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…
Author: Web Desk
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.…
US President Donald Trump has said that a US-Iran nuclear agreement is close to completion, claiming that negotiators have reached an excellent deal and are now finalizing the necessary documents. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the finalization process should be completed within the next few days. He added that the agreement could be signed in Europe and described the development as a positive step forward. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has downplayed reports about the timing and location of any signing ceremony. A ministry spokesperson said such claims are based on media speculation and that discussions about where and…
LONDON: Pakistani superstar Mahira Khan met King Charles at the British Asian Trust Annual Dinner and Reception in London, where she praised his efforts to support mental health initiatives in Pakistan. The event, held at The Peninsula London, brought together more than 300 guests, including celebrities, philanthropists and supporters of charitable projects across South Asia. Speaking to the media after the event, Mahira Khan said it was encouraging to see the British monarch actively supporting causes such as mental health through the British Asian Trust. “People still feel ashamed even to talk about mental health,” she said. “Many believe that…
Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26 in Islamabad on Thursday, highlighting the country’s economic performance during the outgoing fiscal year. Speaking at a press briefing, Aurangzeb acknowledged that agriculture and industrial growth targets were not fully achieved. He said Pakistan faced several challenges during the year, including global tariff uncertainties, floods in August and September 2025, and a regional conflict earlier this year. Despite these difficulties, he said the economy remained resilient and continued its transition from stabilization to growth. According to the survey, Pakistan’s economy expanded to $452.1 billion, while per capita…
Pakistan recorded a National football team historic win after defeating Afghanistan 2-0 in the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament at the National Football Stadium in Male on Wednesday. This victory marked a major milestone for Pakistan football, as the team lifted an international title in a senior men’s final for the first time since the 1991 South Asian Games, when they also beat the Maldives 2-0. It also became Pakistan’s first standalone tournament victory since sharing the Asian Quadrangular Football Tournament title with India in 1952, which was played in a round-robin format. Pakistan started the final…
Around 600 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday through the Wagah Border to take part in the Jore Mela celebrations at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, marking the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji. The pilgrims were received at the border by Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, and representatives of the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Officials said the visit reflects growing religious harmony and people-to-people contact between Pakistan and India. Ramesh Singh Arora said Pakistan has always welcomed Sikh pilgrims with respect and care, and visas were issued…
The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday issued a key ruling in the Baldia Town factory fire case verdict, acquitting the two main convicts who had been sentenced to death over the 2012 Karachi industrial tragedy. A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahzad Malik accepted the appeals of Abdul Rehman alias Bhola and Zubair alias Chariya. The court set aside their death sentences that had earlier been upheld by both the trial court and the Sindh High Court. The court ruled that both men were entitled to the benefit of the doubt. The detailed written judgment will be issued later.…
