India’s FATF Bid Fails as Pakistan Gains Global Support

India’s attempt to return Pakistan to the FATF grey list failed after strong opposition from key member states. During the FATF plenary in Paris, India lobbied hard to re-list Pakistan over alleged shortcomings in financial oversight. However, its effort met stiff resistance from several countries, led by China. China, Turkiye, and Japan Back Pakistan Diplomatic …

Bilawal Warns Iran-Israel Clash Could Ignite World War III

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has warned that the Iran-Israel conflict could spiral into a global war. Speaking in Brussels on Saturday, he urged the international community to intervene immediately and broker a ceasefire to prevent what he called a potential “World War III.” Call for Global Ceasefire …

Bilawal Urges India to Resume Dialogue for Peace in South Asia

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, speaking on Pakistan-India dialogue, stressed that peace will remain out of reach unless both nations return to the negotiating table. Addressing a press conference in Brussels on Saturday, the former foreign minister emphasized that only diplomacy—not war—can solve regional disputes, especially Kashmir. Call for Talks and Diplomacy Leading a parliamentary delegation, Bilawal …

18 Pakistani Pilgrims Pass Away During Hajj 2025

Despite improved safety efforts during this year’s pilgrimage, Hajj 2025 pilgrims from Pakistan faced tragedy as 18 people lost their lives in Saudi Arabia. Health Complications Behind Deaths According to ministry sources, the majority of the pilgrims who passed away suffered from heart-related issues and other pre-existing health conditions. All were buried in Jannatul Baqi, …

Pakistan Backs Iran Amid Escalating Missile Strikes on Israel

As the Pakistan-Iran diplomacy front remains active, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone call with Iran’s top diplomat on June 13, 2025. This came just as Tehran launched dozens of missiles at Israel in response to Israeli strikes that killed top Iranian military leaders and damaged nuclear facilities. Tehran …

Sindh Unveils Rs. 3.45 Trillion Budget for 2025-26

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah presented a Rs. 3.45 trillion provincial budget for 2025-26, aiming to drive inclusive development through major investments in education, health, social welfare, and infrastructure. The budget shows a 12.9% increase from last year, with a projected deficit of Rs. 38.4 billion. Tax Relief and Salary Increases The budget proposes …

NA Condemns Israeli Aggression on Iran, Urges UN Action

Pakistan’s National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Friday condemning Israeli aggression against Iran, calling the airstrikes unjustified and illegitimate. Lawmakers denounced the attacks as a grave violation of international law, warning of dangerous global consequences. Violation of Sovereignty The resolution, presented by Syed Naveed Qamar, stated that the Israeli strikes violated the sovereignty of …

PM Shehbaz, UAE President Reaffirm Strategic Ties Amid Challenges

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met in Abu Dhabi on June 12 to strengthen Pakistan-UAE relations and address pressing regional and global issues. The leaders praised the enduring partnership built on trust, shared values, and mutual interests. Focus on Bilateral and Regional Cooperation During the meeting, both …

Pakistan Condemns Israel’s “Unjustified Aggression” on Iran

Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s large-scale military strikes on Iran, labeling them as “unjustified and illegitimate aggression” and a blatant violation of international law. In a statement issued on Friday, the Foreign Office (FO) said the strikes violated Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling the action a clear breach of the United Nations Charter and …

Citizen Fights Back as Robbers Target Vehicles on Malir Expressway

A recent incident of Malir Expressway crime has sparked public concern as armed robbers attempted to ambush a motorist using barricades placed on the road. The man, however, fought back, firing at the suspects and escaping the scene unharmed. Highway Under Threat Street crimes are rising along Karachi’s newly built Shahrah-e-Bhutto, commonly known as the …

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 …

Bilawal Warns US That India Pakistan War Risk Is Higher Than Ever

Former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that the threat of full-scale war between Pakistan and India is at an all-time high. In an interview with the New York Post, he blamed India’s recent unilateral actions for dangerously lowering the threshold for armed conflict in the region. Bilawal’s comments …

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 …

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 …

Mild Earthquake Jolts Peshawar, Sparks Panic Among Residents

PESHAWAR: Residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s capital city were startled on Wednesday as a mild earthquake struck the region. According to the Seismological Centre, the tremor measured 4.7 on the Richter Scale and had its epicentre in the Hindu Kush mountain range of Afghanistan. The earthquake, though not powerful enough to cause damage, was strong enough …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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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