ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025: A Global Cricket Spectacle Returns

 

Cricket fans, brace yourselves! The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to make a grand return to the international stage after an eight-year hiatus. Scheduled from February 19 to March 9, the tournament promises a whirlwind of excitement as it takes place in Pakistan and the UAE, marking a milestone moment for both nations.

With 15 electrifying matches featuring the world’s top eight cricketing teams, this year’s Champions Trophy is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of cricket. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi will host matches in Pakistan, while Dubai has been chosen as the neutral venue, further strengthening its reputation as a hub for international cricket.

---

The Lineup

This edition of the Champions Trophy boasts a thrilling lineup:

• Group A: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, and hosts Pakistan
• Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa

From classic rivalries to exciting new matchups, every game will be crucial in the battle to claim the prestigious Champions Trophy white jackets.

---

Key Fixtures

The action kicks off on February 19, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. Some of the most anticipated clashes include:

• India vs. Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai
• Australia vs. England, one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries, on February 22 in Lahore
• The ever-iconic Pakistan vs. India showdown on February 23 in Dubai

The tournament culminates in two high-stakes semi-finals on March 4 and 5, followed by the grand finale on March 9. The final is set to take place in Lahore unless India qualifies, in which case it will move to Dubai.

---

A Historic Milestone for Pakistan

For Pakistan, this tournament is more than just cricket; it’s history in the making. As the host of a major ICC event for the first time since 1996, the country is ready to showcase its passion for the sport and its unparalleled hospitality.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, expressed pride in this achievement:

“Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, demonstrating our commitment to world-class cricket. We’re thrilled to welcome the global cricket community and ensure a memorable experience for everyone.”

---

The ICC Perspective

Jay Shah, ICC Chair, highlighted the importance of the tournament’s revival:

“The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is a celebration of cricket’s finest. With matches in Pakistan and the UAE, this event bridges heritage and modernity, offering fans around the globe 19 days of unmissable cricket action.”

---

Champions Trophy Legacy

Since its debut as the ICC KnockOut Trophy in 1998, the Champions Trophy has carved a special place in cricket history. Australia and India lead the tally with two wins each, while other past winners include South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, and Pakistan—the 2017 defending champions.

---

Schedule

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule

19 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi

20 Feb – Bangladesh v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

21 Feb – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi

22 Feb – Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

23 Feb – Pakistan v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

24 Feb - Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

25 Feb – Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

26 Feb – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

27 Feb – Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

28 Feb – Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

1 Mar – South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi

2 Mar – New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

4 Mar – Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

5 Mar – Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

9 Mar – Final - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

All matches start at 14h00 Pakistan Standard Time

 Semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify

Semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan if they qualify

If India qualify for the final it will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

20 Interesting Facts About the Netherlands

 

I had the pleasure of visiting the Netherlands back in 2018. During my short trip, I explored the vibrant city of Amsterdam, the charming streets of Utrecht, the serene beauty of Soesterberg, and the surrounding areas. Though my time was brief, I was captivated by the welcoming nature of the Dutch people and the fascinating culture of this incredible country. Here are 20 interesting facts about the Netherlands that will inspire you to learn more about this amazing place.

1. The Land of Windmills and Tulips
   The Netherlands is famous for its iconic windmills and vibrant tulip fields. Keukenhof, one of the world's largest flower gardens, showcases millions of blooming tulips every spring.

2. Below Sea Level
   About one-third of the Netherlands lies below sea level. Ingenious dykes and water management systems prevent flooding in these areas.

3. Bicycle Capital of the World
   With more bicycles than people, the Netherlands is a cyclist's paradise, boasting over 35,000 kilometers of bike paths.

4. Dutch Masters in Art
   The Netherlands has given the world legendary artists like Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Johannes Vermeer. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam are treasure troves of their work.

5. First Country to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
   In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

6. Clogs and Traditional Attire
   Wooden shoes, or clogs, were traditionally worn by Dutch farmers and are now iconic symbols of Dutch heritage.

