The company said it had absorbed rising component costs for as long as possible but can no longer avoid passing them on to consumers.

Google’s Vice President of Devices and Services Shakil Barkat said the company had absorbed supply-chain cost increases for as long as possible but could no longer avoid raising prices. He added that price adjustments would apply across the Pixel product family, including the Pixel Watch.

According to data cited by Barkat from Morgan Stanley, the cost of 1 GB of RAM has risen from $2.80 in 2025 to around $12 in 2026. For a flagship smartphone equipped with 16 GB of RAM, memory costs have increased from roughly $45 to about $192 per device.

The spike has been attributed to memory manufacturers diverting production capacity toward high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI servers.

Price Bomb Explained

Google is expected to announce official pricing at its Made by Google event on August 12. However, leaked retail listings suggest the Pixel 11 will start at $899, up $100 from the Pixel 10. The entry-level 128 GB storage option is also expected to be dropped, making 256 GB the new base configuration.

Leaked information also indicates that the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL could each receive a $100 price increase. Some reports further suggest the Pro models may reduce RAM from 16 GB to 12 GB on the 256 GB storage variant.

Google said it is also working to reduce Android’s memory requirements. The company is optimizing Android and its applications to deliver the same user experience with less RAM.

Google is not alone in raising prices. Samsung increased prices on parts of its Galaxy S26 lineup earlier this year, while Apple has also announced price increases across its products and is widely expected to raise iPhone prices again with its next-generation devices later this year.

Qualcomm has warned customers of double-digit chip price increases on shipments after September 1.

The post Pixel 11 Will Be Google’s Most Expensive Base Phone in History appeared first on ProPakistani.

ProPakistani contacted the COMSATS Secretariat for its response to the inquiry. No response was received 2 hours after submission of the query. It will be added if received.

The report exposes the ED’s alleged role in administrative, procedural, and financial irregularities at the COMSATS Secretariat. The committee also stated that several requested institutional records were allegedly not provided despite repeated requests, limiting parts of its investigation.

The Executive Director allegedly bypassed the COMSATS Charter and Statutes by failing to convene key statutory bodies, including the Consultative Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, and Management Committee. It also alleges that mandatory Board of Management meetings of COMSATS Internet Services were not held.

The inquiry further alleges that several research and development initiatives were launched without feasibility studies, budget approvals, or authorization.

The report also alleges that the Azerbaijan training contract was subcontracted to a private company owned by the Executive Director’s son, while a Rs. 399 million ICT training contract for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s merged districts was allegedly subcontracted to a private institute without the required approvals.

The report criticizes the creation of new senior posts and promotions at the Islamabad headquarters.

The committee said it was unable to complete its assessment of the financial impact because the Director of Finance allegedly failed to provide requested financial records despite repeated summons.

The inquiry recommends that the federal government, through the Ministry of Science and Technology, place the matter before the Consultative Committee and initiate comprehensive forensic, administrative, financial, and human resource audits.

It also proposes amendments to the 2015 COMSATS Statutes to strengthen oversight, reduce the concentration of authority in the Executive Director’s office, and ensure regular meetings of statutory bodies.

The post COMSATS Secretariat Chief Accused of Giving Foreign Project to Son Illegally appeared first on ProPakistani.

The total number of credit cards increased from 2.2 million in FY25 to 3.1 million in Q1 FY26 (July-September 2025), up by 44 percent.

The addition exceeds the total net growth recorded over the previous six years, during which the credit card base rose from 1.6 million to 2.2 million.

The surge coincided with a sharp rise in credit card usage. SBP data shows the value of credit card transactions at ATMs increased nearly sixfold during the same quarter.

Despite the unprecedented jump, no major bank, fintech, or financial institution publicly announced a large-scale credit card issuance campaign during the period.

The increase could be linked to a major card issuance, a regulatory reclassification of certain card products, or the launch of new credit-based payment products. SBP hasn’t revealed anything on this so far.

Debit cards continue to dominate Pakistan’s payment landscape, accounting for around 90% of the country’s 61.3 million payment cards, while credit cards represent about 4 percent.

