Pakistan is planning Artificial Intelligence-driven (AI-driven) governance with the development of a new digital platform designed to improve coordination, transparency, and oversight across federal ministries.The Federal Minister for Economic Affairs of Pakistan, Ahad Cheema has chaired a meeting to review the Prime Minister's Office System (PMOS), an innovative AI-powered platform designed to strengthen governance, enhance coordination, and improve monitoring of government initiatives across ministries and departments.The meeting was attended by Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Chairman Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) Sohail Munir, and senior officers of the Prime Minister’s Office.On this occasion, officials from the PDA presented a comprehensive demonstration of the PMOS. They said that the AI-powered PMOS platform would connect all federal ministries with the PM office through a centralized digital system.Through the system, the real-time monitoring of tasks, projects, and milestones confirms better transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the government operations.The meeting was also briefed that orders issued by the PM office would be communicated instantly to the relevant ministries and departments through the platform. The system will also facilitate instant progress tracking and performance monitoring, allowing decision-makers to remain updated on the status of key assignments and initiatives.According to the PDA officials, one of the key features of PMOS is an automated alert mechanism, which highlights overdue tasks through pop-up notifications on the accounts of Federal Secretaries and other concerned officials.Officials believe that this feature could help improve accountability and ensure faster implementation of government decisions.The meeting was also briefed on a sovereign AI-based GPT-powered research system developed by the PDA. The tool has been designed to assist internal research by utilizing previous directives, decisions, and official orders, enabling faster access to institutional knowledge and informed decision-making.official informed that the GPT system will also act as a virtual assistant for government officers, with a proper understanding of official procedures and workflows. It will be capable of assisting and finishing official tasks assigned by officers through the use of AI, thus enhancing productivity, efficiency, and service delivery across the government departments.The federal Minister for Economic Affairs of Pakistan, Ahad Cheema has appreciated the PDA in developing the PMOS and directed the stakeholders to further improve the system to ensure maximum effectiveness before its implementation.The meeting was concluded with a commitment to leverage digital technologies and AI to support governance, improve service delivery, and promote a more responsive and accountable government framework.

ISLAMABAD: In a historic first for the country, a revolutionary investment app has been launched that allows ordinary citizens to start investing with as little as Rs. 5,000 in t-bills, ARY News reported.Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb launched the application in Islamabad, developed through the joint cooperation of the government and the private sector.This milestone was achieved through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Finance, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and leading microfinance banking institutions.With this new facility, any layman can now invest in government Treasury Bills (T-bills) with a minimum deposit of just Rs. 5,000."Users can now enjoy easy access to secure, government-backed investment opportunities through a completely digital process," officials stated.Read More: Pakistan seeks expertise, experience, investment not loans: PM ShehbazThey added that this initiative marks a massive leap forward in promoting financial inclusion and bringing the general public into the formal, documented economy.RequirementCustomers must have a bank account (Wallet) with a private mobile company bank. After becoming the account holder, he or she can download the mobile app on your mobile. 

ISLAMABAD: In a significant judgment reinforcing women’s legal and religious rights, Pakistan’s Federal Shariat Court has ruled that no regional custom, family tradition, or social pressure can deprive women of their rightful share in inheritance, ARY News reported.The court declared that denying women their inheritance is not only a violation of Pakistani law but also contravenes the clear commands of Islam and the Holy Quran. The ruling came in the case of Bibi Amna from Balochistan, who had challenged her brothers for denying her full legal share in her parents’ property.The Federal Shariat Court set aside a Balochistan High Court decision and strongly affirmed that a woman’s right to inheritance is a divine obligation, not a privilege granted by the state. “It is a law made by Allah Almighty,” the court observed.Justice emphasized that unfortunate societal trends in Pakistan continue to sideline women through social pressure, coercion, or outright fraud. The judgment directed all courts to carefully examine inheritance cases involving women and ensure justice is delivered according to both constitutional provisions and Islamic principles.The court ordered that the civil court must now determine and allocate the proper shares of Bibi Amina and other legal heirs in all of her parents’ properties in accordance with the law and the Constitution. It made it clear that no local customs or family arrangements can override these rights.The judgment highlights a recurring issue across parts of Pakistan where women are routinely excluded from inheriting agricultural land, houses, or other family assets despite explicit Islamic and legal protections. Legal experts see this as a strong reminder to lower courts to prioritize women’s inheritance claims.This ruling is expected to have wide-reaching implications, particularly in conservative regions where tribal and familial traditions often clash with constitutional and religious rights.Also Read: Federal Shariat Court rules against depriving women of inheritance in Pakistan

