Usman Asif – Usman Holdings

Globel

Govt Reportedly to Shut Down All Utility Stores Nationwide

The federal government has announced that it will permanently close down all utility stores across Pakistan starting from July 10. This decision affects thousands of workers, with more than 5,000 employees being moved to a surplus staff pool, where they will be offered a Voluntary Separation Scheme to leave their jobs. In the meantime, the government is gradually winding down operations at the stores that are still running. All goods and stock from these stores will be moved to warehouses, where they will either be returned or sold through auctions. This marks a major change in how essential goods will be distributed to the public in the future.

Sports

Schedule Revealed for Asia Cup 2025 Pakistan vs India Matches

Cricket lovers can look forward to one of the sport’s most thrilling rivalries as Pakistan and India are set to clash in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 7. The match will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates according to early reports. The Asia Cup is scheduled to begin in the first week of September, with the tournament following the T20 format. Group matches will be followed by the Super Four stage, and if both teams make it through, they could meet again on September 14—and possibly for a third time in the final on September 21. Despite political strains following the recent Pahalgam incident, the tournament will go ahead without changes. Rumors about a possible cancellation have been dismissed. An Indian broadcaster confirmed that India will participate in the competition, stating, “The tournament is on, and we are ready to cover it.” Since 2008, India has avoided playing in Pakistan, and matches between the two sides have been hosted at neutral venues like the UAE. The last meeting between the two giants took place earlier this year during the Champions Trophy in Dubai. India’s continued involvement in these matches is largely tied to the significant value of broadcasting rights, most of which are owned by Indian media groups. ICC events, in particular, attract massive audiences and generate high revenue, making such matches too important to skip. With tickets expected to sell out quickly and fan interest soaring, this year’s Asia Cup promises unforgettable moments on the cricket field.

Holdings

Massive Tax Cuts on Cars, SIM Cards Announced from July 2025, Here’re Details

The Government of Pakistan has announced major tax cuts on over 40 imported items, including vehicles, SIM cards, and essential food products, effective from July 1, 2025. According to the official notification, the regulatory duty on mobile phone SIM cards has been reduced from 15% to 12%, offering slight relief to consumers. One of the biggest changes is in the auto sector—used and new cars, including minivans, will now be taxed at 10%, a one-third reduction from previous rates. Imported SUVs will see the most significant drop, with regulatory duty reduced by 44%, bringing it down to 50%. In the food sector, duties on frozen fish have been halved to 17.5%. Chicken and fish imports now carry a 5% duty, while bird eggs will be taxed at 10%, reduced from 15%. Cheese and yogurt duties have been brought down to 50%, offering relief to dairy product consumers. For pet owners, the duty on dog and cat food has been reduced to 40%, a 5% decrease. The government has also cut duties on several fruits and nuts—up to 16% on dates, coconuts, cashews, and Brazilian nuts, and up to 20% on figs, mangoes, guavas, papayas, avocados, and pineapples. Apple duties were brought down from 45% to 36%. Tobacco products and instant coffee also saw 5% to 40% reductions in duty. The tax relief package aims to ease inflationary pressure and make imported products more affordable. These revised rates are now officially in effect across Pakistan.

Tech

PTA Introduces Tax-Free Mobile Registration for Overseas Pakistanis, Here’re Details

PTA has rolled out a new facility that allows overseas Pakistanis and short-term visitors to use their mobile phones in the country without paying any FBR tax for up to 120 days per visit. This initiative aims to support Pakistanis living abroad who travel home for vacations, family events or business trips. Instead of facing high tax rates or service interruptions, travelers can now register their personal devices through an automated and hassle-free system completely free of charge. The new system is designed to ensure smooth mobile connectivity during a visitor’s stay. It eliminates the need to pay the regular customs duties associated with bringing a foreign device into the country. PTA has clarified that this service is only for personal use and covers a 120-day window starting from the day of arrival in Pakistan. Officials believe the service will encourage more overseas Pakistanis to stay connected without extra financial burden. It also helps streamline the process of temporary device use, especially for travelers who need their phones for navigation, banking or staying in touch with loved ones. The system is digital and user-friendly, requiring minimal effort to complete the registration. Travelers will only need to follow a few simple steps to activate the 120-day tax-free period. This move reflects the PTA’s efforts to improve digital accessibility and provide convenient services for citizens abroad. It also supports the broader goal of maintaining seamless mobile service for all users visiting Pakistan temporarily.

