April 2025 Current Affairs Bulletin
A chronological timeline of significant affairs curated for high-yield exam retention.
PM urges US top diplomat to make India ‘dial down rhetoric, act responsibly’ amid high tension
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to press India to de-escalate rhetoric and act responsibly after the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people on April 22. Rubio also spoke to Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, encouraging de-escalation and cooperation against terrorism.
Read Source ArticleLegal action in the works over India’s water treaty move
Pakistan is planning at least three legal options including the World Bank, Permanent Court of Arbitration, and International Court of Justice after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. The Supreme Court Bar Association formed a committee to assist the government in legal proceedings.
Read Source ArticleSC irked by judges’ transfer debate under garb of public interest
Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan of the Supreme Court's constitutional bench questioned how public interest could be tied to a judge's transfer during a hearing on petitions by five Islamabad High Court judges. Senior counsel Muneer A. Malik argued that temporary transfers under Article 200 are in the spirit of federalism and should not exceed two years.
Read Source ArticlePakistan warns UN of imminent Indian military action; PM Shehbaz urges restraint
Pakistan's information minister said credible intelligence indicates India plans military action within 24-36 hours. PM Shehbaz spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who expressed deep concern and offered good offices for de-escalation.
Read Source ArticleIMF board to convene on May 9 for Pakistan programme review, unlocking $1bn tranche
The IMF Executive Board will meet on May 9 to discuss the first review of Pakistan's $7bn bailout programme and a new $1.3bn climate resilience loan. Approval would trigger a $1bn tranche disbursement under the 37-month Extended Fund Facility.
Read Source ArticleSBP attributes weak GDP growth to declining productivity, eyes 2.5-3.5pc expansion in FY25
SBP maintained its FY25 GDP growth forecast at 2.5-3.5% in its half-yearly report. It blamed weak growth on low and falling productivity, which undermines economic competitiveness and leads to balance of payments crises.
Read Source ArticleChina watching South Asia situation closely, FM Wang tells Dar
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Deputy PM Ishaq Dar that Beijing is closely monitoring the India-Pakistan tensions and supports Pakistan's security concerns. He called for a swift investigation and urged both sides to de-escalate and remain restrained.
Read Source ArticleCCI endorses govt move to halt contentious canals project until 'mutual understanding' among provinces
The Council of Common Interests endorsed halting six new canals on the Indus River until provinces reach mutual understanding. The CCI also formed a committee to address water management concerns and condemned India's actions after the Pahalgam attack.
Read Source ArticlePakistan has reached 'pivotal moment' of economic recovery: finance minister
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said at Harvard that Pakistan's inflation dropped to 0.7% and reserves doubled. He also highlighted a current account surplus over $1 billion in March and a 44% rise in FDI.
Read Source ArticlePunjab govt to create central DNA database to enhance criminal justice system
Punjab government formed a working group led by PFSA Director General Dr Muhammad Amjad to propose a model for a central DNA database. The database will collect samples from prisoners and criminals, with suggestions due in seven days.
Read Source ArticleSBP chief touts economic stability in Washington
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad told global investors in Washington that headline inflation dropped to 0.7% in March, a multi-decade low, and core inflation fell from above 22% to single digits. He highlighted that SBP's reserves have tripled since February 2023 and are targeted to reach $14bn by June 2025.
Read Source ArticleIndia behind attack on Pakistani High Commission in London: info minister
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar alleged that India sponsored the vandalization of the Pakistan High Commission in London by Indian protesters, who threw paint and smashed windows. He cited the attack as part of India's extremist ideology, noting that two suspects were arrested by London police.
Read Source ArticleShooter in Wazirabad PTI rally attack sentenced to life for murder, terrorism
A Gujranwala anti-terrorism court sentenced Naveed Bashir to life imprisonment for murder and terrorism over the November 2022 Wazirabad attack that killed one PTI worker and injured Imran Khan. Two co-accused were acquitted, and Bashir's lawyer announced an appeal before the Lahore High Court.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz says Pakistan open to ‘neutral, transparent’ probe into Pahalgam attack
PM Shehbaz Sharif stated Pakistan is open to a neutral and transparent investigation into the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26, as India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan threatened a proportional response. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed the call for an impartial probe involving a neutral body.
Read Source ArticleSensitive Price Index sees another record decline
Short-term inflation measured by the SPI dropped 3.51% year-on-year for the week ending April 24, the biggest-ever decline, driven by lower prices of onions, tomatoes, and wheat flour. The index fell for the eighth consecutive week, with a week-on-week decrease of 1.92% according to PBS.
