'Typographical error' led to misunderstanding about VPN use: CII

Modern tools must align with societal principles, says Dr Raghib Naeemi

Imran Khan may breathe easy as IHC grants bail in new Toshakhana reference

The judge orders jail authorities to set PTI founder at liberty

CII chairman clears the air about VPN decree amid public outcry

Says it all depends on the purpose for which the technology is being used

Veteran journalist, author Khaled Ahmed passes away at 81

His funeral prayer will be offered at Zaman Park at 3pm today (Monday)

How Beijing and London serve as valuable examples for Pakistan to battle smog

The use of technology and smart ways could save people's lives

Govt mulls three-day lockdown in Lahore, Multan to combat smog

Smog has become a national disaster, says Marriyum Aurangzeb

PSX continues promising streak with 94,763 on board

KSE-100 index touched 94,982 earlier in the day

Smog - A Ticking Time Bomb

Smog has reached alarming levels and is severely affecting the quality of life in Punjab

Smog denies 'breathing space' to people in Lahore, Multan

Lahore had an AQI of 499 around 10am on Wednesday

Arab-Islamic summit calls for stopping arms supply to Israel

The summit was held in Riyadh on Monday to address escalating crises in Gaza and Lebanon

Lahore remains most polluted city of world as smog blankets Punjab, KP

Early morning, the air quality index (AQI) of Lahore reached 968 which later dropped a bit

Hajj 2025: Govt fixes Rs1.2m in installments for pilgrimage

A total of 179,210 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj in 2025

Govt bans outdoor activities till Nov 17 as smog takes heavy toll on people's health

According to notification, department stores and grocers have been exempt

Bitcoin rises above $80,000 for first time

Bitcoin rises above $80,000 for first time

India confirm they won't visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

BCCI has formally informed ICC about the decision

Lahore on top of most polluted cities' chart; sections of motorways closed due to fog

The Swiss IQAir recorded AQI of Lahore at 688 at around 9 in the morning

PCB undeterred by India's possible absence from Champions Trophy: Mohsin Naqvi

"The BCCI cited security concerns for the decision and expressed desire to play games in Dubai"

LHC orders closure of markets at 8pm, other measures in smog-ridden Punjab

Govt apprehensive about measures taken by court, says judge

Rejuvenated Pakistan outclass Australia, level ODI series 1-1

Pakistan kept the playing eleven unchanged while Australia brought in Josh Hazlewood

Toddler knocks on LHC door to help ensure smog-free tomorrow

Says govt is responsible to provide clean and healthy environment to every citizen under Article 9A

Jubilant Trump pledges to heal America's wounds, end scourge of wars

"America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate," he told a roaring crowd of supporters

How much US election will cost?

Almost 15.09 billion dollars are expected to be spent in US election this year

Gender differences in voter turnout in US election

The female participation was remarkably huge in the last election

Harris or Trump: Bleeding Gaza keeps Muslims in a fix

Pakistani immigrants, other Muslims desire to vote for Trump for his anti-war stance: reports

Five biggest challenges which are top concern for US voters

This time foreign policy is also among the top issues in US elections given Ukraine and Gaza wars

Lahore continues to choke as AQI surpasses highly hazardous 1,000 mark

Air pollution is taking huge toll on the health of citizens with surge in suffocation

Five schoolchildren among nine killed, several injured in Mastung blast

A police vehicle is said to be target of the attackers and a school van was also hit

PIA sell-off halts as lone bidder offers paltry Rs10bn for stake

The bid is far below the Privatisation Commission’s expectation of Rs85.03bn

Mian Amer Mahmood elected PBA chairman

DawnNews CEO Shakeel Masood was elected as Secretary General

Kamala Harris - an iron lady with dreams and aspirations

Harris is the first female black vice president of US

US polls: Why November and why Tuesday?