Pakistan

New Taxes! Courier Companies Announce Increase in Delivery Charges, Here’re Details

Courier companies in Pakistan have announced a hike in delivery charges starting July 2025, following new tax rules introduced by the government. Under the latest regulations, courier operators are now required to deduct 2% withholding tax and 2% sales tax from sellers on all Cash on Delivery (COD) orders. These taxes will be collected and submitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) directly by the courier companies. Firms such as TCS, Leopards, M&P, Pakistan Post, Tax and other major logistics providers have already issued notices to their clients, including registered e-commerce businesses and online sellers. As per the Finance Bill, only tax-registered sellers will be eligible for courier services. Unregistered sellers will no longer be able to dispatch their orders through courier platforms. This development is part of the government’s broader effort to regulate and document Pakistan’s growing e-commerce industry. Courier companies, holding invoice details of each transaction, have been designated as tax agents to ensure compliance. Shoaib Bhatti, President of the Pakistan E-Commerce Association (Karachi Chapter), warned that the new taxes could slow down growth in the e-commerce sector. Larger businesses may absorb the costs, but smaller sellers will likely increase prices or delivery charges to stay afloat. He added that rising operational expenses—including fuel, electricity, internet, and taxation—are squeezing profit margins for digital businesses. Delivery fees for customers may go up, particularly for intercity and domestic orders. The FBR clarified that one-time or home-based sellers, especially women, are exempt from mandatory registration, offering some relief to informal businesses. However, the overall impact on the e-commerce ecosystem is expected to be significant.

Tech

Go Cashless! NBP Launches ATM at Karachi’s Cattle Market

NBP has taken a big step toward promoting digital banking by installing an ATM booth at the Northern Bypass Cattle Market in Karachi. This initiative comes just in time for the Eid season, when thousands of people visit the market for buying and selling animals. The ATM booth helps both traders and buyers by offering a safe and cashless way to handle their payments. Instead of carrying large amounts of cash, users can now withdraw money or make transactions on the spot. This not only reduces the risk of theft but also makes the buying process easier and faster. This effort is part of the State Bank of Pakistan’s #GoCashless campaign, which encourages people to use digital banking services and supports financial inclusion across the country. With this step, NBP is helping to make banking more accessible, even in high-traffic and temporary locations like cattle markets. NBP staff members are present at the booth to guide and assist people who may not be familiar with ATM use or digital payments. Their support ensures that even first-time users can benefit from the service without any confusion.

Globel

‘Make the Deal in G@za’, Donald Trump Presses for Immediate Ce@sefire Agreement

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking about the ongoing conflict, Trump urged all parties involved to “make the deal” and bring an end to the violence as soon as possible. Trump’s statement comes amid rising global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Thousands of civilians have been affected, and international pressure is growing for a peaceful resolution. Trump said that continuing the war would only bring more destruction and suffering, and he stressed the importance of reaching a quick and fair agreement. The former president did not provide details on how the ceasefire should happen, but he made it clear that both sides need to act now before the situation worsens. Trump also mentioned that the longer the conflict goes on, the harder it will be to rebuild trust and peace in the region. Leaders around the world, including those from the United Nations and the European Union, have also been calling for a stop to the fighting. Many are pushing for negotiations and humanitarian aid to help those caught in the middle of the conflict. Trump’s statement adds to the growing international voices asking for peace and a diplomatic solution. While his comments may not directly influence policy, they reflect the increasing demand from leaders and people around the world for an end to the violence in Gaza.

Pakistan

‘Kya 5-Minute ki Break Le Lein? Meri Namaz Qaza Ho jayegi’, CM Maryam Nawaz

During a recent session of the Punjab Assembly, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz politely asked for a short five-minute break to offer her Asr prayer. This small but powerful gesture quickly caught public attention and was praised widely across the country. Her action showed that even while handling important government duties, she did not forget her religious responsibilities. Many people found this moment touching and inspiring, especially those who believe in balancing faith with professional life. Social media platforms were filled with positive comments, with users appreciating her respect for prayer and her ability to stay connected to her beliefs. Many praised her for setting a great example—not just for women in leadership, but for all professionals who struggle to balance work and worship. Her decision to pause for prayer during a high-level official meeting reminded people that taking time for spiritual needs is important, no matter how busy life gets. It also helped build a sense of connection with the public, especially among those who admired her calm, respectful way of practicing her faith. This simple act by Maryam Nawaz became a moment of national appreciation, showing that leadership and faith can go hand in hand. It highlighted her as not only a political leader but also someone grounded in values that many Pakistanis hold dear.