The post Pakistan Sees Sudden 6x Jump in Credit Card ATM Transactions appeared first on ProPakistani.

The company had been teasing a new model without initially revealing its identity or launch date. The vehicle was widely expected to be the latest-generation ZS based on the design details shown in the teasers.

MG has now confirmed the July 29 launch of the ZS Hybrid, adding another electrified SUV to its Pakistani lineup.

All-New Generation of MG ZS

The upcoming model is the second-generation MG ZS, which received a complete redesign when it made its international debut.

It brings a more modern exterior, a redesigned cabin and an updated hybrid powertrain compared with the previous ZS sold in Pakistan.

Internationally, the MG ZS Hybrid+ uses a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a self-charging hybrid system.

In Australia, for example, the system uses a 1.83 kWh battery and a 100 kW electric motor, while total system output is rated at 158 kW. It also uses a three-speed hybrid transmission.

However, MG has not yet confirmed whether the Pakistani model will use exactly the same specifications.

More Features and Updated Interior

The international ZS Hybrid+ is available with features including a 12.3-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, MG Pilot safety technology, seven airbags and a 360-degree camera, depending on the variant.

Higher-spec versions also offer features such as a panoramic sunroof and electric tailgate.

The new generation is also larger than its predecessor and offers a 443-liter boot, which expands to 1,457 liters with the rear seats folded in international specifications.

Pakistan Price Still Under Wraps

MG has yet to reveal the price, variants, complete specifications or booking details for the ZS Hybrid in Pakistan.

Those details are expected to be announced when the SUV officially launches on July 29.

The new ZS will enter an increasingly competitive Pakistani hybrid SUV market as automakers continue to expand their electrified vehicle lineups.

Its price will likely play a major role in determining how it competes against the growing number of hybrid crossovers already available locally.

The post MG Pakistan Confirms Launch Date of All-New ZS Hybrid appeared first on ProPakistani.

The embassy has also warned applicants against agents and intermediaries selling visa appointments for money.

According to the guidance, applicants who follow the correct procedure and use the authorised booking channels will receive an appointment.

Schengen, Work and Family Reunion Visa Appointments

Applicants seeking short-term Schengen, family reunion and work visas must submit their applications through BLS Visa Application Centres.

The centres are available in Islamabad, Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad.

Applicants must book appointments through the official The Italy Visa website at www.theitalyvisa.com.

The embassy said a waiting list is currently in place for family reunion and work visa appointments because of high demand.

However, it assured applicants that everyone registered on the waiting list will eventually receive an appointment.

Special Process for Family Reunion With Italian or EU Citizens

A different process applies to people seeking a family reunion visa to join an Italian or European Union citizen.

These applicants can request an appointment directly from the Italian Embassy.

They must send an Italian certified email, known as a PEC, to the embassy’s designated consular address.

Applicants can find details about the required documents on the official website of the Italian Embassy in Islamabad.

Study Visa Applicants Must Use Universitaly First

Students planning to study at an Italian university must first complete their pre-enrolment through the Universitaly portal.

Once the pre-enrolment process is confirmed, BLS will contact the student to arrange the visa appointment.

This means students should not try to book their study visa appointment through the same process used for regular Schengen or work visa applications.

Embassy Warns Against Buying Visa Appointments

The Italian Embassy also issued a strong warning about visa appointment fraud.

It said it is aware of intermediaries and agencies that illegally offer appointments in exchange for money.

The embassy stressed that visa appointments should never be purchased.

Applicants approached by anyone offering an appointment for payment should report the matter to the embassy immediately.

The embassy said it is taking necessary measures to tackle such practices and urged applicants to rely only on official channels.

The latest guidance aims to make the appointment process clearer for Pakistani applicants as demand for Italian visas remains high.

The post Italy Issues New Visa Appointment Guidelines for Pakistanis appeared first on ProPakistani.

Tax expert Amer Sharif told ProPakistani that a first-time taxpayer’s return was filed recently and the taxpayer’s status changed to Active without paying the surcharge. “This means that if you file your Tax Year 2026 return, your name should be included in the Active Taxpayers List, usually within 24 hours,” he said.

