27 h. ago KP government objects to federal committee on merged districts, demands inclusion

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has raised strong objections to the federal committee formed to manage affairs in the merged tribal districts. KP officials say the committee was created without consulting the province, which they find unacceptable. Barrister Saif, KP’s Information Advisor, attended the committee meeting in Islamabad representing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, along […]

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27 h. ago Pakistan’s cotton output crashes to 5.5 million bales, industry demands urgent reforms

Pakistan’s cotton production has plummeted from a peak of 15 million bales to just 5.5 million, sending shockwaves through the textile sector and pressuring the country’s foreign reserves. As local supply shrinks, the industry is increasingly relying on imported cotton, raising serious economic concerns. Industry leaders are urging federal and provincial governments to introduce crop […]

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5 d. ago No salary cut on leave: Punjab ministers’ allowance increased

After recently increasing the salaries of Punjab’s ministers, the provincial government has also decided to raise their leave allowances. Now, ministers, the Speaker, and Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly will receive their full salaries even when they are on leave. The Punjab Assembly passed the Punjab Public Representatives (Amendment) Bill 2025 in its latest […]

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2 w. ago Pakistan’s education spending falls to historic low amid worsening school dropout crisis

The federal government’s spending on education has hit a historic low, raising concerns about the future of millions of children, especially in underprivileged areas. According to Save the Children, despite the announcement of an “education emergency” last year, around 26 million children—one in every three—remain out of school in Pakistan. This alarming figure places Pakistan […]

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2 w. ago Pakistan raises Rs1.2 trillion through government bond auction

Islamabad: Pakistan has successfully raised over Rs1.2 trillion through a large-scale government bond auction, marking a major step in the country’s debt management and financial reform strategy. A significant portion of this amount—Rs47 billion—was collected through the launch of the country’s first-ever 15-year zero-coupon bond, which attracted strong demand from investors. Unlike traditional bonds, zero-coupon […]

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2 w. ago Taxing the luxuries: Senate supports Levy on elite clubs, offers relief to salaried class

ISLAMABAD – In a strong move towards fairer taxation, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance has backed a proposal to tax the profits of Pakistan’s elite private clubs. These high-end recreational centers, such as the Islamabad Club, serve only a few thousand wealthy members while holding billions in assets and bank reserves, the Federal Board […]

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2 w. ago Govt retains lower tax on hybrid cars, raises it for small vehicles

The federal government has withdrawn its plan to raise the sales tax on hybrid cars up to 1800cc. It will keep the current 12.5% rate instead of increasing it to 18%, as originally suggested in the finance bill. Officials say this change could cost the government about Rs7 billion in revenue. This is the second […]

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2 w. 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. […]

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3 w. ago KP adviser slams ‘petrol bomb’ in federal budget, calls it anti

PESHAWAR – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Adviser on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, on Tuesday sharply criticized the federal and Punjab governments for raising petroleum prices ahead of the new fiscal year. He claimed the increase would trigger a fresh wave of inflation, burdening the public even before the financial year begins. Saif strongly condemned the federal […]

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3 w. ago Sindh budget sparks criticism over big deficit and Karachi neglect

The Policy Research and Advisory Council (PRAC) has raised strong concerns about the Sindh government’s new budget for 2025–26. The council criticized the budget for increasing the fiscal deficit, cutting support to local governments, and neglecting Karachi’s development needs. This year’s budget shows a deficit of Rs38.5 billion, compared to a balanced budget last year. […]

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3 w. ago Salary shock: Who approved the big pay raise for Pakistan’s top parliamentarians?

The salaries of the Senate Chairman and National Assembly Speaker were increased through decisions made within their own parliamentary committees. According to sources, the Senate’s House Finance Committee raised the salaries of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, while the National Assembly’s House Finance Committee increased the pay of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Both committees […]

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3 w. ago PTI protests outside Karachi court demanding Imran Khan’s immediate release

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh staged a major protest on Thursday outside the City Court in Karachi. The party demanded the immediate release of its founder, Imran Khan, and his wife Bushra Bibi. A large crowd, including PTI leaders, lawyers, workers, and supporters, gathered with banners and party flags. Protesters raised loud slogans against the government […]

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3 w. ago PM demands report on big salary increase for senate, NA leaders

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken serious notice of the sharp increase in salaries for the National Assembly speaker and Senate chairman. He has asked both leaders to explain the reasons behind this large pay raise. The prime minister will decide on the matter after receiving detailed reports from them. This move comes as the […]

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4 w. ago Government raises salaries of senate chairman and NA speaker to Rs 1.3 million

The government approved a big salary increase for the Senate chairman and the National Assembly (NA) speaker. Their pay will rise from Rs 205,000 to Rs 1.3 million. This change makes their monthly salaries five times higher. The increase also includes a 50% allowance, adding Rs 650,000. The new salaries will start in January 2025. […]

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