7. Tallest People in the World
   Dutch men and women are among the tallest in the world, with average heights of 183 cm (6 ft) and 170 cm (5 ft 7 in), respectively.

8. A Nation of Cheese Lovers
   The Netherlands is one of the largest cheese exporters in the world. Gouda, Edam, and Leyden are just a few popular varieties.

9. Amsterdam’s Canals
   Amsterdam boasts over 100 kilometers of canals, earning it the nickname "Venice of the North."

10. Kingdom of the Netherlands
    The country includes the mainland in Europe and Caribbean territories such as Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.

11. Birthplace of Gin
    The Dutch invented gin, which they call "jenever." It was first created as a medicinal liquor.

12. Innovative Water Management
    The Delta Works, a series of dams and storm surge barriers, is considered one of the modern wonders of the world.

13. Dutch Golden Age
    The 17th century was the Netherlands' Golden Age, a period of economic prosperity, scientific advancements, and cultural achievements.

14. Multilingual Population
    Most Dutch people speak multiple languages, with English being widely spoken as a second language.

15. Home to the World Court
    The Hague is home to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

16. Flat Landscape
    The Netherlands is one of the flattest countries in the world, making it perfect for cycling and agriculture.

17. Dutch Cuisine
    Stroopwafels, bitterballen, and herring are iconic Dutch delicacies loved by locals and tourists alike.

18. Innovators in Agriculture
    Despite its small size, the Netherlands is the second-largest exporter of agricultural goods in the world, thanks to advanced farming technologies.

19. Tulip Mania
    In the 17th century, tulips became so popular that their prices skyrocketed, leading to the world’s first recorded financial bubble.

20. Love for Sports
    Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in the Netherlands, with iconic clubs like Ajax and a strong national team history. Ice skating also has deep roots in Dutch culture.

The Netherlands truly has something for everyone, from its rich history to modern innovations and picturesque landscapes. If you’ve ever been to the Netherlands or plan to visit, share your favorite memories or destinations in the comments below! Let’s celebrate this beautiful country together. 

10 notable alternatives to WordPress

 

In today’s digital landscape, WordPress stands out as one of the most popular platforms for building websites. Its ease of use, vast library of plugins, and strong community make it a go-to choice for many. However, some users explore other options due to concerns about security vulnerabilities, performance, and challenges with multi-channel delivery.

The platform you choose ultimately depends on your unique organizational needs, which can differ significantly. By reviewing different alternatives, you can select the option that best meets your goals, balancing functionality, flexibility, and ease of use.

Here are 10 notable alternatives to WordPress:

1. Storyblok: A Flexible Headless CMS
   Storyblok is a powerful headless content management system that allows you to manage and deliver content across various platforms. It features an intuitive Visual Editor for non-technical users and an API-driven approach that appeals to developers.

2. Wix: A Simple Website Builder
   Wix is a widely-used website builder that features drag-and-drop functionality, pre-designed templates, and hosting services. It’s perfect for beginners looking to create a website quickly and easily.

3. Joomla: A Feature-Rich Open-Source CMS
   Joomla is a versatile open-source CMS that offers advanced extensions and user management. While it’s packed with powerful features, it requires more technical knowledge than some other platforms.

4. Squarespace: A Stylish Website Builder
   Squarespace is a website builder known for its professional templates, drag-and-drop interface, and built-in features. It’s suitable for users who want a visually appealing website, though it offers fewer customization options compared to other platforms.

5. Drupal: A Robust and Scalable CMS
   Drupal is a flexible and secure open-source CMS used to build complex, large-scale websites. It offers a high degree of customization and scalability, making it ideal for more demanding projects.

6. Shopify: A Platform for E-Commerce
   Shopify is an e-commerce solution that allows users to create and manage online stores. It comes with a variety of tools but offers limited customization in terms of themes and plugins.

7. Ghost: A Fast and Simple CMS
   Ghost is an open-source publishing platform that prioritizes speed, simplicity, and flexibility. It's well-suited for content creators but may not offer the same level of customization as other platforms.