Read Source ArticleFive former bar presidents back IHC judges in seniority row
Four former IHCBA presidents petitioned the Supreme Court to declare that the president's power to transfer judges under Article 200(1) is not unfettered. The Constitutional Bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar will hear the case on April 29 along with petitions from five IHC judges challenging their seniority.
Read Source ArticleFO summons Indian envoy, scales down diplomatic ties
Pakistan summoned Indian chargé d'affaires Geetika Srivastava to protest the Pahalgam incident and declared India's defence, air, and naval attachés persona non grata. It also limited the Indian High Commission staff to 30 and ordered all Indian citizens except Sikh pilgrims to leave within 48 hours.
Read Source ArticleAurangzeb highlights improved macroeconomic outlook in US meetings
At the IMF/World Bank spring meetings in Washington, Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan's twin surpluses, declining inflation, robust forex reserves, and a Fitch sovereign rating upgrade to B-. He also held bilateral meetings with ADB, Fitch, Moody's, Visa, and Philip Morris, and attended the V20 ministerial dialogue on climate finance.
Read Source ArticleGovt halts new canals until CCI consensus amid IWT suspension uncertainty
Pakistan halted new canal construction until CCI consensus after India unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty over alleged cross-border linkages to the Pahalgam attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced the decision, with the CCI meeting set for May 2.
Read Source ArticleWorld Bank trims Pakistan's economic growth forecast to 2.7pc
World Bank trimmed Pakistan’s GDP growth forecast to 2.7% for FY25 from 2.8% in October 2024, citing tight monetary and fiscal policies amid continued stabilization. The bank projected growth of 3.1% in FY26 and 3.4% in FY27, warning that slow growth hampers job creation and poverty reduction.
Read Source ArticleWidow's rights are 'not state charity': SC
The Supreme Court ruled that widows’ rights to employment and dignity are constitutional entitlements, not state charity, in a case where a widow was terminated after remarriage. Acting Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah declared the policy discriminatory and ordered reinstatement, emphasizing that widowhood should not lead to exclusion.
Read Source ArticlePahalgam attack: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty with immediate effect, closes Attari border crossing
India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed Attari border post after the Pahalgam attack, reducing Pakistani High Commission staff from 55 to 30.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court throws out Punjab govt's petition seeking Imran's remand
Supreme Court dismissed Punjab's petition for Imran Khan's physical remand in May 9 riots, after one-and-a-half years since his arrest.
Read Source ArticleTrade gap with nine states widens 34pc to $8.4bn
Pakistan's trade deficit with nine neighbouring countries widened 34.37% to $8.467bn in the first nine months of FY25, from $6.301bn a year ago.
Read Source ArticleIMF lowers Pakistan’s GDP growth estimate to 2.6pc in wake of century-high US tariffs
The IMF slashed Pakistan's GDP growth estimate to 2.6% for FY25 and 3.6% for FY26, with inflation at 5.1% and 7.7% respectively. The revision was driven by US tariffs at 100-year highs and a 29% tariff on Pakistani exports, with Pide warning of devastating export impact.
Read Source ArticleLahore ATC issues non-bailable arrest warrant for KP CM over protest, police ‘attack’
Lahore ATC issued non-bailable arrest warrants for KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI leaders Hammad Azhar, Saeed Sindhu, and Shahbaz Ahmed for an October 5 protest. Administrative judge Manzar Ali Gul ordered the warrants on police request, though police said the leaders were not being investigated.
Read Source ArticleLaw minister sees no need for a new amendment
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said no new constitutional amendment is needed after the 26th Amendment, but future ones require coalition consensus. He spoke at an IMAC arbitration training session and also condemned attacks on state institutions and criticized KP CM's grant to LHCBA.
Read Source ArticleJustice Mansoor Ali Shah takes oath as acting CJP
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah sworn in as acting chief justice during CJP Afridi's foreign visit.
Read Source ArticlePakistan to seek economic support, climate financing at World Bank, IMF talks
Finance Minister Aurangzeb arrives in Washington for IMF and World Bank talks on economic support.
Read Source ArticleNew Great Game focuses on Iran and Pakistan
Geopolitical analysis suggests Taliban may trade Bagram air base for US recognition, impacting Iran and Pakistan.
