April 2026 Current Affairs Bulletin
A chronological timeline of significant affairs curated for high-yield exam retention.
Lahore Bar Association challenges 27th Amendment in Supreme Court
The Lahore Bar Association, represented by senior counsel Hamid Khan, petitioned the Supreme Court on Thursday against the 27th Amendment, arguing the transfer of three IHC judges is unconstitutional. The petition contends the Federal Constitutional Court cannot hear the case as it is a beneficiary of the amendment and that the repeal of Article 184(3) violates judicial independence.
Read Source ArticleFinance Ministry warns of external sector risks amid global uncertainty
The Ministry of Finance warned of external sector risks from the Middle East conflict and global uncertainty, forecasting April 2026 inflation between 8-9%, up from March's 7.3%. Pakistan recorded a primary surplus of 3.3% of GDP (Rs4.319 trillion) in the first eight months of FY2026, while the fiscal deficit narrowed to 0.1% of GDP in July-February and FBR tax collections rose 10.1% to Rs9.306 trillion.
Read Source ArticlePakistan stays engaged with Iran, US to resolve conflict, says FO
FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that Pakistan remains actively engaged with Iran and the US to resolve the conflict, noting the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire of April 8 has been extended indefinitely by President Trump. He revealed PM Shehbaz Sharif held at least three calls with his Iranian counterpart and FM Ishaq Dar over five calls with Iranian FM Araghchi, who visited Islamabad twice.
Read Source ArticleLaw ministry notifies transfer of 3 IHC judges to other high courts
President approved transfer of IHC judges Justice Kayani to LHC, Justice Sattar to PHC, and Justice Imtiaz to SHC on JCP recommendation under Article 200. The move drew criticism from the IBC and IHCBA for lacking transparency, as the judges had previously opposed Justice Dogar's elevation as IHC CJ.
Read Source ArticleEnergy prices expected to surge 24pc, reaching highest level since 2022 Russia-Ukraine war: World Bank assessment
The World Bank projects a 24% surge in energy prices in 2026, the highest since 2022, with Brent oil averaging $86/barrel. Commodity prices are forecast to rise 16% in 2026, driven by soaring energy and fertiliser costs including a 60% jump in urea prices.
Read Source ArticlePresident Zardari invites investment in 'priority sectors' on China visit
President Zardari invited Chinese company Hangzhou Jinjiang Group to invest in alternate energy, water treatment, and EV battery systems during his China visit. The visit also saw the signing of MOUs on water desalination, agricultural technology, and tea industry.
Read Source ArticleUAE leaves Opec in huge blow to global oil producers' group
The UAE announced its exit from Opec and Opec+ from May 1, a blow to the cartel amid the Iran war and a win for President Trump. Energy Minister al-Mazrouei said the decision was not coordinated with Saudi Arabia, and the UAE criticized Gulf states for inadequate support against Iranian attacks.
Read Source ArticleFinance minister says no plans of seeking more bilateral financing after recent inflows from Saudi Arabia
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb ruled out further bilateral financing after securing $3 billion from Saudi Arabia, announcing a shift to commercial borrowing with a $250 million Panda bond due in May. He added that the IMF is expected to release a $1.2 billion tranche in May after Pakistan posted a current account surplus of $1.07 billion in March and projected 4% economic growth.
Read Source ArticleLawyers term constitutional tweaks threat to rule of law in Karachi
The Sindh High Court Bar Association organized a convention where senior lawyer Hamid Khan alleged the 1973 Constitution was defaced by its founding party. Former SCBA president Munir Malik demanded live telecast of petitions against the 26th and 27th Amendments, and Abid Zuberi claimed the Supreme Court would end after the 28th Amendment.
Read Source ArticlePunjab Assembly passes bill setting minimum marriage age at 18
The Punjab Assembly passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 on Monday, setting 18 as the minimum marriage age for both boys and girls and making underage marriage a non-bailable offense. The bill, presented by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, saw heated debate and included an amendment prioritizing the best interests of the child in all proceedings.
