ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Privatisation on Wednesday approved the Public-Private Partnership Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026, while reviewing the progress of Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) privatisation and discussing tax incentives for the aviation sector. The meeting, chaired by Dr Farooq Sattar, resumed after a gap caused by the government’s austerity campaign. During the…
ISLAMABAD: The National Tariff Commission’s (NTC) final determination in the soda ash dumping investigation has triggered criticism from the downstream industrial consumers and trade stakeholders, who describe the injury determination as legally flawed, economically unsustainable and contrary to the commission’s established practice. The respondents, including the Soap Manufacturers Association, chemical manufacturers, International Silicate and the…
US completes ‘wave of strikes’ on Iran as Tehran retaliates with attacks on military bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait Spokesperson for the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Brigadier General Mohammad Akaminia. PHOTO: IRNA on X Spokesperson for the Iranian army Brigadier General Mohammad Akaminia stressed over Iran’s strategy in controlling the Strait of Hormuz, and…
FO says Dar will engage with leaders to advance international AI cooperation, promote equitable AI governance Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departs for Shanghai on a two-day visit to attend the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. PHOTO: FO Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday departed for Shanghai on…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi called on Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss economic cooperation and investment promotion, according to a statement on Wednesday. Hashmi informed the minister that Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) valued at over $20 billion had been signed between Pakistani and Chinese entities, with many progressing into formal agreements. He…
Lionel Messi sinks to his knees after Argentina reached their second consecutive World Cup final. Photo: AFP ATLANTA: Lautaro Martinez scored a 92nd minute winner as Lionel Messi inspired World Cup holders Argentina to a stunning comeback to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday and set up a final with European champions Spain. England had been…
Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez struck late goals to snatch a 2-1 win over England FIFA World Cup 2026 – Semi Final – England v Argentina – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, US – July 15, 2026 Argentina’s Lionel Messi and teammates celebrate after the match. PHOTO: REUTERS Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez struck…
Six policemen among 10 injured in car bombing at Bannu police station. MIRANSHAH: At least two police personnel were martyred and 26 people, including 22 policemen, injured in separate terrorist attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu and Lower Dir districts on Wednesday, while search and clearance operations in the affected areas continued amid heightened security. In Bannu…
Exports decline 6.8% to $30.1b as imports surge 17.6%, exposing structural weakness KARACHI: Over the past decade, exports grew by a mere 37.4%, up from $21.9 billion in FY2016 to $30.1 billion in FY2026. In the same period, imports surged 69.1% to reach $69.5 billion, causing the trade gap to balloon by 105.2% – the…
Rises Rs900/tola, though international markets fall on producer price data; rupee inches up Gold imitation and US dollar banknotes are seen in this illustration picture taken February 20, 2026. Photo: Reuters RATODERO/KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan posted gains, although marginal, on Wednesday, bucking the softer trend in international markets, where the precious metal trimmed losses…