ISLAMABAD: Revealing Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that country's economy recorded a growth rate of 3.7 percent during the current fiscal year, demonstrating resilience despite a challenging domestic and international environment.The finance minister said the government had been confident that economic growth would surpass the 4 percent mark. However, unforeseen regional and global developments prevented the economy from achieving the targeted growth rate.Aurangzeb attributed part of the shortfall to the economic impact of regional tensions involving Iran, which affected overall economic activity and investor confidence. He also noted that heavy monsoon rains disrupted economic operations in several sectors, further impacting growth.The finance minister pointed out that the global economy has slowed considerably, with world economic growth declining to 3.1 percent from 3.7 percent a year earlier. Against this backdrop, he said Pakistan's economic performance reflected significant resilience.Despite facing both internal and external challenges, Aurangzeb maintained that the country's economy delivered an improved performance during the year. He added that the government had successfully managed multiple economic pressures and remained committed to maintaining stability while pursuing sustainable growth. Per capita income, GDP The survey indicates that per capita income has risen to $1,901, while average inflation is estimated at 6.7 percent, reflecting a significant decline from the high inflationary pressures witnessed in recent years.The country’s primary surplus has reached 3.5 percent of GDP, while Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tax collections increased to Rs11.229 trillion. Non-tax revenues were recorded at Rs4.633 trillion.Despite signs of macroeconomic stability, external sector challenges persist. During the July-April period, the current account posted a deficit of $200 million compared to a surplus of $1.7 billion during the corresponding period last year. Exports declined by 5.4 percent to $25.8 billion, while imports rose by 8.5 percent to $52.8 billion, widening trade pressures. Agriculture sector The agriculture sector recorded provisional growth of 2.89 percent, falling short of the 4.5 percent target set for the fiscal year. Growth in major crops remained particularly weak at 0.65 percent against a target of 6.7 percent, while cotton ginning recorded marginal growth of just 0.07 percent compared to the targeted 7 percent. Livestock growth stood at 3.7 percent, forestry at 2 percent, and fisheries at 1.6 percent, all below their respective targets.Among major crops, wheat production increased by 4.3 percent to 29.6 million tonnes, rice output rose by 2.8 percent to nearly 10 million tonnes, and sugarcane production grew by 6.2 percent to 89.45 million tonnes. However, maize production declined by 2.68 percent to 8.79 million tonnes, while cotton production fell by 0.5 percent to 7.05 million bales.The survey also highlights notable gains in several minor crops. Chickpea production surged by 50.4 percent, potato production increased by 27.6 percent, and banana output rose by 30.8 percent. Mango production registered an increase of nearly 12 percent, while turmeric and chilli production recorded growth of 25 percent and more than 9 percent, respectively. Read more: Pakistan budget 2026–27: Key highlights and expected measures Industrial sector The industrial sector outperformed expectations, with overall growth reaching 6.6 percent against a target of 4.7 percent. The construction sector recorded growth of 5.7 percent, exceeding its target of 3.8 percent. The services sector also slightly surpassed expectations, expanding by 4.09 percent against a target of 4 percent. Information and communication services emerged as one of the strongest-performing sectors, recording growth of 7.5 percent.However, some sectors failed to meet expectations. Wholesale and retail trade grew by 3.7 percent, transport by 2.3 percent, and hotels and restaurants by 3.9 percent. The financial and insurance sector recorded subdued growth of only 0.32 percent, while the real estate sector expanded by 3.6 percent. The electricity, gas and water supply sector witnessed a contraction of around 10 percent.The survey further notes an increase in private-sector borrowing, with credit disbursements reaching Rs987 billion compared to Rs694 billion during the previous year. Agricultural lending also rose substantially to Rs2.458 trillion, reflecting increased financing activity in the sector. Livestock sector Updated livestock statistics show that Pakistan’s buffalo population has reached 49.1 million, while cattle numbers stand at 61.9 million. The country is home to 91.8 million goats and 33.5 million sheep, while the donkey population has increased to 6.16 million. The camel population stands at 1.19 million and horses number approximately 386,000.Overall, the Pakistan Economic Survey presents a picture of gradual economic recovery supported by lower inflation, stronger industrial activity and improving fiscal indicators, although challenges remain in agriculture, exports and external sector performance. Remittances  Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted a significant increase in workers’ remittances during the current fiscal year, describing the inflows as an important source of support for Pakistan’s economy.The minister said remittances surpassed $33 billion during the first ten months of the ongoing fiscal year, reflecting the continued confidence and contribution of overseas Pakistanis.Aurangzeb noted that the Roshan Digital Account initiative was launched with the objective of encouraging investment from Pakistanis living abroad and strengthening their participation in the country’s economic development. He said the initiative continues to play an important role in attracting foreign exchange and facilitating investment opportunities. Foreign reserves Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s external sector has shown significant improvement during the current fiscal year, supported by higher foreign exchange reserves, record remittance inflows, and growing IT exports.The finance minister said foreign exchange reserves have increased to $17.2 billion, marking a 49 percent rise compared to the previous year. He noted that the improvement has strengthened Pakistan’s external position and enhanced its ability to meet international payment obligations.Aurangzeb stated that the country's import cover has improved to 2.75 months, reflecting greater stability in the external sector and improved foreign exchange liquidity. IT sector Highlighting the performance of the technology sector, Aurangzeb said IT exports reached $3.8 billion during the year. He added that Pakistani freelancers earned $959 million, demonstrating the growing importance of the digital economy and technology-driven services in generating foreign exchange earnings.The minister said the combined impact of stronger reserves, rising remittances, and increasing IT exports has contributed to greater economic stability and improved confidence in Pakistan’s external sector.

