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Federal Ministers Oppose PTA Tax on Mobile Phones
Federal government ministers are openly opposing the "excessive" mobile phone tax imposed by the PTA. The opposition includes a claim that even the PTA leadership is against the high tax burden. Critics warn the tax is restricting digital access for millions and slowing the country's technological progress. The Standing Committee on Finance has been urged to review the tax regime.
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Islamabad's Blue Area is Going Car-Free
The CDA has started a Rs240 million project to transform an 800-meter section of the Blue Area along Jinnah Avenue into a car-free pedestrian zone. This pilot initiative will feature food outlets and walking streets, providing a safe recreational space. Parking for 1,100 vehicles will be available nearby, and the project is scheduled for completion within 45 days.
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Google Launches Chromebook Manufacturing in Haripur, Pakistan 🇵🇰
Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that Google has commenced manufacturing Chromebooks in Haripur, marking a major boost for Pakistan's IT sector. The public-private project, a collaboration with the Ministry of Defence Production and NRTC, aims for an annual production of 600,000 units to provide affordable devices for students. Khawaja noted this reflects growing international confidence, promoting technology transfer and creating new jobs, with current employment at the facility standing around 600 people and future plans for export expansion.
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CDA Chairman Orders Immediate Plot Handover in New Sectors
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa ordered the immediate issuance of plot possession in newly developed sectors to end allottee delays. Following a progress review, the CDA confirmed that road surfacing in I-12 will finish this month, while C-15 roads are due by March next year. To guarantee timely and quality work, the Chairman mandated field presence for officers and approved working groups to both accelerate development and upgrade older areas.
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Malik Riaz's Nukta Cuts 37 Jobs as Legal Troubles Hit Funding
Malik Riaz-backed digital news platform Nukta laid off 37 Pakistani employees less than a year after its launch due to significant financial losses and a need to cut costs. The crisis directly stems from the severe liquidity crunch affecting the real estate tycoon sponsor, whose assets have been seized by the state to recover billions in fines, including a Rs 125 billion Supreme Court levy. Despite the company citing "restructuring" for the job cuts, Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar quickly intervened, announcing that the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication would provide jobs to all 37 affected employees.
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Kachehri Chowk Construction Diversion Plan Revealed
RAWALPINDI: The Kachehri Chowk area is fully closed for a major construction project (three flyovers and three underpasses) that began on November 3. The City Traffic Police (CTP) has implemented major diversions. Commuters from Rawat/Jhelum Road to Old Airport must use Bahria Phase 1. Other routes to Saddar and Murree Road are heavily altered, requiring traffic to navigate through areas like Morgah, New Lalazar, and Rawal Road. Motorists are urged to strictly follow the diversion plan.
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Islamabad Solar Users Face Unexpected Demand
Iesco has shocked tens of thousands of net metering users by demanding they replace their existing "green meters" with expensive Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) devices within three months, costing an estimated Rs52,000 per user. The directive, which appeared on recent bills, caused a consumer uproar and led to complaints on the Prime Minister's Portal. Iesco has since temporarily put the implementation on hold, acknowledging the confusion and the need to formulate a fair, relief-focused policy for solar consumers.
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NAB Directs RDA to Launch Online Portal for Housing Scheme Verification
RAWALPINDI: Following instructions from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) is developing a new online portal for the public. This platform will allow citizens to verify the legal status of any housing scheme or individual plot—checking if it is approved, under process, or illegal—before making investments. NAB is integrating data from both the RDA and CDA to enhance transparency and protect consumers from real estate scams and unapproved developments.
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Eighteen's New CEO Vows Speed, Precision, and Quality
The Pakistan real estate sector is moving towards greater professionalism. Eighteen, a luxury project, is leading this charge under new CEO Dr. Mohamed Mansour. Dr. Mansour's core mandate is to deliver the project with speed, precision, and quality, making construction excellence the absolute priority to reinforce customer trust. Key developments include a vital, dedicated slip road from the Srinagar Highway nearing approval. The project reflects strong investor confidence in Pakistan's growth, supported by the SIFC, and is exploring joint ventures with DHA. The mission: deliver faster and better to establish Eighteen as Pakistan's premier, reliable luxury community.
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