Federal Minister for Communications of Pakistan, Abdul Aleem Khan, directed the authorities concerned to expedite the implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and introduce cashless electronic toll collection on major highways and motorways across Pakistan to enhance efficiency, security, and public convenience.Chairing a high-level review meeting during his visit to the National Highways and Motorway Police Headquarters, Pakistan, the minister ordered the immediate inclusion of the M2 Motorway in the ITS Program, emphasizing that cameras, security infrastructure, and communication networks should be completely unified and integrated under this modern technological framework.To modernize the infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted and smooth travel for passengers, the minister directed the immediate introduction of a cashless and free-flow electronic toll collection system on all major routes of Pakistan.He clearly directed that this state-of-the-art electronic tolling network be directly linked to the security framework of Safe City and highlighted that these interconnected technological measures would not only help in improving traffic management but would also greatly assist law enforcement agencies in preventing crimes.Emphasizing public safety and passenger convenience, Abdul Aleem Khan instructed the authorities to ensure the presence of Motorway Police personnel at all motorway service areas and provide uniform facilities to commuters across the network.He also made it mandatory to deploy Rescue 1122 staff, fire brigades and fully equipped ambulances at service areas along motorways and national highways. The minister directed the Motorway Police to further strengthen emergency response mechanisms and ensure the early provision of air ambulance services.The minister also ordered the Motorway Police authorities to bring the safety standards on Murree Expressway and other major national highways in line with the prescribed legal norms. Referring to the connecting roads of the northern areas,  Abdul Aleem Khan directed to take special safety measures for the mountain passes, especially the immediate installation of safety guard rails on the Jaglot-Skardu Road and Mansehra-Kaghan-Naran Road.He directed that the temporary IBEX rest rooms established in these beautiful tourist regions should be converted into permanent and fully equipped Rest Areas to ensure better travel facilities for tourists and transporters.During the meeting, Secretary Communications, Chairman National Highway Authority (NHA) and Inspector General of National Highways and Motorway Police briefed the minister on operational and administrative matters. The meeting concluded with the approval of key recommendations and strategic decisions.

Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research of Pakistan, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a high-level meeting on fertilizer availability, pricing, and supply management.The meeting bringing together provincial agriculture ministers, fertilizer manufacturers, importers, industry representatives, and senior officials from across the country.The meeting reviewed the availability of Urea and DAP fertilizers for the ongoing Kharif season and assessed preparations for the upcoming Rabi season, said a press release.Representatives from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, along with major fertilizer companies and importers, participated in the discussions.Reviewing the Urea situation, the Minister was informed that all ten fertilizer plants in the country are fully operational and that more than one million tonnes of Urea are currently available in the market. Participants unanimously confirmed that there is no shortage of Urea anywhere in the country and that existing stocks are sufficient to meet farmers’ requirements.Rana Tanveer Hussain appreciated the coordinated efforts of fertilizer manufacturers and relevant agencies in maintaining uninterrupted production and supply.He observed that despite rising international fertilizer prices, regional tensions, and global market uncertainty, Pakistan has successfully maintained relative stability in Urea prices, protecting farmers from the severe price shocks witnessed in many other countries.Taking serious notice of reports regarding increases in fertilizer prices in certain markets, the Minister directed fertilizer companies and relevant authorities to closely monitor market conditions and prevent any unjustified increase in prices.He emphasized that transportation challenges or operational costs should not become a burden on farmers and warned against profiteering, hoarding, or artificial shortages.Representatives of major fertilizer companies informed the meeting that no significant increase had been made in the end-user price of Urea and assured the government of their continued cooperation in ensuring stable supplies across the country.Provincial representatives from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan reported satisfactory availability of Urea in their respective regions.However, concerns were raised regarding supply interruptions in some remote districts due to logistical constraints and law-and-order challenges.The Minister directed all stakeholders to ensure a smooth movement of fertilizer and assured provincial governments of full federal support to address any bottlenecks.The meeting also undertook a detailed review of the DAP fertilizer situation. Participants were informed that current stocks are sufficient for the ongoing Kharif season. However, rising international prices, increasing raw material costs, regional instability, and uncertainties in global supply chains could pose challenges for the upcoming Rabi season if timely measures are not taken.Expressing concern over the recent upward trend in DAP prices, the Minister questioned the rationale behind increases despite the availability of existing stocks.He instructed fertilizer manufacturers, importers, and regulatory authorities to maintain strict market oversight and ensure that farmers are protected from speculative pricing and artificial shortages.Provincial agriculture ministers highlighted the importance of securing adequate DAP stocks well ahead of the Rabi season.Representatives from Punjab emphasized that fertilizer affordability remains critical for sustaining crop productivity, protecting farm incomes, and ensuring national food security.The Punjab Government proposed that the Federal Government convene a meeting with fertilizer manufacturers, importers, provincial governments, and other stakeholders to develop a coordinated national roadmap for DAP availability and pricing.The province stressed the importance of securing import arrangements in advance, engaging international suppliers proactively, and exploring government-to-government cooperation where necessary to avoid future shortages and price spikes.The Federal Minister informed participants that he has already taken up the matter with relevant authorities and international partners to secure uninterrupted fertilizer supplies.He stated that the issue would be discussed at the highest level, including with the Prime Minister and provincial chief ministers, to formulate a coordinated national strategy aimed at ensuring fertilizer availability and price stability during the Rabi season.Concluding the meeting, participants agreed that fertilizer availability, affordability, and timely distribution must remain national priorities.