The act of casting ballots on first Tuesday of November dates back almost 200 years

PSO teeters on the edge of default as circular debt reaches whooping Rs782bn

Company describes predicament of facing troubles in opening LCs in letter to finance ministry

Lahore bears the brunt of smog with alarmingly high AQI

Average Air Quality Index (AQI) of city was recorded at 347

Justice Yahya Afridi takes oath as 30th CJP

Senior puisne judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah was conspicuous by his absence

41m young voters likely to cast votes in US Election 2024

The youth participation has been on rise for many years

Home series: Pakistan relish sweet smell of success after almost four years

Noman Ali and Sajid demolish England batting line in second innings of last match

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah stays away from full court reference for Qazi Faez Isa

Justice Shah informed the Supreme Court registrar about decision through a letter

May have made wrong decisions but Allah knows truth, admits Justice Isa

Awan gave reference of Justice Isa’s case in which he gave landmark judgement

US election - Let's know key facts

The United States has 50 states and District of Columbia (Washington)

Newly-appointed CJP Yahya Afridi meets outgoing CJP Isa

Yahya Afridi also went to chamber of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah

SC sends first case to constitutional benches after 26th amendment enactment

Constitutional benches would hear the constitutional cases

Who is Justice Yahya Afridi - next CJP?

Justice Afridi began his legal career in 1990

President assents to Justice Afridi as 30th Chief Justice of Pakistan

The PTI and SIC members did not attend the committee meeting held to pick CJP

Chief Justice Isa calls it a day

A full court reference was held to pay tribute to his services

Another challenge awaits govt after 26th amendment passage

Will appointment of new chief justice take place in time after historic amendment

President signs trumpeted 26th constitutional amendment a day after parliamentary nod

The National Assembly and the Senate passed the amendment on Sunday night

Senate session underway amid attempts to bring consensus on constitutional amendment

A nine-point NA agenda does not currently include the constitutional amendment

PM Shehbaz writes letter to Biden seeking Dr Aafia's release from US jail

52-year-old Afia has spent almost 16 years in US jail, says letter

Pakistan spin duo hand 152-run defeat to England, end 15-month drought

England were spun out for 144 runs by spinning duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali

Supermoon lights up Pakistan skies

It could be witnessed after sunset

Imran Khan no more in race of Oxford University's chancellorship

Khan, who is an Oxford alumni, is currently serving out his sentence in Adiala Jail

SCO summit: PM Shehbaz stresses need for regional cooperation for a better tomorrow

The prime minister expresses desire for meaningful discussions and outcomes

What you need to know about SCO

Organisation was formerly known as ‘Shanghai-Five’ which was formed in 1996

Pakistan's summit moment as SCO delegates reach Islamabad to discuss key issues

PM Shehbaz will also hold bilateral meetings with visiting heads of delegations

Pakistan all set to host SCO summit 2024 amid strict security

PM Shehbaz will also hold bilateral meetings with visiting heads of delegations

Fix or Flop? An overview of educational dilemma

Instead of selling out schools, government may outsource examination system: Experts opine

Let's meet Nobel and the winners of 2024

The announcement of Nobel Prize winners was made on Oct 7

England revel in records after routing Pakistan in first Test

English batsmen Joe Root and Harry Brook set a new partnership record for England

PSX weekly report highlights new peaks

2.61 billion shares were traded during the week

FBR gears up to net big fish to improve tax collection, says Langrial

Says the deadline for filing income tax returns will not go beyond Oct 14

Punjab's first ombudswoman Ayesha Hamid takes oath

Punjab governor administered the oath

Pakistan's Shehroze becomes youngest climber to summit all 14 peaks over 8,000m

Earlier, Sirbaz Khan became first Pakistani to climb all 14 world’s highest peaks

Blistering bulls take KSE-100 index to new high of 86,245 points

Analysts link the surge to improving macroeconomic outlook and possible policy rate

Majority support creation of new provinces in Dunya News survey

The survey has been conducted on Website, YouTube and X

Stocks go through the roof by surpassing 85,000 mark

Improving macroeconomic outlook with prospects of policy rate cut boost market sentiment

Gaza bleeds: Cries of anguish go unheard one year on

After more than 40,000 killed, isn’t it enough to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes?