Read Source ArticleCentral bank increases policy rate by 100bps to 11.5pc
The State Bank of Pakistan raised its policy rate by 100 basis points to 11.5% on Monday, the first hike in nearly three years, citing Middle East conflict risks to inflation and macroeconomic stability. The MPC noted March inflation at 7.3% and core inflation at 7.8%, warning that inflation could exceed the 5-7% target for most of FY27.
Read Source ArticleTrump opts for talks with Iran over the phone, praises Pakistan
US President Donald Trump praised Pakistan for facilitating US-Iran dialogue and said talks will continue by telephone after calling off his team's visit to Islamabad due to Iran's reluctance. Iranian FM Araghchi visited Islamabad to meet Pakistani leaders before flying to Moscow, and restrictions on movement in the twin cities were lifted.
Read Source ArticlePakistan notifies 6 land routes for transportation of goods to Iran amid blockade of Hormuz, Iranian ports
Pakistan notified six land routes for goods to Iran under the Transit of Goods through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026, effective April 25, as over 3,000 containers remain stuck at Karachi port amid the blockade of Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports due to the US-Iran conflict.
Read Source ArticleIMF executive board to meet on May 8 to approve disbursement of over $1.2bn to Pakistan
The IMF executive board will meet on May 8 to approve over $1.2 billion in disbursements to Pakistan, comprising $1 billion from the third EFF review and $210 million from the second RSF review. The staff-level agreement was reached on March 27, and total disbursements under both arrangements would reach $4.5 billion.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court strengthens judicial cooperation with China, Turkiye
The Supreme Court signed an MoU with China’s Supreme People’s Court in August 2025 and another with Turkiye’s Constitutional Court in April 2026, focusing on judicial exchange, tech integration, and capacity-building. The collaboration includes participation in the 20th Conference of SCO Chief Justices in April 2025 and a planned IT delegation visit to China in July 2026.
Read Source ArticleIranian delegation led by Araghchi leaves Islamabad after meeting with PM, CDF; Trump cancels US envoys' visit
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Islamabad, meeting PM Shehbaz Sharif and CDF Asim Munir to discuss ceasefire and bilateral relations. US President Donald Trump cancelled the planned visit of envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for peace talks with Iran, citing travel and insufficient progress.
Read Source ArticlePresident Zardari arrives in China for visit focused on 'economic cooperation, CPEC'
President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Changsha, Hunan province, on April 25 for a visit centered on economic cooperation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The trip marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and includes travel to Sanya for further meetings with Chinese leadership.
Read Source ArticlePakistan among top 10 countries facing acute food crisis
Over 11 million Pakistanis face acute food insecurity, with 9.3 million in crisis and 1.7 million in emergency, according to the 2026 Global Report on Food Crises. The report cites extreme weather and economic challenges as key drivers, while noting a slight decline in the number of people in the most severe categories.
Read Source ArticleCJP says transferring judge back to SHC would render key constitutional ideals redundant
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi said transferring Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro from Islamabad High Court to Sindh High Court would render federalism and equitable representation redundant. The request for five judges, including Soomro, lacked reasons and would leave Sindh without representation in IHC.
Read Source ArticlePakistan repays $3.45bn to UAE, confirms central bank
Pakistan repaid $3.45 billion to the UAE, with $1 billion to the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development on April 23 and $2.45 billion the prior week, the State Bank confirmed. The repayment completed the 2019 deposit after a rollover failure in March, as foreign reserves stood at $20.63 billion.
Read Source ArticleEditorial: With two Pakistanis selected for China's space programme, the countries' partnership seems bound for high places
Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud were selected for China's manned space programme, with one becoming the first foreign astronaut to board China's space station. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong feted the candidates, who will start training in China.
Read Source ArticlePakistan draws UNSC attention to Indian suspension of Indus Waters Treaty
Pakistan's UN envoy urged the Security Council to address India's year-long suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, warning of grave consequences.
Read Source ArticleADB deepens Pakistan engagement with $3.67bn commitments targeting fiscal reform
ADB committed $3.672bn to Pakistan in 2025, up 22%, with $800m for fiscal reform and $350m to empower two million women entrepreneurs.