Amer said the confusion has now been removed, as filing the Tax Year 2026 return is resulting in automatic inclusion in the Active Taxpayers List for first-time filers without the Rs. 25,000 surcharge.

The development provides significant relief to individuals whose financial transactions were affected due to inactive ATL status. “This is a major relief for taxpayers whose transactions were on hold due to inactive ATL status. It also clears the confusion about whether filing the Tax Year 2026 return would restore ATL status,” he added.

FBR has officially opened the Income Tax Return filing portal for Tax Year 2026. Taxpayers have until September 30, 2026, to file their returns. Unlike previous years, there are currently no indications that FBR will extend the filing deadline next month.

The post FBR is Accepting Tax Returns Without Rs. 25,000 Surcharge for First-Time Filers appeared first on ProPakistani.

The Ministry of Interior has prepared a revised draft after recommendations from the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control. However, the changes have not yet been formally approved or notified.

Under the proposed framework, ordinary vehicle owners seeking permission to use tinted windows would have to pay Rs. 15,000 per year for a permit.

The earlier proposal had set the same Rs. 15,000 fee for a three-year period. During a Senate committee meeting in May, the chairman proposed changing it to Rs. 15,000 annually.

Parliamentarians Could Get Free Tinted Glass Permits

The revised proposal would allow serving and former members of Parliament to obtain tinted glass permits without paying the annual fee.

The Senate committee formally recommended free permits for current and former parliamentarians during its May 13 meeting.

If approved, the arrangement would create different fee requirements for ordinary motorists and parliamentarians.

Rules for Foreign Nationals Also Changed

The government has also proposed tightening eligibility for foreign nationals.

The revised draft reportedly replaces the term “foreigner” with “diplomat.” As a result, only accredited diplomats would qualify for permits under this category instead of foreign nationals more broadly.

Earlier versions of the policy were designed to establish a formal system for tinted glass permits, including cases involving medical and security grounds. The draft also considered special permits for vehicles imported with factory-fitted tinted glass.

New Tinted Glass Rules Are Not in Effect Yet

The Ministry of Interior has circulated the revised draft among relevant stakeholders and requested their feedback.

The government will review their comments and recommendations before giving the policy final approval and formally implementing it.

Therefore, motorists should not treat the proposed Rs. 15,000 annual permit or other changes as rules currently in force.

Once approved, the policy is expected to provide a clearer framework for who can legally obtain tinted glass permits, how long the permits remain valid and what fees different categories of applicants will have to pay.

The post Major Changes Proposed to Tinted Glass Rules appeared first on ProPakistani.

The WorldAtlas report shared by Yahoo Finance placed KFC, McDonald’s, Smashburger, Little Caesars, and Chick-fil-A in the Top Worst fast food chains for health.

The rankings were based on the calorie, sodium, and saturated fat content of signature menu items, as well as the promotion of oversized meal combinations. According to the report, many of the chains’ best-selling meals contain enough calories and sodium to exceed recommended intake for an entire meal.

One example: Burger King

Burger King’s burger buns contain ingredients such as potassium iodate, a flour treatment agent that has been restricted or banned in some countries due to potential thyroid-related issues.

Other ingredients include mono- and diglycerides, additives associated with gut inflammation. Its chicken products also rely on processed coatings, seasoned batters, and frying oils containing dimethylpolysiloxane, an anti-foaming agent.

Many menu items also include silicon dioxide, an anti-caking additive that helps prevent ingredients from clumping.

Is Fast Food Unhealthy?

The report warns that frequent consumption of such meals can increase the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions.

Data also pointed to the widespread use of ultra-processed ingredients, including refined seed oils, added sugars, preservatives, emulsifiers, and other food additives designed to improve taste and extend shelf life.

The post McDonalds’, KFC Among Top Worst Fast-Food Chains for Health appeared first on ProPakistani.

The Migration Advisory Committee, or MAC, has recommended that only 28 occupations remain eligible under a future Temporary Shortage List.

That would be down from 52 occupations currently included on the Interim Temporary Shortage List.

