Israelis in Thailand Warned by Embassy to Comply Strictly With Thai Laws Amid Phuket Crackdown

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected Rs44 billion in income tax from the salaried class during July, the first month of the current financial year. The collection was higher than the amount collected from salaried individuals during the same month in the previous two years. FBR had collected Rs42 billion from the salaried class in July 2025 and Rs30 billion in July 2024. According to sources, the higher collection from salaried individuals came despite an overall decline in income tax collection in some sectors. The figures indicate that the salaried class continued to contribute a significant share of income tax revenue at the beginning of the new financial year. Sources said property buying and selling transactions increased during July this year. However, tax collection from property transactions remained lower compared with the corresponding period last year. The development comes after the government introduced changes to income tax rates for several salaried income brackets in the federal budget for the current financial year. The government reduced tax rates on annual incomes above Rs2.2 million as part of its budget measures. Under the revised tax structure, the income tax rate for individuals earning between Rs2.2 million and Rs3.2 million annually was reduced from 23 per cent to 20 per cent. Similarly, the tax rate for the annual income bracket of Rs3.2 million to Rs4.1 million was reduced from 30 per cent to 25 per cent. For individuals earning between Rs4.1 million and Rs5.6 million annually, the income tax rate was reduced from 35 per cent to 29 per cent. The tax rate for people earning between Rs5.6 million and Rs7 million annually was also reduced from 35 per cent to 32 per cent. Despite these reductions in tax rates, FBR’s collection from salaried individuals increased in July compared with the previous two years. The figures show that the tax contribution from the salaried class remained strong despite changes in the tax slabs.

Cambridge International has released the results of its June 2026 examination session, with more than 100,000 students across Pakistan receiving their AS and A-Level results. Students from more than 850 schools in Pakistan took part in the examination session. The results were announced globally on Tuesday, with nearly 368,000 students worldwide receiving their Cambridge International AS and A-Level results. In Pakistan, thousands of students appeared for examinations in a wide range of subjects. Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Business and Computer Science remained among the most popular choices. Cambridge officials congratulated students on completing their examinations and acknowledged the challenges faced by some candidates during the preparation period. Cambridge Pakistan Country Director Uzma Yousuf said this year’s results were particularly significant because some students had prepared for their examinations amid regional tensions, uncertainty and disruptions. She congratulated the students and praised teachers, parents and school communities for supporting candidates throughout the academic year. Yousuf said education should not be viewed only through examination grades. She stressed the importance of developing knowledge, confidence and practical skills that can help young people succeed in higher education, employment and their future lives. Cambridge International also said it was continuing to develop its assessment system. The organisation is working on digital examination initiatives and flexible assessment options aimed at giving students greater choice and accessibility. Cambridge qualifications are accepted by universities and educational institutions in many countries. The organisation said its international qualifications provide students with pathways to higher education both in their home countries and abroad. According to Cambridge, recent UK university application data showed that 98% of Cambridge International A-Level students who applied to British universities during the 2025 admissions cycle received at least one university offer. The organisation said its qualifications are designed to provide students with internationally recognised academic credentials while allowing them to study within their own countries. The latest results have also been announced amid concerns surrounding examination security in Pakistan during the 2026 examination cycle. Earlier this year, allegations emerged that Cambridge Mathematics examination papers had been circulated before scheduled tests. One A-Level Mathematics paper was cancelled and candidates were required to sit a replacement examination. A separate AS-Level Mathematics paper was also cancelled following reports of a leak. Further claims regarding the circulation of another Mathematics paper were later raised by students. The incidents led to calls for stronger examination security and prompted education authorities to seek investigations into the allegations. Cambridge has previously said it investigates reports concerning examination integrity and has urged students and parents to follow information released through its official channels. Meanwhile, students who appeared for the June 2026 IGCSE and O-Level examinations are expected to receive their results on August 18.