Pakistan is heading toward a crucial fiscal moment as the Pakistan Federal Budget 2026-27 analysis comes under intense public and expert scrutiny ahead of its presentation on June 5. The upcoming budget is expected to affect not just government accounts but also the daily lives of millions of citizens, influencing jobs, business activity, investment, purchasing power, and inflation trends. The government claims it is working to keep the burden on the public as low as possible. However, ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund and proposed tax reforms are raising concerns about how much relief will actually be possible. Reports…
Author: Web Desk
Islamabad authorities have issued a new notification introducing revised operating hours for markets and commercial areas across the city, effective from June 1, 2026. Under the updated schedule, retail shops and shopping malls will close by 8 p.m. Restaurants, food outlets, bakeries, and grocery stores will be allowed to remain open until 10 p.m. Officials said the new operating hours for markets aim to regulate business activity while ensuring essential services remain accessible to the public. Key services such as hospitals, medical stores, petrol pumps, and CNG stations will stay open without any restrictions. Milk shops, dairy outlets, gyms, sports…
The situation between United States and Iran escalated again after strikes on Iranian military sites by US forces over the weekend, followed by a reported retaliation from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. US Central Command said the strikes were carried out in response to what it called “aggressive Iranian actions,” including the downing of a US MQ-1 drone operating over international waters. According to CENTCOM, US fighter aircraft targeted Iranian air defence systems, a ground control station, and drones seen as threats to naval movement in the region. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it struck a US-operated…
Pakistan has rejected recent assurances from the Afghan Taliban regarding action against the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, saying the response is inadequate and fails to address ground realities. In Afghanistan, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada reportedly issued an informal warning to TTP militants, urging them to stop attacks inside Pakistan or risk losing Taliban support and allegiance. Despite this message, Pakistani officials have made it clear that they remain unconvinced. Pakistan rejects Taliban assurances and maintains that no meaningful or verifiable action has been taken to stop cross-border militancy. A senior official said there has been no visible or concrete change in…
PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa internal differences have intensified, leading the party to establish a six-member committee aimed at improving coordination and resolving disputes within its ranks. According to an official notification, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser will head the committee. The body also includes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, Provincial General Secretary Ali Asghar Khan, Provincial Ministers Meena Khan and Akbar Ayub, and PTI Peshawar Region President Atif Khan. The notification was issued with the approval of the party’s provincial secretary general. The committee will serve as a coordination platform between PTI lawmakers, the parliamentary party and the…
The Chitral Grand Jirga brought together local elders, religious scholars, senior military officials and civil administration representatives to discuss key issues related to peace, security and development in the region. During the meeting, participants held detailed discussions on the overall law and order situation and other matters of public importance. The gathering focused on strengthening cooperation among community leaders, government institutions and security authorities to maintain stability in the area. The Peshawar Corps Commander praised the positive role played by local elders, religious leaders and young people in promoting peace and social harmony in Chitral. He acknowledged their continued efforts…
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has praised Pakistan’s role in Iran peace talks, saying Islamabad is helping support diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he said a “true friendship” is developing between the United States and Pakistan. He credited Pakistan for playing what he called an “outstanding” role in efforts to restart dialogue aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East. Hegseth specifically praised Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir for their involvement in supporting discussions between the United States United States and Iran. He…
Iranian lawmaker Ibrahim Azizi has announced that Tehran will provide special trade and maritime facilities to China and Russia in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the country’s commitment to strengthening ties with key strategic partners. Speaking to reporters in Tehran, Ibrahim Azizi said Iran would extend preferential cooperation to Russian and Chinese vessels passing through the vital waterway. He noted that the decision comes amid the evolving regional situation and aims to protect shared economic and commercial interests. Ibrahim Azizi said Iran will continue to prioritize cooperation with partner nations and work to expand economic and trade relations. He added…
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has announced that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a cash reward of Rs10,000 for every worker involved in the Suthra Punjab Eid cleanliness operation. According to the minister, the Suthra Punjab campaign was successfully completed across the province during Eid-ul-Adha. More than 184,000 sanitation workers took part in the operation, while 60,000 vehicles were deployed to ensure the timely collection and disposal of sacrificial animal waste. Azma Bukhari said that workers removed around 360,000 tonnes of animal remains during the three days of Eid. She added that vehicles participating in the campaign covered a…
The Dera Ismail Khan Airport is moving closer to reopening as authorities accelerate efforts to restore full commercial flight operations. Officials say the airport will soon be ready for ATR flights once the remaining development work is completed. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi visited the Dera Ismail Khan Airport on Friday and reviewed ongoing rehabilitation work. During the visit, Pakistan Airports Authority officials briefed him on the current condition of the airport and the progress of restoration activities. Speaking to the media, the governor thanked Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for supporting the revival of the Dera Ismail Khan Airport.…