The Government of Pakistan, in its Budget 2026-27, has announced an incentive for filers by reducing withholding tax on property purchases and sales.   The federal finance minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has announced that the withholding tax on property purchases for filers has been reduced from 2.5 percent to 1.25 percent.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXOsFGXFN3QHe added that the tax on property sales for filers has also been cut from 5.5 percent to 2.75 percent.Muhammad Aurangzeb also announced the complete abolition of the super tax on income ranging from Rs. 150 million to Rs. 250 million as part of the Budget 2026-27.In addition, the advance income tax rate on exports has been reduced from 2 percent to 1.2 percent.The finance minister further announced that the FTR concession on IT export income will continue until June 2029.

Renowned Pakistani stock trader and owner and founder of the Arif Habib Group, Arif Habib has confirmed that the government of Pakistan is fully supporting the country’s construction industry.Talking on the ARY News program ‘On My Radar’, Arif Habib said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has been supporting the promotion of the construction industry for several months, and various committees have been working on the issue.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efCvGsYXHX4He said that the government of Pakistan now has a clear understanding of the importance of the construction sector because of the industry’s potential for job creation, support to allied industries, and provision of housing to the public. Taxes associated with construction are also higher than those imposed on many other sectors.Arif Habib said that the government has recognised the significance of the construction industry and is actively supporting it.He claimed that during a meeting, the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, had reportedly said that every possible obstacle to the promotion of construction should be removed.He emphasized that taxation is not the most critical factor for the construction sector. The primary requirement is the availability of mortgage financing, and people who buy houses do not have reconciled wealth.Arif Habib said that following requests from stakeholders and the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD), the Prime Minister said the government would consider allowing cash transactions for first-time home purchases of up to Rs. 100 million.He added that according to his calculations, an investment of approximately Rs. 350,000 creates one job. If Pakistan undertakes public-private partnership projects worth Rs. 10 trillion to Rs. 15 trillion, substantial private capital currently available in the market could be mobilised.He believes that there is significant investor appetite for such projects, which would stimulate numerous industries and generate large-scale employment opportunities.‘We are willing to work closely with the Prime Minister to achieve these objectives, Arif Habib added.

