Powerloom workers in Faisalabad have strongly rejected the Punjab government’s proposed minimum wage of Rs 40,000, calling it inadequate and anti-worker. The announcement, part of the provincial budget for the upcoming fiscal year, sparked widespread anger among laborers in the city’s textile hub. A large number of workers walked off their jobs and took to the streets, chanting slogans against …

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is currently on an official visit to the United States, where he met with members of the overseas Pakistani community in Washington, D.C. The COAS received a warm and enthusiastic reception, with a large number of expatriates gathering to welcome him. The overseas Pakistanis praised the Pakistan Armed …

A high-level committee chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday reviewed the country’s petroleum reserves and pricing in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East following the recent Israeli strike on Iran. The meeting, held in Islamabad, examined the impact of fluctuating global oil prices driven by the geopolitical developments in the region. Officials from the Ministry of …

The prices of petroleum products in Pakistan are expected to witness an increase of up to Rs5 per litre, as per a preliminary working paper prepared by relevant authorities ahead of the fortnightly price review. According to official sources, the working paper has proposed an upward revision in fuel prices effective from June 16. Petrol prices are expected to rise …

The government has introduced a 30 percent tax credit scheme on the purchase of flats and 10-marla houses in the federal budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. This was revealed during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance on Friday, chaired by MNA Naveed Qamar. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial briefed the committee …

Former  foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, stressing that war is not a solution and all disputes, including the Kashmir issue, must be resolved through comprehensive dialogue. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels as the head of a parliamentary delegation, Mr Bhutto said Pakistan seeks peaceful engagement with India despite increasing tensions …

The polio eradication programme requested on Friday detailed information regarding mobile populations from all districts. According to details, the district authorities are required to immediately submit data on these populations to the polio programme. A meeting was held to review the progress of the polio eradication campaign, chaired by Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Coordinator Adeel Tasawar. Polio officers from 36 …

Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned the Israeli military’s early morning airstrikes on Iran, calling the attack an “unacceptable” violation of international law and a grave threat to regional peace and stability. In an official statement, the Foreign Office expressed deep concern over what it described as a clear breach of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying the Israeli assault was …

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced the appointment of headmasters in 35,000 government schools across the province. In an official directive issued to the School Education Department, the minister emphasized that permanent headmasters will be appointed after many years of vacancies in these key positions. The decision includes an additional monthly compensation of Rs 10,000 for appointed headmasters. …

The federal government has introduced a new tax on petrol and diesel vehicles as part of the Budget 2025–26, targeting all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles — both locally manufactured and imported. According to the Finance Bill 2025–26, a fixed levy will now be charged on ICE vehicles based on engine capacity, with the rate applied as a percentage of …

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday forecast rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds in various parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). According to the Met Office, strong and dusty winds are expected in the plain areas of Punjab, with light rain likely in cities such as Talagang, Jhelum, and Rawalpindi. Isolated showers accompanied by thunder are also …

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government will present its budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 on Friday –  June 13 –  with an expected outlay of over Rs2.18 trillion. Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam has once again been assigned the additional charge of the finance portfolio and will present the budget in the KP Assembly. According to officials in the Finance …

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed serious reservations over the federal government’s decision to issue supplementary grants amounting to Rs344.64 billion during the ongoing fiscal year without prior approval from the National Assembly, terming it a violation of the loan agreement. According to an official document, the government disbursed these funds for various sectors, ranging from energy and defense …

The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) expressed on Wednesday disappointment over the federal budget, saying that it offers no relief for the agriculture sector or the business community. According to details, Pakistan Business Forum Chief Organiser Ahmed Jawad said: “The budget once again fails to support the agriculture sector, contradicting the prime minister’s stated vision. How does the government plan to …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will embark on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) tomorrow. During the visit, he is expected to meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. to discuss key bilateral, regional, and global issues. The prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Deputy Prime Minister, federal ministers, and other senior …

US Central Command (Centcom) chief General Michael Erik Kurilla described on Wednesday relations with Pakistan as “vital” to US national security. General Kurilla emphasised that the United States cannot afford to strain ties with Pakistan for the sake of India. He said that the US, in cooperation with Pakistan, has been conducting successful operations against IS. According to General Kurilla, …

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub on Wednesday launched a scathing critique of the federal budget and government policies, accusing the ruling coalition of pushing the country towards economic collapse. Speaking to the media outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Ayub alleged that the government had “destroyed the economy,” pointing to the sharp rise in the …

The federal government has allocated Rs8,205 billion for distribution among the provinces under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award for the new fiscal year, with Punjab and Sindh emerging as the biggest beneficiaries, budget documents revealed. According to official figures, Punjab is set to receive Rs4,760 billion from the divisible pool, maintaining its position as the largest recipient due to …

Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday defended the government’s limited relief to the salaried class in the newly unveiled budget for fiscal year 2025-26. Addressing a post-budget press conference in Islamabad, the finance minister said that while he and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were keen to provide maximum relief to the salaried class, “we can only go further according …

ISLAMABAD (Internews): The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has emphasised the deep-rooted cultural and diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan highlighting both nations’ commitment to promoting global peace, mutual understanding and shared prosperity under various global initiatives spearheaded by China. While addressing the event hosted by Chinese embassy in connection with the celebrations of the international day for dialogue …

