$32b deficit reflects policy failure

A picture showing $100 bills. SOURCE: REUTERS ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s external sector has once again sounded a loud alarm. The country’s trade deficit surged to $31.988 billion in the first 10 months of FY2026 and $4.074 billion in April 2026, a massive increase of 43.5% month-on-month and 20.28% year-on-year. Pakistan recorded goods imports of $6.553 billion,…

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PTCL warns of 7-day internet disruption

Company said maintenance activity was planned on submarine cables to repair a fault by International Cable Consortium ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) announced on Sunday that customers may face internet service degradation during the evenings from May 11-18. In a post on X, the company said that maintenance activity was planned on one of…

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Opposition announces anti-govt protest drive

K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi holds meeting with TTAP at National Assembly opposition leader Mahmood Achakzai’s house. PHOTO: TTAP ISLAMABAD: The Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), a grand opposition alliance, on Sunday announced plans to launch a protest campaign against the latest increase in petroleum prices and said it is seeking support from other political parties…

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Afghans offloaded over fake stamps

. ISLAMABAD: The FIA Immigration offloaded two Afghan nationals at Islamabad International Airport for allegedly using fake immigration stamps on their passports while travelling to Afghanistan. An official said the accused, identified as Noor Muhammad and Aamna Siraj, were travelling to Afghanistan through Kam Air flight RQ-928 when they were referred for secondary profiling at…

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G-B poll body issues notices to PML-N leaders

. ISLAMABAD: Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Election Commission has issued show-cause notices to seven candidates and leaders of the PML-N for allegedly violating the election code of conduct ahead of the elections in the region. According to the Election Commission, violations occurred during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Gilgit on May 7, where conditions outlined in…

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Marka-e-Haq: Missions mark first anniversary

. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s diplomatic missions across the globe observed the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, paying rich tributes to the valor and professionalism of the Pakistan armed forces and their successful defense of national sovereignty during Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. The ceremonies, held in major world capitals, commemorated the events of May 2025 In the US, Ambassador Rizwan…

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Storms kill several in Swabi, Mardan

What exactly sparks lightning inside thunderstorms remains a mystery. Photo AFP MARDAN/SHANGLA: Severe stormy winds, heavy rain and lightning strikes caused multiple casualties and injuries in Swabi and Mardan of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Sunday evening. Rescue teams rushed to affected areas and authorities urged caution. In Swabi, intense thunderstorm activity accompanied by strong winds and…

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Trump rejects ‘unacceptable’ Iranian terms

US President Donald Trump delivers remarks in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, US, May 8, 2026. REUTERS ISLAMABAD: President Donald Trump on Sunday rejected Iran’s long-awaited response conveyed through Pakistan to Washington’s proposals for ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, saying that he deemed it “totally unacceptable”. “I…

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CDF warns enemy of painful consequences

Nation marks Marka-e-Haq anniversary PM, president, army chief praise 2025 victory Leaders hail strong air resp Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf attend the Marka-e-Haq first anniversary ceremony at the…

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