LAHORE: Punjab has not introduced any new tax in its budget for fiscal year 2026-27, offering some relief to the province’s cash-strapped residents. However, the government plans to raise the rates of several existing taxes to meet its revenue targets. The proposed Finance Bill 2026 seeks higher rates for token tax, Abyana (water tax) and…
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Monday rejected what it termed “irresponsible and ill-informed insinuations” made by certain members of the diaspora in the United Kingdom regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) amid the unrest in the territory. The statement follows deadly clashes in AJK’s Rawalakot, where the newly proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had…
ISLAMABAD: The federal government is expected to approve a development outlay of around Rs1,126 billion for the fiscal year 2026-27 during the upcoming National Economic Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Monday), according to finance ministry sources. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is likely to consider an increase of approximately Rs200 billion…
Four weeks after US-Israel paused Iran strikes, no deal yet as war disrupts global energy Ships and boats in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 1, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS An Iranian proposal so far rejected by United States President Donald Trump would open shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and end the US blockade of…
Since July 22, numerous unauthorised exchange outlets have been closed after the military intelligence agency summoned currency dealers to address the rising dollar rate in the open market. photo: file KARACHI: Pakistan’s workers’ remittances posted a year-on-year decline in March 2026, reflecting emerging external risks even as overall inflows remain strong, with analysts warning that…
AUSTRIA: George Russell returned to winning ways after a series of disappointments on Sunday when he claimed a measured victory for Mercedes ahead of Red Bull’s four-time champion Max Verstappen in a thrilling Austrian Grand Prix. The 28-year-old Briton, the pre-season favourite for the drivers’ title and winner of the opening race, secured his second…
Says situation in AJK being addressed within a democratic and constitutional framework Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi speaking at the Foreign Office’s weekly press briefing. SCREENGRAB The Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi on Thursday termed the statement by the Indian minister on blocking water to Pakistan as “deeply irresponsible” and warned that any deliberate attempt…
Max Verstappen’s future comes under scrutiny as long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase prepares to leave Red Bull for McLaren in 2028. Photo: AFP/FILE LONDON: Four-time world champion Max Verstappen’s future in Formula One was again cast in doubt on Thursday after it was confirmed that his long-time race engineer will leave Red Bull for McLaren….
Police say driver was taken into custody; he told investigators he fell asleep while driving, leading to the accident A speeding trailer crushed a police mobile van deployed for checking near Chakwal Pump on Super Highway, resulting in the deaths of a sub-inspector and a constable. PHOTO: EXPRESS KARACHI: A speeding dumper truck on Monday…
Announces projects for Bajaur, including establishing a university campus, linking district with Dir, Swat motorways PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday announced a massive Rs1 trillion development package for the merged districts of the K-P, with Rs400 billion earmarked for health and education. Speaking at the Bajaur Sports Complex after meeting leaders…