Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce informed the Senate Standing Committee on Finance that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has greenlit a new policy permitting the import of vehicles up to five years old, effective September 2025.

Under the approved plan, these imports will initially face a 40% additional duty, which will then decrease by 10% each fiscal year until being completely phased out. By FY 2026-27, the age limit for eligible vehicles will expand to seven years. Officials clarified that while the previous restriction on three-year-old vehicles has been removed, the additional duty will not apply to vehicles imported under the baggage scheme—though a mandatory 700-day overseas stay requirement remains in place.

Committee Rejects Proposed Amendments to Public Finance Law

In a separate development, the committee declined proposed changes to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) by the Finance Ministry. The existing law grants financial authority to institutions through parliamentary delegation, but senators demanded revisions to the draft. Senator Anusha Rehman raised concerns about surplus fund management, urging that all public and autonomous entities be subject to audits by the Auditor General of Pakistan. The Ministry agreed to amend terminology from “business entities” to “public entities” and acknowledged further corrections were needed.

Officials also disclosed that the Port Qasim Authority refused to transfer surplus funds upon request, directing the Ministry to approach the relevant division—which never responded.

Customs Duty Reforms Announced

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) provided updates on tariff adjustments, revealing that customs duties have been slashed on 35% of tariff lines. Proposed reforms include new duty slabs of 5%, 10%, and 15%, replacing the current 3%, 11%, and 16% rates. Additionally, 916 more tariff lines will become duty-free, increasing the total zero-rated categories to 3,117.

The Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), operating under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OP&HRD), has announced plans to recruit qualified female nurses for employment opportunities in Malaysia.

According to an official source speaking to APP on Saturday, candidates will be selected based on specific criteria, including expertise in specialized medical fields such as coronary care, medical/surgical units, ICU, Pediatric ICU, Neonatal ICU, and Cardiac Units.

Eligibility requirements include:

• A General Nursing diploma along with a Post-Basic specialization
• Minimum of five years of ICU (Cardiac) experience
• Maximum age limit of 45 years for female applicants

Prospective candidates must bring all necessary documents to the interview, including an updated resume with color photographs. Applicants are advised to follow the provided resume template and use a GMAIL email address for correspondence.

Quetta Gladiators clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory over Islamabad United in a high-octane PSL 2025 clash, chasing down 158 with tension soaring till the final ball. After restricting United to 157/9—thanks to Faheem Ashraf’s 4/25—Gladiators survived a rollercoaster chase, anchored by Hasan Nawaz’s unbeaten 41-ball 64. Despite early setbacks, including Finn Allen’s explosive but brief 13-ball cameo and Rilee Rossouw’s unfortunate run-out, Gladiators stumbled before Hasan’s composure and Islamabad’s costly fielding errors sealed their fate.

United, reeling from three straight losses despite six lineup changes, fought back through Mohammad Nawaz’s valiant 49, reviving their innings from 91/6. However, their bowlers couldn’t defend the total as Naseem Shah (2/31) and Irshad (2/31) kept it tight. The climax was chaotic: Hasan was dropped twice in the final over by Shahzad and Irshad, then smashed a six before another spilled catch allowed Gladiators to snatch victory with a six off the penultimate ball. The win propelled Gladiators to the top of the table, while United’s playoff hopes grew precarious despite their earlier five-match winning streak.