In a major development in Hamza murder case in Karachi's Orangi Town, wife of the deceased and a female cop Dua has confessed to her involvement in the crime and related family dispute during interrogation.According to police investigation, the accused officer was recently arrested in connection with the alleged murder of her husband. Following her confession, law enforcement authorities conducted a raid in Liaquatabad to apprehend her former husband and co-accused, Fahad. However, the suspect reportedly fled the location after locking his apartment.Investigating officers stated that evidence from the crime scene strongly suggests that the victim, Hamza, did not die by suicide. Instead, he was allegedly murdered, and an attempt was made to stage the incident as a suicide.Police further revealed that Fahad had a prior altercation with Hamza outside his residence a few days before the incident, during which he allegedly issued death threats.Read more: Newlywed girl ‘killed by husband’ over dowry dispute in KarachiAccording to investigators, the accused officer, Dua, joined the police department a few years ago. She was previously married to Fahad, with whom she has three children.Hamza and Fahad were reportedly close friends in the past, and Hamza frequently visited Fahad’s home. After a dispute between Hamza and Fahad, Dua later married Hamza. However, tensions between the couple reportedly escalated after the second marriage.Investigators allege that after her relationship with Hamza deteriorated, Dua re-established contact with her former husband Fahad. Together, they allegedly planned and executed a conspiracy to eliminate Hamza.

WASHINGTON D.C: U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat, praised Pakistan for its efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, calling Islamabad’s mediation role “important and commendable” as it seeks to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation.Speaking at a fundraising event hosted by Pakistani cardiologist Dr. Mubashir Chaudhry, Van Hollen said he welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to bring parties closer to negotiations and help prevent further escalation of conflict in the Middle East.He also criticized the origins of the war, saying it should never have been initiated by President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.“That’s a direct quote from him (Netanyahu) where, early in this war against Iran, he said he’d been waiting 40 years to go to war against Iran with the United States,” Van Hollen said, referring to Netanyahu. “And so, you know, other American presidents have essentially said no. Donald Trump is the first president to be stupid enough and reckless enough to do it.”The Maryland senator added that the United States was drawn into a conflict that should have been avoided and argued that diplomatic alternatives were ignored.He described the military action against Iran as unlawful under international law, saying war can only be initiated if there is an imminent and clearly established threat. He said no evidence had been presented that Iran posed such a threat to the United States or the region.“The Trump administration itself did not claim there was an imminent threat of attack from Iran,” Van Hollen said. “Absent that threshold, initiating or sustaining a war cannot be justified under international law.”Van Hollen also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, saying its role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran was helping create space for potential negotiations.His remarks come as Pakistan continues to position itself as a mediator aimed at reducing regional tensions and encouraging renewed diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran.US, Iran hit each other again as hopes for quick peace deal fade

