal and Gulistan-Johar, which also offers delivery in the surrounding areas. They offer a traditional version of Singaporean rice, and their good reviews are also one thing that will definitely make you want to try them.
The next time you are tempted to try Hot and Spicy, step back and order their delicious Singaporean rice from the menu. The big-serving of rice with lots of sauce and chicken is bound to keep you on the hook. It is located in Defence and Khada Market.
Image source: facebook.com
6. The Lady Chef
The home-based business sells a delicious creamy serving of Singaporean rice with lots of rice and noodles. Their taste is different and is one of the most delicious sauces you can find in the city. They also offer a lot of additional items, but their Singaporean rice is a must-have.
Image source: facebook.com
7. Desi Craves
Another home-based restaurant that offers delicious taste with generous serving is Desi Craves on Facebook. The big family-sized box is enough for 3-4 people. Their traditional take on Singaporean rice is one of the best things on their menu.
Image source: facebook.com
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The buying and selling of refurbished phones are becoming more common daily. The inflation, the climbing prices of new phones, and the decreasing purchasing power of almost everybody are turning people the other way. But what is a refurbished phone— is it the same as a used phone? Let’s find out everything about it and its pros and cons too!
A refurbished handset has been cleaned, repaired, and restored for selling again. If you’re talking about refurbished sets with a big network (like Amazon), then they also give a warranty on refurbished ones. The fact is that these have been used before, and they will not be brand new.
Image Source: uSwitch
A ‘used’ phone is when someone has used a phone and then just passed it on to you. The whole treating and repairing process is cut out.
Pros of Getting A Refurbished Phone
The pros are heavier, they mean more. For instance,
You can save a lot for the same set as if you were going to buy this brand new.
Moreover, it also comes with a warranty so you can always go to your seller in case there is an issue.
When you buy a refurbished phone and use it lightly, you can also change it and get a new one in a few months.
It feels brand new as opposed to getting a ‘used’ one because a refurbished phone has been especially treated.
Image Source: Hobi International Inc
Cons of Getting A Refurbished Phone
However, there are some cons to the whole thing too. For instance,
It’s still not brand new so expect some issues.
Most of the time, a warranty is not offered.
You might not get a charging cable or headphones with it.
There will be no original and safe packing.
It’s hard to find an accessible yet trustworthy seller of refurbished phones.
Image Source: The Informr
New Market?
Despite some cons, getting a refurbished phone seems like an excellent choice. The most important factor is how much money you save. In this economy, save as much as you can and a phone is the last thing you should be splurging on. It’s temporary. An older or refurbished set will serve the same purpose: to call, photograph and mindlessly scroll through social media!
If you are not ready to bid farewell to your favourite Hawkins characters, then worry no more. According to Duffer Brothers, the hit Netflix continues its legacy with a spin-off series.
The Stranger Things Spin-off
After the release of season 4, part 2, Stranger Things fans are left hanging again to witness the crazy ‘upside-down’ with its fifth and final season. However, we will not see the last of the upside-down just yet. Since the writers have exclusively announced a spin-off of the hit Netflix original.
While no official announcement has been made, the Duffer brothers confirmed a spin-off was in the works in a statement released in line with their season five announcement.
Image source: theprint.com
“There are still many more exciting stories to tell within the world of Stranger Things. New mysteries, new adventures, new, unexpected heroes. But first, we hope that you stay with us as we finish this tale of a powerful girl named Eleven and her brave friends. A broken police chief and a ferocious mom of a small town called Hawkins. As well as an alternate dimension known only as the Upside Down.”
While the storyline of the spin-off series is still under wraps, according to the Duffer brothers, “Finn Wolfhard (Mike) — who is one crazy smart kid — correctly guessed what it was going to be about. But aside from Finn, no one else knows!”
Upside Down Productions
The spin-off series will be a product of a new production company set by the Duffer brothers ‘Upside Down Production’.
