Senate recommends tighter PSDP oversight, digital tax relief, stronger social protections

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Thursday proposed a sweeping set of budgetary recommendations for the 2026-27 fiscal year, heavily prioritising the completion of near-ready infrastructure over new one, demanding deeper gender-focused spending, and targeted tax relief for low-income digital content creators. The recommendations, put forward following an extensive parliamentary debate on the federal budget, serve as […]
Govt expected to announce fuel price cut today

ISLAMABAD: The government is expected to announce a reduction in petroleum product prices on Thursday, following a decline in global oil rates after a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States. The expected cut will come as international crude prices eased on Thursday, offering room for domestic adjustment in fuel rates under Pakistan’s pricing […]
Pakistan-brokered Iran-US framework accord text surfaces

ISLAMABAD: Iran and the United States have reached a landmark preliminary agreement to permanently cease all military operations against each other and their allies, according to the text of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) mediated by Pakistan. The breakthrough, framework document — dubbed the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” —comes ahead of a formal signing ceremony […]
Punjab police chief says Chakwal incident will not be covered up

LAHORE: Punjab Police Inspector General Abdul Karim has said that the Chakwal incident, in which a nine-year-old girl was killed during an alleged encounter involving the Counter Crime Department (CCD), will not be covered up under any pressure. Speaking at a press conference along with the Additional Inspector General of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) […]
President Pezeshkian thanks PM Sharif for mediation in Iran-US agreement

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke by telephone on Thursday, pledging to deepen bilateral ties after the online signing of a Pakistan-mediated framework agreement between Iran and the United States aimed at ending months of hostilities. The 30-minute conversation was the first between the two leaders since the “Islamabad Memorandum […]
FIFA 2026: Beer, poutine and history as Canadians celebrate post first WC win at Niagara Falls

NIAGARA FALLS: Canadians and visiting fans gathered at one of North America’s most famous natural landmarks turned the celebration into a festival atmosphere as Canada secured its first-ever victory at the FIFA World Cup. With the backdrop of Niagara Falls, spectators watched the Group B clash against Qatar while enjoying beer, poutine and maple-themed treats. […]
Khamenei says he approved MoU with US, despite reservations, after assurances on Iran’s rights

Tehran :Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday he had authorised a memorandum of understanding signed by the Iranian and US presidents, despite holding a different view, after receiving assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials that Iran’s rights and the interests of the “Resistance Front” would be safeguarded. In a written […]
Oil prices fall as Hormuz tanker traffic resumes after US-Iran peace deal

Islamabad :Oil prices fell on Friday as prospects for more supply brightened after oil tankers began moving through the reopened Strait of Hormuz following a peace deal between the United States and Iran. By 0328 GMT, Brent crude futures fell 43 cents, or 0.54%, to $79.42 a barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate crude slipped […]
SC issues notices in Imran Khan meeting case; Salman Akram Raja rejects militancy claim

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notices to all respondents in a contempt of court case concerning alleged non-implementation of orders related to meetings with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, while adjourning further proceedings after seeking replies within three weeks. A three-member bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and […]
‘Good news’: Govt hints at reducing petroleum prices following US-Iran deal

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has said that the government is expected to announce “good news” regarding a possible reduction in petroleum product prices. “We will bring good news regarding a reduction in petroleum prices,” the minister said while speaking with Geo News, acknowledging that the public had already faced difficulties due to regional […]