In a significant statement, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has articulated the desire of Pakistani businessmen to resume trade with India, signaling a potential shift in Pakistan’s trade policies towards its neighbor. Speaking at a press conference in London, Dar’s remarks underscored the willingness of Pakistani authorities to reassess their stance on trade opening with India, which has been a contentious issue in bilateral relations. Dar also took the opportunity to commend the efforts of the 16-month government led by Shahbaz Sharif, highlighting its successful endeavors in averting bankruptcy and stabilizing the economy. Furthermore, he acknowledged the opposition alliance, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), for fulfilling its commitments and contributing to the country’s political landscape. Emphasizing the importance of energy security, Dar highlighted the safety and reliability of hydro-nuclear energy as a crucial component of Pakistan’s energy mix. However, amidst these positive remarks, Dar criticized the incumbent PTI government, accusing them of hindering progress by laying figurative “landmines” that impede economic growth and development. His comments reflect the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding trade and energy policies in Pakistan, which are influenced by complex political dynamics and regional considerations. As Pakistan navigates its economic and diplomatic challenges, Dar’s statements offer insight into the government’s priorities and intentions regarding trade relations with India and energy security.

The import of pre-owned cars in Pakistan has witnessed an unprecedented surge, experiencing a remarkable 684 percent increase in the initial six months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Between July and December 2023, over 16,500 units of used cars were imported into the country, showcasing a substantial rise from the approximately 2,100 units imported during the same period in the fiscal year 2022-23. This surge in imports encompasses various categories, with a notable increase in the import of economy and compact low-segment cars, amounting to nearly 9,900 units. Additionally, commercial vehicles, SUVs, and vans witnessed a surge in import, with nearly 6,600 units brought into the country. Moreover, luxury vehicle imports also experienced a significant rise, among other categories. Abdul Rehman Aizaz, Chairman of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), attributed this remarkable surge in used car imports to the elimination of regulatory duties on used cars of up to 1800cc in the federal budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. This policy change has evidently spurred demand for pre-owned vehicles, leading to a notable increase in their importation into Pakistan. This surge in imports reflects shifting consumer preferences and highlights the evolving dynamics of the automotive market in the country.

n response to the growing trend of remote work, several prominent US companies are offering lucrative job opportunities with salaries exceeding Rs. 2.3 million. Tech giants such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon are at the forefront, frequently hiring remote employees with competitive compensation packages. These companies often have a wide range of remote positions available, including software engineering, digital marketing, and data analysis roles. Additionally, companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Salesforce have expanded their remote work options in recent years, providing ample opportunities for skilled professionals to work remotely while earning substantial salaries. Beyond the tech industry, companies like Dell, Cisco, and IBM also offer remote positions in fields such as IT support, consulting, and project management. Moreover, specialized remote job platforms like FlexJobs and Remote.co aggregate remote job listings from companies across various industries, offering a diverse range of high-paying remote job opportunities to individuals seeking flexibility and competitive compensation packages. As the remote work trend continues to evolve, these companies remain committed to providing remote employees with rewarding career opportunities and competitive salaries, making remote work an attractive option for professionals worldwide.

In a market inundated with extravagant designs and lavish interiors, Toyota’s 2024 Camry Hybrid shines through by prioritizing practicality over flamboyance. While competitors such as Honda, KIA, MG, and Hyundai place a strong emphasis on aesthetics, Toyota remains steadfast in delivering tangible benefits to its clientele. Setting a new benchmark in the automotive realm, the Camry Hybrid leads the charge with an impressive EPA-rated driving range of 686 miles (1097 kilometers), surpassing its predecessors and establishing itself as an industry leader in driving range prowess. Beyond its remarkable range, the Camry Hybrid boasts exceptional fuel efficiency, further solidifying its appeal to eco-conscious consumers. The base LE model achieves an impressive 51 MPG (21 KM/liter) in urban settings and 53 MPG (22 KM/liter) on highways, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. Powering the Camry Hybrid is a robust 2.5L, 4-cylinder engine paired with the 5th generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS 5), delivering an impressive 208HP and 221 Nm of torque. This potent combination, coupled with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD), ensures a smooth and efficient driving experience, further enhancing the vehicle’s appeal to discerning consumers seeking both power and efficiency in their daily commute. With its blend of practicality, performance, and fuel efficiency, the Toyota Camry Hybrid continues to stand out as a top choice in the competitive midsize sedan market.

