‘Budget aims at providing relief to public’

PM says journey of development will continue; economy has achieved stability despite challenges ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said the government presented the budget of relief and public welfare, reduced the burden on the salaried class and took steps for increasing exports, promoting industries and agricultural growth, investment and economic development. In a…

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Development outlay cut despite GDP growth

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is presenting federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26 in National Assembly on June 10. Photo : NAofPakistan/X KARACHI: Despite Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb’s assertion in his budget speech that the government is transitioning from stabilisation to a growth phase, the federal government has notably decreased the size of the Public…

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Fleet to double under Blue Economy plan

Cargo handling up 5% to 79m tonnes; seafood exports target $500m as offshore exploration continues It was suggested that the two nations should cooperate in the blue economy and promote tourism through a ferry service. Photo: file KARACHI: The government has set out an expansive Blue Economy agenda for FY2026-27, including plans to more than…

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SC restores full working schedule

Officials said the reversal of austerity steps would ensure smoother functioning of judicial work The Supreme Court said that as a constitutional body under Article 175 of the Constitution, it must have autonomy to conceive, design, and approve infrastructure projects in accordance with its institutional requirements. Photo: Online ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has withdrawn its…

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Several projects planned for sustainable energy

Govt seeks to build strategic oil reserves to meet consumer needs for 30 to 45 days ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to take several measures including expanding the strategic oil reserves for sustainable energy supply across the country. At present, commercial reserves are kept for 20 days only. In the Annual Plan 2026-27, the government…

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PPP set to form G-B govt as Bilawal hails PM’s support

PPP chairman Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari addressing a rally in Shigar. SCREENGRAB ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement regarding the formation of a government in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and expressed his gratitude, as the PPP moved closer to forming the administration in the region. The prime minister…

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Govt trims petrol by Rs4, diesel Rs2/litre

ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday reduced the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel for the week beginning June 13 (today), providing marginal relief to consumers in the latest fortnightly review. The government has slashed the price of petrol by Rs4 per litre and diesel by Rs2 per litre. According to a notification issued by the…

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Salaried class sees tax cuts, pay raise

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in an interview at the World Bank Spring Meetings 2026 with China Global Television Network’s program “The Heat”. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB ISLAMABAD: The federal budget 2026-27 unveiled a relief package for the salaried person, including lower income tax rate, abolition of the 9% surcharge, and a 7% increase in the pays and…

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Defence budget raised by 17.6%

ISLAMABAD: Faced with mounting security challenges on both its eastern and western frontiers and the emergence of new forms of warfare, the federal government on Friday proposed a 17.6% increase in defence spending for the fiscal year 2026-27, signalling Islamabad’s growing concern over an increasingly complex regional security environment. The government allocated Rs3,010 billion for…

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Rs18.8tr outlay targets growth push

• Tax revenue target raised to Rs15.26tr • Rs306b tax measures proposed • Rs360b tax relief announced • Provinces Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presents Budget 2026-27 in the National Assembly on Friday. — NATIONAL ASSEMBLY X ISLAMABAD: Backed by first-ever provincial grants of over Rs1 trillion, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday unveiled a Rs18.8…

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