The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) heard a review petition regarding the closure and demolition of Monal restaurant, while the federal government supported the plea seeking reconsideration of the earlier decision.During the proceedings, the court rejected an immediate request to reopen the restaurant and raised several questions regarding the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment ordering its demolition.The case was heard by a three-member bench headed by Justice Hassan Rizvi.The court was informed that the lease renewal matter of Monal restaurant was already pending before a civil court, while intra-court appeals related to some other restaurants were also under consideration in the High Court.During the hearing, it was argued that the Supreme Court had disposed of multiple pending cases through a single judgment, which, according to counsel, raised concerns about whether all parties had been properly heard.Read more: SC rejects review plea in Monal restaurant caseJustice Hassan Rizvi questioned why certain legal arguments were not raised before the Supreme Court at the time and remarked on the conduct of proceedings. The court also noted that judicial decisions cannot be set aside merely on the basis of consensus among parties.Counsel for the government, Ahsan Bhoon, stated that all parties agreed the matter should proceed in the civil court. However, the bench observed that court decisions cannot be altered simply through mutual agreement.The court further emphasized that revising a Supreme Court judgment requires detailed legal justification and cannot be done without proper judicial reasoning.The hearing was later adjourned until the second week of July for further proceedings.

ISLAMABAD: Members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a walkout from the National Assembly on Thursday in protest against what they termed the continued denial of a meeting with the party's founder, Imran Khan.Speaking on the floor of the House, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said PTI is the largest political party in the country which secured around 30 million votes in the general elections."We have repeatedly requested permission to meet Imran Khan," he said, adding that the party had always stood by the state and remained committed to constitutional supremacy.Barrister Gohar said PTI lawmakers were being denied access to the party founder despite repeated requests. He noted that many party workers and leaders had made sacrifices for the party's ideology.He warned that PTI would decide in a joint parliamentary party meeting whether it should continue participating in Parliament."We will decide whether or not to remain in this Parliament," he said, urging National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to issue a ruling facilitating a meeting with Imran Khan.Responding to the remarks, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said he had already facilitated three meetings between PTI leaders and the government, but the opposition party continued to stage walkouts.PTI Chairman dismissed reports of forward block within partyEarlier, while speaking to the media, Barrister Gohar dismissed reports of the formation of a forward bloc within PTI. He acknowledged the existence of internal differences but said there was no organised group working against the party leadership or the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.He added that consultations were underway to address the concerns of PTI lawmakers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly regarding governance and development projects, and said the party leadership was committed to resolving their reservations through dialogue.

MOHMAND: At least two Khwarij belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by security forces in the Sheikh Banda area of Mohmand district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to security sources.Security sources said one of the terrorists killed in the operation, carried out on June 4, 2026, was identified as an Afghan national. Forces recovered an Afghan identity card issued by Afghanistan Taliban Emirate (IEA), foreign currency, modern weapons, and a suicide vest from his possession.According to the recovered identity documents, the killed Khwarij was identified as Umar Bilal, a resident of Khost province in Afghanistan.Security officials said the identification of the Afghan national provides further evidence of cross-border links in terror activities targeting Pakistan.Defence analysts have stated that the presence of Afghan nationals in terrorist networks operating inside Pakistan highlights the continued security challenges posed by cross-border attacks.Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns at international forums regarding the use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups for launching attacks inside the country.Security forces reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating terrorism and ensuring peace and stability across the country.27 Khwarij killed in Miran Shah IBO: ISPREarlier, in an IBO, Security Forces engaged multiple Khwarij’s locations in the general area Miran Shah, North Waziristan District, killing as many as 27 Khwarij belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij, ARY News reported, citing Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR).The Khwarij were killed following intense, fierce exchanges of fire in the last seventy-two hours.Weapons and ammunition have also been recovered from killed Indian sponsored Khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities and target killing of innocent civilians.

LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province for 10 days from the first to 10th of Muharram ul Haram due to security concerns."There will be no new events or modifications to existing mourning processions and gatherings," Punjab Home Department said in a notification.Under the order, the display of weapons and flammable materials in public spaces is strictly banned without official approval.The government has also prohibited provocative slogans, gestures, and any statements, verbal, written, or digital, that may incite sectarian or communal hatred.Any attempt to spread religious or ethnic intolerance through speeches, media, or social platforms will be dealt with strictly under the provisions of Section 144.The measure aims to ensure public safety, maintain religious harmony, and prevent any untoward incidents during the observance of Muharram.In addition to these restrictions, pillion riding will be prohibited, with exemptions granted to women, senior citizens, and law enforcement officials. All the restrictions will remain in force from 1st to 10th Muharram across Punjab.The Home Department has officially issued the notification and instructed authorities to ensure its widespread dissemination. Citizens are urged to cooperate fully with the district administration and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security during Muharram.

