Stay updated with the latest news from Pakistan and around the world, including politics, business, sports, entertainment, and technology.
- Punjab increases sales tax on consultancy services to 8%
Punjab Finance Act, 2026 increases the concessionary sales tax rate for consultants and rent-a-car services from 5% to 8% without input tax adjustment. - Punjab raises concessionary tax rate to 8% for hotels and restaurants
Punjab Finance Act, 2026 increases the reduced sales tax rate from 5% to 8% for digitally paid hotel and restaurant services without input tax adjustment. - Tom Holland names Lionel Messi as childhood superhero
Spider-Man star says football legend Lionel Messi was his biggest hero while promoting Spider-Man: Brand New Day. - 2026 Emmy Awards cut major categories from live broadcast
Television Academy moves several acting and writing awards to the Creative Arts Emmys as the televised ceremony is reduced to 19 categories. - Tangled live-action set photos divide fans over Flynn Rider
Disney’s first look at the live-action Tangled draws praise for Rapunzel while Flynn Rider’s appearance sparks criticism online. - The Odyssey opens with $51 million, eyes $120 million debutChristopher Nolan’s epic starring Matt Damon delivers a strong opening day as it heads for one of the biggest opening weekends of the year.
- Apple raises Apple Music subscription prices
Apple cites rising licensing costs as it increases Apple Music and Apple One subscription fees in the US and other markets. - WhatsApp begins rolling out username reservation feature to selected users
New WhatsApp username reservation system lets users claim unique handles with added privacy controls and anti-impersonation safeguards. - Pakistan sets professor salary at up to Rs712,030 under revised pay package
Government revises Tenure Track System salaries from July 1, 2026, with universities directed to meet the financial impact from their own resources. - Government targets Rs627 billion in savings bank deposits for FY2026-27
National Savings deposits are projected to rise to Rs1.49 trillion, driven by higher inflows into savings accounts and Islamic savings products. - FBR introduces new sales tax exemptions for FY2026-27
Finance Act, 2026 expands the list of exempt goods and imports, including sanitary products, contraceptives, selected vessels and bulletproof vehicles. - Pakistan cuts corporate tax rate for banks to 42% in FY27
Reduced tax rate takes effect from January 1, 2026, while tax rates for small companies and other corporate entities remain unchanged. - FBR abolishes ‘late filer’ category under Finance Act 2026
Higher withholding tax rates on property transactions for late filers have been withdrawn, aligning them with active taxpayers to encourage return filing. - FBR removes FED on mineral water and specific hydration drinks for FY2026-27
Revised Federal Excise Act excludes mineral water and low-sugar hydration beverages from the 20% federal excise duty. - FBR notifies FED rates for imported electric cars and SUVs in FY2026-27
New federal excise duty structure introduces higher rates for premium imported electric vehicles while maintaining zero duty on lower-priced EVs. - Geely introduces world’s first 16-in-1 electric drive system
New “Thunder” electric drive technology debuts in Geely Galaxy TT, delivering higher efficiency, lower weight, and enhanced EV performance. - Rising raw material costs weigh heavily on Chinese automakers’ profits
Higher prices for raw materials and storage chips, coupled with weak vehicle demand, put significant pressure on China’s automotive industry. - Lucas Herbert storms into lead at British Open with historic 62
Australian golfer delivers a stunning eight-under-par round in Southport to open a two-shot advantage at the British Open Championship. - Mauro Schmid triumphs in Tour de France stage 13
Swiss rider secures a memorable victory in a demanding Stage 13, while Tadej Pogacar strengthens his grip on the yellow jersey. - Watanabe, Yamaguchi delight home crowd by reaching Japan open finals
Japanese stars Koki Watanabe and Akane Yamaguchi secure thrilling semifinal victories to book places in the Japan Open badminton singles finals.