Spring meetings in US and economic autumn in Pakistan

Islamabad finds itself positioned between much-needed infusion of regional liquidity and looming global energy crisis The government has agreed to the need for a mini-budget if revenues fall short of expectations by end-December 2025, according to the IMF. Photo: file ISLAMABAD: The conclusion of the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and…

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FCC move on K-P May 9 cases under scrutiny

ISLAMABAD: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Prosecution Department has yet to move an application in an anti-terrorism court (ATC) seeking withdrawal of the May 9 cases, one of which includes K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi as an accused. The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), while hearing Radio Pakistan’s petition on March 24, passed a restraining order regarding…

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Pakistan’s oil market is fuelling the crisis

Govt must let prices reflect costs and replace blanket subsidies with targeted cash support Kerosene oil. ISLAMABAD: When war returns to the Middle East, oil stops being a commodity and becomes a headline. The latest bout of conflict has again injected fear into energy markets, lifted freight and insurance costs, and pushed crude benchmarks upward….

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SC registrar raises objections to Imaan Mazari’s plea

Police officers walk past the Supreme Court of Pakistan building, in Islamabad, Pakistan April 6, 2022. REUTERS ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Registrar Office has refused to entertain advocate Imaan Mazari’s petition seeking suspension of her sentence in a case related to making anti-state posts on social media, raising objections to it. The human rights lawyer…

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Punjab extends drone ban for 30 days

Decision taken in view of the prevailing security situation, need to safeguard public peace A Lahore Police spokesperson emphasised that personnel in uniform are required to maintain strict discipline. PHOTO: FILE LAHORE: The Punjab government has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another 30 days, maintaining a complete ban on the…

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President reiterates nuclear safety pledge

. ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety and security. In a message on International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day observed on April 26, the president stressed that Pakistan supports international efforts that promote responsible conduct, strengthen safeguards and reduce the risk of incidents like Chernobyl…

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Gilani wants more vibrant universities

. Yousaf Raza Gilani. PHOTO: FILE LAHORE: Acting President Yousaf Raza Gilani has underscored the critical role of universities as engines of intellectual growth, innovation, and national development. He held a meeting with vice chancellors of various universities in Lahore, where matters related to higher education, academic excellence, and institutional development were discussed in detail….

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KPT offers storage fee waivers

. ISLAMABAD: Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Sunday announced storage charge waivers ranging from 25 to 50 per cent at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) terminals to facilitate exporters affected by recent disruptions in Gulf-bound shipments. Following constructive engagement with terminal operators to address exporters’ concerns, Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (retd), Chairman of…

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