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ARY NEWS

Anjum Wahab

  • WATCH: Pakistan Railways’ employees caught stealing diesel from depot

    WATCH: Pakistan Railways’ employees caught stealing diesel from depot

    A video showing Pakistan Railways’ employees stealing diesel from Karachi Railway depot has surfaced online.

    In a video available with ARY News, three employees of Pakistan Railways including an engine driver can be seen stealing the diesel from Karachi Cantt Railway Station depot.

    Sources say that the suspects had been involved in diesel theft for the past three months. The accused have been arrested, and a case has been registered at the Cantt police station.

    Read more: Pakistan Railways announces reduction in train fares

    Earlier, the railway department decided to operate 10 passenger trains under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

    According to Pakistan Railways officials, the first phase of the privatisation will commence soon and 10 trains will be handed over to private operators under the PPP mode.

    The Pakistan Railways asked the interested parties to submit their applications. The technical bids will be opened on the same day.

  • Damaged roads in Karachi demand immediate attention

    Damaged roads in Karachi demand immediate attention

    KARACHI: Following the last monsoon spell in Karachi, the roads of the metropolis are exhibiting the ruins of Mohenjo-Daro and demands immediate attention, ARY News reported on Saturday.

    The acting President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Altaf A. Ghaffar, has made a strong appeal to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab to take immediate action to improve Karachi’s crumbling road infrastructure.

    Referring to numerous complaints from the business community, Ghaffar stressed that the delay in road maintenance, especially during this year’s monsoon rains, has not only disrupted business activities but also caused immense hardship for the general public to commute.

    He noted that Karachiites suffer daily on streets where broken roads and overflowing sewage lines have made it nearly impossible to walk or drive.

    Ghaffar pointed out that key areas in South District, such as Jodia Bazar, Maripur, Keamari, Bolton Market, Lyari, MA Jinnah Road, and nearby industrial and residential zones.

    He warned that the negligence in addressing these conditions is creating deep resentment among residents who feel deprived of basic amenities despite paying high taxes.

    He raised the critical issue of Karachi’s contribution to the economy, questioning why a city that generates over 65 percent of national revenue and 95 percent of provincial revenue is still neglected.

    The lack of road repairs has turned commuting into a life-threatening ordeal, with frequent traffic jams leading frustrated drivers to violate traffic rules, worsening the situation and causing accidents.

    Ghaffar also pointed out the stark contrast between the condition of roads in elite areas and other parts of Karachi, where the infrastructure is in severe disrepair. He cautioned that this growing disparity could lead to further feelings of deprivation, potentially sparking serious law and order issues.

    He appealed once again to the Sindh government to act swiftly in addressing Karachi’s road problems, reminding them that Karachi is not only a crucial part of Pakistan but also vital to its economic development.

  • Good news for car buyers with major price cuts

    Good news for car buyers with major price cuts

    KARACHI: Indus Motors has announced a significant price reduction for its customers to celebrate the first anniversary of Corolla Cross, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

    The prices for four variants of the Corolla Cross have been slashed by Rs 850,000 for two models and Rs 900,000 for another two models.

    As a result, the minimum price now stands at Rs 7.299 million, while the maximum price has dropped to Rs 8.999 million.

    The announcement comes after the auto industry see a significant increase in vehicle sales in Pakistan.

    READ: Annual auto sales surge despite monthly slump

    In the first two months of the current fiscal year (2024-25), vehicle sales surged by 36 percent, with 17,300 units sold compared to 12,671 in the same period last year.

    An increase of 4,617 units was recorded in total vehicle sales during this period.

    Meanwhile, the sales of vehicles have increased by 36 percent in the two months of the current financial year 2024-25, during which an increase of 4,617 units was seen in the sales of vehicles.

    In August 2024 alone, 8,699 vehicles were sold, reflecting the positive trend in the automotive market as manufacturers like Indus Motors continue to offer competitive pricing and promotions.

  • FBR announces Tax Card for salaried class

    FBR announces Tax Card for salaried class

    KARACHI: In a move to provide tax relief to salaried class, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a new tax card, applicable for the tax year 2024-25, ARY News reported on Thursday.

    Offering a relief to low-income earners, FBR stated that the individuals with annual earnings up to Rs 600,000 will be exempt from income tax.

    However, for those earning more than Rs 600,000, the tax structure is as follows: a 5 percent tax is applicable on incomes between Rs 600,000 and Rs 1.2 million per year, meanwhile, for a salary of Rs 1 million, Rs 20,000 tax applies on the Rs 400,000 that exceeds the exemption.

    The FBR stated that the incomes between Rs 1.2 million and Rs 2.2 million have to pay a fixed tax of Rs 30,000 plus 15 percent on the amount above Rs 1.2 million.

