PM Shehbaz, UAE President Reaffirm Strategic Ties Amid Challenges

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met in Abu Dhabi on June 12 to strengthen Pakistan-UAE relations and address pressing regional and global issues. The leaders praised the enduring partnership built on trust, shared values, and mutual interests. Focus on Bilateral and Regional Cooperation During the meeting, both …

Pakistan Condemns Israel’s “Unjustified Aggression” on Iran

Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s large-scale military strikes on Iran, labeling them as “unjustified and illegitimate aggression” and a blatant violation of international law. In a statement issued on Friday, the Foreign Office (FO) said the strikes violated Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling the action a clear breach of the United Nations Charter and …

Citizen Fights Back as Robbers Target Vehicles on Malir Expressway

A recent incident of Malir Expressway crime has sparked public concern as armed robbers attempted to ambush a motorist using barricades placed on the road. The man, however, fought back, firing at the suspects and escaping the scene unharmed. Highway Under Threat Street crimes are rising along Karachi’s newly built Shahrah-e-Bhutto, commonly known as the …

SBP Launches PRISM+ to Modernize Pakistan’s Digital Payment System

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is set to launch PRISM+ digital upgrade—a major overhaul of the country’s national payment infrastructure—starting June 16, 2025. This initiative, introduced under SBP’s Vision 2028, aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and security in digital transactions across financial institutions. Key Features of PRISM+ PRISM+ is based on the ISO 20022 …

Aurangzeb Unveils Relief-Focused Budget

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has described the 2025–26 federal budget as a relief budget, aimed at easing financial pressure on the salaried class, boosting businesses, and protecting vulnerable segments of society. Speaking before the Finance Standing Committee of the National Assembly in Islamabad, he outlined key areas of support across various sectors. Support for Salaried …

Bilawal Warns US That India Pakistan War Risk Is Higher Than Ever

Former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that the threat of full-scale war between Pakistan and India is at an all-time high. In an interview with the New York Post, he blamed India’s recent unilateral actions for dangerously lowering the threshold for armed conflict in the region. Bilawal’s comments …

PIA Expands MRO Services with Strategic Deal Signed with Air Karachi

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is expanding its MRO services by partnering with Air Karachi, a new private airline backed by Pakistan’s business community. The two airlines signed a key maintenance agreement on June 11, 2025, at PIA’s Head Office in Karachi. New Partnership for Engineering Support Under this deal, Air Karachi will receive Maintenance, Repair, …

Budget 2025-26: New Taxes Hit Pakistanis Hard

Pakistan’s federal budget for 2025-26 introduces new taxes on essentials such as petrol, pensions, power, and investments. While the government boosts military spending by 20%, the public faces tightened financial pressures through increased levies and the end of many tax exemptions. Military Allocation Soars Despite Pakistan’s ongoing financial troubles, the defense sector received a significant …

Pakistan, UK Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

In a significant diplomatic engagement, UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott met with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Wednesday. The meeting focused on deepening Pak-UK relations and exploring new areas of cooperation across global and regional platforms. Strategic Dialogue on Mutual Interests Both sides engaged in a meaningful exchange on current regional and …

Pakistan’s Defence Budget Sees Decade-High Surge Amid India Tensions

Pakistan’s defence spending will rise sharply in FY2025-26, with the government allocating Rs2.55 trillion to the armed forces. This marks a 20.2% increase—the largest annual hike in over a decade. The boost comes as tensions with India escalate, following last month’s military clashes between the two countries. Defence Budget Nears 2% of GDP With the …

Aurangzeb Links Budget Cuts to Taxpayer Pressure in FY2025

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb defended government spending cuts for FY2025 as a direct response to growing taxpayer frustration. Speaking at a post-budget press briefing, he said the government limited spending increases to just 1.9 percent this year and reduced subsidies and debt-servicing costs. Pushback from Taxpayers Sparks Change Aurangzeb acknowledged that earlier criticism from tax-paying …

Mild Earthquake Jolts Peshawar, Sparks Panic Among Residents

PESHAWAR: Residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s capital city were startled on Wednesday as a mild earthquake struck the region. According to the Seismological Centre, the tremor measured 4.7 on the Richter Scale and had its epicentre in the Hindu Kush mountain range of Afghanistan. The earthquake, though not powerful enough to cause damage, was strong enough …

