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 "Skyrocketing Loan Rates: A Financial Challenge!" "Central Bank's Q1-FY22 Report Shows Private Sector Credit Surge." Commercial banks have raised lending rates to a record high of 24.62%, suggesting the central bank may increase its benchmark policy rate to a new all-time high next week. This surge in lending rates has negatively impacted the government, the largest borrower from commercial banks in recent years. Additionally, it continues to discourage the private sector from borrowing funds for their businesses, prolonging economic challenges. Market speculation indicates the central bank may raise the policy rate by 1.5 percentage points to 23.5% on September 14 to address high inflation caused by rising power and petroleum prices. The central bank reported that commercial banks increased the benchmark six-month Karachi Inter-bank Offered Rate (Kibor) by 1.02 percentage points to 24.62% on Thursday compared to 23.60% on Wednesday. This surge in Kibor followe...

 "Urgent plea: Global focus needed on US arms abandoned in Afghanistan." "FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addresses border situation." In an official statement issued today, the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, addressed the escalating tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The spokesperson expressed grave concerns about the situation, emphasizing that the world must turn its attention to the alarming development of weapons left behind in Afghanistan during the US withdrawal now falling into the hands of Afghan terrorists. During the weekly media briefing held in Islamabad, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to combat terrorism within its borders. She highlighted the proactive stance of Pakistan's security agencies in eradicating this menace. Moreover, the FO spokesperson revealed that Pakistan had already conveyed its concerns to the interim Afghan government regarding the recent incidents alon...

 "Babar Azam & team touch down in Colombo for the exciting IND vs PAK clash at Asia Cup 2023!" Pakistan's skipper, Babar Azam, along with his team, has arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, gearing up for their Super 4 clash against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup 2023. This highly anticipated showdown is scheduled for September 10th at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium. The Men in Green have already made a strong start, securing a victory in their opening match against Bangladesh. With this win, Pakistan aims to maintain their winning momentum as they prepare to face the formidable Indian team. In a recent milestone, Babar Azam achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing India's star batter, Virat Kohli. During the Super 4 match against Bangladesh at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Babar contributed 17 runs off 22 balls before falling victim to Bangladesh's pacer, Taskin Ahmed. However, this knock propelled him to a new world record of 2000 ODI runs as captain, achieved ...

 Supreme Court set to address Jaranwala violence case tomorrow.  Old Supreme Court photo The Supreme Court (SC) is set to address a deeply troubling case tied to the mob attack on Christian homes and places of worship in Jaranwala, a town within Faisalabad's industrial district that recently grabbed global headlines. A three-member bench of the apex court will attentively listen to a miscellaneous petition filed by the courageous minority leader, Samuel Pyaray, who earnestly seeks acknowledgment of the heart-wrenching Jaranwala tragedy. On that fateful day of August 16, a charged crowd, incited by the fiery calls for protests from mosque clerics, unleashed destruction upon several churches and residences in Jaranwala, all in the name of alleged blasphemy. This brutal mob not only vandalized but also pillaged valuables from Christian homes that had been vacated by their terrified occupants due to the incitement. Tomorrow, the bench will be presided over by the esteemed Justice ...

 "IMF approves relief plan for users consuming under 200 units. On September 2, 2022, in Hyderabad, a laborer joined a protest rally against rising electricity and fuel prices. In Islamabad, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a relief proposal, allowing installment-based electricity bill collection for consumers using up to 200 units per month. However, relief for those consuming up to 400 units was rejected. The final approval for bill installment collection rests with the federal cabinet, potentially benefiting 4 million consumers. Had relief been extended to 400 units, 32 million consumers could have benefited. The IMF emphasized cracking down on electricity and gas theft and improving recovery. Additionally, the IMF demanded a 45-50% increase in gas tariffs from July 1, subject to federal cabinet approval. Protests against soaring power bills and taxes have continued, with the interim government seeking IMF's support amid economic challenges. It's important...

"Local break on 7th, celebrating Data Sahib's Urs  The Punjab government's announcement of a local holiday on September 7th, marking the culmination of Lahore's patron saint Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh's Urs, has sparked excitement among devotees and officials alike. This annual event, spanning from September 5th to the 7th, holds immense cultural and religious significance. On the preceding Sunday, Punjab's caretaker Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, personally reviewed the arrangements for the Urs. The three-day celebration, commencing on September 5th, anticipates a substantial turnout of devotees eager to partake in the festivities. The Urs promises a diverse program, featuring Mehfil-e-Sama, the distribution of milk sabeel, Naatia Mushaira (poetry recitation in praise of the Prophet), and special lectures. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for meticulous planning, urging officials to ensure the installation of a robust sound system and SMD screens to enhance ...

  Pakistan and China begin 'Shaheen-X' joint air exercise." JF16 In a significant display of military cooperation, the annual Sino-Pak joint air exercise, known as Shaheen-X, has officially commenced in the cities of Jiuquan and Yinchuan in Northwest China. This collaborative endeavor involves the participation of Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) lead fighter aircraft, the J-10 C and JF-17, along with their dedicated air and ground crews. Since 2011, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and PAF have jointly conducted the Shaheen exercises, taking turns hosting the event. This long-standing tradition underscores the strategic partnership between these two nations. The primary objective of the Shaheen exercise is to enhance aerial combat tactics, operational readiness, and foster interoperability among the participating allies in the region. It serves as a platform to develop synergy in their military capabilities. This year's exercise incorporates elements of mo...