Japanese FM commends Pakistans mediatory role in reaching US-Iran understanding

Both sides reaffirm need to maintain close contact and regular exchanges to further strengthen bilateral relations Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Monday commended Pakistan’s role in facilitating and supporting diplomatic efforts that contributed to the recent understanding between the United States…

Read More

Suthra Punjab vehicles left to rust

RUSTING FLEET: Newly acquired ‘Suthra’ Punjab sanitation vehicles remain abandoned near the District Courts complex in Rawalpindi, where prolonged exposure to harsh weather and alleged theft of parts have reportedly pushed several units towards disrepair. PHOTOS: EXPRESS RAWALPINDI: Newly acquired sanitation vehicles under the “Suthra Punjab” cleanliness initiative have reportedly been left exposed in the…

Read More

A holding operation, not a growth budget

Debt servicing consumes 69% of revenue while development spending stays compressed ISLAMABAD: The federal budget for FY 2026-27 arrives at a moment of relative macroeconomic calm, but not yet economic confidence. Pakistan has moved away from the crisis conditions of 2022-23: inflation has eased, reserves have improved, and the current account deficit has been tamed….

Read More

Political leadership welcomes US–Iran understanding, praise diplomacy

President hailed Pakistan for consistently supporting dialogue and diplomacy throughout the period of tensions President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Political leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, on…

Read More

Energy shock revives solar, EV push

ISLAMABAD: As tensions around the Strait of Hormuz fuel inflation and energy insecurity, Pakistan is once again confronting a familiar challenge: how to shield its economy from imported energy shocks. “When petrol becomes expensive, everything becomes expensive,” said Jabbar Khan, a father of nine. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Pakistan’s headline inflation…

Read More

Man, son gunned down over land dispute

Police say assailants intercepted their vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene RAWALPINDI: A man and his son were shot dead while two passing women were injured in a double murder incident over a land dispute in the Chakri area of Nasirabad Police Station limits, Rawalpindi. According to police, the victims identified as Syed…

Read More

Failing to break IMF cycle

Pakistan's economic trajectory over the past several years has been closely linked to its engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Faced with recurring balance-of-payments crises, rising inflation, mounting external debt obligations and dwindling foreign exchange reserves, Pakistan once again turned to the IMF to restore macroeconomic stability and rebuild investor confidence. The current IMF-supported…

Read More