8. Weebly: A Beginner-Friendly Website Builder
   Weebly is another drag-and-drop website builder that comes with customizable templates and hosting services. While it’s great for beginners, it has fewer third-party plugins and themes than other options.

9. Typo3: A CMS for Enterprise Websites
   Typo3 is an open-source CMS designed for large-scale, enterprise-level websites. It features multi-language support, scalability, and enhanced security but requires more technical expertise to operate.

10. Umbraco: A .NET-Based CMS for Developers
    Umbraco is an open-source CMS built on Microsoft’s .NET framework. It offers great flexibility for developers looking to create customized websites and web applications.

When selecting an alternative to WordPress, it’s important to consider your specific needs. Whether you need a headless CMS like Storyblok or a user-friendly website builder like Wix, there are plenty of alternatives to explore.

Mastering WooCommerce & CJdropshipping: A Complete Guide to Setup, Integration, and Automation for Your Online Store

 

Best Free Store Management Platforms Compatible with CJdropshipping (Other than Shopify and Wed2C)

For free store management systems that are compatible with CJdropshipping, other than Shopify and Wed2C, you can consider the following options:

1. WooCommerce:

   • A highly popular and free WordPress plugin, WooCommerce allows integration with CJdropshipping. You can easily manage your store and customize it with many available extensions.

2. Big Cartel:

   • While not as feature-rich as Shopify, Big Cartel is a free platform for smaller stores, and CJdropshipping can work with it through manual order fulfillment.

3. Ecwid:

   • Ecwid offers a free plan for smaller stores and integrates with CJdropshipping. It's known for its ease of use and versatility in syncing with websites.

4. AliDropship:

• Though primarily for AliExpress, AliDropship works well with dropshipping setups and supports integration with CJdropshipping when managed manually.

Best Platform for Automating Tasks with CJdropshipping

For mostly automated tasks, WooCommerce is the best option when combined with CJdropshipping, due to the high level of automation it offers. Here's why:

WooCommerce + CJdropshipping (via CJdropshipping Plugin)

• Automation Features:
  • Automatic product import from CJdropshipping into WooCommerce.
  • Automatic order synchronization: Orders from your WooCommerce store can be sent directly to CJdropshipping.
  • Real-time inventory and price updates: WooCommerce automatically updates stock levels and product prices from CJdropshipping.
  • Shipment tracking integration: Once orders are shipped, WooCommerce can automatically update customers with tracking information.

Key Advantages:

• Customizability: WooCommerce allows extensive customization with plugins and themes, so you can tailor your store as needed.
• Extensive Plugin Support: WooCommerce has a vast library of plugins for automation (email marketing, tax calculations, shipping, etc.).
• Scalability: You can start small with a free setup and easily scale up as your business grows.

Automation Ranking for Others:

• Ecwid: Also provides some automated integration with CJdropshipping, such as product imports and order processing, but lacks as many customization options as WooCommerce.
• Big Cartel: Requires more manual intervention, such as order handling and updates, which makes it less ideal for automation-heavy setups.
• AliDropship: Best for AliExpress-focused dropshipping. While it offers a high degree of automation with AliExpress, its automation with CJdropshipping is more manual.

WooCommerce Packages: Free and Premium Options

WooCommerce itself is a free WordPress plugin, but there are additional paid and free packages (extensions) that enhance its functionality. Here’s a breakdown of key WooCommerce packages, including free and premium options.

1. Core WooCommerce Package (Free)

• Cost: Free
• Features:
  • Basic product management (physical and digital products)
  • Order management
  • Shopping cart and checkout functionality
  • Basic shipping and tax management
  • Integration with payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe

2. WooCommerce Hosting Plans

If you want to host WooCommerce on its official partner sites, you’ll get additional services like security and backups.

• Bluehost WooCommerce Hosting:
  • Cost: Starting at around $12.95/month
  • Features: Pre-installed WooCommerce, store themes, free domain, SSL, 24/7 support, and payment processing.