Read Source ArticleJudicial Commission likely to recommend transfer of five IHC judges
Judicial Commission likely to recommend transferring five IHC judges including Justices Mohsin Kayani and Babar Sattar without consent per amended Article 200.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court adopts digital hearings across multiple cities
The Supreme Court operationalized digital hearings with multi-location participation, including CJP Yahya Afridi in Islamabad and Justice Ayesha Malik from Lahore. It also introduced fully digitised case files, barcoding, e-filing, and video-link hearings, replacing paper-based processes.
Read Source ArticlePunjab Assembly speaker reverses agricultural income tax decision within 24 hours
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan restored agricultural income tax notifications on Tuesday, reversing his Monday ruling that had declared them illegal and void. The reinstatement followed a motion to condone the delay in presenting the notifications to the house.
Read Source ArticleGovt invites bids from financiers for global capital market transactions
The government invited bids for three consortiums to manage Eurobonds, Sukuk, and PKR-denominated dollar bonds over three years, after raising $750 million at 6.975% interest. Selection will be based on lowest yield, cost, and coupon, with bids opening May 25.
Read Source ArticleTrump extends US-Iran ceasefire at Pakistan's request
President Donald Trump extended the US-Iran ceasefire at the request of Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif until Tehran submits a unified proposal. The extension, announced as the April 21 deadline neared, left Iran's participation in planned Islamabad talks uncertain.
Read Source ArticlePunjab Assembly nullifies revised agriculture tax
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan declared government notifications revising agricultural income tax rates illegal and void ab initio for failing to present them during the FY 2025-26 budget session. The ruling, based on a privilege motion by MPA Zulfiqar Ali Shah, halted enforcement and referred the matter to a committee for investigation.
Read Source ArticlePakistan gets $1bn second tranche from Saudi Arabia
Pakistan received the second $1 billion tranche of a $3 billion Saudi deposit on April 20, 2026, following the first $2bn tranche the previous week. The deposit came after PM Shehbaz Sharif's visit, as Pakistan faces a $3.5bn loan repayment to the UAE and reserves of $16.4bn.
Read Source ArticlePakistan increases Eurobond from $500m to $750m
Pakistan increased its Eurobond issuance to $750m from $500m by exercising the green-shoe option, with a 6.975% interest rate and three-year maturity in April 2029. Finance Minister Aurangzeb described the move as a 'vote of confidence' amid stronger-than-expected investor demand.
Read Source ArticleGovt forsees economic slowdown during current, next fiscal years due to Middle East war
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced a Rs173bn cut in PSDP to Rs837bn due to Middle East war impacts, warning that economic growth will slow below the 4.2% target. He reported that average inflation rose to 5.7% in the first nine months, with March CPI at 7.3%.
Read Source ArticleNaqvi meets Iran, US envoys to discuss preparations for 2nd round of Islamabad Talks
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured Iran's ambassador of complete security preparations for the second round of Islamabad Talks, while discussing with the US charge d'affaires. The US envoy appreciated Pakistan's role, but Iran has yet to decide on sending a delegation.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to regional peace in call with Iranian president
PM Shehbaz Sharif in a 45-minute call with Iranian President Pezeshkian reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, discussing US-Iran talks held in Islamabad that ended without agreement amid a ceasefire expiring April 22. He conveyed regards for Supreme Leader Khamenei, and Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its peace efforts, affirming stronger bilateral relations.
Read Source ArticleSecurity beefed up as Islamabad prepares for foreign delegations amid anticipation of US-Iran talks
Islamabad closed its Red Zone and suspended public transport on April 20 as advanced teams arrived for anticipated second round of US-Iran talks, with 2,800 police including 130 snipers deployed. Iran's top negotiator Ghalibaf said progress had been made but a final deal remains far, and Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz.
Read Source ArticleSBP chief says economy can weather Iran war risks as macroeconomic indicators improve
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad said macroeconomic indicators improved faster than expected with inflation averaging 5.7% in nine months and reserves rising to $16.4bn, expected to reach $18bn by June 2026. He said the economy is better positioned than during previous crises to manage Iran war risks, as GDP grew 3.8% in H1 FY26 versus 1.8% last year.
Read Source ArticlePakistan seeks early approval of next IMF tranche
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan is seeking early IMF board approval for the next tranche, with an IMF team visiting next month. He reported a March current account surplus of $1bn, remittances of $3.8bn, and record Roshan Digital inflows of $261mn.