The government of Sindh has announced free solar home systems for the middle class in the provincial budget for the next fiscal year 2026-27.Presenting the Budget 2026-27, the chief minister and provincial finance minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, has announced to roll out a subsidized solar financing program for the middle class in the province.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep3Vh0prLKYSyed Murad Ali Shah also acknowledged the hardships of the ordinary citizens with rising living costs, high energy prices, and inflation, which continue to place significant pressure on household budgets.He said that 275,000 free home systems at a cost of Rs. 18 billion will be provided to the underprivileged families across the province.The Chief Minister of Sindh also announced the launch of a solar program, describing it as one of the largest solar initiatives in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Pakistan, Atta Tarar, has announced a significant reduction for citizens buying and selling 5 and 10-marla houses as part of the federal Budget 2026-27.  While speaking at a press conference along with the Federal Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar, Atta Tarar claimed that the budget was based on public relief and the taxes on the purchase and sale of 10-marla houses had been reduced.Federal Minister for Information revealed that the housing sector supports 12 industries, all of which have been given relief.Check here: LIVE || Budget 2026–27 Session in Sindh Assembly Begins || ARY News LiveHe added that to promote the real estate and the housing sector, the federal government has so far released Rs. 90 billion under the ‘Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Scheme’, to help citizens secure affordable housing.Atta Tarar further said that the super tax had been abolished for all exporters. He believes that higher profits for exporters would help increase the country's foreign exchange reserves.He described the budget 2026-27 as a positive and relief-providing budget, saying that the budget was designed to benefit all sectors of society.Responding to a question, Atta Tarar defended the allocation for the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), which has been set at Rs. 838bn, and said that through the program, over 10 million families, with financial assistance distributed through women beneficiaries.

ISLAMABAD: Following the US-Iran peace agreement, petrol prices are likely to see a major decline. However, various proposals remain under consideration regarding the exact scale of the price cuts, ARY News reported.The positive impacts of the historic US-Iran deal have already begun surfacing in the international oil market, where oil prices have plummeted by 7%. US crude oil has dropped to $76 per barrel, while Brent crude (UK) is trading at $81 per barrel.This international downward trend has raised expectations of a substantial relief package in Pakistan. Sources indicate that in light of the global market crash, local petrol and diesel prices could be slashed by up to Rs. 40 per litre.However, sources within the Petroleum Division stated that no official working paper has been prepared yet regarding a reduction in fuel prices.A final decision on slashing petroleum prices will not be made ahead of the weekly revision. Nevertheless, high-level consultations are underway, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is keen on passing the maximum possible relief on to the public.Read More: 'Petrol prices will come down'Sources added that the price adjustments will strictly follow the established formula, and the official announcement will be made once the evaluation framework is finalized. According to government insiders, the Prime Minister himself is expected to announce the new petroleum rates.

