Verbal slugfest breaks out in NA budget debate

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday witnessed heated exchanges between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members during the ongoing budget session, with repeated use of unparliamentary language that was later expunged by the speaker. The House, presided over by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, saw sharp verbal confrontations as opposition and government lawmakers…

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Balochistan prioritises relief

• Unveils Rs1,089b budget • Achieves Rs45.56b fiscal surplus • Rs90b earmarked for healthcare • Education sees 15% QUETTA: Balochistan on Wednesday unveiled a historic, relief-driven Rs1,089.26 billion surplus budget for fiscal year 2026-27, aiming to strike a balance between strict financial discipline and direct public relief. Presented by Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani…

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Rs3.562tr Sindh budget focuses on development

• 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…

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Pak team in Switzerland for peace deal signing

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,…

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What's in the MOU

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…

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Blundell, Phillips lead NZ recovery

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…

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Shehbaz woos Bilawal on budget backing

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…

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Iran truce spared world from economic crisis: Trump

• 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…

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