News Alert

Payoneer, a popular online money transfer platform, has significantly increased its transaction fees for sending or receiving payments in Pakistan. The new fee structure now charges 3% of the total transaction amount, plus an additional fixed fee of $0.49 for all USD transactions, up from the previous rate of 2%. For transactions in currencies other than USD, the fixed fee varies by currency, such as 0.39 GBP, 0.45 EUR, 0.75 AUD, 0.67 CAD, and 73.76 JPY. This fee adjustment impacts payments made through debit/credit cards, as well as those received via the Request a Payment and Initiate a Payment options. This increase could have a significant impact on local freelancers who depend on Payoneer for their business transactions. #Freelancers #Pakistan #OnlinePayments #Payoneer #TransactionFees #MoneyTransfer

The National Highway Authority (NHA) plans to launch a helicopter rescue service to provide rapid medical assistance to individuals inj*ured in motorway accidents, ensuring swift help for victims. This service will complement the existing 1122 emergency helpline. The overseeing minister has also instructed the NHA to implement both short-term and long-term strategies to improve road safety. Emphasizing the need for transparency, the plan includes a comprehensive five-year action plan to enhance highways and motorways across the country. This initiative aims to strengthen emergency response capabilities and bolster overall road safety infrastructure. #MotorwayRescue #GovernmentTransparency #NHA #HelicopterRescue #RoadSafety #EmergencyServices

The federal government swiftly approved the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital project, valued at nearly Rs. 53 billion, without finalizing the detailed feasibility study or business plan. Despite notable gaps in its planning, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) gave the green light to the project. Among the approved projects, five, totalling Rs. 15.35 billion, have been sanctioned by the CDWP, while three projects worth Rs. 129 billion have been forwarded to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval. #CDWPApproval #FederalGovernment #NawazSharifCancerHospital

Google has unveiled an ambitious plan to produce 500,000 Chromebooks in Pakistan by 2026. At the launch event in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received the first Chromebook from Scott Beaumont, President of Google Asia Pacific. Google’s Regional Director Farhan Qureshi highlighted the initiative’s potential to boost Pakistan’s tech sector and support freelancers. PM Shehbaz praised the project, stressing the country’s IT potential and the goal of $25 billion in IT exports in the next five years. He urged a focus on IT education and government digitization. This effort underscores Google’s commitment to advancing Pakistan’s digital landscape. #PakistanTech #DigitalTransformation #Google #Chromebooks #PMShehbazSharif

Natasha Danish, the main sus_pect in the Karsaz acc_ident that claimed the lives of Imran Arif and his daughter Amna, has been pardoned by the victims' family after reaching a settlement. The tragic incident occurred on August 19, when Natasha’s speeding SUV rear-ended their motorcycle in Karachi. Despite facing charges of negligence and reckless driving, the family, led by Imran's son Osama Arif, forgave her for the sake of Allah. The family has denied any external pressure. Affidavits have been prepared for submission in court. #Justice #Forgiveness #Karachi #Incident

Hexing Electrical Group, a prominent Chinese investment firm, has shown interest in establishing Pakistan's first inverter and battery manufacturing industry. This proposed investment is poised to strengthen Pakistan's growing electronics sector, fostering technological advancements and creating new job opportunities. In a meeting with Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, Chairman Liangzhang Zhou outlined Hexing Group's global footprint and their plans to set up a manufacturing facility in Pakistan. Minister Khan welcomed the initiative, emphasizing Pakistan's commitment to providing a favorable environment for foreign investors. The investment is anticipated to bring significant benefits, including job creation, increased exports, and overall economic growth. Minister Khan assured full support from relevant ministries and stakeholders to facilitate the establishment of new factories and the relocation of industries from China to Pakistan. #EconomicGrowth #ForeignInvestment #PakistanProgress

A ground breaking initiative is underway to digitalize the transport system in Rawalpindi, marking a significant first for Pakistan. The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) is developing the software for this digital public transport system, which will feature a control room and an e-tag system at the Pirwadhai Bus Terminal. This innovative system will collect detailed data on vehicles at the terminal, including registration numbers, owner details, fitness certificates, and route information, to enhance road and passenger safety by ensuring only vehicles that meet safety standards are allowed to operate. Inspired by digital transport systems in Paris, London, and the United States, this project will set a precedent for future initiatives across Punjab. Upon completion, it will improve travel comfort, ensure vehicle fitness, and enable citizens to file online complaints against public and government transport services. Rashid Ali, Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), has praised the project as a "masterpiece," with IT support provided by the Punjab Government's IT sector. Senior officials are scheduled to visit Rawalpindi on September 2 to finalize the plans. #IT #RTA #Digital #Rawalpindi #transport

In a landmark deal, the naming rights for Lahore's iconic Gaddafi Stadium have been sold for PKR 1 billion. This significant agreement marks a new chapter for the historic venue, which has long been a central hub for cricket in Pakistan. #GaddafiStadium #LahoreCricket #NamingRights #SportsBusiness #StadiumDeal #PakistanCricket

Three Pakistan hockey players and a physiotherapist have been banned for life by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) ahead of the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy After Seeking Asylum in Europe. The banned individuals—players Murtaza Yaqoob, Ihtesham Aslam, Abdur Rahman, and physio Waqas—were part of the national team that toured Holland and Poland for the Nations’ Cup last month. They were prohibited from attending the national training camp for the upcoming tournament in China after attempting to seek asylum in Europe. PHF Secretary-General Rana Mujahid revealed that the players and physio evaded the federation's knowledge, leading to their lifetime bans. The Asian Champions Trophy is set to take place in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, from September 8 to 17, 2024. #PakistanHockey #LifetimeBan #AsianChampionsTrophy #SportsNews #Asylum

Australia's new right to disconnect la_w will now let people lega_lly ignore work calls after office hours This landmark legis_lation aims to protect workers from burnout and ensure they have time to unwind and recharge without the constant pressure of work communications. As businesses and employees adjust to this change, it marks a significant step toward more respectful and healthy work practices. #RightToDisconnect #WorkLifeBalance