Author: Faisal Shahnawaz

  • Dollar plummets to Rs215.49 against Pakistani Rupee on August 12, 2022

    Dollar plummets to Rs215.49 against Pakistani Rupee on August 12, 2022

    KARACHI: The US dollar plummeted by Rs3.39 against the Pakistani Rupee to Rs215.49 on Friday August 12, 2022 in interbank foreign exchange market.

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  • Prices of Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro

    Prices of Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro

    South Korea: Samsung Electronics on August 10, 2022 launched the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro, with advanced features and even more powerful capabilities.

    Galaxy Watch5 with the 44mm display will start at $279 for the Bluetooth version and $329 for the LTE version. Galaxy Watch5 Pro with a 45mm display, will start at $449 for the Bluetooth version and $499 for the LTE version.

    The watch provides in-depth monitoring and practical data offering users the information needed to help them with their health and wellness.

    The press release issued by Samsung Electronics stated that Galaxy Watch5 is equipped with Samsung’s unique BioActive Sensor that drives the next era of digital health monitoring. First introduced on the Galaxy Watch4 series, the BioActive Sensor uses a single unique chip that combines three powerful health sensors — Optical Heart Rate, Electrical Heart Signal and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis — to deliver extensive readings that include heart rate, blood oxygen level and even stress level. In addition, users can get a deeper understanding of their heart health by monitoring blood pressure and ECG — right from their wrist.

    With an increased surface area and more direct contact with your wrist, Galaxy Watch5 tracks health metrics now with even greater accuracy than Galaxy Watch4. Plus, its powerful 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor works in combination with the other sensors of Galaxy Watch5 series, including the newly introduced temperature sensor, to provide users with an in-depth understanding of their wellness.

    READ MORE: Samsung unveils toughest foldable Galaxy Z Fold4

    The temperature sensor uses infrared technology for more accurate readings, even if the temperature of your surroundings changes. This opens new possibilities for developers to expand their health and wellness options and for users to take advantage of all-new experiences.

    Designed for everyday wins, Galaxy Watch5 offers a comprehensive end-to-end experience that goes beyond fitness activities and into the post-workout, rest and recovery process. The Body Composition measurement tool provides a complete snapshot of the user’s overall health, providing them with a tailored approach to set goals, guide them through personalized workouts and track progress. And when it’s time to rest, the Galaxy Watch5 series empowers users with recovery data, including post-cardio heart rate after an intense workout, and customized recommendations on water consumption based on sweat loss.

    A good night’s rest is important in wellness, and that’s why we’re helping users have a better night’s sleep. Understand sleep patterns through Sleep Scores that monitor stages of sleep, along with snore detection and blood oxygen levels.

    Through SmartThings integration, Galaxy Watch5 automatically sets connected lights, AC units and TVs to predetermined settings that make for an ideal sleep environment. Users can sleep safe and sound knowing that the enhanced fall detection ensures an emergency contact is notified if you or your loved one stumbles at home or falls out of bed.

    READ MORE: Samsung launches all new Galaxy Z Flip4

    Galaxy Watch5 comes with 13 per cent larger battery and provides eight hours of sleep tracking with just eight minutes of charging, which is 30 per cent faster than Galaxy Watch4.

    An extra layer of durability protects the Galaxy Watch5. This year, we’ve included our first smartwatch display featuring a Sapphire Crystal display, which offers a 60 per cent harder outer layer, so your watch remains reliable in day-to-day use. Cue up your favorite song on Spotify with just your voice using Google Assistant. And coming soon, find your way using Google Maps from your wrist without a smartphone connection.

    Music and audio lovers will appreciate updates that include new apps like SoundCloud and Deezer. Additionally, One UI Watch4.5 offers a fuller typing experience, an easier way to make calls and a host of new accessibility features that make the Galaxy Watch more intuitive.