KARACHI: Sind Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday presented the provincial budget 2026-27 in provincial assembly. The CM announced that this budget has almost 816 development projects for provincial capital Karachi amounting to Rs644 billion.The budget with a total outlay of Rs 3.652 trillion framed against estimated receipts of approximately Rs 3.41 trillion, resulting in a projected deficit of about Rs 242 billion.Sindh government has committed to no new taxes while delivering a seven per cent increase in salaries and pensions, a Rs 400 billion development programme, and a Rs 13.2 billion social protection package for vulnerable communities.CM Murad Ali Shah's speech outlined a comprehensive strategy to transform Sindh into a regional hub for trade, finance, technology and renewable energy through a public-private partnership projects.The chief minister noted that Sindh prepared its financial plan amid a challenging global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, climate-related risks and economic uncertainty as during the outgoing fiscal year, ordinary citizens continued to face hardships due to rising living costs, energy prices and inflation due to Iran war and other factors. Salary and Pension Increases The chief minister announced a seven per cent increase in salaries and pensions for public sector employees and pensioners, effective from July 1. This increase has been granted by amalgamating the Adhoc Relief Allowances of 2022 and 2025, providing consolidated relief to government workers.The minimum wage has also been increased from Rs 40,000 to Rs 43,000 per month.Murad Ali Shah emphasised that the Sindh government remains committed to shielding vulnerable groups from economic hardship.The budget includes a Rs 13.2 billion social protection package comprising the Kitchen Garden Initiative, the Benazir Hari Card Programme, the Benazir Women Agriculture Workers Programme and support schemes for widows and orphans. Karachi Development Projects “Karachi being the engine of our economy, we have given top priority to its development in our FY 2026-27 budget. As the development portfolio of the city contains 816 schemes having the estimated cost of Rs 644.3 billion.”The CM further noted that for the incoming year, Rs 100.19 billion has been allocated for Karachi’s project out of which allocations for the total 822 schemes are worth Rs 108.1 billion.“We have 167 ongoing projects costing over Rs 500 million each and 110 mega projects of above Rs 1 billion each underway throughout the city,” she added.Much of the allocations have gone into fixing Karachi’s transport woes and addressing its chaotic traffic scene.Included in the Sindh budget are a Rs 1.2 billion airport road to Star Gate flyover, a Rs 1.5 billion right turn underpass from Malir halt to Shahrah-i-Faisal, as well as a Rs 1.65 billion flyover at the Shah Suleman Road crossing over Gujjarr Nulla.Money has also been set aside for the Shahrah-i-Bhutto Korangi causeway junction, the Azeempura Intersection Flyover, new interchanges linked with the Malir Expressway, underpasses on Khayaban-e- Ittehad and Khayaban-e-Shahbaz.To improve urban drainage and flood resilience, provincial government has allocated funds for the third phase of rehabilitation of major stormwater drains, restoration of Gujjar Nullah and its service roads, and the M-9 to Thaddo Nullah stormwater drainage project.For Karachi's water supply and sewerage infrastructure, allocations have been made for expansion of the K-IV water supply system, upgrading water pumping stations in Karachi East and Central districts, rehabilitation of the city's trunk main network to reduce leakages, and construction of a new water supply line along the Lyari Expressway.In the transport sector, the government has allocated Rs 13.2 billion for the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit project and over Rs 3.5 billion for the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit corridor.Solid waste management remains another priority area for Karachi.The CM announced formation of six modern garbage transfer stations, the Sindh Solid Waste Emergency and Efficiency Programme, and the upgrading of the Jam Chakro and Gond Pass landfill sites.The health sector allocations for Karachi include Rs 1 billion for the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Rs 1.4 billion for the Paediatric Cardiology Unit at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Karachi. In education, funds have been earmarked for a new medical college, the Bilawal Bhutto Engineering College in Lyari, the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Law University, the Karachi Education Complex, and development projects at major public-sector universities including the University of Karachi and Jinnah Sindh Medical University.The CM also announced the establishment of a Provincial Civil Services Academy at a cost of Rs 1 billion, a new Sindh Revenue Board training academy and office complex, and improvement of commercial centres and markets across the city. Transformational Public-Private Partnership Initiatives A highlight of the budget speech was the announcement of a new wave of mega PPP projects which would make Sindh a regional trade, finance, tech, green energy and sustainable development hub. The CM boasted that the province’s PPP model has become a global success story, earning praise even from the UN Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), The Asset magazine and The Economist, and turning it into ‘one of the best sub-national PPP models in Asia’.Some key flagships include the proposed development of Keti Bandar as a “maritime, logistics, industrial and energy” hub. The government will undertake a globally benchmarked viability assessment of developing a modern coastal economic corridor encompassing port facilities, industrial zones, logistics/warehousing, export-oriented manufacturing, energy projects and multi-modal transport connections. The project will also look at connecting the Dhabeji SEZ, Thar’s energy potential and emerging trade corridors. The CM called Keti Bandar “the single biggest economic opportunity for Sindh in 50 years – the kind of transformative initiative that changed the course of Pakistan’s industrial history in the case of Port Qasim”.Another big announcement was the plan to set up the “Sindh International Finance Centre (SIFC)” in Karachi. It is envisaged as a state-of-the-art platform for investment, infrastructure, Islamic, climate and other financing, fintech, commerce, etc. To attract foreign capital and improve investor confidence, the government aims to create “world-class laws, regulations and institutions” such as “modern commercial courts, arbitration centres and friendly regulations”. Three possible sites in the commercial belt of Karachi are being considered, and money has been allocated for an international-standard feasibility study.Recognising the growing global demand for Ai and cloud computing, the government announced the Sindh Green Data Infrastructure Initiative which seeks to build renewable energy powered technology zones and large scale data centre parks backed by solar and wind energy resources available across the province to attract global tech firms, cloud service providers, AI companies and digital infrastructure investors looking for an eco friendly and cost effective place to operate. Officials hope the programme could spawn a new technology ecosystem and generate a surplus of clean power for industrial estates, desalination plants and special economic zones. FREE SOLAR SYSTEMS The chief minister also announced one of Pakistan’s biggest household renewables programs under which 275,000 free solar home systems worth Rs 18 billion will be given away to poor households and a subsidised solar financing programme will be launched via the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF) and Sindh Bank allowing middle income families to put rooftop solar on their homes.To modernise agriculture, the government plans to bring in legislation creating “farmer led agricultural collectives” that will help small farmers group together to share costs without giving up ownership of their lands. Collectives will be recognised as bankable entities and given access to cheap finance, insurance, machinery, storage, modern irrigation and market linkages to help improve productivity, water efficiency and climate resilience, and raise rural incomes.The government also announced plans to launch an ‘Integrated Waste-to-Value & Circular Economy Programme’ as a PPP, focusing on turning municipal waste into economic resources through recycling, refuse-derived fuel production, methane capture and carbon credit generation. Officals hope that the programme will enhance urban environmental management and create new revenue and green jobs