According to a statement, the new production company will aim to create the kind of stories that inspired the Duffers growing up.
“Stories that take place at that beautiful crossroads where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. Where big spectacle co-exists with intimate character work, where heart wins out over cynicism.”
Meanwhile, Upside Down Pictures also plans a live-action adaptation of the Japanese manga “Death Note.” Netflix had previously released an American “Death Note” adaptation in 2017.
Image source: geeked.com
Additional projects include an original series from the creators of “Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.”! A series adaptation of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s epic fantasy novel “The Talisman.”
Pakistan’s beloved Imran Abbas was seen traveling through Turkey and creating shows not long ago. He has quite a large fan base which keeps on increasing over time. But amongst this increasing fan base, there are some who have begun noticing a problematic pattern. Could this be because of the industry or is this a plot liked by the actor, we are not sure. The pattern, however, is of seeing love triangles in almost every other Imran Abbas drama.
Starring alongside Ayeza Khan and Muneeb Butt, Imran Abbas is one of the main cast in the drama Koi Chand Rakh. The drama shows that his character is in love with a girl. But due to some misunderstandings, he gets married to the girl’s less pretty cousin played by Ayeza Khan. He continues his love affair with the love of his life even after marriage.
Image Source: IMDb
2. Thora Sa Haq
Starring once again with Ayeza Khan, the drama shows Imran Abbas in love with his childhood fiance. The turn of the screw leads him to an accidental marriage with the character played by Ayeza. He does not reveal the marriage and continue to keep his fiance on the hook. Later, he even marries her and then got to be shown as the bigger man trying to do justice to both wives.
Image Source: ARY Digital
3. Dil E Muztar
Aired on Hum TV, Dil e Muztar showed Sanam Jung playing the role of a rich girl. She falls in love with Imran Abbas’ character and is forced to move out and fend for her new family. While she does that, her neighbor starts wooing the husband, and the husband actually gets wooed.
Calling it a love triangle would be the biggest understatement of the century, but it falls in the same category. Sanam Jung is a part of the story. Her character likes the character played by Imran Abbas. But he actually likes her sister. The sister dies and he marries someone else. Sanam’s character enters the story once again, but she has someone else whom she likes. The maze further complicates. More than a love triangle, it looks like a hexagon.
Image Source: HUM TV
5. Yaar e Bewafa
Yaar e Bewafa shows Imran Abbas married to Arij. Meanwhile, Sarah’s character is also married. But with the unfolding events, Arij gets busy with the materialistic achievements meanwhile, Imran gets involved with Sarah.
Image Source: Amazon
Of course, the actor was part of many more dramas, but these stood out the most. Now, he is already en route to being part of another drama acting alongside Urwa Hocane and Saboor Aly.
Textured hair has been one of the biggest beauty looks for the past few seasons, and now it seems our favorite celebrities have gotten the memo too.
Rather than step out with slick, silky straight locks or a head full of angelic curls, Hollywood’s leading ladies have recently taken to rocking the ‘S-wave’, a loose, beachy wave that perfectly strikes the tone between old school glamour and bedhead chic.
The style is a great way to liven up a long bob by adding bulk and depth, as seen on Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence, but looks equally as good on longer lengths, as demonstrated by Selena Gomez.
To recreate the look at home, Victoria’s Secret hairstylist Sarah Potempa suggests starting wth freshly washed and rough dried hair, with a spot of volumizing mousse to really lift the strands. Then separate the hair into two sections — Potempa recommends parting down the center while beauty vlogger Kaushal Beauty divides the hair from ear to ear, clipping the top section up and working on the underneath section first.
The S wave can be achieved with straighteners or with a curling iron. Potempa advises using the official hair tool of the Victoria’s Secret show, the Beachwaver S1, which she designed. She clamps the curler a few centimeters from the ends of each smaller section of the hair before rolling it up towards the scalp and holding for around three seconds, working in small sections to cover the head.