JS Bank, a leading financial institution in Pakistan, is currently expanding its team by hiring for multiple job positions across the country. With a strong commitment to innovation, customer service excellence, and fostering a dynamic work environment, JS Bank offers exciting career opportunities for professionals from various backgrounds. The bank’s recruitment drive encompasses a wide range of roles, including but not limited to banking operations, finance, marketing, sales, customer service, risk management, and technology. JS Bank prides itself on providing a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where employees are empowered to unleash their full potential and grow both personally and professionally. As part of the JS Bank team, employees have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, collaborate with talented colleagues, and make a meaningful impact in the banking industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate looking to kickstart your career in banking, JS Bank provides a platform for growth and success. Interested candidates are encouraged to explore the available job positions on the bank’s website and apply to join JS Bank in its mission to drive innovation and excellence in the financial sector of Pakistan.

The Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has recently issued a notice mandating residents of the federal capital to pay taxes for utilizing bore water. This decision comes amidst growing concerns over water scarcity in various parts of Islamabad, prompting more individuals to turn to borewells to meet their water needs. Unlike previous practices where citizens accessed government-owned underground water without charges, the MCI has introduced a tax on the usage of underground water via borewells. According to the new regulations, revised water charges will now be applied based on the horsepower of the boring motor utilized. The MCI’s notification delineates different tax rates for various categories, contingent on factors such as the horsepower of the boring motor and the size of the pipe utilized. For instance, households utilizing a half-horsepower motor with a one-inch pipe will incur a monthly charge of Rs. 1000. Meanwhile, those employing a 2-horsepower motor and a 2-inch pipe will face a monthly fee of Rs. 2,500, while commercial users will be subject to a charge of Rs. 4,000 per month. For domestic users utilizing an 8 to 15-horsepower motor and a 3-inch pipe, the monthly fee will amount to Rs. 10,000. Similarly, commercial users falling within the same category will face a charge of Rs. 15,000 per month. This move by the MCI aims to address the escalating water scarcity issue in Islamabad while also generating revenue to support water management initiatives and infrastructure development.

The frustration of urgently needing to understand the contents of a voice note on WhatsApp is a common experience for many users. However, recent reports suggest that WhatsApp is actively working on a solution to address this issue. According to these reports, WhatsApp is developing a feature that will allow users to convert voice notes into text, eliminating the need to listen to them. Initially introduced for iOS users, this feature is now undergoing testing for Android users as well. This development comes as a welcome relief to users who face difficulties with audio playback or prefer text-based communication. By enabling the conversion of voice messages into text, WhatsApp aims to make communication more inclusive and convenient for its diverse user base. In the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android (version 2.24.7.😎, users will have the ability to transcribe voice messages into text format, allowing them to read the message content instead of listening to it. It’s worth noting that WhatsApp leverages the device’s speech recognition capabilities to generate transcripts locally, ensuring user privacy and maintaining the platform’s commitment to end-to-end encryption. This innovative feature has the potential to significantly enhance the messaging experience for WhatsApp users, providing them with a more accessible and efficient way to communicate with others.