KARACHI: The Karachi Police have found the security in-charge hailing from Parachinar of a cash van responsible for orchestrating a massive heist, looting a whopping sum of Rs 300 million in the Federal B Area today, ARY News reported.According to police officials, the cash van had initially departed from Tariq Road to deliver the money to a private bank in the FB Area.The incident occurred when the crew stopped near Rizwan Park to have tea. While they were stopped, four unarmed robbers approached and took control of the vehicle.Investigators revealed that the van’s security guards stood outside with the doors wide open for about 15 minutes. The security in charge actively aided the criminals by taking the keys from the guards, getting into the vehicle, and closing the doors.Surprisingly, the robbers did not carry any weapons and left behind two pistols and a repeater rifle possessed by the guards.https://youtu.be/xFXNhL6OjaU?si=JN1TvN84WLfm3MJwThe suspects then drove the van into a street near Altaf Pakwan, where they transferred bags containing the staggering Rs 300 million into a getaway vehicle. The security in charge subsequently fled the scene alongside the culprits.While authorities have taken the remaining security guards and the driver into custody for questioning, a formal case has not yet been registered as the search for the prime suspects continues.The investigation of the massive heist is underway, examining all the perspectives.

 On Friday, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb laid out the Federal Budget 2026-27 before the National Assembly, announcing new income tax changes targeting salaried people.Speaking during the budget session, he said the government is offering tax relief across four income brackets for salaried individuals and plans to scrap the surcharge on their salaries. CHECK YOUR INCOME TAX HERE Salaried people making between Rs2.2 million and Rs3.2 million per year would see their marginal tax rate drop from 23% to 20%. As per the Finance Bill, they’d pay Rs116,000 plus 20% on anything above Rs2.2 million. For those in the Rs3.2 million to Rs4.1 million bracket, the marginal rate is set to fall from 30% to 25%. The tax proposed is Rs316,000 plus 25% of the income over Rs3.2 million. Salaried earners between Rs4.1 million and Rs5.6 million would have their rate cut from 35% to 29%. Under the plan, they’d owe Rs541,000 plus 29% on the portion exceeding Rs4.1 million. And for incomes between Rs5.6 million and Rs7 million, the rate is proposed to come down from 35% to 32%. The tax would be Rs976,000 plus 32% of the amount over Rs5.6 million.Read More Budget 2026-27 stories

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has announced that a mutually agreed final decision on a peace agreement between the United States (US) and Iran has been reached, ARY News reported. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the prime minister said Pakistan is now working with both sides to finalise the next steps of the agreement process. “Peace has never been closer than it is now,” he said, expressing optimism over the ongoing diplomatic efforts. Shehbaz Sharif also said Pakistan is aware of attempts to sabotage the peace agreement through misinformation campaigns and remains vigilant against such efforts amid its mediation role. According to official sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will depart for Geneva tomorrow to attend the signing of the US–Iran memorandum of understanding. The prime minister will lead a high-level delegation accompanying him on the visit. Sources added that the prime minister is expected to participate in a formal ceremony related to the US–Iran understanding in Geneva, where senior officials from all sides are also likely to be present. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQjt6PlZpDwEarlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer.”He said the agreement had reached its closest point to finalisation and urged the media to refrain from speculation regarding its contents until completion.He added that all details would be shared with the public under a responsible and transparent approach once finalised.The statement was later shared by US President Donald Trump on his social media platform. Iran war 2026 – LIVE UPDATES    

