Pakistan Archives - Page 15 of 19

Pakistan considers overhaul of used vehicle import schemes

December 2, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has begun reviewing major changes to the used car import policy, including a proposal to abolish the Personal Baggage Scheme and impose stricter conditions on the Gift Scheme and Transfer of Residence Scheme.

According to official sources, the Ministry of Commerce has prepared a summary and forwarded it to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), recommending the complete withdrawal of the Personal Baggage Scheme.

The summary also suggests tightening regulations for the other two schemes to prevent misuse.

Senior government officials confirmed on Monday that several proposals are being examined, particularly measures to strengthen oversight of the Gift and Transfer of Residence schemes, while the Personal Baggage Scheme is likely to be discontinued.

The ECC will make the final decision on the proposed policy changes.

Pakistan tops global list for highest diabetes prevalence

December 2, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded the highest diabetes prevalence rate in the world, according to the International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) latest 2025 report, which reveals that 30.8% of the country’s adult population is now living with diabetes. The global health body has termed the situation “extremely alarming.”

Experts note that Pakistan’s diabetes prevalence is three times higher than the global average, signalling a severe and expanding public health crisis.

According to Gulf News, which published details from the IDF report, global spending on diabetes care has surged to one trillion dollars, and the disease is becoming a major and complex challenge for many countries in the coming years.

The IDF Diabetes Atlas 2025, released in August, shows that 589 million adults aged 20 to 79 worldwide are currently living with diabetes—one in every nine people. Of these, 252 million remain undiagnosed, facing serious complications without treatment.

The global burden is rising rapidly, with the highest number of cases reported in Asian countries. China, India, and Pakistan now rank as the top three countries with the largest diabetic populations.

China: 148 million patients

India: 101 million

Pakistan: 36 million

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to the body’s inability to produce or effectively use insulin.

Pakistan’s Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Dr. Nelson Azeem, stated that the country’s diabetes burden has reached 40%, urging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles. “Lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and improved dietary habits are essential to curb this rising trend,” he said.

The secretary added that diabetes cases have increased compared to the past five years and are likely to rise further in the next five years if corrective measures are not taken. While the government is ensuring the free provision of diabetes medication, he emphasized the need to avoid sugary drinks and fast food to prevent the disease.

He further said that awareness initiatives have been launched at schools, colleges, and universities, along with periodic walks and public campaigns aimed at prevention.

Pakistan, Afghanistan moving toward new military clash: Washington Post

December 1, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: According to a report published by The Washington Post, Pakistan and Afghanistan appear to be heading toward a new wave of military confrontation.

The U.S. newspaper, citing recent updates from Asia alongside coverage of the wars in Ukraine and Africa, states that India’s increasing diplomatic and political engagement with the Taliban has further heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.

Analysts noted that both countries seem to be moving toward renewed military hostilities. The recent airstrike in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, which left several people dead—including nine children—has added to the worsening situation. Grieving families were seen burying their loved ones after the attack.

The report adds that rapidly shifting dynamics in the region have complicated border security and intensified a fresh struggle for influence among regional powers.

Pakistan to face Sri Lanka in tri-nation T20 series final today

November 29, 2025 by Newsdesk

RAWALPINDI: The final of the Tri-Nation T20 Series will be played on Saturday between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan secured their spot in the final after winning three out of four matches in the tournament, while Sri Lanka qualified by winning two games. The Sri Lankan side defeated Zimbabwe earlier and overcame Pakistan in their last group match.

Captains Salman Ali Agha and Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka posed with the trophy at a local hotel ahead of the clash.

The decisive encounter between the two teams will take place today at Rawalpindi Stadium, with the match scheduled to start at 6 PM.

Key match: Pakistan faces Sri Lanka today at Rawalpindi Stadium

November 27, 2025 by Newsdesk

RAWALPINDI: The sixth match of the three-nation cricket series will be played today between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Both teams are set to compete fiercely, with table points adding intensity to the encounter. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will face off this evening at 6:00 PM in a crucial match at Rawalpindi Stadium.

Currently, Pakistan leads the table with 6 points, while Sri Lanka has 2 points.