The Islamabad traffic police has announced that its licencing system has been fully converted into a paperless and cashless model.According to police officials, and on the directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, all processes related to obtaining a driving licence have been shifted to modern digital systems to improve efficiency and convenience for citizens.Under the new system, applicants can pay their licencing fees through any banking application or alternative digital payment channel. The traditional requirement of carrying multiple documents has also been eliminated.Officials stated that citizens will now only need to bring their original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) to complete the licencing process and obtain their driving license.The initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize public service delivery through technology-driven solutions and reduce manual processing in government departments.Read more: Rawalpindi’s first woman obtains HTV driving licenceEarlier, a woman in Rawalpindi has become the first female driver to obtain a Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) driving licence from the Rawalpindi Traffic Police.Humaira Naseer earned the licence after successfully passing the HTV commercial driving test, including a dumper driving assessment conducted at the Old Varan Depot on Peshawar Road in Saddar, Rawalpindi.According to City Traffic Police (CTP) Rawalpindi, Humaira Naseer completed the entire licensing process on merit, becoming the first woman to receive an HTV licence from the department.Speaking on the occasion, she praised the transparent licensing system and the guidance provided by the City Traffic Police, saying their cooperation made the process easier for her.

GILGIT: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the PML-N delegations have discussed political cooperation for government formation in Gilgit Baltistan in a meeting.The two sides discussed possible formulae of political cooperation in detail for government formation in the region.The delegations of the PPP and the PML-N held the consultations in Gilgit with PPP delegation comprises of Nayyar Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Shah and the President of Gilgit Baltistan People's Party Amjad Hussain Advocate.Federal Minister Amir Muqam and Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman represented the PML-N in the meeting.The sides decided to present their proposals to the parties' central leadership."The people have voted the People's Party to give it the mandate of Gilgit Baltistan and make it the largest party in the region," PPP delegation said. "The decision with regard to government formation will be made under the democratic principles and in the best interest of the people."The PPP after emerging as the largest party of the region in elections bagging nine assembly seats, required four members backing for simple majority in a house of 25 members.The party sources earlier said that the PPP has approached four independent winners in the GB polls. The winning independent candidates have been approached on the instructions of the party’s leadership, sources said.After independents other parties in Gilgit Baltistan would also be approached soon, PPP sources added.The Pakistan People’s Party has secured nine seats in election, while independent candidates and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have secured five seats each, while Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) has won one seat.

A significant initiative has been launched to equip young people with market-relevant skills and enhance their employment prospects through a free vocational training program. The program is being conducted through a collaboration between the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and the Livestock Exporters Association of Pakistan (LEAP), with support and guidance from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. According to available information, participants will receive three months of free training in high-demand skills within the livestock industry, including fish farming and other specialized trades. The primary objective of the initiative is to provide practical, industry-focused skills that can lead to improved employment and income-generating opportunities.Training programs offered Under the NAVTTC Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, training will be provided in the following areas: Assistant Slaughterer / Helper (Level-II) Fish Farming Cold Chain Management and Export Logistics Certification Practices Meat Processing, Value Addition, and Preservation Eligibility criteria Age Limit: 18 to 40 years Minimum Education: Middle or Matriculation Training Locations: Mardan and Peshawar Registration details Program organizers have stated that seats are limited and interested candidates are encouraged to complete their registration as soon as possible. Application Deadline: 16 June 2026 Applications can be submitted online through the official National Skills Information System (NSIS) portal: NSIS Portal This initiative is part of the government's broader efforts to connect young people with skill-based employment opportunities and strengthen workforce development in Pakistan.