Entertainment

OctaDeals: Pakistan’s First Discount Shopping Gateway Officially Launched

OctaDeals: Pakistan’s First Discount Shopping Gateway Officially Launched A new era of online shopping begins with the launch of OctaDeals, Pakistan’s first-ever Discount Shopping Gateway. Designed to transform how the nation shops, OctaDeals acts as a smart search engine, aggregating official discounts from trusted brands across the country and presenting them all on one easy-to-use platform. What is OctaDeals? OctaDeals isn’t just another shopping platform—it’s your gateway to verified savings. By collecting discounts directly from reputable brands, OctaDeals ensures that shoppers always have access to the best deals available nationwide. Whether it’s discounts on clothing, electronics, beauty products, or home essentials, OctaDeals brings it all together in one place, saving you time and effort. The platform doesn’t create its own discounts; instead, it acts as a search engine that highlights ongoing promotions from various brands, offering shoppers a seamless way to browse and compare deals. How OctaDeals Works OctaDeals simplifies the shopping experience by curating discounts from across Pakistan. Here’s how it works: This innovative approach makes OctaDeals the go-to solution for anyone looking to save money without compromising on quality. Why OctaDeals is a Game-Changer With OctaDeals, shoppers no longer need to hunt across multiple websites or stores to find the best deals. By consolidating discounts from various brands, OctaDeals delivers: Also Read: How to Get Easypaisa Loan A Revolutionary Step for E-Commerce As Pakistan’s first Discount Shopping Gateway, OctaDeals fills a critical gap in the e-commerce market. It provides shoppers with the tools they need to make informed choices, backed by verified information and unbeatable convenience. This unique model fosters trust and enhances the overall online shopping experience. Join the Savings Revolution Whether you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe, invest in the latest gadgets, or stock up on essentials, OctaDeals is here to help. By showcasing the nation’s best discounts on one platform, OctaDeals empowers customers to shop smarter and save more. Explore the future of online shopping today. Visit www.octadeals.com and start your savings journey.

Entertainment

YesStyle Stopped Shipping to Pakistan? Try This Trusted Korean Skincare Site That Delivers in 7 Days

YesStyle isn’t shipping to Pakistan? Shop 100% authentic Korean skincare from a trusted site—delivered from Korea to Pakistan in just 7 days! Korean skincare is no longer just a trend in Pakistan — it’s a full-blown skincare revolution. From double cleansing to glass skin, Pakistani skincare lovers have fallen in love with the visible results and advanced formulations of K-beauty. Social media is filled with searches like “Best Korean skincare products in Pakistan,” “Where to buy Korean skincare,” and “How to get COSRX or Beauty of Joseon in Pakistan.” But while the demand was growing, the real challenge remained: authenticity. YesStyle: Once the Solution, Now Out of the Picture For years, skincare enthusiasts in Pakistan turned to YesStyle Korea to get genuine Korean skincare. It became the go-to platform for international K-beauty shopping. But there were always hurdles: Meet Korean-skincare.pk — Pakistan’s New Go-To for Korean Beauty Thankfully, there’s a game-changing alternative: Korean-skincare.pk This isn’t just another online store — it’s Pakistan’s first direct-from-Korea solution for 100% authentic K-beauty products, and it’s changing the skincare game nationwide. Here’s why: Fully Authorized, Fully Trusted Korean-skincare.pk is more than just a fast shipping store — it’s a verified and official seller of top Korean skincare brands. The parent company operates in Europe as Korean-skincare.de, a well-known and trusted source across Germany and the EU. They hold authorization certificates from the biggest K-beauty brands, including: Whether you’re searching for “where to buy COSRX in Pakistan” or “authentic Beauty of Joseon near me”, this is your trusted source. also read this: Karachi’s Guide to a Healthier Smile: The Essential Role of Dental Check-Ups Trusted by Celebrities and Loved by Thousands Korean-skincare.pk is already making waves in Pakistan’s skincare scene: “It’s the real deal — finally, no more fake products!” – Rehma Khalid Why This is the Best YesStyle Alternative in Pakistan If you’re Googling things like: You’re not alone — and you’ve just found your answer. Ready to Glow Up? Visit www.korean-skincare.pk now and explore your favorite Korean skincare brands, shipped straight from Seoul to Pakistan in just a week — authentic, affordable, and stress-free. Also follow them on Instagram at @korean_skincare.pk for skincare tips, product guides, and reviews from real Pakistani customers.