Web Desk — Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate direct non-stop flights to Sydney from April 22 with an interline arrangement made with Virgin Australia (VA) for eight more connecting destinations within Australia. A spokesman for the national flag carrier said on Thursday that initially the PIA flights would be operated from Lahore to Sydney on Fridays and from Sydney …

Web Desk — The Monetary Policy Committee of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), at an emergency meeting, decided to raise the policy rate by 250 basis points to 12.25%. The SBP, in a surprise statement, said that since the last MPC meeting, the outlook for inflation has deteriorated and risks to external stability have risen. “The MPC decided at its …

Web Desk — If you thought Squid Game was violent, get ready for something even more violent and terrifying. Variety reports that Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Squid Game, is working on an upcoming movie that “will be controversial and more violent than his other offerings.” He also said it might force him to hide from older people. ‘Killing Old …

Web Desk — The local and international players have taken an overwhelming interest in the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) digital bank initiative which reflects their confidence in the country’s financial sector which has been making huge profits despite economic challenges. According to the SBP, it had concluded the process of receiving applications for the issuance of licenses for digital …

Web Desk — In the auction conducted by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday, the cut-off yield for Treasury bills was raised by up to 80 basis points. Through the auction of three, six, and 12-month T-bills, the government raised Rs679.89 billion while the target was Rs600 billion. The cut-off yields for 3, 6, and 12 months saw …

Web Desk — In an appreciable move, the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has announced that the Islamic financing system will be implemented in the country by the end of next month. A CDNS official told APP on Monday that prize bonds and saving certificates would be issued in accordance with Shariah financing laws.  “CDNS will provide Shariah-compliant investment opportunities …

Web Desk — Saudi Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud had healthy talks on Sunday with Indian filmmakers and famous actors with a view to bringing their knowledge and expertise to the Kingdom for filmmaking. Prince Badr, who is also chairman of the Saudi Film Commission, said the visit comes as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to …

Web Desk — The BBDO Pakistan advertising agency that developed Generation and Greenstar’s “The Veil of Care”, received the Grand Effie Award at the fourth Effie Awards organized by the Pakistan Advertisers Society (PAS) on Friday. BBDO Pakistan became the only agency to win the Grand Prix for the fourth consecutive year, according to a press release. Effie Awards spotlight …

Web Desk — Following the footsteps of its competitors, Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd (PSMCL) on Friday increased the prices of two-wheelers by Rs8,000-15,000 and four-wheelers’ by Rs99,000-1.615 million. In a circular, to its authorized dealers the company said that the new price of Alto VX, VXR, and AGS models is Rs1.425m, Rs1.675m, and Rs1.886m. Wagon VXR, VXL, and R …

Web Desk — The slapping incident that occured during the 94th Academy Awards ceremony is not over yet, as Will Smith may face disciplinary action in the coming days. Smith has to face face “suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions” from the Academy, which condemned his violent actions after the Oscars. The next Academy board meeting is scheduled for April 18, …