Read Source ArticleSBP says govt has paid $2bn to UAE
The State Bank of Pakistan confirmed the government paid $2bn to the UAE, part of a $3.5bn 2019 loan, with the remaining $1bn due April 23. Saudi Arabia pledged an additional $3bn deposit and extended its $5bn facility, while Pakistan raised $500mn via Eurobond and repaid $1.43bn in external debt.
Read Source ArticlePakistan escorted Iran negotiators home amid Israel concerns
Pakistan deployed about two dozen jets and an AWACS to escort Iranian negotiators home after inconclusive peace talks with the US, due to Israeli threat concerns. The delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, requested the security cover.
Read Source ArticlePakistan raises $500m through Eurobond after 4-year hiatus
Pakistan issued a $500 million three-year Eurobond at 6.95% interest maturing April 2029, returning to international capital markets after four years. The bond sale followed Saudi Arabia's $2 billion disbursement and coincided with Pakistan's $1.4 billion repayment of an earlier Eurobond.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to extend $3bn deposit
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement extending a $3 billion deposit from the Saudi Fund for Development with the State Bank of Pakistan, aimed at supporting external sector stability. The deal was signed in Washington during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, as Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $16.4 billion and a $3.5 billion UAE loan repayment looms.
Read Source ArticleLHC upholds govt’s policy abolishing free electricity units for power sector employees
The Lahore High Court upheld the government's December 5, 2023 policy monetizing free electricity units for Wapda and power distribution company officers in BPS-17 and above, ruling the benefit was a non-statutory privilege. The policy, which saves an estimated Rs4-4.5 billion annually, abolishes 75 million free units previously given to senior officers, while lower-grade employees retain the perk.
Read Source ArticlePunjab Assembly unanimously adopts resolution recommending Nobel Peace Prize for PM, CDF Munir
The Punjab Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution recommending the Nobel Peace Prize for PM Shehbaz Sharif and CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir for mediating a US-Iran ceasefire. The resolution, tabled by Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, praised their role in averting a regional conflict.
Read Source ArticleCurrent account posts surplus of $1.07bn in March
Pakistan's current account surplus reached $1.07bn in March 2026, the second-highest on record, up from $231m in February. Adviser Khurram Schehzad called it the third consecutive monthly surplus, with Topline Securities attributing the rise to lower goods and services deficit and higher remittances.
Read Source ArticleIMF managing director meets Aurangzeb, hails Pakistan’s reform progress, macroeconomic stability
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva commended Pakistan's reform progress and macroeconomic stability during a meeting with Finance Minister Aurangzeb at the Spring Meetings in Washington. She emphasized that strong programme implementation has built confidence and that deeper structural reforms are needed for sustained growth.
Read Source ArticlePakistan legalises virtual assets
Pakistan enacted the Virtual Assets Act 2026, establishing PVARA as the regulator. Banks may open accounts for licensed VASPs under strict AML/CFT compliance, with mandatory segregation of client funds.
Read Source ArticleSaudi Arabia pledges $3bn fresh deposit, extends $5bn facility through 2028
Saudi Arabia pledged an additional $3bn deposit and extended its existing $5bn facility for three years, announced Finance Minister Aurangzeb. The support aims to bolster reserves and meet IMF programme targets.
Read Source ArticleTrump eyes round two of Islamabad talks within days
Trump hinted at a possible second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad within days, praising Field Marshal Munir. Meanwhile, the US enforced a naval blockade, stopping six ships from leaving Iranian ports in 24 hours.
Read Source ArticlePM takes president into confidence on US-Iran talks, briefs him on upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia, Turkiye
PM Shehbaz Sharif briefed President Zardari on Tuesday about the US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the highest-level engagement since 1979, which ended without agreement but without breakdown. Zardari praised PM Shehbaz, DPM Ishaq Dar, and COAS Asim Munir for their role, and was informed of upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkiye for peace efforts.
Read Source ArticleAurangzeb says ‘all options on table’ to replace UAE’s $3.5bn loan, weighs strategic fuel reserve
Finance Minister Aurangzeb stated that all options, including Eurobonds, Islamic sukuk, and commercial debt, are being considered to replace the UAE's $3.5bn loan, and that Pakistan should establish a strategic petroleum reserve due to the war shock. He expects the IMF board to approve the next $1.3bn tranche by end of April or early May and plans to issue a $250mn Panda bond next month.