    Created for those that love the great outdoors, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is the newest addition to the Galaxy Watch portfolio. From hiking to cycling and beyond, Watch5 Pro is ready for the challenge thanks to its premium materials. It features enhanced Sapphire Crystal that better resists any wear and tear and a durable titanium casing that protects the display with a protruded bezel design. Galaxy Watch5 Pro also comes with an all-new D-Buckle Sport Band that offers rugged durability with a sleek and clean fit.

    READ MORE: Samsung launches One UI 5 open beta program for Galaxy S22 series

    Built strong and built to last, Galaxy Watch5 Pro has the largest battery in a Galaxy Watch. It’s 60 per cent larger than Galaxy Watch4, which is key to keeping up with you while you conquer a new route. Take advantage of GPX, that’s available for the first time on a Galaxy Watch.

    Head out on a hike and record and share it with fellow trail-lovers on the Samsung Health app with Route Workout. You can also download hiking and cycling routes as you practice for your next race or look to mix up your routine. As you hike or cycle, keep your eyes on the path and away from the map with intuitive Turn-by-turn directions.

    When you’re ready to head home, Galaxy Watch5 Pro will get you there easily with the Track back feature that takes you back the way you came.

    The Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro are available for pre-order in select markets starting on August 10, with retail availability starting August 26.

     The Galaxy Watch5 offers a modern and minimalist design, and features that help you achieve more every day. It comes with all-new neutral color options that will turn heads, with the Large 44mm option available in Graphite, Sapphire and Silver and the Small 40mm option available in Graphite, Pink Gold and Silver which features a Bora Purple strap that pairs perfectly with the Galaxy Z Flip4.

    For adventure seekers looking for durability, performance and style, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is for you. It will be available in Black Titanium and Gray Titanium.

     Galaxy Watch5 Golf Edition is the ultimate smart caddy that gives golfers direction and recommendations while they’re on the course. It comes with exclusive watch faces, a two-tone band and an unlimited membership on the Smart Caddie app. The Watch5 series Golf Edition comes in three sizes — Watch5 Large, Watch5 Small and Watch5 Pro, starting at $329 for the Bluetooth version.

    Design your own watch by selecting the model, size, case color and strap for up to 1,032 unique combinations in the Galaxy Watch5 Bespoke Studio on Samsung.com. Now, users can build a watch that’s unique to them.

    With a greater selection of straps and faces, they can mix and match to express their personal style with the new Sport Band or share their support of Sustainable Development Goals with the Global Goals Band.

  • SBP’s customer forex rates – August 12, 2022

    SBP’s customer forex rates – August 12, 2022

    On Friday, August 12, 2022, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) unveiled the foreign exchange rates for customers, providing insight into the buying and selling prices of various currencies against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR).

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  • Bitcoin to Pakistani Rupee on August 12, 2022

    Bitcoin to Pakistani Rupee on August 12, 2022

    KARACHI: The exchange rate of Bitcoin (BTC) in Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is Rs5,208,695.19 on August 12, 2022 at 07:40 AM Pakistan Standard Time (PST), in the open exchange market.

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  • Ripple to Pakistani Rupee on August 12, 2022

    Ripple to Pakistani Rupee on August 12, 2022

    KARACHI: The exchange rate of Ripple (XRP) in Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is Rs82.15 on August 12, 2022 at 07:40 AM Pakistan Standard Time (PST), in the open exchange market.

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  • Dogecoin to Pakistani Rupee on August 12, 2022

    Dogecoin to Pakistani Rupee on August 12, 2022

    KARACHI: The exchange rate of Dogecoin (DOGE) in Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is Rs15.45 on August 12, 2022 at 07:40 AM Pakistan Standard Time (PST), in the open exchange market.

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  • Customs I&I auctions confiscated motor vehicles on August 17

    Customs I&I auctions confiscated motor vehicles on August 17

    KARACHI: The Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I), Quetta has announced auction of huge lot of motor vehicles on August 17, 2022.