Pakistan government has extended the closing time for grocery stores to facilitate the masses.The decision was taken in  meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, in Islamabad.The Committee reviewed several cases submitted by various Ministries and Divisions seeking exemptions from the applicability of certain austerity measures and finalized its recommendations accordingly.It was also decided that Consular Attestation services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its liaison offices in Quetta, Karachi, Peshawar, Gujrat, and Lahore would remain operational on Fridays as well for public facilitation.Read more: Senate returns Rs1.436bn to treasury after austerity driveThe Committee further recommended extending the applicability period of those additional austerity measures whose expiry date had been notified as 13th June until 30th June.It also decided to extend the closing time of standalone grocery and kiryana stores to 10:00 PM on all days of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays.The Senate of Pakistan has 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.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Ministry of National Food Security to ensure the supply of wheat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) through the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO).Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi thanked PM Shehbaz for approving the supply of 200,000 metric tons of wheat through PASSCO."The province requires around 3.6 million metric tons of wheat," Governor Kundi said, adding that the transportation of the remaining wheat from Punjab is still facing hurdles.He alleged that wheat and flour supplies are being blocked at nine checkpoints along the Punjab-KP border. "Under the Constitution and the new wheat policy, the free movement of wheat and flour is our right," he stated.The governor urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take notice of the situation at the checkpoints and ensure the uninterrupted transportation of wheat and flour to the province."The supply of the remaining wheat and flour required by the province must also be ensured," he said, stressing that the people of KP should not be deprived of access to affordable wheat and flour.Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain said the decision was aimed at protecting the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from the impact of inflation. He added that instructions had been issued to ensure the immediate and effective supply of wheat through PASSCO.No Wheat Shortage in Country, Adequate Reserves Available: Minister

Pakistan's total federal budget outlay for the fiscal year 2026-27  is expected to be approximately Rs18 trillion, ARY News reported on Thursday, citing well-informed sources. The federal budget is scheduled to be presented on June 12.A 10% increase in salaries is expected, while the salaried class may receive relief in income tax. Tax rates for individuals earning between Rs1.2 million and Rs2.2 million annually may be reduced.The government is considering a reduction in Super Tax; however, Corporate Income Tax is expected to remain unchanged. Prices of certain consumer products, including cosmetics, face powder, mascara, shampoo, and soap, may decline due to proposed tax adjustments.Electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles are expected to become more expensive under the proposed budget measures.Read more: IMF ‘opposes’ tax relief for imported EVs ahead of budget 2026-27Revenue projections include: Direct Taxes: Rs7.413 trillion Sales Tax: Rs4.727 trillion Customs Duty: Rs1.651 trillion Federal Excise Duty: Rs1.043 trillion The Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) collection target may be set at Rs1.727 trillion, which is Rs259 billion higher than the current fiscal year's target of Rs1.468 trillion.A Gas Surcharge collection target of Rs151 billion is also under consideration.Debt servicing and interest payments  Domestic Debt Servicing: Rs6.652 trillion External Debt Servicing: Rs1.107 trillion The budget may introduce new taxes amounting to Rs220 billion.Proposed income tax slabs for salaried individuals Tax relief for employees earning monthly salaries of Rs100,000, Rs200,000, and Rs300,000. Revised tax relief proposals for annual salaries up to approximately Rs3.6 million. Possible abolition of the 10% surcharge currently applicable to annual salaries of Rs10 million or more. Expansion of income tax slabs for salaried individuals from six to eight categories. For government expenditures Non-development expenditure for federal ministries and departments may be set at Rs1.07 trillion. More than Rs1.1 trillion is expected to be allocated for pensions. Rs838 billion has been proposed for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The quarterly BISP stipend may be increased from Rs13,000 to Rs14,500. Automobile sector measures The budget proposes the introduction of an Environmental Levy on luxury vehicles: 10% levy on petrol and diesel vehicles with engine capacities between 2001cc and 3000cc. 19.5% levy on petrol and diesel vehicles exceeding 3000cc. The government expects to generate approximately Rs25.8 billion through Environmental Levy collections on vehicles above 2000cc. Read more: Budget 2026-27: Salaried class set for ‘tax cuts’ under new proposalsTo support the local automobile industry: Tax on imported raw materials may be reduced to 1%. Import duty on parts used for local manufacturing may be reduced from 10% to 5%. Tax on imported auto parts for the local industry may be reduced from 20% to 10%. Manufacturers will be required to pass 62 key safety and quality standard tests. Concessional tax benefits may be withdrawn if manufacturers fail to localize parts production. For imported SUVs and jeeps: The current tax rate may be reduced by 2 percentage points from 50%. Over the next five years, the tax rate is expected to be gradually reduced from 50% to 40%. Locally manufactured hybrid vehicles may face an increase in sales tax from 8.5% to 18%. Climate and petroleum measures The Climate Levy on petroleum products is expected to double from Rs2.5 per litre to Rs5 per litre in the upcoming fiscal year.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have concluded their final budget meeting, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly securing major relief measures for the upcoming fiscal year, sources told ARY News.Sources claim the PM of Pakistan engaged the IMF Managing Director on public concerns and succeeded in convincing the Fund on several key relief proposals.According to sources, the IMF has agreed in principle to consider relief for the salaried class, with an estimated Rs60 billion package expected to benefit wage earners.The global lender is also said to have agreed to an increase in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) stipend as part of broader social protection measures.Sources further state that pressure for an 18 percent sales tax on solar panels and stationery has been withdrawn. Instead, it is being proposed that no new sales tax be imposed on stationery items, while the solar panel tax may remain at around 10 percent in the budget 2026–27.It is also reported that relief measures for students and parents have been included, with the proposed 18 percent tax on stationery expected to be dropped.Additionally, sources indicate that no major changes are expected in taxation on the stock market and tobacco products in the upcoming budget.The developments come as Pakistan finalises budgetary negotiations with the IMF ahead of the 2026–27 fiscal announcement.