Read Source ArticlePakistan pushes for reform, investment at WB-IMF spring meetings
At the WB-IMF spring meetings, Finance Minister Aurangzeb highlighted the severe energy shock from the US-Iran war—oil prices surged 50% and Strait of Hormuz shipping was disrupted—and discussed reform continuity, debt sustainability, and social protection with World Bank and IFC officials. He also participated in a Harvard University panel on Pakistan's Economic Agenda alongside Prof. Atif Mian and Nobel laureate Prof. Daron Acemoglu.
Read Source ArticleLHC sets aside ruling that struck down policy for regulating foreign funding of NGOs, NPOs
A Lahore High Court division bench set aside a September 2024 ruling that struck down the 2022 Policy for Local NGOs/NPOs Receiving Foreign Contributions. The bench ruled that policy-making on foreign funding falls within the executive domain under Articles 90 and 99 of the Constitution.
Read Source ArticlePunjab Assembly panel approves bill setting minimum marriage age at 18 for both males and females
The Punjab Assembly committee approved the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, setting the minimum marriage age at 18 for both sexes and declaring child marriage a non-bailable, cognizable offense. The bill imposes up to three years imprisonment and Rs500,000 fine for adults marrying a child, and five to seven years for cohabitation resulting from child marriage.
Read Source ArticleFitch affirms Pakistan’s credit rating at ‘B-’
Fitch Ratings affirmed Pakistan's 'B-' rating with stable outlook, citing progress on fiscal consolidation and macro stability under the IMF program. It forecast 7.9% inflation and 3.1% GDP growth for FY26, with general government debt declining to 68.9% of GDP from 70.7%.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, Egypt to lead launch of Borrowers’ Platform as debt pressures prompt global initiative
Finance Minister Aurangzeb and Egyptian counterpart will jointly launch a Borrowers’ Platform at the UN Foundation on April 15 to address global debt pressures.
Read Source ArticleAfter Trump’s blockade announcement, IRGC says will view military vessels approaching Hormuz as ceasefire breach
Trump said US-Iran talks in Islamabad yielded progress but no nuclear deal, as IRGC warned it would view military vessels near Hormuz as ceasefire breach.
Read Source Article‘Pakistan opened door to dialogue’: Islamabad becoming a direct mediator, say US scholars
US scholars said Pakistan has become a direct mediator in US-Iran talks, moving from hosting to actively shaping negotiations.
Read Source ArticleDar urges US, Iran to uphold commitment to ceasefire as talks conclude without deal
After 21-hour marathon talks in Islamabad between the US and Iran ended without an agreement, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar urged both sides to maintain the ceasefire. US Vice President JD Vance confirmed no deal was reached, citing Iran's refusal to commit to not seeking nuclear weapons.
Read Source ArticlePakistan sends military force, fighter jets to Saudi Arabia
Pakistan deployed fighter jets and military forces to Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Air Base under a joint defence cooperation agreement. The deployment followed Iranian strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure that killed a Saudi national, sources told Reuters.
Read Source ArticleShort-term inflation surges by 12.15pc
Short-term inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Index, surged 12.15% year-on-year in the week ending April 9, driven by fuel price hikes. Diesel prices rose 101.02% annually and 54.71% week-on-week, while petrol increased 48.70% over the year.
Read Source ArticleVance en route, Iranian delegation touches down for Islamabad talks
US Vice President JD Vance en route; Iranian delegation reaches Islamabad for April 11 peace talks brokered by Pakistan.
Read Source ArticleAsian Development Bank upgrades Pakistan's economic growth rate to 3.5pc
ADB upgrades Pakistan's GDP growth forecast to 3.5% for current fiscal year, warns of global economic uncertainty.
Read Source ArticleCNIC not moveable property; can't be blocked, impounded or attached: Lahore High Court
Lahore High Court rules CNIC not movable property; civil courts cannot order blocking or impounding of identity cards.