World's first pilotless AI-powered plane made possible

Commercial airlines and military aviation have begun integrating AI technologies

Two Chinese engineers among three killed in 'oil tanker explosion' near Karachi airport

Sindh CM directs district administration to provide best treatment to the injured

KP CM Gandapur's 'disappearance' mystery still unresolved

Islamabad police took him into custody from KP House

'Please don't cry for me': Gaza child's will goes viral

Palestinian foreign ministry has shared the martyred child's will on X

Lahore in a tight spot as PTI bent on holding gathering despite roadblocks

Rangers have been deployed alongside Punjab police to ensure safety of citizens

PTI, govt lock horns over protest at Islamabad's D-Chowk

Govt has imposed Section-144 in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha

Dengue onslaught - How can you stay safe?

As many as 152 cases were reported across Punjab during last 24 hours

SC accepts review on Article 63-A, gives immunity to dissident votes

PTI founder’s quote irritated the CJP who asked Zafar not to mention his leader

Supreme Court resumes Article 63-A review petitions hearing

Imran Khan’s lawyer Ali Zafar will resume his arguments against the review petitions

'Sickening cycle of escalation' in Mideast must stop, UN chief says

UN chief called Wednesday for an end to the "sickening cycle of escalation" in the Middle East.

Middle East on the brink of disaster

Situation calls for restraint by all sides to prevent an all-out war

CJP Qazi Faez Isa rejects PTI's objection to bench hearing Article 63-A review plea

PTI's Mustafin Kazmi objected to inclusion of Justice Naeem Afghan and Justice Mazhar Alam in bench

UN Security Council calls emergency meeting amid aggravation in Middle East

UN Secretary General António Guterres once again called for an immediate ceasefire

Babar Azam steps down from white-ball captaincy of Pakistan team

Babar in his post at X said that it's time for me to step down and focus on my playing role.

Inflation eases to 44-month low of 6.9pc in September

This drop makes the case for further easing of monetary policy by the central bank

Nothing happens behind closed doors in Supreme Court, CJP Isa explains reconstitution of bench

“Without disturbing other benches, we included Justice Naeem Afghan in the larger bench,” CJP said

Dr Zakir Naik's security handed to SSU in Karachi

Police officials state his security has been assigned to Special Security Unit (SSU)

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan included in SC bench hearing Article 63-A review petition

Justice Munib Akhtar recused himself from the bench at the outset on Monday

Article 63 A revision case: Hearing adjourned as Justice Munib Akhtar refuses to join bench

A five-member bench was to hear the review petition filed by SCBA at 11:30am

Islamic scholar Dr Zakir Naik arrives in Pakistan

Dr Zakir Naik will address public gatherings in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore

SC nullifies LHC's decision of rejecting election tribunals in Punjab

CJP Isa announces majority 5-0 verdict but two judges give additional notes

Colleges, varsities in Lahore say no to motorcyclists without helmets

HEC directs special campaign to ensure use of helmets by two-wheelers

World News Day - It's time to 'choose truth'

The theme of World News Day 2024 is ‘Choose Truth’ which has been designed by Daily Maverick of SA.

PTI, JUI-F may draft constitutional amendment of their own

Barrister Raja and Senator Murtaza Kamran will jointly draft constitutional amendment

Stocks on history-making spree after IMF loan approval

KSE-100 index touched all-time high of 82,720 points

IMF approves much-needed $7bn bailout package for Pakistan

IMF decided on Pakistan's plea in its Sept 25 board meeting

Terrorism case against KP CM Gandapur in Lahore

Gandapur says he will not tender an apology to anyone

Lt Gen Asim Malik appointed new ISI head

New ISI DG will formally start his duties on Sept 30

Supreme Court detailed verdict categorically declares PTI eligible for reserved seats

The 70-page verdict is written by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah

Stocks tumble after week-long steep rise

After losing 120 points, the KSE-100 index stood at 81,954 points on Monday

Dr Zakir Naik's expected visit to Pakistan sparks excitement among followers

The announcement was made on his official Facebook page on Sept 20

PTI's Lahore rally comes to dramatic end after city admin clampdown at dusk

The district administration had allowed the PTI to hold rally from 3pm to 6pm

NA Secretariat deprives PTI of seats, declares its members as that of SIC

“All 80 members of the PTI are members of the SIC," notification said

KSE-100 index peaks at 82,317 points as IMF deal on the cards

PSX continued to witness an upward trend during the last day of trading

British Empire Medal - Another feather in APS survivor's cap

King Charles III bestowed the British Empire Medal on Ahmed Nawaz

Pakistan's Shahzaib Rind wins World Karate CLH Championship

He has become first world champion from Pakistan in martial arts

Bulls rally on the trot as KSE-100 index reaches epoch-making 81,972 points

The KSE-100 index reached all-time high amid hopes of IMF loan approval

JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman sticks to stance on constitutional amendment bill