    On the other hand, for salaries between Rs 2.2 million and Rs 3.2 million, the tax is Rs 180,000 plus 25 percent on any income exceeding Rs 2.2 million.

    Furthermore, incomes between Rs 3.2 million and Rs 4.1 million incur a fixed tax of Rs 430,000 plus 30 percent on the extra income, and for those earning over Rs 4.1 million, a fixed tax of Rs 700,000 is applied, with an additional 35 percent on income above Rs 4.1 million.

    The FBR directed the employers to deduct the applicable taxes from salaries, to ensure streamlined tax collection from the citizens.

    This move aims to reduce the burden on low-income earners while maintaining a structured system for higher-income employees.

  • Synthetic milk factory seized in Karachi

    Synthetic milk factory seized in Karachi

    KARACHI: The Sindh Food Authority (SFA) raided a synthetic milk-producing factory, seizing toxic chemicals and arresting the staff,  ARY News reported.

    According to the SFA, the operation was conducted in Karachi’s Bhens Colony area upon receiving complaints that the factory was producing fake (synthetic) milk by adding chemicals to water.

    The network of fake milk producers was operating for a long time, supplying impure milk to various areas of Karachi, labeling it as “fresh milk from Bhens Colony”

    ADG Muzammil Haliopoto headed the SFA team that confiscated 750 kg of chemicals being used to make 9,000 litres of fake milk.

    Moreover, 480 liters of prepared fake milk were taken and discarded. The entire staff of the factory has been arrested and the SFA vowed to take strict action against those involved in the production and supply of adulterated milk.

    This is how synthetic milk is produced

    ADG Muzammil Haliopoto said that elements causing harm to human health will not be spared. He said that the network has been in operation for a long time and that the fake milk was made by mixing chemicals with water.

    Read More: Man arrested for selling poisonous milk in Lahore

    Earlier on July 9, an individual was arrested for selling poisonous milk in Lahore

    During the raid, the authorities found the canisters filled with soap, washing powder, and ghee, leading to the seizure and disposal of hundreds of liters of artificial milk.

    The Punjab Food Authority made the early morning recovery at Bedian Road Haripad, where a batch of soapy, chemical-like milk was seized.

    DG Food Authority Punjab Asim Javed confirmed that an FIR had been registered against the accused, Salim Mayo, who had previously been caught selling fake milk three times and was currently out on bail.

  • Petrol price likely to witness another drop in Pakistan

    Petrol price likely to witness another drop in Pakistan

    KARACHI: The federal government is considering a reduction in petrol price, which will be a third consecutive decrease in petroleum products rates since July 31, ARY News reported citing sources. 

    According to sources, the proposal suggests a decrease in the price of petrol by Rs 2.97 per liter, high-speed diesel by Rs 2.31 per liter, kerosene oil by Rs 1.39 per liter, and light-speed diesel by Rs 1.96 per liter.

    Sources said that the drop in international oil prices has resulted in the proposed reduction, with American crude oil falling by 3.60% to $74.69 per barrel over the past two weeks and London Brent oil decreased by 2.34% to $74.69 per barrel.

    Earlier, the federal government slashed the prices of petroleum products ‘as a gift’ to the people on the eve of Independence Day.

    The price of petrol was reduced by Rs 8.47 to Rs 260.96 per litre. High-speed diesel reduced by Rs 6.07 per litre, making the new price Rs 266.07 per litre.

    On July 31, the government slashed the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) for the next fortnight by Rs6.17 and Rs10.86, respectively.

    READ: Cabinet ‘okays’ privatization of Petroleum division departments

    The Ministry of Finance issued a notification following an approval from Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif.

    The price of petrol were reduced by Rs6.17 per liter, making the new price Rs269.43 per liter. Similarly, the price of diesel reduced by Rs10.86 per liter, setting the new price Rs272.77 per liter.

  • Traders ‘divided’ on talks with FBR over Tajir Dost Scheme

    Traders ‘divided’ on talks with FBR over Tajir Dost Scheme

    KARACHI: Trade leaders in Karachi are currently ‘divided’ on whether to attend the crucial meeting with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman, Rashid Langrial, aimed at discussing key issues ahead of the nationwide shutter-down strike planned for August 28, which was announced in opposition to the Tajir Dost Scheme, ARY News reported.

    Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Langrial has invited top business leaders from across the country for a meeting to discuss the Tajir Dost Scheme (Trader-Friendly Scheme), which has been a point of contention among traders.

    Six business leaders from various organizations in Karachi have been called for the meeting, but some, including Rizwan Irfan and Atiq Mir, have decided not to attend.

