Asim Azhar and Merub Ali End Engagement After Three Years

Pakistani singer Asim Azhar and actor-model Merub Ali have officially called off their engagement, marking a celebrity breakup that has surprised many fans. Mutual and Respectful Decision In a heartfelt Instagram story, Asim Azhar stated that the decision was made “peacefully and mutually.” He added that both he and Merub had given the matter deep …

SBP Launches PRISM+ to Modernize Pakistan’s Digital Payment System

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is set to launch PRISM+ digital upgrade—a major overhaul of the country’s national payment infrastructure—starting June 16, 2025. This initiative, introduced under SBP’s Vision 2028, aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and security in digital transactions across financial institutions. Key Features of PRISM+ PRISM+ is based on the ISO 20022 …

Aurangzeb Unveils Relief-Focused Budget

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has described the 2025–26 federal budget as a relief budget, aimed at easing financial pressure on the salaried class, boosting businesses, and protecting vulnerable segments of society. Speaking before the Finance Standing Committee of the National Assembly in Islamabad, he outlined key areas of support across various sectors. Support for Salaried …

NDMA Issues Weather Alert as Rain, Heat, and Windstorms

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a detailed weather advisory warning of rain, windstorms, and extreme heat across various parts of Pakistan. The advisory covers June 13 to 18 and urges the public to take safety precautions during this changing weather pattern. Rain and Windstorms in Upper Regions According to NDMA’s National Emergencies …

Trump’s South Asia Pick Paul Kapur to Focus on Pakistan Ties

Paul Kapur, US President Donald Trump’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, plans to prioritize security cooperation with Pakistan—only where it aligns with American interests. Speaking to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Kapur also emphasized expanding US-Pakistan trade and investment links. Emphasis on Stability and Shared Interests Kapur pledged to …

PIA Expands MRO Services with Strategic Deal Signed with Air Karachi

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is expanding its MRO services by partnering with Air Karachi, a new private airline backed by Pakistan’s business community. The two airlines signed a key maintenance agreement on June 11, 2025, at PIA’s Head Office in Karachi. New Partnership for Engineering Support Under this deal, Air Karachi will receive Maintenance, Repair, …

Budget 2025-26: New Taxes Hit Pakistanis Hard

Pakistan’s federal budget for 2025-26 introduces new taxes on essentials such as petrol, pensions, power, and investments. While the government boosts military spending by 20%, the public faces tightened financial pressures through increased levies and the end of many tax exemptions. Military Allocation Soars Despite Pakistan’s ongoing financial troubles, the defense sector received a significant …

Australia Stumble to 210-8 in WTC Final After Tea Collapse

Australia suffered a dramatic batting collapse against South Africa on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. From a promising start, the Aussies crumbled to 210 for 8 in just 55 overs, with the post-tea session proving particularly costly. Rabada Leads Ruthless Attack South Africa’s pace spearhead, Kagiso Rabada, played a …

Canada Extradites Pakistani Man in Daesh-Inspired NYC Terror Plot

Canada has extradited a 20-year-old Pakistani citizen, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, to the United States over his alleged role in a terror plot targeting a Jewish center in New York City. U.S. authorities say Khan, also known as “Shahzeb Jadoon,” planned a Daesh-inspired mass shooting on the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Middle East conflict. …

Pakistan Braces for Intense Heatwave: PMD Countrywide Alert

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide heatwave alert, warning of dangerously high temperatures in several regions. The advisory urges people to avoid outdoor activity during peak hours, as extreme heat continues to grip much of the country. Scorching Temperatures Ahead According to the PMD, temperatures are expected to range between 45°C and …

Pakistan, UK Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

In a significant diplomatic engagement, UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott met with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Wednesday. The meeting focused on deepening Pak-UK relations and exploring new areas of cooperation across global and regional platforms. Strategic Dialogue on Mutual Interests Both sides engaged in a meaningful exchange on current regional and …

Pakistan’s Defence Budget Sees Decade-High Surge Amid India Tensions

Pakistan’s defence spending will rise sharply in FY2025-26, with the government allocating Rs2.55 trillion to the armed forces. This marks a 20.2% increase—the largest annual hike in over a decade. The boost comes as tensions with India escalate, following last month’s military clashes between the two countries. Defence Budget Nears 2% of GDP With the …

