Influencers call policy ‘futile’, claim social media posts create ‘fabricated’ wealth images KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)’s move to track potential tax evaders through social media has ignited widespread criticism across business and social circles. The tax authority reportedly collected data of thousands of users and issued notices to those flagged for “unexplained…
BENGALURU: Dubai’s AIR, the owner of hookah brand Al Fakher, said on Friday it had agreed to go public in the US through a merger with blank-check firm Cantor Equity Partners III, in a deal valuing the combined company (SPAC) at $1.75 billion. The deal with the Cantor Fitzgerald-backed special purpose acquisition company comes as…
Two films from Asia and the Middle East — Japan's 'Black Box Diaries' and Israel's 'The Sea' — are stirring public debate, both confronting entrenched power structures and the limits of expression in their deeply polarised societies. Each offers an unflinching look at truth, empathy and resistance through personal storytelling, though under vastly different circumstances. In Japan,…
Gaga, Bad Bunny and rising global voices close in, turning 2026 nominations into a snapshot of pop’s changing order LOS ANGELES: Kendrick Lamar heads into the 2026 Grammy Awards as the undisputed frontrunner, earning nine nominations in a year that reflects both the changing face of the music industry and the enduring power of artistic…
The eighth day of the World Culture Festival (WCF) 2025 turned into a vivid celebration of music, theatre, film, and art as audiences enjoyed screenings, workshops, and a powerful multi-national stage performance titled 'Conference of the Birds'. The evening reached its emotional peak with a soulful musical session by celebrated Balochi musician Ustad Noor Bakhsh,…
Reese Witherspoon. Photo: Instagram/reesewitherspoon Reese Witherspoon revisited the campus where her iconic character Elle Woods studied in the 2001 hit ‘Legally Blonde’, joining students for a special event titled “A Conversation on Women & Leadership.” The actor and entrepreneur discussed storytelling, empowerment, and business — while also reviving the film’s legacy moment with a live “Bend…
In 2006-07, a 1 percent withholding tax was imposed on commercial imports of gold in the country. Photo: Express News After a two-day break, gold prices fell in both international and local bullion markets on Saturday. In the international market, the price of gold declined by $6 per ounce to $4,001. Following the global trend,…
. LCCI says rupee’s weakness adding to the country’s economic woes. PHOTO: LCCI LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed concern over reports that the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) intends to shut down its regional office in Lahore. The decision appears rushed and lacking justification, according to a statement released…
Foreign funds would divert their liquidity into buying Pakistan’s stocks. This would merely increases prices of shares and be profitable for those who already hold stocks. PHOTO: FILE KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) turned positive on Friday after three consecutive days of losses as the benchmark KSE-100 index rose nearly 500 points, driven by…
ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday approved the issuance of a Letter of Comfort in favour of banks to meet the condition for disbursement of a loan of Rs1.23 trillion obtained for the settlement of circular debt, taking responsibility in case the cash-starved power sector fails to repay the debt. In another decision, the Economic Coordination…