Beauty vlogger LustreLux takes a more laid-back approach, using a ConAir 1 1/4″ curling iron to create the wave, taking small sections of hair and wrapping them only once around the curler. After holding for a few seconds, she suggests pulling the strand down straight to create a low-key kink in the hair, before fluffing up the roots with a texturizing product such as Ouai Texturizing spray.
Kaushal Beauty is a fan of the straightener method, taking small sections of hair and clamping the irons alternatively 180 degrees in a clockwise and anticlockwise direction along the length for a chunky wave. She advises fixing the sections regularly with hairspray to keep the wave in place, adding a dash of oil such as Kerastase’s Elixir Ultimate to the lengths at the end of the process for extra gloss.
Monsoon season has hit Pakistan, and the disastrous effects of the rain are evident only after a spell of five days. The situation is giving us a major ‘Deja Vu’ of 2020, which has left us wondering.
The rain situation in Karachi is currently out of hand as parts of Karachi sink, leaving citizens with flooded homes and no electricity since last night. The continuous rain spell of fifteen hours has left the entire city drowning in water. All the major areas and roads have been blocked, making it difficult for the citizens to commute on Eid. Certain areas of the city have been through a blood bath with rain water and sacrificial animals’ blood mixing on the roads.
The City Situation
As much as Karachiites wait for rain the entire year, it becomes a dilemma with traffic blockages, accidents, housing societies drowning in standing rainwater and load shedding. This year’s situation is nothing different, given the infrastructure requirements of the city have not been met.
Shahrah-e-Faisal faced massive blockages, which resulted in citizens being stuck for hours. Main Korangi road also faced a massive blockage with standing water making it difficult for passengers to walk by. The roads to and from the airport are shut down. Meanwhile, intercity travel is also halted as the authorities block the National Highway.
The residential society became a topic of debate on all the major social media platforms. Since the rain took a massive toll on the infrastructure, thousands of people were stranded in their houses. Urban flooding caused massive damage to citizens’ properties and households.
Despite CBC’s utter attempts to tackle the monsoon season, the situation in the residential area has not changed drastically. The last night’s spell has left the road filled with water putting all the renovations in question made in the past few months. The water pumps installed a few days ago don’t seem to work, and citizens are complaining about the rainwater standing in front of their properties. Areas including Khayaban-e-Shahbaz, phase two extension, Golf course roads, and Badar commercial are flooded with water with no means of transport, leaving citizens and sick patients stranded in their flooded houses.
Furious DHA residents are now speaking up in search of help
A group member of a Facebook group, Fawwad Afridi, urges everyone to be careful and keep an eye on the news
Karachi flood-like situation in almost all areas, rainwater along with garbage entered into houses and shops. The city is presenting the worst picture. I wonder how shameless PPP is, did nothing during their 14-year rule. #KarachiRains#karachi@BBhuttoZardari@CMShehbazpic.twitter.com/PYJQKJfY7i
Despite the government’s efforts, the Karachiites are witnessing the downfall of the city, specifically DHA, yet again after two years. However, if the rain continues to pour down, no wonder what will happen to the city.
For your safety, keep an eye on the upcoming weather conditions as it is likely that there will be another spell in the upcoming days. Check out social media and Facebook for support groups helping stranded citizens and needy patients.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below.
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While we are seeing new Pakistani films coming up, the drama industry still remains on the top. Most of the country’s population prefers Pakistani dramas because they say the dramas portray the realness of life. But does that mean Pakistani dramas have stayed constant too? Not so much! The trends in the dramas have changed, and these changing trends give the current Pakistani dramas a whole new outlook compared to the older ones.
1. Female Character’s Profession
Pick up Alpha, Bravo, Charlie or dhoop kinarey, or Tanhayian. In each of those dramas, you will see a proper balance in the professions of the female characters. You will see women as full-time housewives, but you will also see women working full time in other positions; positions such as doctors. But now, what you see is an imbalance of the professions. It seems as if all women, be it the ones currently studying or working women, eventually become housewives. That is the ultimate profession. I believe that by doing this, we are looking down upon the career of a housewife.