Aurangzeb Links Budget Cuts to Taxpayer Pressure in FY2025

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb defended government spending cuts for FY2025 as a direct response to growing taxpayer frustration. Speaking at a post-budget press briefing, he said the government limited spending increases to just 1.9 percent this year and reduced subsidies and debt-servicing costs. Pushback from Taxpayers Sparks Change Aurangzeb acknowledged that earlier criticism from tax-paying …

Gaza Toll Rises as Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens in Single Day

Israeli strikes and gunfire intensified across Gaza on Tuesday, leading to a sharp rise in Gaza civilian casualties. According to health officials and eyewitnesses, at least 37 Palestinians were killed and more than 200 wounded in multiple attacks throughout the enclave. Aid Seekers Targeted One of the deadliest incidents occurred near the Netzarim Corridor, south …

Govt Targets Non-Filers With Strict Tax Measures in Budget 2025-26

The federal government has unveiled strict non-filer restrictions in the Budget 2025–26 to expand the tax net and formalize the economy. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced sweeping changes aimed at discouraging tax evasion and enforcing compliance through limited financial access for non-filers. Ban on Property and Vehicle Purchases In a major policy shift, non-filers will …

Trump Sends Marines to Los Angeles Amid Intensified Immigration Raids

The Trump administration has launched a major immigration crackdown by deploying US Marines to Los Angeles and stepping up nationwide raids on undocumented immigrants. This move has sparked intense backlash, protests, and legal challenges, further dividing an already polarized political landscape. Marines Arrive in LA Roughly 700 Marines arrived in Los Angeles on Monday night …

Australia Name Playing XI for WTC Final with Bold Batting Change

Australia have announced their playing XI for the World Test Championship Final against South Africa, set to begin June 11 at Lord’s. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed the lineup on Tuesday, revealing a bold decision to move Marnus Labuschagne up the order to open with veteran Usman Khawaja. Labuschagne to Open In a significant move, Labuschagne …

Apple Unlocks Core AI Tech for Developers, Overhauls OS Design

Apple has announced it will open its foundational AI model, called Apple Intelligence, to third-party developers. The company shared this major shift at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, signaling a more open and practical approach to artificial intelligence. While competitors pursue bold AI goals, Apple aims to improve daily user experiences …

Federal Budget 2025-26 Set for Presentation Today Amid Economic Shifts

Pakistan is set to unveil its Federal Budget 2025-26 today in the National Assembly, with a projected outlay of Rs17.6 trillion. The figure is slightly lower than last year’s Rs18.78 trillion. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will present the budget, followed by submission of the Finance Bill to the Senate. The keyword Federal Budget 2025-26 is …

Israel Targets Houthi Sites in Yemen’s Hodeidah

Israel launched airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah port on Tuesday, hitting Houthi positions in a move that could escalate regional tensions. The attacks on the Hodeidah port, a key maritime hub, mark a sharp warning from Israel, which now threatens a full naval and air blockade if the Houthi attacks continue. Port Facilities Hit in New …

Federal Budget 2025-26 Targets Growth Without New Taxes

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the Federal Budget 2025-26 in the National Assembly, highlighting economic stability as the government’s top priority. He dismissed rumors of a mini-budget and confirmed that no new taxes have been introduced. Key Economic Indicators Aurangzeb reported that economic growth stands at 2.7%, while inflation has dropped to 4.7%. Remittances have …

Tax Exemptions Surge to Rs5.8 Trillion Despite Government Cuts

In a surprising turn, tax exemptions in Pakistan have soared to a record Rs5.8 trillion during the current fiscal year. The massive jump in tax exemptions comes despite the government’s efforts to withdraw several concessions. The keyword “tax exemptions” takes center stage as this unexpected spike raises serious questions about fiscal management. Exemptions Rise Sharply …

Federal Cabinet Approves 10% Salary Increase in Budget 2025-26

In a key move ahead of the new fiscal year, the federal government has approved a 10% salary increase for government employees under the 2025-26 Federal Budget. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting that finalized the decision, along with a 7% pension hike for retirees. Budget Relief Amid Inflation Pressure The cabinet also …

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