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has estimated around Rs. 682 billion to earmark for development projects of various ministries and divisions in the upcoming federal budget 2026-27.According to official documents, Rs. 312 billion has been allocated for the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Power Division collectively in the budget 2026-27, out of which the NHA will receive Rs. 224 billion, while the Power Division will get Rs. 88 billion in the next financial year.The Water Resources Division will receive Rs. 104 billion. Read Also: Budget 2026-27 Salary Raise Criteria Decided For provinces and special areas, Rs. 233 billion is estimated to be allocated. This includes Rs .88 billion for provincial-level projects and Rs .56 billion for merged districts. Around Rs .89 billion is expected to be allocated for Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.For defence division, Rs. 11 billion and for the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Rs. 46 billion have been earmarked.According to planning ministry documents, the Railways Division is set to receive Rs 40.65 billion. The Interior Ministry will get Rs .22 billion, and the Information Ministry is set to get nearly Rs 2.75 billion.

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Mustafa Kamal has made strong remarks about party leadership and internal electoral processes, raising questions over the tenure and extensions of the party's chairman, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, ARY News reported.Speaking exclusively on ARY News programme 11th Hour, Mustafa Kamal said that Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui’s chairmanship tenure had already expired, adding that he had obtained an extension from the Election Commission until October. He further claimed that Siddiqui has now received multiple extensions for his position.He remarked that it was unusual for a party leader to approach the Election Commission repeatedly for extensions, saying he had never seen such a practice before. “A party leader going to the Election Commission and asking to extend the election date is an unusual situation,” he said.Mustafa Kamal also stated that he remains a member of MQM-P’s central committee under Khalid Maqbool’s leadership, but claimed that no meeting had yet been held regarding the issue of Kamran Tessori’s governorship within the party structure.He added that even internal discussions within the central committee have not taken place on several key matters.The MQM-P leader further said that for the first time, a party leader is repeatedly seeking extensions from the Election Commission and that no one has even opposed it there. He claimed that Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has received such extensions four times.Kamal also announced his intention to contest for the party chairmanship, saying he would participate in internal party elections if they are held. He questioned the party’s democratic process, stating that leadership contests rarely take place in such structures.“Leadership is usually so powerful that elections are not even held,” he remarked, adding that MQM-P should strengthen its internal democratic practices.He concluded by describing the situation as unusual, saying he had never heard of a party chairman personally approaching the Election Commission to extend internal election timelines, and noted with a light laugh that the matter was “unique in political history.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTQjWhwmGKw

KARACHI: The Karachi Police official website has been temporarily shut down, ARY News reported.Citizens are facing significant difficulties due to the portal's closure, as the public routinely visits the site to obtain various character and clearance certificates.The website is also widely used by residents to register daily complaints online.According to police officials, the website was taken offline to undergo essential routine maintenance and system upgrades.The police department added that IT experts are currently working on the system, and the website will be fully reactivated soon.