Read Source ArticleUAE Deputy PM arrives in Pakistan for two-day visit
UAE Deputy PM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Islamabad on 20 April 2025 for a two-day official visit, meeting Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, investment, energy, and regional security.
Read Source ArticleSC backs vehicle owners in Customs seizure case
The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed FBR appeals, ruling that vehicles registered through statutory processes carry a presumption of legality and that Customs must prove smuggling before seizure. The court emphasized that the burden of proof lies with Customs, and owners are protected unless there is concrete evidence of fraud such as tampered chassis numbers.
Read Source ArticleWomen entitled to dower after ending abusive marriage: LHC
The Lahore High Court ruled that a wife who obtains Khula due to her husband's misconduct retains her entitlement to full deferred dower, as the Nikahnama is a binding contract. In this case, the wife proved cruelty and disrespectful behaviour, so the husband must pay the deferred dower, and the court rejected his petition.
Read Source ArticleAurangzeb leaves for US to attend IMF, World Bank meetings
Finance Minister Aurangzeb traveled to the US for IMF and World Bank meetings and climate action coalition gathering.
Read Source ArticleSC orders 'certain concessions' for May 9 accused
Supreme Court ordered concessions for May 9 accused, asking ATCs to consider exemption pleas and shift trials to hometowns.
Read Source ArticleFM Dar says Afghan side told won't allow each other's soil to be used for terror
Foreign Minister Dar informed Afghanistan that Pakistan will not allow its soil to be used for terrorism against each other.
Read Source ArticleJCP picks Justice Abbasi and Justice Najafi for Constitutional Bench
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan nominated Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi to the Supreme Court's constitutional benches, raising their strength to 15. Eight members voted for Abbasi and seven for Najafi, with Justice Mandokhail and CJP not participating in the vote for Najafi.
Read Source ArticleNo way to rectify errors if military trial records withheld: SC
Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi questioned how inadvertent errors in military court trials could be rectified if accused are not provided certified copies of evidence or judgments. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail raised concerns about the in-camera nature of military trials, making it difficult for convicts to prove evidence was recorded incorrectly.
Read Source ArticleRecord $1.2bn surplus in March
Pakistan recorded a record monthly current account surplus of $1.195 billion in March, contributing to a $1.859 billion surplus in the first nine months of FY25. Foreign direct investment rose 14% year-on-year to $1.64 billion, while SBP foreign exchange reserves declined to $10.57 billion as of April 11.
Read Source ArticleForeign secretary in Bangladesh for FOC talks after 15-year diplomatic break
Pakistan Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch arrived in Dhaka for Foreign Office Consultations after a 15-year diplomatic break. Direct government-to-government trade of 50,000 tonnes of rice began in February 2025.
Read Source ArticleKuwait extends oil credit facility for two years
Kuwait extended its oil credit facility to Pakistan for two years, the first two-year extension. Pakistan's economy is stabilising under a $7 billion IMF bailout that supports energy imports.
Read Source ArticleKulbhushan Jadhav got consular access after court martial, not appeal, Constitutional Bench told
The Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench was told that Kulbhushan Jadhav received consular access after his court martial but not the right to appeal. The access was granted under the 2021 ICJ law following the 2019 ICJ verdict on the Vienna Convention.
Read Source ArticleSC Constitutional Bench finds no malice in military trials of civilians
A seven-judge constitutional bench led by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar noted that no evidence of malice or due process violation in military trials of civilians was presented before the court. The intra-court appeals were heard on April 16, 2025.
Read Source ArticleGovt raises fuel levy to Rs80 per litre, denies relief
The government amended the petroleum levy ordinance to raise the maximum levy to Rs80 per litre, preventing a Rs10 reduction in petrol and diesel prices. Petrol remains at Rs254.63 and diesel at Rs258.64, with additional revenue earmarked for road construction in Sindh and Balochistan.
Read Source ArticlePakistan-Afghanistan coordination body revived after 15 months
Pakistan's special envoy Muhammad Sadiq hailed the revival of the Joint Coordination Committee after a 15-month pause, with its seventh meeting held on April 16, 2025. The meeting addressed rising tensions over Afghan refugee deportations, Torkham border construction, and security concerns.
Read Source ArticleSC constitutional bench throws out plea against IHC CJ's appointment
The Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench dismissed a plea against Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar's appointment as acting IHC Chief Justice. The bench fixed April 17 to hear petitions on inter-se seniority of five IHC judges and issued notices to transferred judges and other respondents.