MIRPUR: Law enforcement agencies conducted a raid on the residence of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Mehran Arshad Khawaja in Dadyal tehsil of Mirpur district, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and recovered a drone, weapons, and other suspicious items.According to officials, the raid was carried out following reports of suspected activities linked to the premises. During the operation, Shahid Aslam, an employee of Mehran Arshad Khawaja, was taken into custody for questioning.Authorities said that a drone, a 12-bore shotgun, a pistol, and a police helmet - snatched from Islamabad Police - were recovered from the house, along with other items being examined by investigators.[video mp4="https://arynews-1313565080.cos.ap-singapore.myqcloud.com/zip-archives/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-17-at-1.46.21-PM.mp4"][/video]The detained employee said in his statement that two ambulances were brought to the residence to transport equipment ahead of a sit-in protest.The employee told investigators that weapons, ammunition, and other materials were secretly transported to Muzaffarabad using the ambulances.Read More: AJK govt announces Rs10 million reward for arrest of JAAC leadersThe employee further alleged that Mehran had taken five Kalashnikov rifles, two 12-bore shotguns, and a large quantity of ammunition with him. He also said that stones, glass bottles, and slingshots were used during the protest.According to the employee's statement, a substantial amount of cash, including funds provided by another JAAC leader, Latif Dar, was also transported.The employee said that police shelling guns - seized during the September 29 long march - were moved to Muzaffarabad through the ambulances. He further claimed that approximately two kilograms of hashish had been taken to the protest site.Investigators are also examining claims that several individuals with links to criminal and narcotics networks were present with Mehran during the protest activities.Earlier, AJK government  on Tuesday announced a reward of Rs10 million for information leading to the arrest of four wanted leaders of the JAAC.According to an official notification, the reward will be granted to any individual who provides information resulting in the arrest of the wanted persons. Authorities also assured that the identity of the informant would be kept strictly confidential.The four individuals named in the notification are Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Mehran Arshad Khawaja and Sardar Aman.