The government of Pakistan has allocated Rs. 103.1 billion for water sector projects in the federal budget 2026-27, while critical water supply projects remain underfunded despite growing nationwide scarcity.Among the major allocations, the government reserved Rs. 10 billion for Karachi’s crucial K-IV water supply project, though the amount falls short for a metropolitan city of over 25 million people currently grappling with a severe water crisis.It is to be mentioned that the K-IV water projects have a revised estimated cost of Rs 170 billion. The long-delayed project is designed to supply 260 million gallons per day (MGD) of water to Karachi.Other key allocations within the water sector include Rs. 14 billion for the Diamer Basha Dam, Rs. 22 billion for the Dasu Dam, and Rs. 15 billion for the Dasu Hydropower Project as part of the Budget 2026-27.In comparison, social safety nets and housing initiatives received substantially higher funding in Budget 2026-27, with Rs. 909 billion collectively allocated for major government schemes, including the Prime Minister’s "Apna Ghar Program" low-cost housing finance initiative and the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP).Additionally, the federal government allocated Rs. 6.6 billion for the trade and industry sector, a move officials justified as a necessary step toward making domestic industries self-sustainable.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has proposed allocating Rs3 trillion for the Pakistan defence budget in Budget 2026-27, reflecting an increase of nearly 18 percent compared to the revised allocation of Rs2.595 trillion for the outgoing fiscal year, ARY News reported.According to budget documents presented in the National Assembly, the proposed Pakistan defence budget is aimed at meeting the country's growing security requirements amid the prevailing regional situation. The allocation accounts for nearly 15 percent of the total federal budget.The government had initially allocated Rs2.55 trillion for defence during FY2025-26, which was later revised upward to Rs2.595 trillion. The proposed allocation for the next fiscal year is approximately Rs405 billion higher than the revised figure. Allocation for Armed Forces Pakistan Army: Rs1.284 trillion (FY2025-26: Rs1.184 trillion) Pakistan Air Force: Rs573 billion (FY2025-26: Rs520 billion) Pakistan Navy: Rs293 billion (FY2025-26: Rs273 billion) The overall allocation shows an increase of around Rs405 billion compared to revised estimates for the current fiscal year.Budget documents further reveal that the government has proposed Rs822 billion for military pensions in FY2026-27, compared to Rs742 billion allocated during the outgoing fiscal year.Employee-related expenditures under budget 2026-27 are estimated at Rs967 billion, compared to a revised allocation of Rs851 billion for the current fiscal year. Operational expenditures have been proposed at Rs743 billion, up from the revised estimate of Rs721 billion.Administrative expenses are projected at Rs10.9 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. During FY2025-26, administrative expenditures were initially budgeted at Rs7.95 billion before being revised upward to Rs11.74 billion.According to the budget documents, the government has prioritised defence and security requirements while keeping development spending under pressure. The Pakistan defence budget covers operational expenditures of the armed forces, including salaries, allowances and other expenses related to military personnel and defence operations. Pakistan unveils Rs18.7 trillion federal budget for 2026-27

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has announced major reforms for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the country's tax collection body, in the newly presented budget, ARY News reported.To eliminate discretionary powers within the FBR, the Finance Minister announced the establishment of a National Faceless Tax Center.Under this centralized system, direct contact between taxpayers and tax officers during audits and assessments will be completely removed.The identities of both the taxpayer and the tax officer will be kept hidden using single-blind and double-blind masking protocols.As part of these reforms, tax officers will no longer have the authority to manually select cases or target specific taxpayers.Instead, an automated system will allocate cases based on automated risk scores. If a discrepancy is detected, the system will automatically generate and issue a settlement offer.The audit or case file will then be closed once the taxpayer clears the required amount.Read More: Budget 2026-27: No relief for  low-income class, education and health underfund Additionally, the government has already begun compiling comprehensive risk profiles for taxpayers by centralizing data on property ownership, vehicle registrations, banking transactions, and utility records.

The Federal Budget 2026-27 offered little comfort to those most affected by the current skyrocketing inflation in Pakistan, which affects the lower and middle classes most. Despite promises of relief, low-income salaried workers have been largely ignored. Meanwhile, spending on essential sectors such as health and education remains excessively low.There is no tax relief announced for low-income salaried individuals. However, tax relief has been announced for higher-income salary brackets.Presenting the Federal Budget 2026-27 in the National Assembly of Pakistan, Minister for Finance, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has announced immense relief for the salaried class earning between Rs. 2.2 million to Rs. 7 million annually.The tax relief rate ranges from 20 percent to 32 percent, depending on the income slab.The Federal Finance Minister has also announced that the government is abolishing the long-standing surcharge imposed on salaried taxpayers.He noted that the surcharge had been reduced from 10 percent to 9 percent in the previous budget and would now be removed completely.On the other hand, the Minister for Finance of Pakistan has announced a token increase of 10 percent in the minimum wage, which is around Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000 per month as part of the Budget 2026-27.In addition, the government has also announced a seven percent increase in salaries and pensions of government employees.In the federal Budget 2026-27, Rs. 94.3 billion has been earmarked for higher education, the Danish Schools Program, and the school and college education sector, including the early childhood training program.In comparison, Rs. 838 billion has been allocated to the charity-based Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) alone.Meanwhile, only Rs. 25.1 billion has been allocated for the health sector in the Budget 2026-27.Education and Health once again neglected, low-income class dreams yet to become reality