Read Source ArticleFitch upgrades Pakistan's credit rating to 'B-' on improving deficits, reforms
Fitch upgraded Pakistan's foreign currency credit rating to B- from CCC+, citing improved fiscal deficits and structural reform progress. The agency forecast the budget deficit narrowing to 6% of GDP in FY25 and the primary surplus doubling to over 2% of GDP, noting debt/GDP fell to 67% in FY24.
Read Source ArticleSenate panel greenlights biological weapons bill
The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs unanimously approved the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (Implementation) Bill, 2025, with an amendment for provincial representation in the oversight body. The bill mandates a national mechanism for compliance with the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention without requiring additional financial or human resources.
Read Source ArticleSC hears pleas against judges transfer, serves notice to acting IHC CJ
A five-member Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar issued notices to IHC acting Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar and two other judges on Monday over their transfers and seniority changes. The hearing was adjourned until April 17, with petitions filed by five IHC judges and bar associations challenging the transfers and seniority list.
Read Source ArticleRemittances hit record $4.1bn for March: SBP governor
State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad announced record remittances of $4.1bn in March 2025, a 37% increase year-on-year. He projected foreign reserves exceeding $14bn by June and noted CPI inflation dropped to 0.7% with GDP growth expected around 3%.
Read Source ArticleTrump tariffs could pose $1.4bn risk to Pakistan exports
A Pakistan Institute of Development Economics study warned that 29% US reciprocal tariffs on Pakistani exports, totaling 37.6% with MFN duties, could cost $1.1–1.4bn annually. It also threatened over 500,000 textile jobs and called for export diversification.
Read Source ArticleInterior minister, army chief assure US team of Pakistan's pledge to regional security
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and COAS Asim Munir met US lawmakers Bergman, Suozzi, and Jackson, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional security and counterterrorism.
Read Source ArticleSBP initiative fails to spur financing for SMEs
SMEs get only 6-7% of private credit despite 40% GDP share, as SBP's October 2024 Challenge Fund failed to shift banks from government bonds.
Read Source ArticleBill threatens KP's control over mines, minerals: Jamaat-i-Islami
Jamaat-i-Islami's Inayatullah Khan said the Mines and Minerals Bill violates the 18th Amendment, granting excessive powers to the federal government and the US.
Read Source ArticleHigh court CJs empowered to regulate lower courts: SC
The Supreme Court ruled that high court chief justices have constitutional authority to supervise lower courts under Article 203. The three-judge bench upheld Lahore High Court Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan's refusal to transfer May 9 cases, finding no blatant unreasonableness.
Read Source ArticleSPI records its biggest decline ever
The Sensitive Price Index (SPI) recorded its biggest-ever year-on-year decline of 2.81% for the week ending April 10, 2025. Onions fell 71.2% and wheat flour dropped 34.9% annually, marking the sixth consecutive weekly decline.
Read Source ArticleLHC Justice Baqar Najafi picked to join apex court
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) elevated Justice Ali Baqar Najafi to the Supreme Court with a 9-4 majority, opposed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and three other judges. The JCP also appointed four retired high court judges and expunged adverse remarks against LHC's senior puisne judge Shujaat Ali Khan.
Read Source ArticleJCP Nominates LHC Justice Ali Baqar Najafi as Supreme Court Judge
JCP nominated LHC's Justice Ali Baqar Najafi as SC judge; ex-judges appointed for chief justice nominations.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court CB Judge Flags Discrepancy in Civilians' Court Martial
SC Constitutional Bench judge questioned discrepancy in civilians' court martial under Article 175(3) of Constitution.
Read Source ArticleSBP Foreign Reserves Uptick to $15.752 Billion
SBP foreign reserves rose to $15.752bn, with $5.053bn held by commercial banks during the week.
Read Source ArticleWorld Bank IFC commits $300m loan to Reko Diq mining project
The World Bank’s IFC will provide $300 million in debt financing for the Reko Diq copper-gold mine. Barrick Gold aims to secure over $2 billion in financing, with phase one production starting in 2028 and projected free cash flow of $70 billion.
Read Source ArticleNepra approves slashing electricity prices by Rs1.71
Nepra approved a Rs1.71 per unit reduction in electricity prices for April to June, excluding lifeline consumers. The subsidy will be funded from an estimated Rs58.6 billion in petroleum levy collections.