3. Paid WooCommerce Extensions (Premium Packages)

WooCommerce offers a wide range of premium extensions that can automate and enhance your store’s functionality:

• WooCommerce Subscriptions:

  • Cost: $199/year
  • Features: Allows you to create and manage subscription-based products, with automated billing and payment handling.

• WooCommerce Bookings:

  • Cost: $249/year
  • Features: Helps businesses offer bookable products or services, such as appointments or rentals.

• WooCommerce Shipment Tracking:

  • Cost: $49/year
  • Features: Automatically adds tracking information to customer orders.

• WooCommerce Dropshipping (if you want alternatives to CJdropshipping):

  • Cost: $79/year
  • Features: Automates order fulfillment, email notifications to suppliers, and shipment tracking for dropshipping.

4. Free WooCommerce Extensions

There are plenty of free WooCommerce extensions that offer useful functionalities:

• WooCommerce Shipping (Free):

  • Integration with USPS, FedEx, and DHL for real-time shipping rates and labels.

• Mailchimp for WooCommerce (Free):

  • Sync customers and orders with Mailchimp to automate email marketing.

• WooCommerce Stripe Payment Gateway (Free):

  • Integrates Stripe for processing credit card payments securely.

• WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips (Free):

  • Automatically generates and attaches PDF invoices to order confirmation emails.

5. Themes (Free and Paid)

WooCommerce works with any WordPress theme, but optimized WooCommerce themes can enhance performance:

• Storefront Theme (Free):
  • Designed by WooCommerce, it is optimized for WooCommerce stores and easy to customize.
• Flatsome (Paid Theme):
  • Cost: $59 (one-time)
  • Features: One of the most popular WooCommerce themes with an intuitive builder and many customization options.

6. Marketing and Automation Packages

• WooCommerce Google Ads:

  • Cost: Based on advertising spend
  • Features: Helps manage Google Ads directly from your WooCommerce store for advertising your products.

• Metorik (Analytics and Automation):

  • Cost: Starting from $20/month
  • Features: Provides advanced analytics, email automation, and customer insights for WooCommerce stores.

Best Packages for Mostly Automated Tasks:

• WooCommerce Subscriptions: For automating recurring billing.
• WooCommerce Dropshipping: For automating order fulfillment with multiple suppliers.
• WooCommerce Shipment Tracking: For automatic updates on customer orders.
• Mailchimp for WooCommerce: For automating email marketing.

WooCommerce’s free core functionality is sufficient for starting out, but premium packages can help automate and streamline your store's tasks as it scales.

How to Install WooCommerce on Your WordPress Website

Installing WooCommerce on your WordPress website is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing WooCommerce

1. Set Up a WordPress Website

If you don’t have a WordPress website yet, you’ll need to install WordPress first. Most web hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator).

To Install WordPress:

• Log in to your hosting provider's control panel.
• Look for the WordPress one-click install option and follow the steps.
• After installation, log in to your WordPress dashboard using the credentials provided.

2. Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard

• Go to yourwebsite.com/wp-admin and log in with your WordPress credentials.

3. Install WooCommerce Plugin

• Once you’re in the WordPress dashboard, go to the left-hand menu and click on Plugins.
• Click on Add New at the top.
• In the search bar, type "WooCommerce."
• Find the WooCommerce plugin (by Automattic), and click Install Now.

4. Activate the WooCommerce Plugin

• After installation, click the Activate button.
• WooCommerce will guide you through the setup process once activated.

5. WooCommerce Setup Wizard

The setup wizard makes it easy to configure the basic settings for your store.

• Store Details: Enter your store’s location, currency, and the type of products you plan to sell (physical, digital, or both).
• Payments: Choose the payment gateways (e.g., PayPal, Stripe, bank transfers) that you want to accept.
• Shipping: Set your shipping zones, methods, and rates.
• Recommended Features: WooCommerce may recommend additional plugins such as Jetpack, which you can install or skip.
• Install Jetpack (Optional): Jetpack enhances security and performance, but it’s not necessary to run WooCommerce.

