Contract tenure can’t count for promotion: SC

Court held that contract service cannot be included within the definition of a government servant Police officers walk past the Supreme Court of Pakistan building, in Islamabad, Pakistan April 6, 2022. REUTERS ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has ruled that service rendered on a contractual basis cannot be counted as regular government service for promotion, holding…

Read More

Police powers, Layyah floods dominate stormy PA session

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly session was adjourned on Monday after the government failed to maintain the required quorum, with opposition lawmakers raising concerns over police powers, flood devastation in Layyah, alleged violations of members’ privileges and the performance of the Suthra Punjab sanitation programme. The session, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, commenced two…

Read More

Auto sector fails, aerospace soars

ISLAMABAD: Few industries contribute more to international trade, economic growth, skilled employment, and technological innovation than the automobile industry. Countries proudly showcase their automotive achievements at major international motor shows. Yet Pakistan has never enjoyed that distinction, despite assembling cars since the 1950s and devoting substantial national resources to the sector. In stark contrast, Pakistan’s…

Read More

Government debt climbs to Rs58tr

Floating debt surges to Rs10.56tr on short-term borrowing to meet fiscal shortfalls KARACHI: Pakistan’s gross government domestic debt and liabilities rose to Rs58,089 billion in April 2026, reflecting a steady upward trend in public borrowing, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday. The total compares with Rs57,566 billion in…

Read More

Tehran moves to tighten Hormuz chokehold

TEHRAN/DUBAI: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said on Monday that fibre-optic internet cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz could be brought under a permit system, as Tehran announced the formation of a new body to manage the key waterway. The strait, through which about 20% of global oil supplies pass, is currently a flashpoint amid…

Read More