Says accepting such a legislation will be dishonesty with the nation

Energy ministry 'hoodwinks' Maryam Nawaz by limiting relief to power consumers

The LESCO also confirmed that the chief minister had announced relief for all

Bulls rule stock market as IMF includes Pakistan in executive board meeting on Sept 25

After a day’s break of Eid-e-Milad, the KSE-100 index reached 80,549 points

Eid-e-Milad - a day of celebration and joy

The day is celebrated by Muslims all over the world with zeal and joy

Hamid Khan hints at lawyers' movement from Sept 19

Says no constitutional amendment is acceptable

IHC seeks clear-cut answer from govt on Imran Khan's fears about military trial

Official says Army Act violation entails court martial trial under Section 2 (1) D

54 proposals in constitutional amendment package revealed

There is a proposed amendment to extend the retirement age of judges by three years

Constitutional amendment in limbo as govt again postpones cabinet meeting

National Assembly is expected to take up routine three-point agenda

Supreme Court warns ECP against employing dilatory tactics in reserved seats' verdict

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah issues a four-page detailed judgement on ECP plea

NA session adjourned once again without tabling constitutional amendment

The sessions of cabinet and Senate were also deferred till tomorrow

What constitutional package means for CJP, other SC judges?

It means retirement age of judges will be 68 years after three-year extension

Speculations are rife as govt bent on tabling constitutional amendment bill in NA, Senate

Govt needs 224 votes in NA and 64 in Senate to approve the key bill

IHC nullifies eight-day physical remand of PTI MNAs who were dramatically arrested

Justice Farooq wonders how all orders of the physical remand are entirely similar

Pakistan sanguine about approval of $7bn IMF bailout package on Sept 25

IMF confirms it will have board meeting on Sept 25 to consider Pakistan's loan

Angels who make children smile in war-torn Gaza

Children living in refugee camps forget the pain afflicted by Israel for the time being

State Bank slashes interest rate by significant 2pc to 17.5pc

Investors had expected reduction in interest rate amid decelerating inflation

Rizwan's Markhors take on Shadab's Panthers in Champions Cup opener

The tournament winner on Sept 29 will take home Rs30 million prize

NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq floats 'Charter of Parliament' idea to end hostility

A resolution to run parliament proceedings has been approved unanimously

Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shaken by 5.7 magnitude earthquake

Tremors were felt at 12:28pm in federal capital Islamabad, Lahore and other cities

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa firmly refuses extension of tenure

Chief Justice Isa puts rumours about his possible extension to rest

Wordsmith Affan Salman makes Pakistan proud in scrabble competition

The 16-year-old lad wins 19 out of 23 games held in Colombo

Women steal the SBP currency note design competition show

The State Bank congratulates and praises the winners and participants

Paralympics 2024: Pakistan's Haider Ali bags bronze medal in discus throw

He made his season-best throw of 52.54 meters in the sixth attempt

Blood money paves way for Natasha's acquittal in Karsaz accident case

The settlement took place under Sharia’s Diyat Law

Major relief for government as Supreme Court unanimously restores NAB Amendment Bill

Apex court delivers a majority 5-0 verdict in a landmark case

Lt Gen Akhtar Nawaz Satti appointed FPSC chairman

The position of FPSC chairman had been vacant since August 2023

How many cases have been registered against Imran Khan in Punjab?

A total of 48 cases have been registered against Khan in several districts of Punjab

Senate approves imprisonment for unauthorised rally in Islamabad

Senator Irfan Siddiqui tables the bill that allows public rallies at designated places

Pakistan seeks $1.7 billion loan from global institutions to pave way for IMF agreement

Sources say the loan has been sought for commodity and commercial purposes

Court martial against Faiz Hameed reflects army's robust accountability mechanism: ISPR DG

LEAs carry out upward of 130 operations daily to wipe off terrorists, says ISPR DG

Victory turns its back on sloppy Pakistan

Who will take responsibility for this historic defeat?