Image Source: Twitter
2. One Whole Genre’s Disappearance
Remember the time when there used to be fantasy dramas. Remember Ainak wala Jinn, Zakoota, and Bil Batori. There were many other such dramas. In fact, I also remember a period drama from Mughal times or even further back. But these genres have disappeared, and it’s all about the current times and relationships.
3. Everything is about Divorce
As a society, we should normalize divorce because otherwise, people stay in toxic relationships and not just ruin their own lives but also the lives of their children. But now everything is just about that, one of our colleagues said. Apparently, everything is just about divorce: men divorcing their wives, women asking for a divorce from husbands. There is much more to life than that. If you don’t like a specific person, don’t get married from the get-go.
Image Source: Samaa
4. Cheating Cheating and S’more Cheating
The dramas of today are mostly on cheating. Spouses are cheating with their significant other’s siblings or their colleagues. Doesn’t that fuel more deceit? What will be housewives sending their husbands to the office be thinking because all they see on dramas is that husband cheat with colleagues? What will the in-laws think when their daughter-in-law goes to the office? And they will have these thoughts because of the perception the industry fuels in us; “they are based on reality.”
Do you agree with us that these above aspects have changed in Pakistani dramas? Do you have more to add? Let us know!
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!
It’s a good budget. But it’s good only because it’s the first of many for 2022-23.
In simpler words, the supposedly “annual” budget-making exercise will most likely be followed by a mini-budget(s) going forward. Why? For starters, it’s highly unrealistic.
This means the government will miss its key targets like inflation, economic growth and tax collection. That’ll upset the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and force the government to change its fiscal course mid-year through a mini-budget. The government will impose new taxes to bring a semblance of balance to its books and obtain fresh loan tranches under the currently stalled IMF loan programme.
For example, there’s zero chance that inflation will stay at or below the anticipated level of 11.5 per cent in 2022-23. There’s no end to the Russian-Ukraine war in sight. Oil, coal and gas prices are going through the roof. Margins on finished petroleum products that Pakistan imports in bulk are at an all-time high. So how exactly the government thinks it can bring down inflation from the existing level of nearly 14pc to 11.5pc in spite of a fresh increase of Rs60 on every litre of petrol and diesel is beyond comprehension.
Similarly, the envisaged economic growth rate of 5pc is hogwash given the ongoing fiscal belt-tightening coupled with the rapidly rising benchmark interest rate. Demand will shrink, people will scale back consumption and the economy will grow a lot slower than before. Pakistan will miss its economic growth target of 5pc in 2022-23.
Image Source: The News
The biggest lie in the proposed federal budget relates to the total revenue collection target of Rs9 trillion, up 14pc from the budgeted figure for the outgoing fiscal year. The target seems ridiculous. The petroleum development levy (PDL) of Rs750bn makes up for 68.5pc of the envisaged increase of almost Rs1.1tr in the total revenue collection.
Margins on finished petroleum products that Pakistan imports in bulk are at an all-time high. So how exactly the government thinks it can bring down inflation from the existing level of nearly 14pc to 11.5pc in spite of a fresh increase of Rs60 on every litre of petrol and diesel is beyond comprehension.
According to AKD Securities, the PDL collection estimate for a single litre of fuel comes out to be Rs38, which is higher than the notified ceiling of Rs30. Assuming the government sticks to its plan and further jacks up the retail fuel price, it’ll result in further inflationary pressure and render the 11.5pc inflation target moot.
“Given the soaring crude oil prices in the international market, we may see a shortfall in collection under this head, which will need to be compensated elsewhere,” said the brokerage house. The last government missed its budgeted PDL collection target of Rs500bn for the outgoing fiscal year by a wide margin amidst mounting oil prices internationally and political troubles at home.