6. Add Products to Your Store

• After setting up WooCommerce, you’ll be redirected to your dashboard.
• To add a product, go to Products in the left-hand menu and click Add New.
• Fill in the product details, including the title, description, price, images, and stock details.

7. Configure Additional Settings

• Taxes: If you need to charge taxes, you can configure tax settings by going to WooCommerce → Settings → Tax.
• Shipping: You can further customize shipping zones and rates by going to WooCommerce → Settings → Shipping.
• Email Notifications: Manage email notifications under WooCommerce → Settings → Emails.

8. Install a WooCommerce Theme (Optional)

WooCommerce works best with themes designed for eCommerce.

• Go to Appearance → Themes.
• Click Add New, then search for a WooCommerce-compatible theme like Storefront (free) or a premium theme like Flatsome.
• Install and activate the theme.

9. Test Your Store

• Before going live, test the checkout process, payments, and shipping settings by making a test purchase.
• Ensure everything functions smoothly.

---

Quick Recap:

1. Set up a WordPress website.
2. Log in to WordPress.
3. Install and activate WooCommerce from the Plugins menu.
4. Complete the WooCommerce setup wizard.
5. Add your first products and configure store settings.

Once these steps are done, your WooCommerce store is ready to go live!

To connect WooCommerce with CJdropshipping, follow these steps to integrate the two platforms for automating dropshipping processes:

Step-by-Step Guide to Connect WooCommerce with CJdropshipping

1. Install WooCommerce on Your WordPress Site

• Make sure you have WooCommerce installed and set up on your WordPress site. (Refer to the steps mentioned in the previous guide.)

2. Sign Up on CJdropshipping

• Go to CJdropshipping's website and create a free account if you haven’t already.
• Complete the registration by filling in your details and confirming your email.

3. Install CJdropshipping Plugin for WooCommerce

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Go to Plugins → Add New.
• In the search bar, type “CJdropshipping.”
• Find the CJdropshipping plugin and click Install Now.
• Once installed, click Activate.

4. Connect WooCommerce with CJdropshipping

After activating the plugin, follow these steps to connect your WooCommerce store:

• Go to the CJdropshipping website and log in.
• In your CJdropshipping dashboard, click on My CJ in the top right corner.
• Navigate to the Authorization tab on the left sidebar.
• Choose WooCommerce as the platform and click on Add Store.

Now, you need to authorize CJdropshipping to access your WooCommerce store:

• You’ll be prompted to enter your WooCommerce store URL. Input your store's domain (e.g., https://yourstorename.com).
• Click Authorize.
• CJdropshipping will redirect you to your WooCommerce admin panel, asking you to authorize the connection. Click Approve.

5. Configure CJdropshipping Plugin Settings

• Once connected, go back to your WordPress dashboard.
• In the left-hand menu, you will see the CJdropshipping plugin options. Click on it to access settings.
• Set up basic configurations, such as automatic product imports, syncing orders, and inventory updates.

6. Import Products from CJdropshipping to WooCommerce

• Log in to your CJdropshipping account and browse their product catalog.
• Once you find products you want to sell, click the List button for the product.
• Select the WooCommerce store where you want the product to be listed.
• Edit product details (title, pricing, descriptions, etc.) if needed, then click Confirm to import the product directly to your WooCommerce store.

7. Manage Orders Automatically

• When a customer places an order on your WooCommerce store, it will automatically sync with CJdropshipping if you have enabled the order sync option.
• CJdropshipping will handle product sourcing, packaging, and shipping directly to your customer.
• You can track and manage orders via the Orders section in the CJdropshipping plugin in your WordPress dashboard.

8. Automatic Tracking Updates

• Once CJdropshipping ships an order, the tracking information will automatically sync with your WooCommerce store.
• You can configure email notifications to send tracking info to customers.