IMF keeps Pakistan guessing

The Ministry of Finance and the international donor mission hold virtual meeting

Pakistan's ICC Test Championship ranking nosedives after home series debacle

Pakistan have won only two out of seven matches in the championship

Rabi-ul-Awwal moon not sighted, Eid Milad-un-Nabi on Sept 17

Committee chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad presided over the meeting

Bitter exchange between CJP Qazi Faez Isa, Naeem Bokhari during Margalla Hills case review

Supreme Court reserves verdict in the case about alleged commercial activities

Federal govt bans unauthorised social media use for govt employees

The memorandum mandates adherence to Government Servants (Conduct) Rules 1964

Senate passes resolution paying tribute to Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem

It urges govt to provide opportunities for youngsters to compete in various sports

CPI inflation dips to nearly three-year low in August

It was recorded at 9.6 percent in August 2024 down from 11.1pc in July 2024

Karachi steers clear of cyclone 'Asna' but heavy rain, wind not far behind

Asna is located about 300km southwest of Karachi and 300km southeast of Gwadar

24 IPPs get whooping Rs1,200bn in 10 years despite zero generation

According to agreements, the payments have to be made even with zero unit production

Monsoon rains disrupt renovation work for ICC Champions Trophy at National Bank Stadium

The decision was made to prevent any potential damage and ensure safety.

Heavy rain causes flight delays and diversions at Karachi Airport

A foreign flight from Doha was unable to land in Karachi and diverted to Muscat

Residents of Karachi, other Sindh areas fasten their seat belts as cyclone 'Asna' set to storm off

Met Dept issues sixth alert as cyclone is estimated to be just 120km away from Karachi

Cyclone can intensify into storm within hours, says Met Office

'Pakistan experiences 60pc more rainfall than usual in August 2024'

Noted Indian intellectual, Kashmiris' rights champion AG Noornai passes away

He is widely respected for analysis of constitutional and human rights issues

12 members of a family buried alive in landslide in Upper Dir amid monsoon ravages

All the bodies have been recovered from under the debris and shifted to hospital

Cyclone threat keeps authorities, populace in Sindh on their toes

The storm is likely to result in urban flooding and impact parts of Sindh

President confers Hilal-i-Imtiaz on Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem

A prestigious ceremony was held at President House

Traders observe nationwide strike against slew of taxes, inflated power bills

Trade bodies decided to go ahead with their strike following meeting with FBR chairman

Pakistan at their wits' end against Bangladesh

The defeat is not just a setback on the field but a blow to the pride of millions of fans

PTI approaches SC for implementation of order on reserved seats

PTI also implores court to reject ECP's petition seeking advice on short order

21 terrorists killed, 14 security officials martyred in Balochistan anti-terrorism operations

The operations were launched after terrorists targeted civilians in Musakhel, Kalat, Lasbela

Gloom in Musakhel as 23 passengers killed after being offloaded

Assailants checked identity of passengers and then shot them dead

PDMA asks authorities to brace themselves for another monsoon spell in Punjab

Upcoming monsoon spell will start on Aug 25 and continue till Aug 29.

Local holiday in Lahore on Aug 26 on patron saint's Urs

The Urs celebrations of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) will be held from Aug 24 to 26

RYK attack: Punjab government announces head money for swift manhunt

Rs10m, Rs5m and Rs2.5m head money announced for different categories of dacoits

Thousands of utility stores' employees in jeopardy amid imminent closure

Utility stores have been given two weeks to wind up their operations

Supreme Court removes controversial paragraphs in Mubarak Sani case

Three-member SC bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, took up the matter

PTI can hold rally on Sept 8 but on what conditions?