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD: Meta-owned social media platforms suffered an unknown glitch on Friday evening, rendering the desktop versions of WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook inaccessible, ARY News reported. Users attempting to log in via their desktop browsers reported widespread outages, though mobile applications appeared to be functioning normally for some. The cause of the technical disruption remains unclear, and Meta has yet to issue an official statement regarding when full services will be restored.

ISLAMABAD: The government has given some sort of relief to current and former government employees, announcing a seven percent increase in salaries and pensions in the budget for 2026-2027, ARY News reported.Salaries and Pensions Addressing the National Assembly on the occasion of presenting the budget for the next financial year, Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that the government is increasing the salaries of government employees by seven percent, while the same percentage will be raised for retired employees' pensions.Minimum Wage On the other hand, the government has also announced an uptick in the minimum wage for labor by 10 percent in the next year's budget.Rs 3000 to Rs 4000 increased The government has raised the minimum wage by Rs 3,000, bringing it to Rs 40,000. (Note: Assuming the original "Rs 3000 to Rs 4000" meant a 10% raise on Pakistan's previous minimum wage of Rs 37,000, making the new wage Rs 40,000).https://youtu.be/rg7ANDRAlGs?si=pq2bRpHv7UUNLTK1The finance minister started his speech by paying tribute to the armed forces of Pakistan, who defeated a much larger enemy in May 2025 and the civil and military leadership’s efforts, which took Pakistan to an elevated status in international diplomacy during the ongoing Iran war where both the US and Iran showed their trust in Pakistan’s mediation efforts.Read More: Budget 2026-27: Income tax slabs for salaried class explainedHe maintained that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the subsequent rise in oil prices affected Pakistan’s economy like all other countries, but the country’s government did not pass the burden directly to the people. Aurangzeb promised that the government will bring down petroleum product prices once the oil price drops in the international market.

ISLAMABAD: In the Budget 2026-27 presented in the National Assembly, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced significant relief measures for the salaried class, including a major reduction in income tax rates across multiple income slabs, ARY News reported.The government of Pakistan said the revised structure has been introduced to provide relief to taxpayers amid persistent inflationary pressures and rising cost of living. Revised Income Tax Slabs for Salaried Class (Budget 2026-27) Rs 2.2 million – 3.2 million annual income: Tax reduced from 23 percent to 20 percent Rs 3.2 million – 4.1 million annual income: Tax reduced from 30percent to 25 percent Rs 4.1 million – 5.6 million annual income: Tax reduced from 35 percent to 29 percent Rs 5.6 million – 7.0 million annual income: Tax reduced from 35 percent to 32 percent Officials said the revised tax slabs are part of a broader fiscal adjustment strategy aimed at easing pressure on the salaried class, which has been among the most affected segments due to inflation and rising utility costs.The changes are expected to increase disposable income for middle-income earners, while also improving tax compliance through a more rationalized structure.The announcement was made during the federal budget presentation in the National Assembly. LIVE: Pakistan Budget 2026-27 Being Presented in National Assembly