---

Quick Recap:

1. Install and activate the CJdropshipping plugin on your WooCommerce store.
2. Authorize CJdropshipping by adding your WooCommerce store’s URL in your CJdropshipping account.
3. Use the CJdropshipping dashboard to import products directly to WooCommerce.
4. Manage orders and shipments automatically via WooCommerce and CJdropshipping synchronization.

With this integration, you can automate product imports, inventory updates, order fulfillment, and shipment tracking between WooCommerce and CJdropshipping.

How To file FBR 147 notice for advance tax in Pakistan

Advance Tax under Section 147 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 is a tax system used by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan, where certain taxpayers are required to pay their income tax in installments before the end of the tax year. This system ensures that tax is collected progressively throughout the year, instead of at the year-end, improving cash flow for the government.

Key Points of Advance Tax under Section 147

1. Who is Liable to Pay Advance Tax? Advance tax under Section 147 is applicable to:

   • Companies
   • Association of Persons (AOPs)
   • Individuals with significant income not subject to withholding tax (e.g., business income, rental income)

   Taxpayers with predictable and continuous income are often required to pay advance tax, especially when a large part of their income is not already taxed at source.

2. Calculation of Advance Tax: Advance tax is based on the estimated income of the taxpayer for the ongoing tax year. It is calculated as follows:

   • For individuals and AOPs, the tax is based on the last assessed tax liability.
   • For companies, it is based on the estimated income for the current year or past year's tax returns.

3. Installments and Payment Deadlines: The advance tax is payable in four quarterly installments, and the deadlines are as follows:

   • 1st Installment: Due by September 25th (25% of the estimated tax liability).
   • 2nd Installment: Due by December 25th (50% of the total tax, less the first installment).
   • 3rd Installment: Due by March 25th (75% of the total tax, less previous installments).
   • 4th Installment: Due by June 15th (100% of the total tax, less previous installments).

4. Exemptions from Advance Tax: Not all taxpayers are required to pay advance tax. Certain individuals and entities are exempt, such as:

   • Individuals whose income is primarily subject to withholding tax.
   • New businesses in their first year of operations.
   • Income that is subject to minimum tax or final tax regimes may also be exempt.

5. Calculation Formula: The advance tax amount is calculated using the formula:

   $$\text{Advance Tax Payable} = \frac{\text{Last Year’s Tax Liability} + \text{Estimated Income Increase}}{4}$$

   The tax is then divided into four installments, payable quarterly.

6. Adjustment of Advance Tax: The advance tax paid throughout the year is adjusted at the time of filing the annual income tax return. If the advance tax paid is greater than the actual tax liability for the year, the taxpayer may either apply for a refund or adjust the excess amount against future tax liabilities.

7. Failure to Pay Advance Tax: If a taxpayer fails to pay advance tax within the specified timeframe, penalties, and additional surcharges may be applied. This can lead to additional costs and complications during the final tax assessment.

How Section 147 Helps FBR and Taxpayers:

• For FBR: It helps maintain a consistent revenue stream for the government throughout the fiscal year, avoiding a massive collection burden at the end of the tax year.
• For Taxpayers: It reduces the burden of paying a large lump sum at the end of the tax year and allows for easier cash flow management by paying smaller, more frequent amounts.

In summary, advance tax under Section 147 ensures timely tax collection and helps both the FBR and taxpayers manage taxes more effectively throughout the year.

To file an FBR 147 notice for advance tax in Pakistan, you need to follow the procedure outlined by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file the notice:

Step-by-Step Process to File FBR 147 Notice for Advance Tax:

1. Login to IRIS System:

   • Go to the FBR IRIS portal at https://iris.fbr.gov.pk.
   • Enter your username and password to log in.

2. Navigate to the Notice:

   • Once logged in, go to the "My Tasks" section.
   • Look for the notice related to Section 147 (Advance Tax). This notice will typically appear as a task in your dashboard if you’ve been issued a notice for advance tax by the FBR.