A notification says participants are required to gather by 4pm and end rally by 7pm

Two children killed, six injured in brazen firing on school van in Attock

Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz takes notice of the incident and seeks report from DC

Pakistani woman peacekeeper wins award for gender advocacy

Maj Sania Safdar is serving with the United Nations Force in Cyprus

'Abuse every day': Indian female medics speak out after brutal murder

Attacks on female medics are all too common. Nearly 90 rapes a day were reported in 2022

PTA clears the air about internet disruption across country

Pakistanis have to face internet outages for one more week

CM Maryam launches interest-free loans for homes with characteristic pride

Loans will be offered to people under ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ initiative in Punjab

35 Pakistani pilgrims perish, 18 injured as bus overturns in Iran

Police and rescue officials shift the bodies and the injured to hospital

World's oldest person dies in Spain at 117

She had turned 117 on March 4, according to Guinness World Records

What could be probable playing XI in first Test against Bangladesh?

Muhammad Huraira is expected to make his debut appearance in Rawalpindi Test

Burst of rain in Lahore as monsoon rage continues across country

Weather pundits say monsoon spell to continue till Aug 25

The voiceless Gazans: Young Pakistanis say it with blood

Protest notes aim to serve as a stark reminder of plight of children

Second Test against Bangladesh relocated to Rawalpindi

Venue has been shifted due to construction work at Karachi Stadium.

What led to KP minister Shakeel Ahmed's resignation?

KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and former minister traded barbs on WhatsApp

How much relief will consumers get in power bills after drop of Rs14 per unit?

There will be 38 percent reduction in the electricity bill according to calculation

Nawaz announces Rs14 per unit relief for power consumers using up to 500 units

Says the masses have been suffering a lot due to high cost of living

What is mpox and is there anything to worry about?

A "public health emergency of international concern" is WHO's highest form of alert

Authorities on their toes as three monkeypox cases reported in Pakistan

All the cases have been reported in KP where authorities confirmed these on Friday

Which places in Punjab will have no mobile service on Imam Hussain's Chehlum?

The decision has been taken to ensure safety of people

Firewall installation disrupts internet, social media connectivity

Several businesses, freelancing have been affected

Pakistan need to support Arshad Nadeems, says Wasim Akram

Says Pakistan is rich in talent but there are inadequate facilities to spot and nurture it

Newborn twins killed in Gaza strike while father registered birth

Israel's retaliatory military offensive in Gaza has killed 39,965 people

Children plant saplings for a better tomorrow

Children learn virtues of cleanliness, removing obstacles and environment protection

Radio Pakistan celebrates 77th anniversary

At the stroke of midnight on Aug 14, 1947, Zahur Azar announced creation of Pakistan

Streets, buildings festooned with flags and lights ahead of Independence Day

Citizens eagerly prepare to celebrate Independence Day with a great deal of enthusiasm

What is the story behind Faiz Hameed's Top City case?

SC ruling noted that Hameed was accused of stealing household items and society records

Pakistanis remember pop icon Nazia Hassan 24 years hence

Her fans in Pakistan and abroad observed her 24th death anniversary on Aug 13, 2024

Faiz Hameed taken into military custody as court martial proceeding begins: ISPR

Action has been taken in light of an inquiry in Top City case against ex-spymaster

Climber Murad Sadpara passes away during Broad Peak expedition

Vice president of Alpine club, Ayaz Shigri confirmed the news of Sadpara’s death

Why fear of rain: Unpreparedness makes it a rainy day

Change course of action to deal with the issue

Any idea about financial reward for Arshad Nadeem? We'll let you know

People say could not be prouder over Arshad's win, the athlete says ready to set new targets

Pakistan set to embrace Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem today

Gold medallist Arshad Nadeem will arrive in Lahore via Istanbul at 1am on Saturday night

Olympic gold catapults Arshad Nadeem to new height

His journey from a small town to international arena is testament to his perseverance

Arshad Nadeem breaks into 'tears of gold' after historic win

Nadeem has made history by bringing home the first ever Individual Olympic gold

Rs52m cash prize announced for Arshad Nadeem

Shan Masood, Babar Azam, other cricketers greet Arshad

Arshad Nadeem strikes gold in historic first for Pakistan

Arshad Nadeem shattered the Olympic record with a humongous 92.97m throw in Javelin final

Why salons are facing crunch time?

Inflation and lack of affordability have led to slump in beauty business