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the budget for financial year 2026-27 with a total outlay Rs18.7 trillion in National Assembly on Friday.The finance minister started his speech by paying tribute to armed forces of Pakistan who defeated a much larger enemy in May 2025 and the civil and military's leadership's efforts which took Pakistan to an elevated status in international diplomacy during the ongoing Iran war where both the US and Iran showed their trust in Pakistan's mediation efforts.He maintained the the closure of Strait of Hormuz and the subsequent rise in oil prices affected Pakistan's economy like all other countries but the country's government did not pass the burden directly to the people. Aurangzeb promised that the government will bring down petroleum products prices once the oil price drops in international market. MAJOR POINTS FROM HIS SPEECH Total outlay 18.77 trillion rupees Remittances have seen a huge rise reaching 38billion dollar in 11 months. Recent months have seen rise in inflation but is expected to stay at 7.5 percent. International companies are investing in Pakistan. More than 200 international companies have invested in govt's technology park. A number of DISCOs, Banks, Airports will soon be privatized on the same footing as PIA. Tax collection will reach 13000 billion by the end of this financial year, a huge jump from 7200 billion in 2022-23 Digital Pakistan program has received huge success as more than 16 lac traders have joined digital payment systems. 133 million people have joined digital banking systems as compared to 95 million last year.   MAJOR ALLOCATIONS Rs 1000 billion allocated for Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 54.6 billion for sustainable urban development 103.1 billion for water availability projects. 14 billion for Diamer Bhasha dam, 22 billion for Dasu dam, 15 billion for Dasu hydropwer and 10 billion for Karachi's K-4 water project. Rs 6.6 billion allocated for trade and industry. Rs 25.1 billion allocated for health. Rs46billion for higher education. Rs22 billion allocated for Danish Schools Program. Rs26.3billion for school and college education sector including early childhood training programme. Rs144.9 billion allocated for AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. Rs 45 billion for AJK, 44 billion for GB, Rs56billion allocated for erstwhile FATA. Withholding tax on international transactions on credit/debit card brought down to 0.5 percent from 5 percent. Contraceptive tax brought down to zero. Government employees' salaries increased by 7% Retired employees pensions Increased by 7%. Minimum monthly wage increased by 10% 3,000 billion Rupees for Defence Rs128 billion provided for general and targeted petroleum subsidies to shield citizens from international oil price shocks. Rs838 billion allocated for Benazir Income Support Program. Rs365 billion allocated for Transport and Communication Infrastructure N-25 Pakistan Expressway (Dualling Balochistan highway connecting Karachi to Chaman) gets 100 billion Rupees. M-6 Motorway (Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway) gets 30 billion Rupees. ML-I (Karachi-Rohri Section) gets 25 billion rupees. Thar Coal Connectivity Project gets 2 billion rupees. Gwadar Port Infrastructure & Provincial Transport Projects get 93 billion rupees. Rs 116.2 billion allocated for clean energy and hydro projects (Dasu, Tarbela 5th Extension, Mohand Hydro Project), modern grid systems like STATCOM (10.2 billion Rupees), battery storage (3 billion Rupees), and AJK/GB hydropower projects (13.1 billion Rupees). Rs71billion allocated for PM "Apna Ghar" Scheme, the low-cost housing finance initiative. TAX RELIEF FOR SALARIED CLASS The government has proposed direct income tax relief for salaried individuals across four distinct income brackets (slabs). Additionally, the 10% tax surcharge on the salaried class has been completely abolished. Here is the breakdown of the proposed salary tax slabs and the corresponding rate reductions: Annual Income Bracket (Slabs) Previous Tax Rate Proposed New Tax Rate Rs. 2,200,000 to Rs. 3,200,000 (22 to 32 Lakh) 23% 20% Rs. 3,200,000 to Rs. 4,100,000 (32 to 41 Lakh) 30% 25% Rs. 4,100,000 to Rs. 5,600,000 (41 to 56 Lakh) 35% 29% Rs. 5,600,000 to Rs. 7,000,000 (56 to 70 Lakh) 35% 32% Note on Surcharge: The finance minister highlighted that the surcharge on the salaried class was reduced from 10% to 9% in the previous budget, and this year it is proposed to be completely removed to fulfill the government's promise of reducing the tax burden on employees. FED on VEHICLES The government has proposed the following measures regarding the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on vehicles and cars: Imported Cars and SUVs: FED is being imposed on imported cars as well as Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) with engine capacities ranging from 2000cc to 3000cc. High-Capacity Vehicles: For vehicles with engine capacities greater than 3000cc, the existing FED rates are being increased. Luxury Electric Vehicles (EVs): The application of this tax is also extended to luxury Electric Vehicles valued at more than 20 million Rupees (2 Crore). Related Relief & Concessions for the Auto Sector While duties are being increased on luxury and high-engine imports, the speech notes specific continuing concessions to support local modernization and eco-friendly transport: Electric Two-Wheelers and Three-Wheelers: The existing concessional tax regime for electric motorcycles and rickshaws will remain intact for the upcoming year. Commercial and Passenger Electric Vehicles: Current concessions will also continue to be maintained for locally assembled/produced electric cars and buses. Electric Trucks: A new relief measure has been proposed to provide a 1% Sales Tax facility on imported electric trucks SUPER TAX Here are the key decisions regarding the Super Tax:1. Complete Abolishment for Mid-Tier Incomes Eligibility: Businesses with an annual income ranging between Rs. 150 million (15 Crore) to Rs. 500 million (50 Crore) across six distinct income slabs. Change: The Super Tax—which previously ranged from 1% to 7.5% depending on the slab—has been completely abolished. 2. Reduction for High-Tier Incomes Eligibility: Businesses with an annual income exceeding Rs. 500 million (50 Crore). Change: The Super Tax rate is proposed to be reduced from 10% to 8%. Critical Exclusions (Tax Maintained) This relief is intentionally targeted toward promoting general manufacturing, industries, and small-to-medium corporations. The finance minister explicitly stated that the existing tax/surcharge structures will remain fully intact and unchanged for the following high-earning sectors which include banks, oil and gas Exploration companies and fertilizer companies