3. Respond to the Notice:

   • Click on the notice to open it.
   • Review the details of the notice, such as the amount of tax and the due dates for payment.

4. Determine Advance Tax Liability:

   • Calculate your advance tax liability, based on your estimated income for the current tax year.
   • Advance tax is calculated in four installments, payable on quarterly bases as per the following schedule:
     • 1st Installment: 25% of the total estimated tax by September 25th.
     • 2nd Installment: 50% of the total estimated tax (after including the first installment) by December 25th.
     • 3rd Installment: 75% by March 25th.
     • 4th Installment: 100% by June 15th.

5. Submit a Reply:

   • In IRIS, after opening the notice, you will have the option to respond to the notice by submitting details regarding your estimated income and the advance tax payments.
   • You will need to submit a challan form for the advance tax payment you are making.

6. Generate Challan Form (PSID):

   • To pay advance tax, generate a Payment Slip ID (PSID) by going to the Payment section.
   • Select the appropriate head of account for advance tax and enter the amount.
   • The system will generate a PSID, which you can use to make the payment at a bank or through online banking.

7. Make Payment:

   • You can pay the advance tax using the PSID at any designated bank or through your bank's online payment system.
   • After payment, keep a copy of the payment receipt for your records.

8. Submit Payment Proof:

   • Once the payment is made, go back to IRIS and upload the payment proof (challan form) under the appropriate section.

9. Confirmation:

   • After filing your reply and making the payment, ensure that your advance tax notice is marked as filed or responded in IRIS.

By completing these steps, you will have successfully filed your FBR 147 notice for advance tax.

SBP Clarifies Art Competition’s Role in New Banknote Series Design

Islamabad – September 2024: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has clarified that the winners of the recent art competition, announced on September 5, are not the finalized designs for the new banknote series. This clarification comes after some misunderstandings about the competition’s purpose.

Earlier this year, in January 2024, the SBP launched an Art Competition inviting local artists to submit thematic design ideas for the new series of currency notes. The goal of the competition was to encourage creativity and recognize talented Pakistani artists, not to finalize the designs for the new notes. As a gesture of appreciation, the artists were awarded monetary prizes for their efforts.

One of the notable designs showcased Pakistan’s religious diversity, which sparked some debate. However, the SBP emphasized that the design was selected purely based on artistic quality, and not to promote any specific religious beliefs.

The central bank further explained that the actual designs for the new banknote series are being developed by internationally reputed design firms. These firms, chosen through a competitive process, are expected to submit their proposals by December 2024. After being approved by the SBP Board, the finalised designs will be sent to the Federal Government for final approval by January 2025.

The SBP stressed that the international designers would take inspiration from the local artists’ submissions while incorporating their own creativity and expertise into the final designs. The printing of the new banknotes will begin once the government approves.

This initiative by the SBP highlights the central bank’s commitment to showcasing local talent and aligns with global best practices in currency design. The new banknote series is expected to reflect both the cultural richness and modernity of Pakistan, presenting a bright future for the country’s currency system.

Exciting Opportunity for an ICT Engineer at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Islamabad

 

Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
Application Deadline: 22 Sep 2024

Are you an experienced ICT professional looking for an impactful career in the humanitarian sector? The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is hiring an ICT Engineer to manage and enhance ICT systems at their Islamabad office. This is a full-time role within the ICT department, and the position offers a chance to work in a meaningful environment that contributes to global humanitarian efforts.

Why Join ICRC?

Working with ICRC means joining a highly respected humanitarian organization that offers a chance to make a meaningful impact. The organization values diversity and aims to create an inclusive working environment for all its employees.

How to Apply:

If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, submit your application by 22 Sep 2024. Your application should include:

1. A cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability for the role.
2. An up-to-date CV.

The ICRC values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps.

Don’t miss this chance to take your career in ICT to the next level while contributing to a global cause! Apply today and be part of something bigger.

Click Here for More Details and Online Application Submission