Authorities have implemented tight security arrangements at the stadium and surrounding areas. Heavy police contingents will be deployed along all routes during the teams’ arrival and departure. The Metro Bus service will be partially suspended during these periods to facilitate smooth movement.

Expert police snipers have been stationed on nearby high-rise buildings, and VIP parking will be restricted to vehicles with proper stickers only.

Cricket fans have been advised to carry valid identification when entering the stadium. All officers and security personnel have been instructed to remain vigilant on the field and monitor any suspicious individuals or activities during the match.

ACC announces schedule for Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025

November 26, 2025 by Newsdesk

DUBAI: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced the schedule for the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025, which will be held in Dubai from 12 to 21 December.

The tournament will feature eight teams, including Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, with three additional teams joining through qualifiers.

Group A will comprise Pakistan, India, and two qualifier teams (Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 3), while Group B will include Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Qualifier 2.

The highly anticipated Pakistan vs India match is scheduled for 14 December. Both semi-finals will take place on 19 December, with the final set for 21 December.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule to be announced today

November 25, 2025 by Newsdesk

The schedule for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be unveiled today in Mumbai, with the tournament set to run from 7 February to 8 March. India and Sri Lanka are jointly hosting the mega event.

According to sources, the 20 participating teams have been divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the Super Eight stage—similar to the previous format. The eight teams in the Super Eight will be placed into two groups, from which the top two sides will advance to the semi-finals.

Sources confirm that Pakistan and India have been placed in the same group, which also features the USA, Namibia and the Netherlands. The much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash is scheduled for 15 February.

Other group allocations include:

Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman in one group

England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy in another

South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, Canada in the remaining group

Sources also indicate that Pakistan and India will face each other in Colombo, and the Pakistan team will play all its matches in Sri Lanka.

Matches in India are planned for Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lankan venues include Colombo and Kandy.

Ahmedabad is being considered as the venue for the final; however, if Pakistan qualifies, the final will be moved to Colombo.

For the semi-finals, Mumbai and Kolkata have been shortlisted, but again, if Pakistan reaches the last four, the semi-final will take place in Colombo.

Pakistan to set up Federal Cyber Security Authority

November 24, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The government has resolved to establish a Cyber Security Authority at the federal level to bolster national digital security.

As per available information, the Ministry of Information Technology has finalized the preliminary draft of the Cyber Security Act and circulated it among key stakeholders for their feedback and consultation.

The Ministry stated that the National Cyber Security Policy provides a nationwide framework for digital security, and its implementation is underway under the Digital Economy Enhancement Program.

The IT Ministry document said that progress has been made on Secure Data Exchange Layer, Digital Identity projects, while data from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Federal Board of Revenue(FBR) and Telecom have been identified as critical digital infrastructure.

According to officials, the authority will recommend cyber security measures for critical national infrastructure while the Cyber Security Authority will implement cyber security measures in the country.

Pakistan ends ban on gold imports and exports

November 22, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Following a Cabinet approval, the Ministry of Commerce has notified the lifting of restrictions on gold imports and exports in Pakistan.

According to the notification, the previously suspended SRO regulating global gold trade has been reinstated.

The government has also made certain amendments related to the import and export of precious metals and jewelry, while maintaining the existing framework for trade in gold and jewelry. The framework will continue with improved transparency and automated processes.

Earlier in May this year, a ban had been imposed on the export and import of gold. On May 6, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce suspended the relevant SRO for 60 days to regulate gold trade following complaints of gold smuggling.

Weekly inflation rises 0.07%, annual rate at 3.53% in Pakistan

November 22, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s weekly inflation increased by 0.07%, bringing the overall annual inflation rate to 3.53%, the Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS) reported in its latest weekly update.

According to the report, prices of 16 essential items rose during the week, while 13 items became cheaper and 22 items remained stable.

The report highlighted significant price changes: tomatoes surged 57.03%, garlic increased 2.61%, and sugar rose 2.23%. Additionally, bananas went up 0.72%, tea 0.59%, while diesel, beef, cooking oil, LPG, and firewood also saw price hikes.

Conversely, prices of onions dropped 12.38%, chicken 8.07%, and potatoes, flour, eggs, moong lentils, and chickpeas also became cheaper during the week.