Author: Samman Iqbal

In the fast paced world no one has time to read wordy articles, hence, we at Inflics work hard to keep you informed of the latest news with short excerpts.

Service charges on pre-paid mobile scratch cards no longer applicable

Supreme Court’s order of removing service/maintenance charges on pre-paid mobile scratch cards has now been implemented. Users will now receive Rs88.9 on Rs100 mobile scratch card compared with Rs76.94 previously. Mobile phone service providers were told by the court that they could apply a 12.5 per cent withholding tax. However, they had to abolish 10pc administrative/service charges.

Reko Diq mining project and in detail and its implications

Reko Diq mines, known for their enormous reserves of gold and copper are believed to have the world’s fifth largest gold deposit in them. The news of the treasures this mine holds is not new, as gold diggers have been attempting to explore it since 1992. It was not until 2000, that the Tethyan Copper Company made its way into Pakistani market. 

$6 billion penalty imposed on Pakistan in Reko Diq case

The International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) has announced a massive $5.976 billion (Rs944.21 billion) award against Pakistan in the Reko Diq case, which is one of biggest in ICSID history. ICSID awarded a $4.08 billion penalty and $1.87 billion in interest. However, Pakistan has decided to challenge the award “very soon” by filing a revision application.

US, Russia, China appreciate Pakistan’s role in ending Afghan war

A joint statement issued in Washington has revealed that United States, China and Russia have warmly welcomed Pakistan to a four-party consultation process aiming to bring peace to the war-torn region of Afghanistan after 18 years. The statement recognises Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process and justifies Islamabad’s view that any development in Afghanistan also impacts Pakistan.

Honda halts production due to extremely low car sales in Pakistan

Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan (HACP) has decided to shut down its plant for 10 days as its inventories piled up to 2,000 units on plummeting car sales amid rising prices due to imposition of new, higher taxes in budget and steep currency devaluation in recent weeks. Extremely low car sales during first week of July has prompted the company’s decision.

SBP launches Rs.100 bn subsidised financing programme

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched the “Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan SME Lending Programme,” worth Rs100 billion for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Citizens aged between 18 and 45 years may avail financing of up to Rs5 million each at a borrowing cost varying between 6% and 8% for a maximum period of eight years.

Amir Khan becomes WBC international welterweight champion

British-Pakistan boxer Amir Khan, who was supposed to fight Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat, has won international welterweight champion at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah by downing Australian fighter Billy Dib in just the second round. The Indian boxer was injured during a car accident and had to pull out of the fight, making Dib easy opponent for Amir.

Senate Committee directs Ministry to relax ban on Sheesha

To give relief to the retailers, the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services directed the Ministry to amend the law for relaxing ban on ‘Sheesha’ smoking in the country. After issuing the directive, Senator Ateeq Sheikh remarked that Sheesha is widely smoked everywhere in the world, and even after the ban people in Pakistan are still smoking at home.

Meezan Bank will not let you Netflix and chill anymore

In a recently released official statement, Meezan Bank has revealed that online payment facility for streaming website Netflix has been blocked by the organisation. The bank stated that the subscription service for entertainment facilities is not in line with the guidelines of Sharia Compliance and hence, after constant customer complains the bank has decided to discontinue payments to Netflix.

The Lux Style Awards proposal that has the nation talking

Famed couple of Lollywood, Iqra Aziz and Yasir Hussain, recently got engaged in an on-air proposal during the Lux Style Awards. The viral video of the intimate proposal has the whole nation talking, with comments ranging from severe criticism to utmost praise for Yasir’s courage. Star Hamza Ali Abbasi also came out for the couple’s support in a Tweet.