LAKKI MARWAT: At least two civilians, including a two-year-old child, were martyred and 10 others injured in a suicide blast near a mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat district on Friday, police said.According to police, a motorcycle-borne suicide attacker attempted to enter a mosque in the Khairokhel Pakka area during Friday prayers. However, members of a local peace committee opened fire on the suspect before he could reach the mosque.Police said the firing triggered an explosion in the explosives-laden motorcycle, killing the attacker and causing a powerful blast near the mosque.A 22-year-old man and a two-year-old child were martyred in the incident, while 10 other people, including children, sustained injuries.At the time of the explosion, worshippers were offering Friday prayers inside the mosque, police added.The blast also set the motorcycle and the suicide attacker on fire.Rescue teams and law enforcement personnel rushed to the scene and shifted the deceased and injured to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.Authorities have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident. Security forces are also collecting evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the attempted attack.27 Khwarij killed in Miran Shah IBO: ISPR[video mp4="https://arynews-1313565080.cos.ap-singapore.myqcloud.com/zip-archives/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/OJlPx-uJRomv9Do3-1.mp4"][/video]

ISLAMABAD: A special meeting of the federal cabinet on Friday approved the budget 2026-27 proposals, ARY News reported.According to details, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a special cabinet meeting at Parliament House, ahead of the presentation of the federal budget for FY2026–27 in Parliament.The meeting gave final approval to the budget proposals and related documents for the upcoming fiscal year.Sources said that the cabinet approved a 7% increase in the salaries and pensions of government employees during the meeting.Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that the federal budget will be presented in the National Assembly and the Senate today. Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will deliver the budget speech.Mr Chaudhry added that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and all coalition partners will participate fully in the budget session. He also urged the opposition to play a constructive democratic role in the national interest.According to sources, the total size of the budget 2026–27 is expected to be approximately Rs18 trillion.Read more: Pakistan budget 2026–27 to be unveiled todayThe budget is likely to provide income tax relief for salaried individuals, while a reduction in the Super Tax is also under consideration. However, no reduction is expected in the corporate income tax rate.In addition, lower duties on cosmetics and personal care products—including make-up items, face powder, mascara, shampoo and soap—could lead to lower retail prices. Conversely, electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles may become more expensive.A proposal is also under consideration to increase the climate levy on petroleum products from Rs2.50 to Rs5 per litre.