The value of Pakistani Rupee (PKR) against the world’s strongest currencies was steady at today’s interbank market. As per the latest currency rate sheet issued by the National Bank of Pakistan on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the Dollar was trading at 278.70 (selling) and 278.20 (buying).During today’s session, the Rupee was able to maintain its value during a volatile global economy where central bank interest rates and monetary policy are changing, with most market players observing closely developments in the central banks from the world’s major economies. KEY CURRENCY MOVEMENTS The US Dollar (USD) was by far the most frequently traded currency today in the interbank market, with a narrow (50 paisa) difference between the purchase and sale prices for dollar transactions, which would indicate that the supply/demand for Dollars in the interbank market was fairly steady. On cash transactions for the dollar, banks were selling at 280 and buying at 277.In regard to other currencies in the interbank for ready transactions, The Pound (GBP) was being traded at 374.26 (selling) and buying at 373.59, the cash rates for Sterling were being traded between 376.13 and 371.68. The Euro was very close to 323 with the interbank trading of the Euro being 323.60 on sale and 323.02 on purchase.The Saudi Riyal (SAR), which is also a very important currency for sending money back home to Pakistan because of the large number of Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia, the Riyal was trading at 74.27 (selling) and 74.14 (buying) in the interbank market. The cash rates for the Riyal were being traded between 74.64 and 73.76.At current level, of 75.88 for sell and 75.75 for buy, the UAE Dirham is the second most important currency for remittance transfers (after the US Dollar). The cash pricing range for the Dirham is 76.26 to 75.36.With stability shown in pricing for the Qatari Riyal, at 76.53 for sell and 76.39 for buy, this demonstrates the consistent behaviour of Gulf currencies.The Kuwaiti Dinar continues to be one of the world’s highest-valued currencies with sell and buy rates established at 908.11 and 906.48, respectively, reflecting its very strong peg and low amount of volatility.The Canadian Dollar is also used frequently for international trades (including education). The sell price is 199.09; the buy price is 198.73, essentially demonstrating an inability to break through the 200-rupee psychological ceiling. SOFR PRESSURE The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) resulted in rates of 3.6372 for one-month, 3.6677 for three-months, and 3.7313 for six-months. The outstanding amount of interest charged to foreign lenders by US financial institutions continues to represent the ongoing restrictive monetary policy adopted by the Federal Reserve Bank of the US, thereby placing pressure on emerging market currencies.Currently, the SOFR spread between one-month to six-month at approximately nine basis points suggests that markets expect a gradual easing of policy to occur, however, given continuing inflation in developed economies, there remains caution regarding future expectations.Rates are based on the treasury rates sheet dated Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and are subject to change based on market conditions. Readers are advised to confirm current rates with their financial institutions before conducting transactions.

