Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Saturday that Pakistan’s economy is now moving from stabilisation towards growth as the government presented key details of the federal budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. He said Pakistan’s economy is heading in the right direction and the next phase will focus on strengthening growth through exports and structural reforms. Speaking at a post-budget press conference, the finance minister said the government has worked on improving both tax collection and export performance. He added that the budget reflects a clear shift in strategy, with export-led growth at its core. According to him, Pakistan’s economy…
Author: Web Desk
Pakistan football has reached a historic milestone after the national team secured qualification for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, marking its first-ever appearance in a FIFA tournament outside traditional qualification events. According to sources, Pakistan received an official invitation from FIFA to take part in the newly launched competition, and the Pakistan Football Federation has accepted the offer. The FIFA ASEAN Cup will be held in Indonesia from September 21 to October 6. It will bring together teams from across the region in a new competition designed to expand international football opportunities. Pakistan will compete in Division 1 alongside regional…
Pakistan’s government has proposed a fixed tax system for traders as part of the federal budget for 2026-27, aiming to simplify taxation for small businesses and improve voluntary compliance. Presenting the budget, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the proposed scheme would reduce regulatory hurdles and make the tax system easier for traders and shopkeepers to understand and follow. According to budget documents, the new mechanism has been introduced under Section 1993 of the Income Tax Ordinance. Under the proposal, shopkeepers and small business owners with annual sales of up to Rs50 million will qualify for the fixed tax regime. The…
Pakistan security forces have killed 21 India-backed terrorists during a series of intelligence-based operations in the Miran Shah area and surrounding parts of North Waziristan, according to the military’s media wing. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operations were carried out over the past 72 hours and involved intense exchanges of fire with militants. Among those killed were four key commanders identified as Khalid Raza alias Salar, Muftoon, Musa and Imran alias Ayan. The military described them as senior figures who played leading roles in militant activities in the region. According to ISPR, the deaths of these commanders have…
Iran has taken significant steps to secure its enriched uranium stockpile amid concerns that the United States could attempt to seize or neutralize the material, according to a report by CNN. The report, citing five sources familiar with US intelligence assessments, said Iran has deliberately collapsed tunnel entrances and planted explosives around access points to protect its nuclear assets. The measures have made access to nearly half a ton of highly enriched uranium far more difficult, dangerous and time-consuming than it was a month ago, the sources said. The developments come after US President Donald Trump suggested that Washington’s priority…
The United States and Iran signaled on Friday that a US-Iran peace deal is within reach after both sides agreed on the text of a draft agreement aimed at ending months of conflict. A senior US administration official said Washington expects to sign an initial agreement within days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also expressed optimism, although he noted that changes to the draft could still be made before final approval. Speaking on Iranian state television, Araghchi claimed Iran had emerged stronger from the conflict and described the tentative agreement as a positive outcome for Tehran. Despite the diplomatic progress,…
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday unveiled the Federal Budget 2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs18,771 billion as the government seeks to stabilise the economy while managing an energy crisis and regional tensions in the Middle East. Presenting the budget in the National Assembly, Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s improved global standing. He said the country’s voice now carries weight internationally and its friendship is valued, crediting strong defensive capabilities and diplomatic efforts, including brokering a ceasefire between Iran and the United States. The session saw noisy protests from the opposition, with PTI lawmakers displaying placards. Treasury benches welcomed Prime…
Lakki Marwat was gripped by tension on Thursday after the bodies of two men, including a local Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) leader, were recovered, prompting protests and a blockade of the Peshawar-Karachi Indus Highway. Police said the bullet-riddled bodies of Gul Zareen and Matiullah were found on the roadside in the Khanzada Khel area. Both men were residents of Pehar Khel Pakka in Lakki Marwat. According to police, Gul Zareen was a former village nazim and an active member of JUI’s tehsil leadership. The killings triggered a strong reaction from JUI workers, local leaders and the victims’ relatives. Protesters placed the…
Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine has arrived in Karachi, where naval personnel and senior officers welcomed the vessel in a ceremonial reception. The submarine, PNS/M Hangor, received a traditional naval welcome upon its arrival. Senior Pakistan Navy officers, service members and families of the crew attended the ceremony, while cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy presented a ceremonial salute. According to the Pakistan Navy, PN Z9EC helicopters conducted a fly-past to honour the submarine’s arrival. A reception ceremony was later held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard. Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Abdul Munib attended the event as the chief guest.…
A group of United Nations experts has condemned a crackdown on women in Afghanistan, saying at least two people were killed and more than 20 others wounded during protests against new restrictions in the western city of Herat. The protest followed a campaign by Herat’s morality police, who began arresting dozens of women on Saturday for not wearing the chador or burqa, garments required under local dress code regulations. According to the UN experts, a demonstration against the arrests was forcibly dispersed on Tuesday. Witnesses said security forces opened fire on protesters, while police denied using weapons during the incident.…
