Tensions have risen sharply in Afghanistan’s Faryab province after the Taliban detention of several protesters in the Dawlat Abad district. According to Afghan media, the unrest began after young men were arrested for allegedly clashing with Taliban members over the harassment of girls during Eid. Eyewitnesses said the arrests triggered a public outcry. On Monday, a large group of demonstrators marched toward the district police command. They chanted slogans in support of former vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum, shouting, “Long live Dostum!” Several protesters entered the police compound during the demonstration. The protest quickly escalated. Taliban fighters, in response, began…
Author: Web Desk
ISLAMABAD – Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has highlighted the urgent need for tariff reforms, calling them critical for economic stability and export growth. Speaking at a post-budget press conference on Wednesday, he said such reforms were overdue by three decades. “These tariff reforms have been ignored for the past 30 years,” the minister stressed. He explained that the changes would not only boost economic progress but also help increase exports. The government has reduced tariffs to zero on 4,000 out of 7,000 tariff lines. The press briefing was delayed due to a walkout by journalists. Reporters protested the absence of…
WASHINGTON – The United States has hinted that President Donald Trump may step in to help resolve the ongoing Kashmir conflict, as tensions remain high between Pakistan and India following the Pahalgam attack. During a routine press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said President Trump has a track record of tackling deep-rooted international disputes. “He’s never shied away from difficult issues,” Bruce noted. “And the Kashmir conflict is no exception.” She emphasized that it should not be surprising if Trump offers to mediate. “He’s brought together leaders who once refused even basic talks,” she added, referring to past…
PESHAWAR – Panic spread across the city on Wednesday as a mild earthquake in Pakistan struck Peshawar. The tremor had a magnitude of 4.7 on the Richter Scale. According to the Seismological Centre, the epicentre was located in the Hindu Kush mountain range of Afghanistan. The depth of the tremor was reported to be 211 kilometres below the surface. This latest earthquake in Pakistan comes almost a month after a stronger jolt hit the region. That quake had a magnitude of 5.3 and affected Islamabad, Mardan, Swat, Swabi, Nowshera, and North Waziristan. Its epicentre also lay in the Hindu Kush,…
In a bold step to expand the tax base and crack down on hidden wealth, the Finance Bill 2025-26 has introduced tough new rules. These new measures come from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and target people who stay out of the formal tax system. According to the bill, “ineligible persons” will be blocked from high-value economic dealings. This includes the purchase or registration of vehicles, real estate, and financial securities. Only individuals who have filed tax returns for the last tax year—and who can prove their financial capacity through declared sources—will be allowed to make such purchases. These…
The federal government has earmarked Rs8,205 billion for provincial distribution under the NFC Award for the new financial year. According to budget documents, Punjab and Sindh will get the largest shares from this fiscal package. Punjab remains the top recipient under the NFC Award, with Rs4,760 billion assigned from the divisible pool. Its population size continues to secure it the biggest cut. Sindh follows with Rs2,430 billion allocated under the same mechanism. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is set to receive Rs1,342 billion. This figure includes an extra one percent share in recognition of the province’s role in the war against terrorism.…
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) climbed to an all-time high on Tuesday. Investors showed strong confidence ahead of the federal budget presentation. The benchmark KSE-100 index gained more than 900 points during intraday trading. Following the Eid holidays, the stock market opened on a firm note. Momentum remained strong throughout the trading session. By 11:30 am, the KSE-100 was recorded at 122,161.81 points, rising by 520.81 points or 0.43%. It later reached 122,558 points, marking the highest level in PSX history. This surge was led by active buying in major sectors. Commercial banks, oil and gas exploration, refining, and fertiliser…
Sana Mir has carved her name in cricket history. She is now the first Pakistani woman to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. This landmark recognition by the International Cricket Council marks a turning point for women’s cricket in Pakistan. The announcement came during a glittering ceremony at Abbey Road Studios in London, a place made famous by The Beatles. The iconic location sits close to Lord’s Cricket Ground, where the ICC World Test Championship final will soon begin. Mir, 38, has become part of an elite cricket group that includes MS Dhoni of India, Graeme Smith and…
Pakistan’s economy is showing clear signs of improvement after facing major challenges just a year ago. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024–25, presented by the Finance Minister, the country has moved from crisis toward stability and growth, with relief reaching businesses, common people, and overseas Pakistanis alike. The economy’s size has grown to $411 billion. This expansion has led to an almost 10% increase in income per person, which now stands at $1,824. Perhaps the most welcome news for ordinary Pakistanis is the dramatic fall in inflation. It has dropped from over 23% to just 3.5% — the lowest…
Most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the provincial capital Peshawar, are currently in the grip of intense heat. Weather authorities have predicted extremely hot and dry conditions, especially in the plains. According to the Meteorological Department, Peshawar recorded a temperature of 43°C on Sunday. In Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan, temperatures climbed even higher, reaching 44°C. Other regions reported the following temperatures: Takht Bhai at 41°C, while Timergara, Upper Dir, and Chitral stood at 35°C. Cooler areas like Kalam and Malam Jabba recorded 29°C and 28°C respectively. The scorching heat has disrupted daily life in the lowland districts. Citizens are…