RAWALPINDI: In a major development in the investigation into the Chakwal CCD encounter, the post-mortem report of nine-year-old Hania Adeel has revealed that she sustained 11 injuries, including multiple gunshot wounds that led to her death.According to the autopsy report, Hania died after suffering multiple firearm injuries that caused severe trauma, excessive blood loss, shock, and cardio arrest."On the basis of post-mortem findings, the victim had multiple firearm injuries leading to polytrauma, causing hypovolemic shock and cardiopulmonary arrest. All injuries were antemortem in nature and sufficient to cause death in the ordinary course of nature," the report stated.The report revealed that a total of 11 injury marks, including bullet wounds, were found on the victim's body. A metallic bullet fragment was also recovered and handed over to police as evidence.Doctors noted that the injuries were severe enough to cause immediate death under normal circumstances. The report further stated that there were no visible injuries on the neck, while all neck bones and cartilages were found intact.According to the medico-legal findings, six to eight hours had elapsed between Hania's death and the post-mortem examination.Read more: Chakwal shooting: Plea seeks transparent probe into girl’s death in CCD firingHospital authorities sealed the victim's blood-stained clothes, X-rays, and other evidence before handing them over to investigators.The tragic incident occurred when Crime Control Department (CCD) personnel allegedly opened fire on a vehicle carrying a family during an operation against robbers in Chakwal.Adeel Ahmed, 39, his wife Dr Sidra Khan, their daughter Hania, 9, and son Aafan Ahmed, 10, were travelling in the vehicle when it came under fire after being mistakenly identified as carrying robbers. Hania died on the spot, while Adeel and Aafan sustained critical injuries. Dr Sidra remained unharmed.The family had arrived from Australia and was visiting relatives in Pakistan when the incident occurred.Investigations into the shooting are underway.

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to issue Juvenile Driving Permit to the youth aged between 16 to 18 years.Traffic Police department will issue the motorcycle driving permit to the youth between 16 to 18 years, the traffic police department spokesperson said."The youth will be eligible to drive only a motorcycle of up to 125 CC or a scooty," spokesman said.An annual fee of 500 rupees has been fixed for the juvenile driving permit, traffic police said.Police spokesman said that the smart card or 'B' form will be mandatory for issuance of this category of driving permit.Police also clarified that the juvenile driving permit will not be issued without a written permission from parents. "The driving permit will be issued to successful candidates after their traffic signs and road test".The issuance of juvenile driving permit will formally to be started in the province from the current week, spokesman said.DIG Traffic Waqas Nazir has said that the driving permit holders should ensure wearing helmets while driving motorbike or scooty."The indicators and sideview mirrors are also compulsory on the two-wheelers," DIG Police said."For a safe travel compliance of traffic rules, signals and speed limit is also necessary," he added.

Electricity consumers across Pakistan will now receive bills in a new and simplified format aimed at being easier to understand and more accessible.According to details, power distribution companies (DISCOs) have redesigned the electricity bill format following directives from the Ministry of Energy.The new electricity bill layout enables consumers to view their electricity consumption, billing details and payment information more clearly as compared in the earlier format.The format has been developed with a focus on simplicity, transparency and an improved customer experience.It is to be noted that the decision to redesign the electricity bill was taken in response to consumer complaints regarding the previous format, which was often considered difficult to understand due to excessive information, technical terminology and a complex layout.Under the new design, key details such as the total amount payable, due date and electricity usage are displayed more prominently, allowing consumers to access essential information at a glance.As part of the modernised billing system, a QR code has also been incorporated into the new electricity bills to facilitate easier access to payment and related services in Pakistan.Read more: Govt issues advisory on QR code verification in electricity billsLast month, the Ministry of Energy’s Power Division issued an important advisory for electricity consumers regarding the QR code verification system being introduced on electricity bills.According to reports, cyber criminals and hackers were attempting to exploit electricity consumers under the guise of a government subsidy scheme.The Power Division spokesperson warned that certain malicious elements are misusing QR codes to steal consumers’ personal information and achieve unlawful objectives.

Pakistan has facilitated the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals, including eight fishermen, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday.Dar in his post on X, stated that the eight Iranian fishermen had previously been rescued by a British vessel. The group being repatriated also includes 22 crew members of the vessel Leonore/ Davina, whose release was secured through Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts."We remain in close coordination with the Iranian, US and UK authorities to ensure the safe transit and early return of our Iranian brethren to their homeland. Pakistan remains committed to humanitarian cooperation and to extending every possible assistance to our Iranian brothers." Pakistan is pleased to facilitate the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals. This includes 8 Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground, and 22 Iranian crew members from the vessel Lenore/Davina, recently interdicted by US…— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 17, 2026 Separately on Wednesday, Dar held a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X.According to the statement, the two sides exchanged views on recent understandings reached between the United States and Iran, as well as the upcoming Memorandum of Understanding in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, scheduled for Friday.They also discussed preparations for the forthcoming Regional Four (R-4) Foreign Ministers’ meeting later this month.

