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NA panel questions PTCL authority to sell assets

The National Assembly Standing Committee on IT & Telecom questioned the authority of the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) to sell its properties since the board of directors was not the owner of the company. The committee meeting in the Parliament House sought answers to several queries from the state-owned largest telecom company, including the board’s powers under the sale purcha

Corporates dole out Rs24bn for social causes

Pakistan’s corporate sector donated about Rs23.65 billion for various social sector causes in 2023, up 41 per cent over Rs16.76bn in 2022, according to the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP). In its latest Corporate Philanthropy Report, the PCP said the Public Listed Companies (PLCs) contributed the largest share of Rs17.69bn while Public Public Unlisted Companies (PUCs) and Private Ltd Com

IT firms, ISPs advise govt against ban on VPNs

Internet service providers (ISPs) and software houses have warned that restrictions on the internet and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) would become an “existential threat” and alienate segments of society. The statements have criticised the purge on VPNs — used by businesses and individuals — and the decision to ban unregistered proxies by the end of this month. Shahzad Arshad, the chairman

PM orders action against sugar mills

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced strict action against sugar millers and dealers involved in tax fraud, undocumented sales, and price increases. According to a PM Office press release issued on Tuesday, the premier directed a detailed analysis of the sugar sector to reduce sales tax evasion and pricing control to benefit customers. The premier believes that sugar mills are primarily

World stocks edge higher, oil falls

Global stocks edged higher in choppy trading on Tuesday as markets awaited further appointments to the incoming White House administration, while oil prices eased as tensions rose between Russia and the United States over Ukraine. Investors are eyeing President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary, with the pool widening to include Apollo Global Management Chief Executive Marc Rowan