7 h. ago No more amnesty schemes as govt shifts focus to widening tax net: Finance Minister

ISLAMABAD – Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has made it clear that the upcoming federal budget will not include any tax amnesty schemes. He stated that the era of tax exemptions and reliefs for tax evaders is over, as the government now aims to expand the tax net and improve transparency in the system. During a […]

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26 h. ago PM Shehbaz urges swift finalization of national industrial policy to boost local manufacturing

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to quickly finalize the National Industrial Policy in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, he emphasized the importance of resolving industrial sector challenges and speeding up local manufacturing growth. The Prime Minister said domestic industries are key to achieving export-led economic […]

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3 d. ago Aurangzeb: Economy shielded against middle east crisis, US tariffs under review

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb assured that Pakistan is fully prepared to handle any economic fallout from Middle East tensions. Speaking at a national workshop in Islamabad, he said the government recently held meetings with key officials. These meetings focused on stock reserves and keeping asset prices stable in case of regional escalation. The minister expressed […]

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5 d. ago PM directs for finalization of Electric Vehicles Policy 2025 at earliest

Premier Shehbaz emphasizes need for swift measures to promote electric motorcycles, scooters, three-wheelers, cars and buses Instructs relevant industries should be facilitated to enhance local manufacturing capacity of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed for the early finalization of the Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy 2025 in consultation with […]

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6 d. ago Govt considers raising retirement age to 62 to tackle soaring pension costs

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has supported increasing the retirement age from 60 to 62 years. He said this move could help reduce the country’s growing pension liabilities. Speaking in a Senate Finance Committee meeting, he shared concerns about rising unfunded pensions. He noted that pension reforms had already started, including the introduction of a Defined […]

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8 d. ago Finance minister retracts 10% electricity surcharge proposal amid IMF concerns

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has withdrawn his earlier proposal to impose a 10% surcharge on electricity bills. This reversal surprised many, especially since Pakistan had assured the IMF that the surcharge would help manage circular debt repayments. The announcement came just a day after Aurangzeb suggested the surcharge during his budget speech. Aurangzeb clarified that […]

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9 d. ago Govt hikes SOE funding by 80% in FY26, pushes ahead with reforms and privatisation

The federal government has allocated Rs354.81 billion to State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for FY2025–26, reflecting an 80.3% increase from Rs196.83 billion last year. These funds, released under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), will support key SOEs in infrastructure, transport, energy, and financial services—sectors critical to national development. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, in his budget speech, […]

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9 d. ago US CENTCOM commander calls Pakistan an exceptional counterterrorism partner

General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), praised Pakistan as a vital partner in the global fight against terrorism. Speaking before the US Senate Armed Services Committee, he emphasized Pakistan’s crucial role in combating ISIS-Khorasan, one of the world’s most active terrorist groups. General Kurilla said Pakistan has emerged as an exceptional […]

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9 d. ago Pakistan confirms $500m eurobond repayment, to launch first panda bond in Chinese Market

Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed on Wednesday that Pakistan is fully prepared to make its first $500 million Eurobond repayment due in September 2025, reaffirming the government’s commitment to meeting all external debt obligations on time. Speaking at the post-budget press conference in Islamabad, the minister stated that a second Eurobond installment, due in […]

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9 d. ago Finance minister says salaried class given maximum relief in FY2025

ISLAMABAD – Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that the government provided as much relief as possible to the salaried

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9 d. ago Govt gave maximum relief to salaried class in budget, says finance minister

Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government provided as much relief as possible to the lower and salaried classes. The minister said the aim was to ease the burden on those affected most by inflation. He assured the public that relief measures were designed carefully. These steps reflect the government’s effort to support struggling […]

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9 d. ago Supreme court’s budget increased to Rs. 6.64 billion for 2025

The federal government has allocated Rs. 6.64 billion for the Supreme Court’s expenses in the 2025-26 budget. This funding will cover salaries, allowances, operational costs, and development projects. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced the allocation while presenting the budget in the National Assembly. A significant portion of the budget—Rs. 3.26 billion—will go toward salaries and […]

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9 d. ago Pakistan’s senate session: Finance bill 2025 presented amid opposition protests

The Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the Finance Bill 2025 in the Senate, sparking strong opposition protests. Members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chanted slogans against the government, criticizing policies affecting farmers and laborers. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani referred the bill to the Senate Finance Committee, which will prepare recommendations within 10 days. The opposition […]

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9 d. ago Pakistan’s 2025 defense budget sees 20% rise to address growing regional security challenges

Pakistan has raised its defense budget to Rs. 2,550 billion for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This marks a 20% increase from last year’s Rs. 2,122 billion. The government aims to strengthen national security and support the armed forces. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the budget in the National Assembly, highlighting security challenges and the need […]

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1 week ago Pakistan’s budget 2025: Salary hike, tax cuts, and economic growth

Pakistan’s federal government has presented a historic budget of 175 trillion rupees for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The budget was unveiled by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in the National Assembly, amid protests from opposition members. In his speech, the minister emphasized economic progress and congratulated Pakistan’s leadership for its recent victory in the war with […]

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1 week ago Over Rs. 14 billion set aside for health projects in budget 2025

The federal government has announced Rs. 14.3 billion in funding for the health sector under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2025-26. The funds will support 21 ongoing projects across the country aimed at improving healthcare services. During the budget speech, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that the goal is to […]

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1 week ago Budget 2025 imposes 18% tax on imported solar panels to boost local industry

The federal government presented the Budget 2025-26 in the National Assembly today. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb unveiled a key proposal aimed at reforming the country’s sales tax system. One of the major changes includes imposing a new tax on solar panel imports. The finance minister announced an 18% sales tax on imported solar panels. This […]

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1 week ago Reforms in pension policy: Family pensions limited to 10 years in budget 2025

The federal government has introduced key pension reforms in the Budget 2025-26. These changes aim to ease pressure on the national treasury. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb shared these updates during his budget speech. He explained that the pension system had seen several changes through executive orders over past decades. These changes increased the financial burden […]

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1 week ago Tax exemptions soar to record Rs5.8 trillion despite withdrawals: Economic survey 2025

ISLAMABAD – In a shocking revelation, the government reported a massive rise in tax exemption costs, reaching Rs5.8 trillion this year. This marks a record increase of Rs2 trillion in just the first year of the current government’s tenure. The data was released in the Economic Survey 2025, presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Surprisingly, […]

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1 week ago Areas with unpaid electricity bills to face continued load shedding: Finance minister

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has announced that load shedding will continue in areas where electricity bills are not paid. He made this statement while answering questions after the Economic Survey press conference held in Islamabad. He emphasized that electricity supply cannot be guaranteed in places where consumers fail to pay for the service. He further […]

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