KARACHI: A domestic worker accused of stealing 20 tolas of gold from a house in Karachi has been arrested by the police, ARY News reported on Wednesday.According to police, a housemaid named Asifa allegedly stole 20 tola gold from a house in Karachi on June 12.Following the gold robbery, a case against the housemaid was registered at Risala Police Station. The police party swung into action after registration of the case and apprehended the suspect during an intelligence-based targeted operation.During the arrest, police recovered six tolas of the stolen gold from the suspect’s possession.Investigators revealed that the suspect sold one gold set to a jeweller in Hub for Rs2.15 million. She also reportedly sold additional gold worth Rs200,000 to another jeweller in the Hub area.Police further stated that the suspect bought a house in Moach Goth with the money received after selling stolen gold, whereas some of the stolen jewellery has also reportedly been deposited with a jeweller for safekeeping.Read more: Over 115 tola gold stolen by housemaids in KarachiEarlier this year, more than 115 tola of gold jewellery was stolen from two houses within days in different areas of Karachi, allegedly by two housemaids, police said.The thefts occurred in Mohammad Ali Society and Bahadurabad, and police termed them among the largest domestic theft incidents reported in the city in 2026.In the Mohammad Ali Society case, over 100 tola of gold jewellery, valued at more than Rs45 million, was stolen.

The Sindh government has proposed a 7 per cent increase in salaries and a 5 per cent rise in pensions in the budget 2026-27, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources.During the cabinet meeting, officials reportedly discussed the financial challenges facing the Sindh Government in the upcoming fiscal year, noting that budgetary constraints have limited its ability to offer a larger increase in employees’ salaries.Sources said the government had aimed to raise salaries by at least 10 per cent; however, prevailing financial pressures have made such an increase difficult in budget 2026-27.Cabinet members asserted that lower-grade employees should receive a comparatively higher increase in pay to help offset the impact of rising living costs.The proposals are currently under consideration and are expected to form part of the province’s budgetary measures for the new financial year.Read more: Sindh budget 2026-27: Development spending slashed, no new schemes plannedChief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of finance minister, will present Sindh budget 2026-27 before the provincial assembly.The total outlay of Sindh budget 2026-27 is over Rs3.4 trillion.According to Sindh budget 2026-27 proposals, it is recommended to allocate Rs2.56 trillion for non-development expenditure in the upcoming financial year.The provincial government has reportedly decided not to include any new development schemes in the budget 2026-27. Instead, funding is expected to focus on 3,642 ongoing projects at the provincial and district levels, for which an allocation of Rs400 billion has been proposed.

LAHORE: The Lahore Police in an intelligence based operation arrested four operatives of an organized forgery network, a police spokesperson said on Wednesday."The accused were used to forge fake currency, identity cards, educational degrees and government documents," a DIG Lahore spokesman said.The police has caught a factory like setup and recovered forged items. "A four-member gang including father-son duo was operating the organized criminal netwwork," spokesman said."The accused were printing Pakistani and foreign currency to supply in different districts as well as to overseas," police said.Police recovered fake national and foreign currency notes, printing machines, computers and chemical. "Gang leader Riaz disclosed to get foreign training of modern colour matching".Arrested suspects have been identified as Riaz, Sajan Riaz, Imran and Asif, spokesman said.The FIR has been registered at Shahdara police station of Lahore against the four accused.

A senior representative of the poultry industry has expressed disappointment over the federal budget for 2026-27, stating that the sector has not received any meaningful relief measures.Speaking exclusively to ARY News, Khalique Arshad said the poultry industry continues to face significant challenges due to the high taxes imposed on essential vaccines and medicines used to protect chicks from diseases and support their healthy growth.He asserted that reducing taxes on these critical inputs would help the industry expand, increase production, and create additional employment opportunities.Arshad also highlighted the burden of the General Sales Tax (GST) imposed on day-old chicks, noting that a tax of Rs10 per chick is being charged despite producers already operating at a loss. He urged the government to introduce tax relief measures to support the sustainability and growth of the poultry sector.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ARY News (@arynewstv) Read more: Finance minister presents Rs18.7 trillion federal budget 2026-27; here are the detailsFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday presented the budget for financial year 2026-27 with a total outlay Rs18.7 trillion in National Assembly.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.