Govt Targets Non-Filers With Strict Tax Measures in Budget 2025-26

The federal government has unveiled strict non-filer restrictions in the Budget 2025–26 to expand the tax net and formalize the economy. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced sweeping changes aimed at discouraging tax evasion and enforcing compliance through limited financial access for non-filers. Ban on Property and Vehicle Purchases In a major policy shift, non-filers will …

Federal Budget 2025-26 Set for Presentation Today Amid Economic Shifts

Pakistan is set to unveil its Federal Budget 2025-26 today in the National Assembly, with a projected outlay of Rs17.6 trillion. The figure is slightly lower than last year’s Rs18.78 trillion. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will present the budget, followed by submission of the Finance Bill to the Senate. The keyword Federal Budget 2025-26 is …

Federal Budget 2025-26 Targets Growth Without New Taxes

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the Federal Budget 2025-26 in the National Assembly, highlighting economic stability as the government’s top priority. He dismissed rumors of a mini-budget and confirmed that no new taxes have been introduced. Key Economic Indicators Aurangzeb reported that economic growth stands at 2.7%, while inflation has dropped to 4.7%. Remittances have …

Federal Cabinet Approves 10% Salary Increase in Budget 2025-26

In a key move ahead of the new fiscal year, the federal government has approved a 10% salary increase for government employees under the 2025-26 Federal Budget. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting that finalized the decision, along with a 7% pension hike for retirees. Budget Relief Amid Inflation Pressure The cabinet also …

Post-Hajj Flight Operation Begins Tomorrow to Bring Pilgrims Home

Pakistan’s post-Hajj flight operation is set to begin on Tuesday, marking the return journey for thousands of pilgrims. Secretary Religious Affairs Dr. Syed Ata ur Rehman confirmed the launch while speaking from Makkah on Monday. The large-scale operation aims to transport over 88,000 Hujjaj under the government scheme back to Pakistan. First Flights from Jeddah …

Tragedy in Jamshoro: Two Youths Drown While Bathing in Canal

A heartbreaking incident unfolded near Jamshoro on Monday as two young men, identified as Mudasar and Ali Haider, lost their lives in a Jamshoro canal drowning. The victims, along with two others, had entered the canal to cool off in the scorching heat. While two were rescued in time, Mudasar and Ali tragically drowned. Youth …

Maryam Nawaz Rewards Suthra Punjab Workers with Rs10,000 for Eid Efforts

In a move to recognize outstanding public service, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a cash prize of Rs10,000 for each worker involved in the Suthra Punjab Program. The reward honors their exceptional performance in maintaining cleanliness during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. Praise for Cleanliness Teams Maryam Nawaz commended the dedication of the Suthra Punjab …

Karachi Factory Blaze Still Uncontrolled After 29 Hours

KARACHI: A massive fire that erupted early Sunday at a factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone continued to rage more than 29 hours later, fire brigade officials confirmed on Monday. The fire, which broke out around 4:50am, quickly spread due to chemicals stored inside the building and gusty winds. Rescue 1122 said the flames …

Youth Killed in Swabi During Sacrifice

A young man lost his life during Eid ul Adhain Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Swabi district. The tragic incident happened in Topi’s Maini Loya Lar village. As a cow was being slaughtered, it kicked the youth hard in the chest. He died on the spot, according to local media. Eyewitnesses said the cow was being restrained with …

Pakistani Delegation Wraps Up US Visit, Arrives in London

LONDON – A high-level Pakistani diplomatic delegation led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari arrived in the United Kingdom on Saturday, June 8, after a series of successful meetings in Washington and New York. The nine-member team engaged in over 50 meetings with US senators, members of Congress, and UN representatives during their five-day visit. …

PM Shehbaz Extends Eid Greetings, Thanks Muslim Leaders for Support

As Muslims around the world celebrated Eid ul Adha, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached out to leaders across the Islamic world in separate phone calls on Saturday, offering heartfelt Eid greetings and expressing deep appreciation for their support during the recent Pakistan-India crisis. These conversations also reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, economic cooperation, and …

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