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A groundbreaking surgery conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston has made history, with a 62-year-old man, Richard Slayman from Weymouth, Massachusetts, becoming the first human recipient of a kidney from a genetically modified pig. This groundbreaking procedure, announced by doctors on Thursday, offers hope in addressing the critical shortage of available organs for transplantation. The surgery, which lasted four hours and took place on March 16, marks a significant advancement in medical science. Despite his end-stage renal disease, Slayman is progressing well in his recovery and is expected to be discharged soon, according to the hospital. Dr. Jim Kim, the director of kidney and pancreas transplantation at USC Transplant Institute in Los Angeles, emphasized the importance of closely monitoring the long-term outcomes of this innovative animal-to-human transplant. Slayman had previously undergone a human kidney transplant at the same hospital in 2018 after seven years of dialysis, but unfortunately, the transplanted organ failed after five years, leading him to resume dialysis treatments.

Habib Bank Plaza, standing proudly since its construction in 1963, holds a revered place in the architectural and historical landscape of Karachi, Pakistan. As the country’s inaugural high-rise building, it not only symbolizes the aspirations for modernity and progress of that era but also serves as a testament to the vision and ingenuity of its designer, Abdul Hussain Thariani. The plaza’s towering presence marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s architectural history, shaping the skyline of Karachi and setting a standard for future developments. Its distinctive modernist design became an iconic feature of the city, reflecting the evolving architectural identity of Karachi. Over the decades, Habib Bank Plaza has not merely been a commercial hub but a symbol of Pakistan’s economic growth and development. It has witnessed the changing fortunes of the nation, standing resilient through turbulent times and emerging as a symbol of resilience and progress. Today, as one of Karachi’s most recognizable landmarks, Habib Bank Plaza continues to inspire awe and admiration, reminding all who behold it of the enduring legacy of Pakistan’s architectural heritage.

Amidst speculation surrounding his positioning during the T20I series against New Zealand in January, Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has emphatically refuted claims suggesting he declined to shift to the one-down position. In a recent interview, Rizwan reiterated his unwavering commitment to adaptability within the national team, expressing his readiness to fulfill any role required, be it batting at any position or even relinquishing his wicketkeeping duties if necessary. Rizwan clarified, “I never turned down the opportunity to bat at one-down. When asked, I confirmed my availability,” further stating, “I also mentioned my willingness to bowl if needed, and I’m prepared to forgo my wicketkeeping responsibilities.” Highlighting his versatility and willingness to adjust, Rizwan pointed out his experience batting at diverse positions throughout his career, including numbers 7, 8, and 9 in 26 matches, underscoring his adaptability and versatility. He emphasized, “If you assess my career trajectory, I’ve been tasked with batting at diverse positions, even at number 9, a role seldom taken by batsmen. I cannot limit myself; I was adaptable then, and I remain so now.” The inclusion of young opener Saim Ayub in the lineup during the New Zealand series necessitated adjustments, with Rizwan partnering with Ayub at the top, while Babar Azam assumed the number three position. Rizwan’s remarks shed light on his commitment to the team’s success and his willingness to contribute in any capacity required, demonstrating his dedication and versatility as a player for Pakistan.

Indus Motor Company (IMC) has made a significant move in the Pakistani automobile market with the introduction of the gasoline version of its Toyota Corolla Cross sedan, offering consumers an affordable alternative. This launch marks a departure from the company’s previous focus on hybrid models, emphasizing petrol vehicles with the unveiling of two variants: the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Gasoline X and the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Gasoline. Both variants are powered by a 2ZR-FE 1798cc gasoline engine, delivering 138hp at 6400 RPMs and 172 Nm of torque at 4000 RPMs, coupled with CVT transmission for smooth performance. The Corolla Cross boasts a stylish exterior featuring alloy wheels, LED headlamps, and roof rails, catering to modern aesthetics. Inside, the vehicle prioritizes comfort and luxury with push-start ignition and Terra Rossa seat covers. Safety features are comprehensive, including 7 SRS airbags strategically placed for protection and advanced safety technologies like blind spot monitoring and RCTA. The introductory prices for these Gasoline variants are competitive, starting at Rs8,199,000 for the base model and Rs8,899,000 for the Gasoline X model, making them an attractive option for Pakistani consumers seeking quality and value in their vehicles.