7% increase in salaries and pensions proposed Rs720b earmarked for uplift schemes Exemption threshold for agr KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presented a Rs3.562 trillion budget for fiscal year 2026-27 against estimated receipts of approximately Rs3.525 trillion, resulting in a projected deficit of about Rs36.9 billion. The budget proposed…
ISLAMABAD: The peace agreement between the United States and Iran is set to be signed at the historic and scenic Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland, instead of Geneva, on Friday (tomorrow). A special ceremony is will be attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir,…
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Under-16 Boys Volleyball Team, which made history by winning the gold medal at the 2nd Asian U16 Volleyball Championship 2025 in Thailand, was honored with cash rewards under the Federal Government’s sports incentive policy during a ceremony held in Islamabad. The young national team achieved a landmark success by securing Pakistan’s first-ever…
The United States on Wednesday released the official text of the memorandum of understanding reached over the weekend with Iran which spells out provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing certain financial restrictions on Iran and sets out expectations for addressing Iran's nuclear programme. Titled the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States…
England’s Sonny Baker (3rd L), celebrates the dismissal of New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra. Photo: AFP LONDON: Tom Blundell hit New Zealand’s first fifty of the series and Glenn Phillips posted an unbeaten 49 as the tourists fought back against England on an intriguing opening day of the second Test at the Oval on Wednesday. The…
ISLAMABAD: Seeking to maintain the backing of a crucial coalition partner, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to discuss and ease his party’s reservations about the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27. The meeting came after the PPP chairman reportedly indicated that he would not speak during the ongoing budget…
Annerie Dercksen counterattacked after an early wicket. Photo: ICC Captain Fatima Sana’s heroic all-round act involving 55 not out with the bat and 3-16 with the ball went in vain as South Africa edged past Pakistan by a mere two wickets chasing the 127-run target with 19 balls to spare in Match 11 of the…
US president links deal to stabilisation of energy markets Issues fresh warning against non-compliance by Tehran EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE: US President Donald Trump has defended the interim agreement reached with Iran, saying the deal helped avert what could have become a global economic catastrophe while warning that military action could resume if Tehran failed…
ARLINGTON: Harry Kane scored twice in the first half as England eventually saw off Croatia 4-2 to launch their World Cup title assault in Texas on Wednesday. Jude Bellingham, immediately after half-time, and substitute Marcus Rashford with five minutes to go ensured a winning start for Thomas Tuchel’s side after Croatia had fought back to…
Removes ‘Indo’ from title, says decision reflects command’s long history and military heritage in Pacific region WASHINGTON: The US Defence Department announced on Wednesday that the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) would officially revert to its previous designation, the US Pacific Command (USPACOM), restoring a name that served as the command’s identity for more than seven…