    However, Sharjil Goplani will be attending the meeting in Islamabad prior to the traders’ strike. Meanwhile, trader leaders Mansoor Jack and Sheikh Habib have also excused themselves, but may join online. The meeting is crucial as traders are adamant that the scheme should either be scrapped or replaced with a fixed tax scheme. Atiq Mir has suggested introducing a fixed tax scheme instead of the current Tajir Dost Scheme.

    Read More: FBR Invites Karachi traders for talks amid strike against tajir dost scheme

    The meeting takes on added significance in the context of the nationwide shutter-down strike called for August 28. The FBR authorities and business leaders are considering the meeting as a crucial step to resolve the issue.

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had extended the invitation to traders for negotiations in response the traders’ strike call which they wanted to demonstrate against the ‘Tajir Dost Scheme.’

    Naeem Mir, Chief Coordinator of the Tajir Dost Scheme of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), confirmed that the FBR has contacted trader representatives to discuss their concerns.

    Naeem Mir stated that, following the Chairman’s directives, the Member Operations contacted trader leaders via telephone. The traders have been invited to FBR Islamabad on August 27 at 3 PM to consult on the amendments to the Trader-Friendly Scheme’s SRO. He expressed optimism that the trader leaders would respond positively to this invitation.

    The Chief Coordinator of the Trader-Friendly Scheme, Naeem Mir, emphasised that the country cannot afford strikes and protests. He reiterated the commitment to resolving all issues collaboratively and assured that all legitimate demands of the traders would be met.

  • PSX drops below 78,000 points level

    PSX drops below 78,000 points level

    KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s  (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 index dropped 1141 points to settle at 77,884 on Monday, the first trading day of this week, marking a dramatic loss, ARY News reported.

    The decline is attributed to the conflict in the Middle East and the declining factor in the world stock market.

    The market reached its maximum point at 78,330 points, and its lowest point was 76,943 points. A total of 440 companies were traded as 129 of them saw their share prices rise, while 259 saw a fall.

    On the market, 49.29 million shares worth a total of Rs 20.21 billion were traded. The PSX fell in step with the general trend of the world market as investors were cautious.

    Read More: PSX witnessed bullish trend, gains more than 400pts

    Earlier on August 2, The 100-index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed bullish trend on the last business day of the week, gaining 485.68 points, a positive change of 0.62 percent, closing at 78,225.98 points against 77,740.31 points

    During the intraday trade, the KSE-100 index reached the high of 78,434.16 points, while the lower point was recorded at 77,926.53 points before settling at 78,225.98 points.

    A total of 443,483,358 shares were traded during the day as compared to 278,986,985 shares the previous day, whereas the price of shares stood at Rs 20.497 billion against Rs 13.094 billion on the last trading day.

  • Gold continues to shine in Pakistan

    Gold continues to shine in Pakistan

    KARACHI: Gold prices moved up in Pakistan following an upward trend in the international market on Monday, ARY News reported quoting APGJSA.

    According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the local price per tola climbed by Rs200 to reach Rs252,700.

    The 10-gram gold also saw an increase of Rs172, being sold at Rs216,650.

    The rate of the yellow metal in the international market increased by US$4 to US$2,390 per ounce.

  • Gas supply suspended in THESE Karachi areas for 24 hours

    Gas supply suspended in THESE Karachi areas for 24 hours

    KARACHI: The gas supply has been suspended in half of Karachi for 24 hours on Sunday (today), ARY News reported.

    The citizens are technically bearing gas loadshedding for 31 hours as the SSGC suspends the supply of gas at 10pm daily.

    According to Sui Southern spokesperson, the shutdown, which is affecting both domestic and industrial consumers, was due to the joining of transmission pipeline work.

    The spokesperson said that the affected areas include Surjani Town, Manghopir, Qasba Town, Orangi, North Karachi, North Nazimabad, FB Area, Gulberg, Buffer Zone, Site Industrial Area, Baldia, Ittehad Town, Kemari, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Ahsanabad, Janjal Goth, and Super Highway surroundings.

    The gas supply was suspended from 5 am on July 28 and will continue until 5 am on July 29 (Monday).

    Earlier, in a significant development, Mari Petroleum Company successfully found new gas reserves from five wells in Sindh.

    Read more: New gas reserves discovered in Sindh

    The company completed the testing, production, and transmission of an additional 3 million metric standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas.

    This development was announced following the submission of detailed reports to the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

    According to Mari Petroleum, the natural gas extracted from the Ghazij Gas Field is now being supplied to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).

    It is pertinent to mention here that miscreants blew up a 24-inch diameter Sui gas pipeline in Mach, resulting in a disruption of gas supply to various areas, including Quetta.

    The damage caused by the explosion led to a complete suspension of gas supply.