Pakistan, US discuss trade, investment

Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Photo: Reuters/ File ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker on Monday to discuss bilateral economic relations and opportunities for strengthening financial cooperation, a statement from the Finance Division said. Aurangzeb briefed Baker on his recent visit to Washington, where he…

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Iran downplays concerns over Makkah pact

Says accord reflects regional reassessment of US, Dar briefs Araghchi on agreement objectives BOOSTING COMMERCE: A major practical step for Pakistan would be to request a US waiver for the purchase of petroleum products from Iran. Several countries, including China, Turkiye and India, have obtained similar arrangements that allow them to purchase oil products from…

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Livestock dept gears up for possible floods

. FAISALABAD: The livestock department has expedited veterinary arrangements in Faisalabad to ensure timely care for animals in case of flooding. Livestock Director Dr Haider Ali Khan said this during a visit to Chiniot, where he inspected key livestock facilities, development projects and diagnostic infrastructure. He reviewed the department’s preparedness for possible flood emergencies, with…

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Pindi loses key projects amid fiscal crunch

360 divisional and 286 district schemes cancelled; project costs rise 40–50% amid inflation RAWALPINDI: The District Development Plan (DDP) for Rawalpindi district for the new financial year 2026-27 has yet to be finalised, despite the second month of the fiscal year nearing its end, amid an acute financial crisis. The plan is still at the…

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Bangladesh PM seeks to reset ties with India

. Bangladesh’s newly sworn in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman claps during an oath-taking ceremony at the South Plaza of the parliament building, following BNP’s landslide victory in the national polls, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 17. Photo: REUTERS JHARKHAND: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told India’s envoy on Monday that there was a need to create…

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IHC seeks report on judges’ induction delay

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued notices to the federal government and the Ministry of Law and Justice, seeking written reports on the delay by the president in approving summaries for the appointment of judges to the IHC and provincial high courts. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir directed the deputy attorney general to…

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PM orders action against smuggling, tax evasion

. ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to continue effective enforcement measures against smuggling, tax evasion and illegal businesses across the country. Chairing a review meeting regarding ongoing FBR reforms, the prime minister directed that implementation of the FBR reforms be further accelerated. He welcomed the growing…

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Remittances open FY27 at $3.6b

The June deficit of $649 million stood in contrast to the surplus of $500 million in May and reflected a combination of higher import payments and a seasonal softening in remittances. Photo: File KARACHI: Workers’ remittances opened the new fiscal year on a firm footing, reaching $3.63 billion in July 2026 – an increase of…

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Netanyahu’s stunt

. Benjamin Netanyahu is undeniably a troublemaker who cannot be relied upon to make peace. He stands accused of war crimes in Gaza – where the ICJ ruled that Palestinians face a plausible risk of genocide – and remains a threat to regional peace and security. That impression stands vindicated once again as the hawkish…

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