Japan eyes record $56b defence budget amid regional security concerns

Proposed budget to focus on preparing ‘new forms of warfare,’ including drones, artificial intelligence Japan’s Defence Ministry plans to seek a record 8.9 trillion yen ($56 billion) in defence spending for fiscal 2027, as Tokyo accelerates its military buildup amid growing regional security concerns, Kyodo News reported on Saturday. The budget request, to be submitted…

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Cases in international courts swallow billions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government is currently fighting several cases pertaining to the power sector in international courts and is spending billions of rupees, which sparks questions about consistency of investment policy. These cases have been filed by different investors, who allege breach of contracts by the government of Pakistan. Earlier, in a case related to the…

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Bilawal calls Makkah Defence Agreement historic milestone, hails PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari speaking to Al Jazeera ahead of the Islamabad Talks 2026. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a “significant milestone” in the country’s history, praising the roles of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and…

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IFC invests $20m in Novatex

ISLAMABAD: The International Finance Corporation has announced an investment of up to $20 million in plastic packaging manufacturer Novatex Limited to support imports of raw materials and equipment, strengthen export competitiveness and promote sustainable production, a World Bank news release said on Friday. The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, said the financing…

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Khushdil breaks silence as Pakistan exit rumours swirl

All-rounder Khushdil Shah is getting better with each game and feels confident about Pak show in future games. PHOTO: AFP Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has rubbished the reports suggesting he is considering leaving Pakistan cricket, calling the speculation “fake” and “completely untrue”. The 31-year-old took to Instagram to clarify his position after comments made by…

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Pakistan women crush Japan in Asian netball opener

The Green-shirts cruise to a 58-34 victory in Hong Kong to open plate division campaign Pakistan’s women were off to a flying start at the Asian Netball Championships 2026 when they whipped 58-34 in their opening plate division fixture in Hong Kong. The Green-shirts produced a disciplined and energetic display, combining effective teamwork with strong…

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PTI decided to hold long march towards Islamabad on Sept 27 after consulting allies: K-P info minister

Says PTI will head towards the capital with ‘full preparation’ as party left with no option Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Information and Public Relations Minister Shafi Jan on Saturday announced that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will hold a long march towards Islamabad on September 27, saying the decision was taken in consultation with the party’s allies. The call…

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Short-term inflation increases 9.29% YoY

IMF projects 7.2% inflation this fiscal year, up from its earlier 6.3% estimate. PHOTO: PIXABAY ISLAMABAD: The pace of inflation accelerated during the first week of August 2026, reversing the slowdown recorded in the final week of the previous month. The weekly inflation rate rose 0.28%, while the annual inflation stood at 9.29%. During the…

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