    The auction of motor vehicles will be held at open ground, adjacent to the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation – Customs, Jinnah Town, Quetta.

    The directorate to auction following motor vehicles:

    01. Honda Civic Car, Chassis No. JHMFD163065213860, Model 2006

    02. Honda Civic Car, Chassis No. JHMES55805S203809, Model 2005

    03. 13/2022 Suzuki Alto, Chassis No. VXR Car HA23S-711792, Model 2003

    04. Suzuki Jimny Jeep, Chassis No. JB43W-200680, Model 2005

    05. Suzuki Swift Car, Chassis No. ZC71S-420900, Model 2007

    READ MORE: Karachi Customs to auction confiscated vehicles on August 11, 2022

    06 Suzuki Swift Car, Chassis No. ZC11S-150707, Model 2005

    07. Toyota Aqua Car, Chassis No. NHP10-2361456, Model 2014

    08. Toyota Axio Car, Chassis No. NZE141-6064110, Engine No. 1NZFE, Model 2007

    09. Toyota Corolla Car, Chassis No. NZE121-3397422, Model 2006

    10. Toyota Crown Car, Chassis No. GRS182-0017419, Model 2004

    11 Toyota Fielder Car, Chassis No. NZE141-9007785, Model 2006

    12. Toyota Fielder Car, Chassis No. NZE121-0016153, Model 2000

    13. Toyota Fielder Car, Chassis No. ZZE121-0068387, Model 2002

    14. Toyota Pickup, Chassis No. YN86-1001638

    15. Toyota Premio Car, Chassis No. ZZT240-5006242, Model 2003

    16. Toyota Premio Car, Chassis No. ZRT260-3006161, Engine No. 2ZRFE (1800 CC), Model 2007

    17. Toyota Premio Car, Chassis No.  ZZT240-5045305, Engine No. 1ZZFE (1800CC), Model 2005

    READ MORE: Peshawar Customs to auction motor vehicles on August 11, 2022

    18. Toyota Premio Car, Chassis No. ZZT240-5007124, Engine No. 1ZZ-FE (1800 CC), Model 2003

    19. Toyota Surf, Chassis No. RZN185-0041730, Engine No. 3RZFE (2700CC), Model 2001

    20. Toyota Vitz Car, Chassis No. SCP90-5054052, Engine No. 2SZFE (1300CC), Model 2005

    21. Toyota Vitz Car, Chassis No. SCP10-0340082, Engine No. 1SZFE(1000CC), Model 2003

    22. Toyota Vitz Car, Chassis No. NCP10-0152094, Model 2002

    23. Toyota Mark X Car, Chassis No. GRX1211002280, Engine No. 3GRFSE, Model 2004

    24. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Chassis No. GRJ151-0003527, Engine No. 1GRFE (4000CC), Model 2014