Read Source ArticleIslamabad takes centre stage, to host high-stakes US-Iran talks
Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, leading to high-stakes talks in Islamabad on April 9-10. US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will lead delegations, with PM Shehbaz Sharif calling it a historic opportunity for a conclusive settlement.
Read Source ArticleWar in Middle East fails to dent remittances in March
Pakistan received $3.8bn in remittances in March 2026, a 17% increase from February and the highest monthly inflow of the fiscal year. Total remittances for July-March 2026 rose 8.2% to $30.321bn, led by Saudi Arabia ($7.086bn) and the UAE ($6.267bn).
Read Source ArticleTrump declares end to Iran’s uranium enrichment
President Trump declared an end to Iran's uranium enrichment and announced joint US-Iran removal of nuclear material buried by US strikes in June 2025. He also threatened 50% tariffs on countries supplying weapons to Iran and warned that the US would seize enriched uranium if not voluntarily handed over.
Read Source ArticlePakistan brokers US-Iran ceasefire after PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir talk to Trump
Pakistan announced a US-Iran ceasefire on April 9, with Iran confirming participation in April 10 talks in Islamabad. The two-week truce includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, though the White House has not confirmed the deal.
Read Source ArticlePSX gains 14,000 points in highest single-day rally after US-Iran ceasefire
The PSX KSE-100 index closed at 165,811 on April 9, a gain of 14,137.55 points (9.32%), the highest single-day rally in absolute terms. The surge followed the US-Iran ceasefire announcement, surpassing the previous record gain of 10,123 points set on May 12, 2025.
Read Source ArticleAfghanistan, Pakistan agree to avoid escalation during China-hosted talks
During China-hosted talks in Urumqi from April 1-7, Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to avoid escalation and normalize bilateral relations. The week-long informal meetings included Chinese mediation, though Pakistan’s Foreign Office has not issued an official statement.
Read Source ArticleTrump says Vance, Witkoff, Kushner talking with intermediaries in Pakistan; Iran could be 'taken out' on Tuesday
Trump warned Iran could be destroyed in one night by Tuesday and said US officials including VP Vance are talking to intermediaries in Pakistan. Iran rejected the US ceasefire proposal and instead offered a 10-point plan demanding an end to conflicts and sanctions.
Read Source ArticleChina, Russia veto UN resolution to reopen Strait of Hormuz
China and Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz; the draft got 11 votes in favor with Pakistan and Colombia abstaining. Pakistan justified its abstention by emphasizing the need for continued diplomacy and a political solution.
Read Source ArticlePakistan has repaid $1.43 billion in debt, including Eurobond due April 8, adviser says
Pakistan repaid $1.43 billion in external debt on April 8, including a $1.3 billion Eurobond and $126 million in coupon payments. Finance adviser Khurram Schehzad said this demonstrates consistency and strengthens Pakistan's credibility with global investors.
Read Source ArticleIran conveys to Pakistan its rejection of US ceasefire proposal: report
Iran rejected a US ceasefire proposal via Pakistan, demanding an end to conflicts, safe passage through Hormuz, and sanctions lifting. US President Trump called the proposal insufficient, while Iran's IRGC intelligence chief Majid Khademi was assassinated in an Israeli-claimed strike.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, Turkiye sign MoU in bid to enhance judicial cooperation
Pakistan's Supreme Court and Turkiye's Constitutional Court signed an MoU on judicial cooperation, with CJP Yahya Afridi announcing a joint working group. The agreement aims to enhance judicial knowledge exchange, capacity building, and integration of modern technologies.
Read Source ArticleIMF asks Pakistan to remove fuel price distortions amid subsidy pressures
The IMF has asked Pakistan to remove fuel price distortions, especially on diesel, despite tacitly accepting a Rs152 billion subsidy cap. Petrol consumption averages 660,000 tonnes per month, while diesel consumption is at 600,000 tonnes and expected to rise during harvest.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, Turkiye to sign MoU on judicial cooperation
The Supreme Court will host a Turkish Constitutional Court delegation led by President Kadir Özkaya from April 6 to 9. An MoU on judicial cooperation will be signed on April 6, focusing on judicial exchange, capacity building, and joint training programs.