Pakistan’s fast-bowling spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi leads a high-profile contingent of players from the country who have confirmed their availability for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) Draft, scheduled to take place on June 19. Afridi, alongside fellow national teammates Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, is among more than 600 overseas cricketers who have registered for selection in …

In a diplomatic push to highlight India’s recent military provocations and violations of international law, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led a high-level delegation to the United Kingdom. The visit included crucial meetings with British lawmakers and government officials aimed at promoting peace and stability in South Asia. The delegation was warmly received at …

The federal government is set to unveil a Rs17,600 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year today, with a focus on increasing revenues through new taxation measures while offering relief to lower-grade government employees. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is targeting a record-breaking tax collection goal of Rs14,130 billion. According to official sources, the total income for the next …

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Monday that the upcoming budget will include measures aimed at providing relief to the poor and promoting economic growth. Expressing his thoughts, Aurangzeb said, “It is not possible to change everything overnight; time is required.” He emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, there has been notable economic improvement. “We intend …

As Pakistan braces for the federal budget announcement for the fiscal year 2025-26 on Tuesday, key figures and policy directions have already emerged. The National Economic Survey will be presented today (Monday), setting the stage for a crucial budget presentation that comes amid high inflation, mounting debt, and ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to official sources, …

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed on Monday concern about the growing threat posed by India’s hardline Hindutva ideology to the entire region. According to details, in a meeting at the President’s House with leaders and workers of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), President Zardari extended his Eid ul-Azha greetings to party members. On this occasion, he said: “Minorities, particularly Muslims …

Pakistan is on the brink of a worsening water crisis as the country’s usable water reserves continue to plummet at an alarming rate, according to the latest data released by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). As of today, the nation’s usable water reserves stand at 3.856 million acre-feet, reflecting a significant decrease of 188,000 acre-feet compared to the …

Federal government will release the Economic Survey for the fiscal year 2024-25 on June 9. According to official sources, while several economic targets were missed, the overall performance shows ‘moderate improvement’ compared to the previous year. The targeted GDP growth of 3.6% could not be achieved, with actual growth recorded at 2.7%. However, inflation remained significantly below expectations, recorded at …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded on Wednesday United States President Donald Trump’s efforts in promoting peace and praised his role in facilitating a ceasefire, saying the latter has proven to be a proponent of peace and economic cooperation. Speaking at an event held at the US Embassy in Islamabad to mark the 249th Independence Day of the United States, the …

Pakistan has been appointed as the co-chair of the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) Counter-Terrorism Committee for the year 2025, with Algeria serving as Chair. According to details surfaced on Wednesday, in addition, Pakistan will also chair the Security Council’s Sanctions Committee on the Taliban, which oversees the implementation of measures such as asset freezes, travel bans and arms embargoes …

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has approved a series of technical supplementary grants for various ministries and divisions. However, the summary related to the Mashke, Thalian, and Tarujba white oil pipelines, submitted by the Petroleum Division, has been postponed for further deliberation. According to an official statement released after the …

A total of 216 prisoners escaped from Karachi’s District Jail Malir — commonly known as “Bacha Jail” — in a dramatic incident on Monday night. According to police and jail officials, the escape occurred amid chaos reportedly triggered by a series of tremors in the city. The prisoners, many of whom were already outside their barracks, took advantage of the …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the immediate removal of all hurdles in the way of Diamer-Bhasha Dam and ordered that the project be completed on a priority basis, terming it essential for the country’s economic self-reliance. Chairing a high-level meeting on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam and other national water resources, the premier said that Pakistan’s path to economic stability …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the record-breaking performance of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), terming it a promising start to the new fiscal year and a reflection of growing confidence in the government’s economic policies. The PSX made history on the first trading day of the 2025–26 fiscal year, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index surging by …

President Asif Ali Zardari hosted a dinner in honour of the national cricket teams of Pakistan and Bangladesh, following their recent cricket series. The event, organized by Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi, brought together players and officials from both teams in a spirit of sportsmanship and regional friendship. President Zardari warmly greeted the players and team officials, acknowledging the Pakistani team’s …

HONG KONG: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Friday that China is willing to work with Pakistan and like-minded countries to enhance the unique advantages of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). When meeting with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who attended here the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of …

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) clarified that it has never declared virtual assets (VAs), including cryptocurrencies as illegal. In a press release issued by the central bank, the SBP stated that the advisory directed banks, microfinance institutions, development finance institutions (DFIs), electronic money institutions (EMIs), and other financial service providers to refrain from dealing in VAs purely as a …

Pakistan has strongly condemned the rising incidents of Islamophobia in India, urging New Delhi to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and rights of its Muslim citizens. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Foreign Office expressed deep concern over what it termed as the “state-sponsored targeting” of Muslims in India, citing increased incidents of hate speech, discrimination, and …

US President Donald Trump confirmed that a high-level delegation from Pakistan is scheduled to arrive in the United States next week for critical trade negotiations. The talks come as Islamabad seeks to resolve a tariff dispute with Washington, which has placed Pakistan at risk of facing up to 29% tariffs on its exports. Pakistan’s trade surplus of $3 billion with …

A joint operation by police and law enforcement agencies in the Rawalakot area resulted in the killing of four terrorists, while two police officials lost their lives and 8 others sustained injuries during the encounter. According to SSP Poonch Riaz Mughal, the operation was launched after receiving credible intelligence about the presence of the terrorists in the forested region of …