PESHAWAR: Former senator and prominent businessman Taj Muhammad Afridi was killed in a car accident on the M-1 Motorway on Friday, while his driver sustained injuries, according to the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP).A spokesperson for the Motorway Police said the accident occurred near Swabi on the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway when the vehicle carrying Afridi lost control and plunged off the road.According to officials, Afridi was travelling from Islamabad to Peshawar when the incident occurred. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident was caused by a mechanical fault, which led to the driver losing control of the vehicle.Motorway Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene and carried out emergency response operations. Afridi died in the accident, while the injured driver was provided medical assistance.Taj Muhammad Afridi was a member of the Senate of Pakistan from March 2015 to March 2021. He also served as the caretaker provincial minister for Relief and Rehabilitation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from January to August 2023.A well-known business figure, Afridi owned an oil refinery and had previously worked as a contractor for NATO operations in Afghanistan.In June 2023, he joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He later contested a Senate by-election for a general seat from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as an independent candidate in October 2025 but was unsuccessful.Read more: Murree Expressway Accident Toll Rises to 10; Victims Identified at PIMS

The federal government has decided to introduce a series of relief measures for farmers, salaried individuals and the real estate sector in the upcoming budget 2026–27, ARY News reported on Friday, quoting sources. The budget for fiscal year 2026-27 will be presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in National Assembly today.According to details available with ARY News citing government sources farmers will receive a subsidy on DAP fertiliser, while additional relief is expected through reduced electricity costs for the agricultural sector.Sources said the relief package for agriculture has been incorporated into the Finance Minister’s budget speech as part of broader efforts to support farm productivity and reduce input costs.Read more: Budget 2026-27: Check out complete proposals for next fiscal yearThe government has also decided not to increase sales tax on solar panels, a move aimed at encouraging the adoption of renewable energy solutions in budget 2026-27.For salaried taxpayers, the budget is expected to provide tax relief ranging from 4 to 7 per cent, offering some respite amid rising living costs.The real estate and construction sectors are also set to benefit from proposed incentives. Sources indicated that the rate of transaction tax on the purchase and sale of property will be reduced to stimulate activity in the housing market and support the construction industry.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi has ordered the discontinuation of austerity measures previously implemented in the Supreme Court, with the policy set to formally end from 15 June 2026.Supreme Court of Pakistan austerity measures included a four-day workweek (Monday to Thursday), a 50% reduction in petroleum fuel allocations for official vehicles, and restricted protocols for judges. To sustain access to justice, courts prioritize video-link hearings, though Friday dockets are strictly limited to urgent matters.According to an official notification, the austerity-related directive issued on 10 March 2026 has been withdrawn.The notification states that the Supreme Court’s austerity policy will cease to be effective from 15 June 2026, following the Chief Justice’s approval.As a result, all administrative and operational affairs of the Supreme Court will resume under normal procedures from 15 June, with court functions returning to routine operations.Earlier, the Senate of Pakistan returned Rs1.436 billion to the national exchequer after implementing a wide-ranging austerity and expenditure rationalisation drive under the directions of Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani.According to an official statement, the savings exceed the target set by the Finance Division by 500 percent and account for 15.9 percent of the Senate’s total budget for the fiscal year 2025–26.The austerity measures were initiated by the chairman from his own office and later extended across the Senate Secretariat. A comprehensive framework of expenditure controls and efficiency reforms was introduced to institutionalise financial discipline.One of the key measures included the suspension of 17 out of 18 procurement projects previously approved by the Senate Finance Committee, resulting in immediate and substantial savings. Recruitment and other non-essential expenditures were rationalised, administrative overheads reduced, and operational expenses placed under strict review.