Read Source ArticleSC asked to throw out overseas Pakistanis’ plea for vote
The Election Commission of Pakistan asked the Supreme Court to dismiss petitions for overseas voting rights filed by Imran Khan and others. The ECP argued that the right to vote is already recognized but its modalities are a legislative matter.
Read Source ArticleMilitary court trials: SC constitutional bench grills AGP on civilians’ right to appeal
A seven-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan resumed hearing appeals against the October 23, 2023 verdict nullifying civilian trials in military courts. The bench grilled Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan on granting civilians the right to appeal, with Justice Hilali questioning trials conducted under 'Kalashnikovs'.
Read Source ArticleTrump declares 90-day reciprocal tariff pause, increases China levies to 125pc
Trump declared a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for most countries while raising levies on China to 125%, prompting China to retaliate with 84% tariffs on US goods. The European Union also hit back with 25% tariffs on US imports, as US stock indexes surged on the announcement.
Read Source ArticlePakistan to send high-level delegation to US for tariff, trade talks
Pakistan will send a high-level delegation to the US to discuss the 29% tariff imposed on its exports, following a meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif. A US delegation led by Eric Meyer met with the prime minister and the army chief, expressing interest in investing in Pakistan's mineral sector.
Read Source ArticleMay 9 riots: SC orders ATCs to decide cases within 4 months
The Supreme Court ordered anti-terrorism courts to decide May 9 riot cases within four months and submit progress reports every 15 days. The bench, led by CJP Yahya Afridi, noted Rs197 million in losses and 24,595 suspects still at large.
Read Source ArticleArmy in a 'state of war' to protect country's security, SC told
Senior counsel Khawaja Haris told the constitutional bench the army is in a state of war, invoking the Pakistan Army Act for May 9 violence trials. The seven-judge bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, is hearing appeals against the 2023 order nullifying civilian military trials.
Read Source ArticleECC approves supplementary grants worth Rs92bn
The ECC approved Rs92bn in supplementary grants, including Rs54.5bn from UK’s NCA for the Daanish school project. Another Rs23.434bn was approved for immunizing over 8 million children against 12 diseases.
Read Source ArticleSeniority row: SC Constitutional Bench fixes plea of IHC judges for April 14
The Supreme Court Constitutional Bench will hear on April 14 the plea of five IHC judges challenging the seniority alteration after transfer of three judges from other high courts. The petitioners argue that transferred judges must take a fresh oath under Article 194, affecting their seniority ranking.
Read Source ArticleControlling terrorism is the job of parliament, not courts: SC Constitutional Bench
During a hearing on intra-court appeals against military trials of civilians, the SC Constitutional Bench stated that counterterrorism policy is a parliamentary matter, not judicial. Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked that the court's role is limited to ensuring constitutional compliance, as the case was adjourned to March 8.
Read Source ArticleIn first call with FM Dar, US secretary of state expresses desire to boost counterterrorism cooperation
In their first phone call, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar agreed to enhance counterterrorism cooperation and discussed trade, investment, and Afghanistan. Rubio expressed interest in deepening cooperation in critical minerals and appreciated Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts from 2013 to 2018.
Read Source ArticleBills to curb human smuggling, organised beggary await Senate nod
The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed by the National Assembly on February 17, propose up to 10 years' imprisonment for trafficking (14 for women/children) and up to 10 years and Rs10m fine for smuggling, while criminalising organised beggary and removing victim criminal liability. The bills, pending Senate approval, face criticism from experts who argue that harsher punishments are ineffective without reforms in monitoring and prosecution mechanisms.
Read Source ArticleEx-judges in race for IHC chief justice appointment
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan will meet on April 11 to select one former IHC judge from among Anwar Khan Kasi, Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, and Noorul Haq Qureshi as its member to vote in the selection of the next IHC chief justice. The appointment of the regular chief justice from nominees Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar, Mohsin Kayani, and Miangul Aurangzeb will be considered in a JCP meeting expected on April 18.
Read Source ArticleGovernment delays CEC appointment process, impasse persists
The five-year terms of the chief election commissioner and two ECP members have expired, and the 45-day constitutional deadline for replacements has passed, but the government and opposition have not initiated the mandatory bipartisan consultation process. The opposition leader has refused to write to the prime minister on the matter, leaving the incumbents to continue under the 26th Amendment's carryover provision and creating an impasse.
Read Source ArticleFederal govt abolishes 5 accountability courts in Lahore
The federal government ordered the abolition and conversion of five accountability courts in Lahore into Intellectual Property Tribunals and Special Courts. Judges, staff, budget, and assets were transferred to the newly established tribunals and special courts.