ISLAMABAD: The federal minister for health in Pakistan has said that, following the rise of deadly HIV/AIDS cases in the country, five types of syringes have been banned in Pakistan.The federal health minister told the National Assembly that reports have emerged of an increase in HIV cases in the capital, Islamabad, and Taunsa, a city in Punjab.It is to be remembered that last month, the Ministry of National Health Services issued a clarification regarding media reports on HIV/AIDS cases in Islamabad, denying claims that there had been an alarming increase in the number of cases.Explaining the reasons behind the increase in cases, Mustafa Kamal said that the reuse of used syringes had contributed to the rise in HIV/AIDS infections.According to Mustafa Kamal, a total of 366,000 people in the country are living with HIV/AIDS, adding that HIV/AIDS is not an incurable disease.The health minister said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a special committee to help prevent the spread of the disease.He further said that the federal government is working with the provinces to control the disease and that the use of five types of syringes has been banned by the government.

KARACHI: A robbery video has surfaced from Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal area within the jurisdiction of the Mubina Town police station, showing armed suspects looting a chicken supplier and a shopkeeper.According to details, five armed men riding two motorcycles stopped a shopkeeper and a chicken supplier and robbed them of cash and mobile phones before fleeing the scene.The video footage shows the armed suspects threatening the victims and quickly escaping after snatching valuables.Residents of the area in Karachi say that such street crimes during early morning hours have become a routine matter, raising serious concerns about law and order.Locals further claim that despite the clear visibility of the suspects in CCTV footage, police have not taken effective action so far.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YAxKM4BJJ8Earlier, an attempted robbery at a newly opened cosmetics store in Karachi’s Korangi area was thwarted after female customers courageously confronted the armed suspects, forcing them to flee the scene.According to eyewitnesses, four armed men entered the cosmetics shop near Korangi No. 6 Market while several women and children were present inside.The suspects allegedly attempted to carry out a robbery, targeting both the shop owner and customers.However, the women inside the store resisted the robbers, disrupting their plans and prompting the suspects to open fire before fleeing the area.Witnesses said the incident created panic among shoppers, particularly as children were also present at the time. Fortunately, despite the gunfire, no injuries or fatalities were reported.Police officials stated that officers responded promptly after receiving reports of the incident and launched a pursuit of the fleeing suspects. However, the attackers managed to escape before they could be apprehended.Authorities confirmed that the robbers were unable to steal cash, valuables or merchandise from the store due to the resistance offered by those present.  Watch Video: Woman Foils Armed Robbery Attempt

KARACHI: Karachi police have once again failed to control rampant street crime in the city after robbers looted mobile phones worth hundreds of thousands of rupees from a trader right near the high-security Red Zone, ARY News reported. According to details, five muggers riding three motorcycles intercepted and robbed a merchant inside the mobile market. The robbers made off with as many as 55 expensive mobile phones, carrying an immense financial value. The criminals fled the scene after snatching two cartons and a bag containing the high-end devices from the trader. Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan has taken strict notice of the brazen robbery and sought a detailed report from the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South. He has ordered the DIG to ensure the immediate arrest of the robbers and directed that all available resources be utilized to recover the snatched valuables. Earlier, Street crime in Karachi had risen alarmingly, with the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) releasing disturbing crime statistics for the month of May, ARY News reported.A total of 4,671 criminal incidents were reported across the metropolis in May alone, raising serious concerns over the performance of the Karachi police in tackling the law-and-order situation.Mobile Phone Snatching Street criminals targeted citizens ruthlessly, snatching as many as 1,860 mobile phones at gunpoint across the city.Motorcycle Theft and Snatching Two-wheelers remained the primary target for criminals. According to the CPLC report, 445 motorcycles were snatched at gunpoint, while a staggering 2,240 bikes were stolen over the course of the month.Vehicle Theft Automobile theft also persisted, with at least 20 vehicles snatched at gunpoint and another 106 reported stolen from various areas of the city.Bank Robbery, Extortion, The city recorded one bank robbery and 10 incidents of extortion in May.More tragically, the month saw a severe rise in violent casualties, with 56 people losing their lives in various firing and violent incidents.On a positive note, no cases of kidnapping for ransom were reported.The deeply unsettling figures have triggered calls for immediate, renewed efforts from law enforcement. Citizens are demanding increased police patrolling and stricter security measures across Karachi’s streets to at least contain, if not entirely eradicate, the surging crime wave.