Hence, one can say it safely that the mini-budget is unavoidable. In fact, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail just dropped a hint to that effect. He said in his post-budget press conference that the relief on personal income tax announced a day earlier in parliament may well be withdrawn. The IMF is “still unhappy” and not willing to give relaxation on the demand for higher tax revenue.
The outlay of the budget is Rs9.5tr, with a development component of Rs808bn. The country will spend 41.5pc of its total annual budgetary outlay just to make interest payments on past loans. The absolute figure for debt servicing (Rs3.95tr) is 25.6pc higher than what the government has paid in the outgoing fiscal year.
The budget has been nothing but bad news for the banking sector. It’s set to pay income tax at the rate of 42pc as opposed to the earlier 39pc in addition to a poverty alleviation tax of 2pc.
The nation will spend Rs1.5tr on defence, up 11pc from the amount budgeted for the outgoing fiscal year. This constitutes about 16pc of total annual expenditures.
The good, the bad and the neutral
It’s most likely that your income tax will go down if you live on a monthly salary. The government has reduced the number of income tax slabs for salaried people from 12 to seven and increased the exemption threshold from Rs600,000 to Rs1.2m a year.
This means there’s zero income tax on a monthly salary of less than Rs50,000. You’ll pay only Rs100 in annual income tax if your salary is less than Rs1.2m a year.
If your annual salary exceeds Rs1.2m but is less than Rs2.4m, you’ll have to pay 7pc on any income that’s in excess of Rs1.2m. There’re four more slabs with the maximum income tax rate of 32.5pc a year.
Image Source: Gulf News
One of the best features of the proposed budget is its focus on taxing the real estate. If you have property worth more than Rs25 million other than the one you currently occupy, the government will “assume” you’re earning an annual income equalling 5pc of the property’s fair value. Subsequently, you’ll be liable to pay a 20pc tax on your “assumed” rental income.
Moreover, advance income tax on the purchase and sale of property will be increased from 1pc to 2pc for filers and to 5pc for non-filers. So your taxes are going up significantly if you’re rich and own multiple real estate assets. Otherwise, you should be happy that the government is finally looking for ways to tax the untaxed.
For stock market investors, the government has proposed rationalising capital gains tax (CGT). As such, your tax rate on any gains earned on shares that you owned for less than one year will be 15pc. The tax rate will go down by 2.5 percentage points a year and become zero after six years.
“The average CGT rates now will be lower than old rates, which were fixed at 12.5pc for a holding period of six years,” said Topline Securities in an explanatory note to its clients.
The government has withdrawn the tax credit that was available to individuals on mutual fund and pension fund investments. As a result, the brokerage foresees redemptions from equity mutual funds with some amount being diverted to direct stock market investments.
The budget has been nothing but bad news for the banking sector. It’s set to pay income tax at the rate of 42pc as opposed to the earlier 39pc in addition to a poverty alleviation tax of 2pc.
Electricity users who consume less than 200 units a month will be eligible for soft loans on easy terms from banks for the purchase of solar panels — a move that’ll directly benefit the middle class struggling under the weight of ever-rising utility bills.
Image Source; Dispatch News Desk
As for the automobile buyers, the proposed budget seeks to increase the advance tax on the purchase of vehicles above 1,600cc. This measure will result in an increase in the car prices for Indus, Honda, KIA and Hyundai, but not Suzuki, which sells mostly small cars.
The government is exempting customs duties (CD) on more than 26 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, which are the main ingredients of drugs. The move will stabilise drug prices and promote local production.
The budget envisages a reduction of customs duties on woven fabrics and raw materials for the footwear industry. Topline Securities says the step will lower the cost of raw materials for local manufacturers like Bata Pakistan, Service Industries and Service Global Footwear. There’s also going to be a reduction in the customs duties on the import of raw materials for snacks manufacturers.
Thanks to its overambitious targets, the budget is likely to have fewer hits than misses. Barring a sudden (and improbable) drop in global energy prices, there’s little chance its projections will stand the test of time.