    25. Suzuki Alto Car, Chassis No. HA22S-612933, Model 2000

    26. Toyota Premio Car, Chassis No. ZRT260-3019744, Engine No. 2ZRFE, Model 2007

    27. Toyota Aqua Car, Chassis No. JTDKD3B3101002548, Engine No. 1NZFXE, Model 2012

    28. Toyota Premio Car, Chassis No. ZRT260-3055635, Engine No. 2ZRFE, Model 2009

    29. Toyota Land Cruiser Lexus V-8, Chassis No. JTJHT00W703542674, Model 2004

    30. Toyota Prado, Chassis No. VZJ95-0080824, Model 2000

    31. Carina Car (accidental/poor condition), Chassis No CT170-2038468, Engine No. 1946537, Model 1991

    32. Dahitsu Mira Car, Chassis No. JDAL2015000031905, Engine No. 1994

    33. Nissan Jeep, Chassis No. JLR50-004992, Model 1998

    34. Range Rover, Chassis No. SALLPAMJ3VA372646, Model 1998

    READ MORE: Gwadar customs auctions motor vehicles on July 28, 2022

    35. Toyota Corolla Car, Chassis No. EE90-0036489, Engine No. 2343412, Model 1991

    36. Toyota Corolla Car, Chassis No. KE55-766143

    37. Corolla Car (accidental/poor condition), Chassis No. AE100-3209410, Model 1993

    38. Toyota Crown Majesta, Chassis No. UZS186-0011118, Engine No. 3UZ-FE, Model 2004

    39. Toyota Fielder Car, Chassis No.  ZZE122-0014947, Model 2000

    40. Toyota Hiace Van, Chassis No. JT721LHB3001 71861

    41. Hiace Van (accidental/poor condition), Chassis No. LH71B-0001253, Engine No. 2L-1043920, Model 1982

    42. Toyota Land Cruiser, Chassis No. UZJ100-0117691, Engine No. 2UZFE, Model 2000

    43. Toyota Land Cruiser, Chassis No. JT111TJ3207404810, Model 1996

    44. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Chassis No. VZJ195-0060970, Engine No. 5VZ-FE, Model 1999

    45. Toyota Mark X Car, Chassis No. GRX120-0034825, Model 2005

    46. Toyota Mark-X Car, Chassis No. GRX121-1005643, Engine No. 3GRFSE, Model 2005

    47. Toyota Mark-X Car, Chassis No. GRX120-0077315, Model 2006

    48. Toyota Premio Car, Chassis No. ZRT260-3025047, Model 2017

    49. Toyota Premio Car, Chassis No. ZZT240-0061554, Model 2003

    READ MORE: Peshawar Customs announces auction of motor vehicles on July 26, 2022

    50. Toyota Premio Car, Chassis No. ZZT240-0012752, Engine No. 1ZZFE, Model 2002

    51. Toyota Sprinter Car, Chassis No. CE96-0092582 Engine No. 1C, Model 1990

    52. Toyota Hilux Pickup, Chassis No. JT733RN8509013890, Model 1992

    53. Toyota Premio Car, Chassis No. ZRT260-3069220, Engine No. 2ZRFAE, Model 2010

  • Samsung unveils toughest foldable Galaxy Z Fold4

    Samsung unveils toughest foldable Galaxy Z Fold4

    South Korea: Samsung Electronics on August 10, 2022 unveiled the toughest foldable, Galaxy Z Fold4. The smartphone combines Samsung’s collective mobile technology expertise with increased functionality whether opened, closed or in Flex mode.

    It is the first device to ship with Android 12L, a special version of Android created by Google for large-screen experiences, including foldables.

    The phone is available in an elegant combination of a unique form factor with naturally classic hues with every unfold in Graygreen, Phantom Black or Beige.

    READ MORE: Samsung launches all new Galaxy Z Flip4

    The press release issued by the company stated that multitasking on Z Fold4 is easier than ever, so users can get more done on the move. The new Taskbar provides a layout similar to your PC, offering access to your favorite and recent apps.

    Multitasking is also more intuitive, thanks to new swipe gestures. Instantly switch full-screen apps to pop-up windows or split your screen in half for more ways to multitask.

    Samsung’s partnerships with Google and Microsoft take multitasking to the next level. Google apps, including Chrome and Gmail now support drag-and-drop, allowing users to quickly copy and paste links, photos and more from one app to another. With Google Meet, users can now connect with more people while enjoying virtual co-activities, including co-watching videos on YouTube or playing games together on a video call.

    Microsoft’s full Office suite and Outlook take advantage of the foldable display, providing more information on the screen and faster ways to interact with the content. The multitasking experience is complete with S Pen functionality, enabling on-the-go drawing and notetaking with streamlined storage inside the Standing Cover with Pen case.

    Galaxy Z Fold4 takes stunning photos and videos with an upgraded 50MP wide lens and 30X Space Zoom lens. A variety of camera modes, including the larger Zoom map activated on Capture View Mode, Dual Preview and Rear Cam Selfie are custom-built to take advantage of the unique form factor for increased capturing flexibility. And with the larger pixel size, a 23 percent brighter sensor, and enhanced processing power, users can capture clear images even at night.