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) informed the National Assembly's Standing Committee for Finance about startling disclosures after FBR's access to the databases.FBR Chief Rashid Langarial was testifying on the Pakistan's new tax operating model, before the finance standing committee of the lower house chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar.Rashid Langarial while informing the session about increasing use of the technology in the FBR disclosed that "the 9,000 people in the country hold Rs. 750 billion bank deposits and they had paid zero income tax".FBR chairman also said that 98.9 return filers declare lesser income in their tax papers.He said to address this situation a faceless taxation system has been considered to implement, "This system requires no contact between the tax official and the taxpayer," he added.

Finance Ministry Advisor, Khurram Shahzad has said Pakistan would be the biggest beneficiary if Iran is allowed to sell its oil and gas in the international market.This he said while talking in the ARY News program Bakhabar Savera."Any potential easing of sanctions on Iran and its reintegration into the global oil economy could significantly improve regional energy supply dynamics, potentially benefiting countries like Pakistan."He added that such developments, if they materialise, could open new opportunities for energy cooperation and trade routes, although any improvements would likely take time to fully materialise.Replying to a query about the government passing the relief to the masses, Khurram Shahzad said Pakistan has begun passing on reductions in global oil prices to consumers following recent declines in the international crude oil market, officials said, noting that fuel prices in the country have already been adjusted multiple times in recent weeks.With the recent downturn in international oil markets, relief is now gradually being reflected in local fuel prices, Shahzad said and added that over the past two to three weeks, multiple reductions have been announced, including cuts of approximately Rs22 per litre, followed by further decreases of around Rs10–12 per litre, and most recently about Rs4 per litre for petrol and diesel.The advisor explained that Pakistan’s fuel pricing is also influenced by broader supply chain and infrastructure constraints, particularly in energy import routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the country’s energy imports are transported.Read more: Oil prices fall 5% to 3-month low on hopes Strait of Hormuz will openAny disruption in global supply lines or damage to energy infrastructure can delay the full impact of falling prices reaching consumers.It was also noted that international petroleum product prices, including refined petrol and diesel, do not always move in direct correlation with crude oil prices. As a result, domestic pricing adjustments are based on multiple market indicators rather than crude oil alone.

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has approved Rs2.1 billion for the construction of a model prison in Islamabad as part of adjustments to development allocations for the fiscal year 2025-26.The ECC met on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and approved a number of Technical Supplementary Grants (TSGs).According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance, the committee approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control for a Technical Supplementary Grant of Rs2.19 billion for the NADRA-TDP-ERP/KP-CCSDP project.The allocation will facilitate the continuation of project operations under the World Bank-financed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Citizen-Centered Service Delivery Project.The committee also approved a TSG of Rs5 billion in favour of the Directorate General Immigration and Passports for the settlement of outstanding liabilities related to the printing of passport booklets and to ensure uninterrupted passport services.Read More: Adiala Jail prisoner goes missingIn addition, the ECC approved adjustments in Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025-26 allocations through a TSG amounting to Rs2.12 billion for three development projects under the Interior Division. These include the Construction of Model Prison at H-16, Islamabad, the National Police Hospital Project, and the Foreign National Security Cell Dashboard and Allied Facilities project.The committee further approved a summary submitted by the Interior and Narcotics Control Division for a TSG of Rs240.5 million in favour of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) for the repair of helicopters to support its operational requirements.The ECC also approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research for the continuation of gas supply arrangements for the SNGPL-based urea manufacturing plants, Fatima Fertilizer and Agritech, until June 30, 2026. The decision is aimed at ensuring fertilizer availability and maintaining stability in the domestic urea market.