Read Source ArticleIndia’s Modi clinches defence, energy deals in Sri Lanka
India and Sri Lanka signed a five-year defence cooperation agreement covering military training and information sharing, and a tripartite energy hub pact with the UAE. They also celebrated the start of construction of a 120-megawatt solar power project in Trincomalee.
Read Source ArticleShort-term inflation falls for fifth week
Short-term inflation measured by the Sensitive Price Index posted a negative 1.99% year-on-year growth in the week ending April 3. It increased by 0.20% from the preceding week, with chicken, potatoes, and onions rising the most.
Read Source ArticlePM hails ‘hard work’ as March inflation falls to historic low
March inflation fell to historic low of 0% rural and 1.2% urban YoY, prompting PM Shehbaz to hail economic progress.
Read Source ArticleMajor relief in power bills for homes, industry
Govt cut power tariff by Rs7.41/unit for domestic and Rs7.69/unit for industrial consumers to provide relief.
Read Source ArticlePakistan becomes first foreign country to join China’s space station training programme: Suparco
Pakistan became first foreign nation to join China's space station training programme, with astronaut selection by 2026.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz announces Rs7.41 per unit cut in power tariffs for countrywide consumers
PM Shehbaz announced a Rs7.41 per unit power tariff cut for domestic consumers and Rs7.69 for industry, citing savings of Rs3,696bn from IPP negotiations. He vowed to eliminate the Rs2,393bn circular debt within five years and curb Rs600bn annual power theft.
Read Source ArticleInflation clocks in at 0.7pc in March
Pakistan's CPI inflation fell to a six-decade low of 0.7% YoY in March 2025, down from 1.5% in February and 20.7% a year ago. Inflation averaged 5.25% in 9MFY25 compared to 27.06% in the same period last year, while the policy rate was cut from 22% to 12%.
Read Source ArticleEconomists see hurdles and opportunities for Pakistan as US imposes 29pc tariff on country
The US imposed 29% tariffs on Pakistan, which charges 58% on US imports, as analysts noted the US takes nearly 20% of Pakistan's exports but only 1.5% of GDP. Economists saw immediate hurdles but pointed to long-term opportunities if Pakistan innovates and improves competitiveness, with challenges from IMF restrictions on subsidies.
Read Source ArticleGovt to announce ‘major relief package’ today
PM Shehbaz Sharif will announce a major relief package today, with adviser Rana Sanaullah saying it will thwart Pakistan's default and spur stock market. The package aims to raise remittances and lower inflation, following the government's securing of a $1.3 billion IMF arrangement.
Read Source ArticleTrump to escalate global trade tensions with new reciprocal tariffs on US trading partners
US President Donald Trump imposes reciprocal tariffs on global trading partners effective immediately, with a separate 25% auto tariff on April 3. Yale economists estimate a 20% tariff would cost the average household $3,400, and trading partners like Canada and Mexico vow retaliation.
Read Source ArticleBattle for seniority may overshadow upcoming huddle of Judicial Commission of Pakistan
The JCP meeting on judges' elevation was rescheduled from April 8 to April 11 due to Senator Farooq H. Naek's unavailability. The meeting faces a seniority dispute after three high court judges' transfer to IHC, with five IHC judges petitioning the Supreme Court.
Read Source ArticlePakistan's trade deficit widens to $16.5bn in 8 months
Pakistan's goods trade deficit expanded to $16.5bn in the first eight months of FY25, up 17.4% from $14.05bn a year earlier. Net FDI inflows rose 41% year-on-year to $1.618bn but plunged to $95m in February 2025 amid terrorism concerns.
Read Source ArticleAfghan Taliban urges Pakistan to halt deportation of refugees
The Afghan Taliban urged Pakistan to halt deportations after the March 31 deadline for ACC holders expired, with Pakistan hosting 1.52 million registered refugees and 800,000 ACC holders. KP officials recommended delaying deportation until April 10 for Eid, but the interior ministry stated that legal action against illegal foreigners would commence.
Read Source ArticleBangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka sign capital markets deal
The Dhaka, Pakistan, and Colombo stock exchanges signed a tripartite MoU in Colombo on Thursday to collaborate on technology, human resources, product development, and regulatory coordination. DSE Chairman Mominul Islam noted that South Asian exchanges except India face operational constraints due to small size.
Read Source Article