    READ MORE: Samsung launches One UI 5 open beta program for Galaxy S22 series

    Content is even more immersive and distinctive on the 7.6-inch Main Screen with a brighter screen, a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a less visible Under Display Camera (UDC) featuring a new scatter-type sub-pixel arrangement.

    Popular social media apps like Facebook are optimized for the large-screen experience to make content more enjoyable. Or open your favorite streaming entertainment service apps like Netflix21 and watch hands-free with Flex mode.

    For non-optimized apps, users can even control the device without disrupting the content with the new Flex Mode Touchpad, offering accuracy while pausing, rewinding and playing videos or zooming in and out of content while the device is in Flex mode.

    Games are snappier too thanks to the powerful Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform and hyper-fast 5G. With a slimmer hinge, lighter weight and even narrower bezels, the wider screen enables easier one-handed interactions while using the Cover Screen.

    Samsung continues its barrier-defying innovation journey to deliver the level of durability consumers expect, both in and out. With our Armor Aluminum frames and hinge cover along with exclusive Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ on the Cover Screen and rear glass.

    Durability of the Main Screen panel is also enhanced thanks to the optimized layer structure, helping to reduce damage from external shock. In addition Z Fold4 is equipped with IPX825 water resistance, so users can worry less if they get caught in the rain. 

  • Meezan Bank posts 36% growth in half year profit

    Meezan Bank posts 36% growth in half year profit

    KARACHI: Meezan Bank Limited on Thursday declared 36 per cent increase in after tax profit for the half year ended June 30, 2022.

    The bank announced its financial results for the first half (January – June) 2022 where the bank reported consolidated net profit after tax of Rs17.1 billion compared to Rs12.7 billion in the same half of the last year.

    READ MORE: Philip Morris Pakistan declares 11% fall in half year profit

    Analysts at AKD Securities said that the results came in above the expectations on account of higher than anticipated non funded income.

    Along with the result, the bank announced a dividend per share of Rs1.75 and a bonus of 10 per cent.

    The bank’s core income increased by 46 per cent year on year (YoY) during the period under review. The growth can be explained by robust book growth as well as better asset pricing.

    READ MORE: Lucky Cement posts record Rs36.42 billion profit

    The non core income grew by 47 per cent YoY during the same period to Rs11.1 billion owing to phenomenal growth in foreign exchange income. Other notable contribution came from fee income which increased to Rs6.8 billion, up 40 per cent YoY.

    The bank recorded provisioning cost of Rs961 million, which contained the profitability growth somewhat. This took the total provisioning cost during the first half of the year 2022 to Rs1.2 billion, up 2.7x.

    READ MORE: Mari Petroleum declares Rs33 billion as annual profit for FY22

    Administrative expenses grew by 25.8 per cent year on year during the first half of the year 2022, which took the bank’s cost-to-income ratio during the period to 40 per cent as opposed to 45 per cent it clocked during same period last year.

    Effective taxation during the quarter clocked in at 57.5 per cent, which took the effective taxation during the period of January – June 2022 to 49.3 per cent. The effective taxation was lower than the estimate and was the key reason behind the earnings surprise.

    READ MORE: UBL declares 21% decline in half year net profit

  • SBP issues KIBOR rates – August 11, 2022

    SBP issues KIBOR rates – August 11, 2022

    KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday issued the Karachi Interbank Offered Rates (KIBOR) as on August 11, 2022.

    Following are the latest KIBOR rates:

     TenorBIDOFFER
    1 – Week14.8215.32
    2 – Week14.8515.35
    1 – Month14.9115.41
    3 – Month15.6115.86
    6 – Month15.6815.93
    9 – Month15.7216.22
    1 – Year15.7716.27

    READ MORE: SBP issues KIBOR rates – August 10, 2022