Jewellers shut shops in protest against FBR

KARACHI: Pakistani jewellers on Tuesday launched a powerful nationwide strike against alleged harassment and unjust tax demands by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), completely shutting down shops across major cities, including Karachi. Traders gathered in protest in Karachi, with Qasim Shikarpuri addressing the demonstrators. “We went to Islamabad, but our issues were not resolved….

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No country for a woman alone

By Yusra Salim/Fouzia Nasir Ahmad | PUBLISHED July 20, 2025 KARACHI: “It was in the early 2000s that my daughter decided to move to the US where her father lived, to finish her high school,” recounts Fareeha Mirza*, a teacher in her 50s, her temples graying, her eyes soft brown. ‘Life in Karachi was getting…

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Ancient royal sewer collapses in Peshawar

An Afghan man reacts as he stands amidst the rubble of a collapsed house after a deadly magnitude-6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan around midnight, in Dara Noor, in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, September 1, 2025.PHOTO: REUTERS PESHAWAR: The centuries-old Shahi Khatta, a historic royal sewer system passing through the inner city of Peshawar, is rapidly deteriorating, with…

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Islamabad sets stage for high-stakes talks

Round 2 negotiations likely tomorrow JD Vance departs for Pakistan today Iran has yet to make a final call Trump c Security personnel stand guard on Zero Point bridge in the federal capital amid heightened vigilance ahead of the second round of US-Iran talks. PHOTO: ONLINE ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has set the stage for a high-stakes…

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Cotton harvest target set at 9.6m bales

Agri-committee fixes production targets for essential Kharif crops including rice, maize and sugarcane ISLAMABAD: The government has set cotton production target at 9.64 million bales from plantations over an area of 2.16 million hectares during the upcoming Kharif sowing season 2026-27. Pakistan is currently facing a cotton crisis as the government is largely focusing on…

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FPCCI urges withdrawal of 0.9% infrastructure cess

FPCCI Regional Chairman Zaki Aijaz said cargo transported by rail is considerably more economical LAHORE: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh has urged the Punjab government to immediately withdraw the 0.9% Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess (PIDC) imposed in the province, according to a statement issued on Monday. Sheikh…

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Shopping malls, markets to close at 8pm in Sindh under austerity drive

Essential services, including medical stores, hospitals and petrol pumps exempted from restrictions A shopkeeper stands outside his shop while waiting for customers, ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Karachi, Pakistan April 19, 2023. PHOTO: REUTERS KARACHI: The Sindh government announced new operating hours for markets, restaurants, and wedding halls on Friday under austerity measures aimed…

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Inter on brink of Serie A title

Inter Milan players applaud fans after the match. Photo: REUTERS LONDON: Serie A leaders Inter Milan could be crowned champions of Italy this weekend when they take on Parma at the San Siro, as a brewing referee scandal threatens the integrity of Italy’s top flight. Holding a 10-point lead over Napoli, who are at Champions…

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