2 h. ago Punjab budget envisions 100 Sahulat Bazaars under Rs10b CM’s Special Initiative

Construction of 13 Sahulat Bazaars already underway, expected to be completed at a cost Rs3.4b by August 2025 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the establishment of 100 new Sahulat Bazaars across the province—a historic intervention to combat inflation, restore price stability, and provide year-round relief to the public at large. According to […]

Other

6 h. ago Senate informed: 2,500 civil servants hold dual nationalities, bill still pending

ISLAMABAD – The Senate was informed on Wednesday that around 2,500 civil servants, including four federal secretaries, currently hold dual nationality. The revelation sparked debate during the ongoing budget session, highlighting national security and policy concerns. PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan, who raised the issue, stated that he had submitted a bill to ban dual-national […]

Other

7 h. ago Govt’s Rs2.5 per litre carbon tax plan rejected by senate committee

The Senate Standing Committee on Finance has rejected the government’s proposal to impose a Rs2.5 per litre carbon levy on fuel. This proposed levy, part of the federal budget, was expected to generate Rs48 billion to fund green energy projects. However, committee members expressed serious concerns over rising inflation and fuel prices already burdening the […]

Other

11 h. ago Government accepts four major PPP demands, clears path for federal budget approval

The government has accepted four key demands from its coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), paving the way for smooth approval of the federal budget in the National Assembly. These demands include a reduction in GST on solar panels and full restoration of funds for Sindh’s universities. During the budget debate on Wednesday, Deputy […]

Other

21 h. ago Khyber Pakhtunkhwa increases fines for traffic violations under new measures

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has introduced significant increases in traffic fines as part of the 2025-26 Finance Bill. The new regulations target a variety of traffic offenses, with a focus on three-wheelers and underage drivers. For the first time, three-wheeled vehicles such as rickshaws and loaders have their own dedicated category in the budget, […]

Other

27 h. ago Sherry Rehman slams govt’s cuts in FY26 climate budget amidst rising temperatures

ISLAMABAD: Former climate change minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Vice President, Senator Sherry Rehman, has strongly criticized the federal government’s decision to cut the environment protection budget in the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, calling it an abdication of responsibility in the face of escalating climate challenges. During a press briefing on Wednesday, she noted […]

Other

29 h. ago Karachi endures another hot and humid day; light rain expected tomorrow

KARACHI: The city experienced intense heat on Tuesday, with temperatures soaring to 39.9°C at the official weather station due to a stalled sea breeze. The conditions were further aggravated by 53% humidity, with some areas reporting even higher temperatures — 40.7°C at Jinnah Terminal and 40.5°C in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) anticipates that […]

Other

30 h. ago IWMI launches digital tools to improve water and climate planning

ISLAMABAD – Three new digital platforms have been launched to help Pakistan better manage its water, food, and energy resources,

Other

30 h. ago Govt reduces solar GST to 10%, keeps digital tax with provinces: Dar

In a major budget announcement, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the government has revised key tax decisions after consulting coalition partners. Speaking in the National Assembly, he confirmed that the digital sales tax on services will remain under provincial control, as per the Constitution. This decision follows broad consultations, including talks […]

Other

31 h. ago Pakistan railways increases passenger and freight fares after fuel price hike

ISLAMABAD – Following the recent surge in petroleum product prices, Pakistan Railways has officially increased fares for both passenger and freight trains across the country. According to a notification issued by the department, passenger train fares will see a 3% hike, while freight train charges will go up by 4%. The new rates come into […]

Other

31 h. ago Punjab earmarks Rs5 billion for upcoming local body elections

LAHORE – The Punjab government has officially allocated Rs5 billion in its 2025–26 budget to conduct long-awaited local body elections, aiming to restore grassroots democracy across the province. According to official sources, the allocated funds will cover all necessary arrangements for the electoral process, which is expected to take place during the upcoming fiscal year. […]

Other

34 h. ago PM Shehbaz forms committee to boost cashless economy and digitization

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday formed a high-level committee to promote a cashless economy and speed up digitization across Pakistan. The prime minister will personally chair the committee and oversee its progress weekly. During the meeting, the prime minister stressed that digitizing the economy is one of the government’s top reform […]

Other

50 h. ago Only 54% of federal development budget spent in first 11 months of FY25

The Ministry of Planning revealed that only 54% of Pakistan’s federal development budget was spent in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year 2024–25. This figure raises serious concerns about the government’s ability to execute planned projects on time. Between July 2024 and May 2025, the government spent Rs596.61 billion on development projects. […]

Other

50 h. ago Exporters sound alarm over budget shocks, demand urgent fix from PM

Pakistan’s leading export groups have raised serious concerns over the recent budget changes. They say these changes will damage the country’s $11 billion value-added export sector. The sector includes garments, sports goods, and leather products. It contributes about one-third of national exports and is already under pressure from rising costs. The exporters demanded an urgent […]

Other

51 h. ago Punjab budget reveals major increases for CM office, governor house, and ministers’ offices

Punjab’s new budget shows significant increases in spending for top government offices. Documents reveal a major rise in funds for the Chief Minister’s Office, Governor House, and provincial ministers. The budget was presented in the Punjab Assembly just a day ago. According to official records, the Chief Minister’s Office budget has increased by Rs. 230 […]

Other

51 h. ago President calls for targeted relief measures for salaried and underprivileged groups

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday called on the federal government to include effective measures in the upcoming federal budget to alleviate the financial burden on the salaried class, pensioners, laborers, and other underprivileged segments of society. The president emphasized the need for prioritizing the welfare of the common man during a meeting with […]

Other

54 h. ago Zardari and Shehbaz discuss economy and political climate in key meeting

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met to discuss Pakistan’s current political and economic situation. During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif briefed the president on his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates and shared key developments. They also exchanged views on the upcoming federal budget. President Zardari stressed the importance of strengthening […]

Other

55 h. ago Balochistan Budget 2025: 10% Salary increase, 7% Pension raise approved

QUETTA – Balochistan government on Tuesday unveiled the Budget for fiscal year 2025-26, announcing major relief for government employees and

Other

55 h. ago Rs 1,028 billion budget: Balochistan aims for growth with surplus focus

The Balochistan government has announced a record-breaking Rs 1,028 billion budget, the largest in its history. Finance Minister Mir Shuaib Noshirovani presented the budget during a session chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai. For the first time, the province has introduced a budget that crosses the trillion-rupee mark. Notably, the budget also includes a surplus […]

Other

55 h. ago Balochistan unveils Rs1.28 Trillion Budget for Fiscal Year 25

QUETTA – Finance Minister of Balochistan Mir Shoaib Nosherwani is presenting the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, with

Other