ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday announced a 7% increase in salaries and pensions for government employees as part of the Rs18.771 trillion budget for fiscal year 2026-27, while also unveiling a series of tax relief measures for the salaried class and businesses. Presenting the federal budget in parliament, Finance […]
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has allocated Rs46 billion for the higher education sector in the budget for fiscal year 2026-27, with significant funding earmarked for digital learning, artificial intelligence initiatives and youth development programmes. Presenting the federal budget in the National Assembly on Friday, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Rs3.6 […]
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday announced the imposition of a Federal Excise Duty (FED) on imported vehicles as part of the government’s new fiscal measures unveiled in the federal budget. Presenting the budget, the finance minister said the new duty will also apply to sport utility vehicles (SUVs) […]
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s poverty rate climbed to 28.9 per cent in FY2024-25 while education spending fell to just 0.8 per cent of GDP in FY2025, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26, highlighting growing socioeconomic challenges despite recent macroeconomic stability. The survey shows a significant reversal in poverty reduction trends, with […]
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday said Pakistan’s economy demonstrated resilience during fiscal year 2025-26 despite global trade uncertainty, devastating floods and regional geopolitical tensions, recording a growth rate of 3.7 per cent — the highest in four years. Addressing a press conference after the launch of the Pakistan […]
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Thursday raised serious questions over a previous Supreme Court verdict that ordered the closure and demolition of the iconic Monal Restaurant in the protected Margalla Hills National Park, while hearing a review petition filed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). A three-member bench […]
MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has revoked a series of legal protections and amnesty measures previously granted to members and supporters of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), restoring 177 criminal cases that had earlier been withdrawn under a peace agreement. According to an […]
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Thursday suspended Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Iqbal Afridi for the remainder of the ongoing budget session after Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq accused him of misconduct with National Assembly staff, the DG Media and police personnel. During the proceedings, the speaker directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove […]
ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that at least 26 militants were killed in precise and calibrated strikes carried out by Pakistan along the Afghanistan border, targeting hideouts and safe havens of terrorists involved in planning recent attacks inside the country. In a statement shared on X, Tarar […]
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday praised the cooperation of provincial governments in tackling major economic challenges, saying Pakistan achieved macroeconomic stability through collective efforts and coordinated decision-making. Addressing a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), the prime minister said the federal government took decisions in the best […]