The MAC published the second stage of its review on July 23, 2026. However, the UK government has not yet confirmed whether it will accept the recommendations.

Only 28 Mid-Skilled Jobs Could Remain Eligible

The Temporary Shortage List allows selected mid-skilled occupations to remain eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship despite tighter immigration rules.

The UK now generally limits the Skilled Worker route to jobs at RQF Level 6, broadly equivalent to graduate-level roles.

However, occupations on the Temporary Shortage List can qualify even if they fall between RQF Levels 3 and 5.

Under the latest MAC recommendations, 20 occupations from the existing list would remain eligible.

Another eight occupations that are not currently on the Interim Temporary Shortage List would also be added.

The recommended occupations include roles in data analysis, digital infrastructure, engineering, manufacturing and construction, among other sectors.

Several Business and Creative Jobs Could Lose Access

The MAC also recommended removing several occupations from the future list.

These include certain roles in business sales, human resources, legal services, advertising and marketing.

Some creative-sector occupations could also lose access, including authors, writers and photographers.

If the government accepts the recommendations, employers may no longer be able to sponsor new overseas workers for affected RQF Level 3-5 jobs through the Skilled Worker route.

This could create recruitment challenges for businesses that rely heavily on overseas workers to fill these positions.

New List Would Initially Last 18 Months

The MAC recommended keeping all 28 occupations on the new Temporary Shortage List for only 18 months.

The proposed period is expected to run from January 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028.

Importantly, the 18-month period refers to how long the occupations would initially remain on the shortage list. It does not necessarily mean visa holders would only receive an 18-month visa.

The MAC did not recommend any occupation for the standard three-year inclusion period.

Instead, it wants industries to demonstrate that they are taking steps to address labour shortages by recruiting and training more workers within the UK.

Why the UK is Reviewing the Temporary Shortage List

The Home Secretary asked the MAC in July 2025 to review which mid-skilled occupations should continue receiving access to overseas workers.

The review followed immigration reforms aimed at reducing reliance on foreign labour in lower-skilled and mid-skilled jobs.

The first stage of the review, published in October 2025, identified 82 occupations for further assessment.

During the second stage, the MAC examined industry plans and assessed whether each occupation faced a genuine labour shortage.

It also considered whether employers had credible plans to increase domestic recruitment, whether risks of worker exploitation could be controlled, and whether immigration remained an appropriate way to address shortages.

What It Means for Employers

The proposed changes could make overseas hiring more difficult for employers filling mid-skilled positions.

If an RQF Level 3-5 occupation is removed from the Temporary Shortage List, employers may lose the ability to sponsor new overseas workers for that role through the Skilled Worker route.

As a result, companies relying on international recruitment may need to expand domestic hiring or adjust workforce plans.

However, no changes have taken effect yet.

The UK government still needs to decide whether to adopt the MAC recommendations and what transitional arrangements will apply.

What About Existing Skilled Worker Visa Holders?

The MAC report focuses on which occupations should qualify for the future Temporary Shortage List.

It does not recommend removing immigration status from workers who are already sponsored.

Under the current rules, existing sponsored workers may remain eligible to extend their permission and eventually qualify for settlement if they continue to meet the relevant requirements.

However, the government has not yet announced how any future changes would apply to existing workers, pending applications or employers that have already started recruitment.

Until the government confirms its final policy, the proposed reduction from 52 to 28 occupations remains a recommendation rather than a confirmed immigration rule.

The post UK to Reduce Jobs Leading to Skilled Worker Visa appeared first on ProPakistani.

The Russian envoy has repeatedly argued that disruptions to energy markets caused by regional issues could lead to the largest energy crisis in history.

His latest warning came after Brent crude climbed above $100 per barrel. He said the “energy tsunami is accelerating” as markets react to growing concerns over global oil supplies.

Dmitriev has also linked the risks to instability in the Middle East, including threats to key shipping routes and oil exports. He warned that such developments could severely disrupt global energy markets.

The post Oil Prices Likely to Hit Highest Level in History appeared first on ProPakistani.