Careem to Shut Down Ride-Hailing Operations in Pakistan from July 18

KARACHI – Careem has officially announced that it will discontinue its ride-hailing operations in Pakistan effective July 18, 2025, marking the end of nearly a decade of service in one of its largest and most active markets. The decision was shared with users via an official notification, where the company thanked customers for their years …

Severe Heatwave Alert Issued for Pakistan’s Plains from June 18

>The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning for the plains of the country, forecasting dangerously high temperatures from June 18 to June 21. The alert urges citizens, especially vulnerable groups, to take extra precautions during peak heat hours. Extreme Temperatures Ahead The Met Office predicts hot and dry weather across most regions. Daytime …

Pakistan Secures First-Ever Insider Trading Conviction

In a landmark decision, Pakistan has recorded its first-ever insider trading conviction, signaling a major shift in capital market enforcement. On June 17, 2025, the Sindh Special Court (Offences in Banks) convicted Zakir Hussain Somji, Assistant Vice President of Investments at Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited (HMB), for illegal trading based on non-public information. SECP Leads …

Pakistan Recalls Non-Essential Diplomats from Iran Amid Tensions

Pakistan has recalled non-essential diplomatic staff and their families from Iran as part of precautionary steps to ensure diplomatic safety amid escalating tensions in the region. The decision comes in light of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, which has raised security concerns for diplomatic missions. Partial Withdrawal Announced According to officials from the Ministry of Foreign …

Pakistan, US Speed Up Trade Talks Amid Tariff Pressure

Pakistan and the United States have agreed to fast-track efforts toward a trade agreement as both nations face rising tensions over newly imposed reciprocal tariffs. The move follows US President Donald Trump’s decision to raise duties on several countries, including Pakistan, sparking concerns about global trade stability. Virtual Meeting Sparks Momentum On June 16, Pakistan’s …

Pakistan Dismisses Fake Nuclear Threat Video Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

As tensions rise in the Middle East, Pakistan has firmly rejected a fake video suggesting its involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. The video falsely claimed that Pakistan threatened to strike Israel with nuclear weapons if Iran were attacked. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar labeled it as fabricated and AI-generated, emphasizing Pakistan’s longstanding nuclear policy rooted in …

Pakistan Seals Iran Border Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, Pakistan has announced a complete Pakistan-Iran border closure, suspending crossings for an indefinite period. The decision comes as missile exchanges and threats of further strikes intensify across the Middle East. Border Crossings Suspended Officials in Balochistan confirmed the suspension of all border facilities in five districts: Chaghi, Washuk, …

Policy Rate Held Steady as Pakistan Eyes Stable Growth Amid Risks

Pakistan’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11 percent, emphasizing monetary stability amid emerging economic risks and steady growth. The committee made this decision in response to rising inflation, external pressures, and budgetary challenges ahead of FY26. Inflation and Growth Outlook Inflation rose to 3.5 percent in May, …

Petrol, Diesel Prices Hiked Sharply Across Pakistan from June 16

ISLAMABAD – The federal government has announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, raising the cost of petrol by Rs4.80 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs7.95 per litre, effective from June 16. The move comes amid rising global oil prices and a growing financial squeeze as Pakistan implements IMF-backed reforms. According to an …

Pakistan Denies Supplying Missiles to Iran Amid Conflict Claims

Amid rising regional tensions, Pakistan missile denial has become a focal point in the latest wave of misinformation surrounding the Israel-Iran conflict. On Sunday, Pakistani security officials firmly rejected claims that Islamabad supplied ballistic missiles to Iran, calling the reports baseless and politically motivated. Propaganda Accusations Against Indian Media Security sources said the false reports …

Pakistan Evacuates Pilgrims as Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates

Amid rising hostilities between Israel and Iran, Pakistani evacuation efforts have intensified. Islamabad has successfully evacuated at least 450 pilgrims from Iran, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Sunday. Pakistan is also arranging the safe return of more than 150 students and assisting pilgrims stranded in Iraq as the conflict shows no signs of slowing. …

CEC Appointment Hits Snag as Speaker Rejects Committee Request

The ongoing deadlock over the CEC appointment process escalated after National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq turned down Opposition Leader Omar Ayub’s request to form a parliamentary committee for nominating the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commission members. Speaker Insists on Required Consultations In a formal letter to Omar Ayub, the Speaker said the …

India’s FATF Bid Fails as Pakistan Gains Global Support

India’s attempt to return Pakistan to the FATF grey list failed after strong opposition from key member states. During the FATF plenary in Paris, India lobbied hard to re-list Pakistan over alleged shortcomings in financial oversight. However, its effort met stiff resistance from several countries, led by China. China, Turkiye, and Japan Back Pakistan Diplomatic …

Gold Prices Surge Again as Market Stays Bullish in Pakistan

The gold price in Pakistan continued its upward momentum for the fourth consecutive day, reflecting a strong bullish trend both locally and globally. On Saturday, rates increased sharply, pushing gold and silver prices to new highs across the country. Gold Gains Rs1,500 Per Tola According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association, the …

Sadia Imam’s Emotional Video Sparks Online Buzz

A now-deleted Sadia Imam video on Instagram triggered a wave of concern and speculation among fans. The Pakistani actress and TV host posted a tearful clip late Friday night, only to take it down shortly after, without explanation. Tearful Clip Raises Eyebrows In the emotional video, Sadia appeared visibly upset. Tears rolled down her cheeks …

Pakistan Backs Iran Amid Escalating Missile Strikes on Israel

As the Pakistan-Iran diplomacy front remains active, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone call with Iran’s top diplomat on June 13, 2025. This came just as Tehran launched dozens of missiles at Israel in response to Israeli strikes that killed top Iranian military leaders and damaged nuclear facilities. Tehran …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Trump’s South Asia Pick Paul Kapur to Focus on Pakistan Ties

Paul Kapur, US President Donald Trump’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, plans to prioritize security cooperation with Pakistan—only where it aligns with American interests. Speaking to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Kapur also emphasized expanding US-Pakistan trade and investment links. Emphasis on Stability and Shared Interests Kapur pledged to …

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 Braces for Intense Heatwave: PMD Countrywide Alert

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide heatwave alert, warning of dangerously high temperatures in several regions. The advisory urges people to avoid outdoor activity during peak hours, as extreme heat continues to grip much of the country. Scorching Temperatures Ahead According to the PMD, temperatures are expected to range between 45°C and …

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 …

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