Read Source ArticleOperation Ghazab lil-Haq: Security forces foil attack on border post in KP, kill 37 militants
On the night of April 2-3, security forces foiled an attack on a border post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Ghulam Khan Sector, killing 37 militants and injuring over 80. Since Operation Ghazab lil-Haq's launch on Feb 26, 796 terrorists have been killed and 286 posts destroyed.
Read Source ArticleGulf war erodes 90pc investment in T-bills
The Gulf War, ongoing for over 35 days, caused 90% of foreign investment in Pakistani T-bills to be withdrawn, with outflows of $794 million in the first nine months of FY26. Only $93 million remained invested, as T-bill returns rose to 11.5%, above the policy rate of 10.5%.
Read Source ArticlePetrol price drops to Rs378 as PM cuts levy amid backlash
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif slashed the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre, reducing petrol price to Rs378, and announced all federal cabinet members will forgo salaries for six months. The relief came a day after a 42.7% hike to Rs458.41 per litre, with Sindh and Punjab unveiling targeted subsidies for motorcyclists, farmers, and transporters.
Read Source ArticlePakistan to return $3.5bn UAE debt before month end: official
Pakistan will repay $3.5bn to the UAE before end-April to uphold 'national dignity', a senior official said. The payment will cut central bank reserves by 18% from $16.3bn, ending multiple rollovers of 2019 balance-of-payments support.
Read Source Article‘Silence’ stonewalls Pakistan-led US-Iran talks initiative
A Pakistan-led initiative for US-Iran talks has stalled as Tehran has not formally responded to proposals, with an official citing Iran's focus on war and deep mistrust. The US has deployed 18 A-10C aircraft, a carrier strike group, and thousands of Marines to the region, while security concerns were heightened by assassinations of former Iranian officials.
Read Source ArticleMistakes and slackness do not warrant writ jurisdiction: Federal Constitutional Court
The Federal Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that any mistake or slackness does not entitle a party to file under Section 12(2) CPC unless the error leads to a jurisdictional defect. Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan, heading a two-judge bench, authored the judgment dismissing Mian Tahir Raza's appeal against a 2019 Lahore High Court order.
Read Source ArticlePakistan walks into IMF meetings in DC amid war shocks
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will attend the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington from April 11-17 to discuss mitigating the economic fallout from the Iran conflict. Talks will focus on targeted social safety nets, subsidy reforms, and emergency financing options amid energy price volatility.
Read Source ArticleFuel rates explode as govt withdraws blanket subsidy
Pakistan raised petrol by 42.7% to Rs458.41 per litre and diesel by 55% to Rs520.35, ending blanket subsidies and introducing targeted relief for bikers, farmers, and transporters. The government also cut the petroleum levy on diesel to zero, announced early market closures to save 1,200MW, and sought IMF flexibility for fiscal space.
Read Source ArticleAJK High Court bars detention, deportation of Afghans without due process
The AJK High Court ruled that Afghan nationals cannot be detained or deported without due process, ordering the government to establish a legal mechanism. The court directed immediate appointment of civil authorities and mandated case-by-case decisions for detained Afghans.
Read Source ArticlePakistan to seek flexibility in IMF programme for evolving contingencies amid war on Iran
Pakistan will seek flexibility in its IMF programme amid the US-Israeli war on Iran, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker. Global diesel and petrol prices have surged over 220% and 80% since the conflict began, prompting Pakistan to freeze petroleum prices for three weeks.
Read Source ArticleEnergy costs push March inflation to 7.3pc
Consumer inflation rose to 7.3% in March from 7% in February, driven by higher energy prices amid the Middle East war. Month-on-month inflation increased 1.2%, and core inflation stood at 7.4% in urban areas and 8.4% in rural areas.
Read Source ArticleUS Supreme Court skeptical of Trump’s order to restrict birthright citizenship
US Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism towards Trump’s executive order restricting birthright citizenship, affecting 250,000 births annually.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, Norway sign carbon market deal under Paris Agreement
Pakistan and Norway signed a carbon market deal under the Paris Agreement, creating a pathway for climate investment.
Read Source ArticleInflation seen near 8.5pc in March
Finance ministry expects inflation to moderate near 8.5% in March despite global uncertainties.
Read Source Article