August 2025 Current Affairs Bulletin
A chronological timeline of significant affairs curated for high-yield exam retention.
President Zardari signs anti-terrorism amendment bill into law
President Asif Ali Zardari signed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2025, allowing preventive detention for up to three months with judicial oversight. The bill amends the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 and was passed by both houses of parliament amid opposition protests.
Read Source ArticlePakistan and Armenia formally establish diplomatic relations: FO
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan signed a joint communique in Tianjin to formally establish diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Armenia. The historic move follows a peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, ending decades of no relations due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Read Source ArticleFBR faces Rs42bn gap amid tax slowdown
In July-August FY26, the FBR collected Rs1.657 trillion, missing its Rs1.699 trillion target by Rs42 billion, though collections rose 15% year-on-year. The shortfall was driven by a Rs61 billion deficit in sales tax and a Rs39 billion drop in utility bill revenue due to flooding and increased solarisation.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz arrives in Tianjin for SCO summit; Modi touches down in China after 7-year gap
PM Shehbaz arrived in Tianjin on August 30 for the SCO Council of Heads of State summit on August 31-September 1, where he will meet President Xi Jinping and attend the 80th anniversary military parade. Indian PM Narendra Modi also landed in China for his first visit in seven years to attend the summit.
Read Source ArticleFinancing for new PSDP projects limited to 2pc in line with IMF conditions
New PSDP project financing was capped at 2% for the current fiscal year under IMF Extended Fund Facility conditions, with 2,518 projects worth Rs344 billion completed or closed. The IMF Diagnosis Report flagged weak prioritization, delays, and cost overruns, while the NHA was directed to begin M-6 motorway work by October 2025.
Read Source ArticleYousaf Gilani, Ayaz Sadiq meet as opposition apprehends 'controversial' 27th Constitutional amendment
Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met on August 29 to discuss the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment and an upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference in November. President Zardari summoned the NA session on September 1 amid PTI concerns over controversial legislation.
Read Source ArticleSC full court to approve new rules on September 8
The Supreme Court full court will meet on September 8, 2025, to approve the Supreme Court Rules 2025, which include increased court fees and digital case filing. Chief Justice Yayha Afridi formed a committee to address lawyer objections and assured bar leaders of resolving their concerns.
Read Source ArticleState Bank’s reserves rose to $19.617bn
State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $18 million to $19.617 billion in the week ending August 22, 2025. Commercial banks' net holdings were $5.343 billion, and the SBP purchased $7.8 billion from the interbank market during FY25.
Read Source ArticlePakistan agrees to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia
Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar agreed to consider establishing diplomatic relations with Armenia after a phone call with Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan. Pakistan, which historically supports Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, also welcomed the US-brokered peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Read Source ArticleTax overhaul, faster privatisation on government agenda
Finance Minister Aurangzeb unveiled a simplified income tax return form reducing fields from 800 to 40, expected to benefit 80% of salaried taxpayers. He also announced shifting tax policy from FBR to the Finance Ministry and accelerating privatisation of loss-making state-owned enterprises.
Read Source ArticleSC registrar returns KP CM’s plea to meet Imran
The Supreme Court registrar returned KP CM Gandapur's petition to meet Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, citing lack of a signed power of attorney. The petition, filed under Article 184(1), sought directives for the federal government to allow the meeting for consultation on provincial matters.
Read Source ArticleKremlin calls Putin’s upcoming visit to China ‘unprecedented’
Kremlin says Putin's visit to China for the SCO summit in Tianjin (Aug 31-Sept 1) is unprecedented, with Modi attending his first China trip in over 7 years. The summit is the largest since SCO's founding in 2001, and Putin will also attend a WWII parade in Beijing.
Read Source ArticleSBP purchases $7.8bn to check rupee surge
The State Bank of Pakistan purchased $7.8 billion from the open market since June 2024, raising foreign exchange reserves to $14.5 billion by end-June 2025. Deputy Governor Dr Inayat Husain told a National Assembly committee the interventions aimed to absorb excess dollar liquidity and build reserves, with the policy rate at 11% and core inflation at 7.4%.
Read Source ArticleUS tariffs on Indian goods double to 50pc over Russian oil purchases
US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to as high as 50% on August 27, 2025, by adding a 25% punitive duty over Indian purchases of Russian oil to an existing 25% tariff. The hike targets garments, gems, footwear, and chemicals, threatening nearly 55% of India's $87 billion in annual merchandise exports to the US.
Read Source ArticleANP says new NFC ToRs against provinces' interests
The Awami National Party rejected the terms of reference for the 11th National Finance Commission, calling them an attempt to undermine provincial financial rights under the 18th Amendment. ANP provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain demanded increased representation and share for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including release of outstanding Fata funds and a higher war-on-terror share from the current 1%.
Read Source ArticleChina's Xi to welcome Putin, Modi in grand show of solidarity
Xi Jinping will host Putin and Modi at the SCO summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1; it will be Modi's first China visit in over seven years, and the summit is the largest since the SCO's founding in 2001.
Read Source ArticlePSX loses 677 points on IMF concerns
The KSE-100 index lost 677 points (0.45%) to close at 148,815 on Monday amid concerns over the IMF loan's third tranche and the FATF grey list risk; trading volume fell 13.55% to 693.3 million shares.
Read Source ArticleServing major general appointed to interior ministry
The government appointed Major General Noor Wali Khan as Additional Secretary in the interior ministry on secondment for three years, replacing PSP officer Sohail Habib Tajik; the move follows Interior Minister Naqvi's July proposal for better coordination with civil armed forces.
Read Source ArticleFaisalabad ATC sentences PTI leaders to 10 years for May 9 riots
A Faisalabad anti-terrorism court sentenced 59 accused, including PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul, to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and 16 others to 3 years in the May 9 riots case, while acquitting 34. The convictions stem from an attack on former interior minister Rana Sanaullah's house during the May 9, 2023 protests.
Read Source ArticlePakistan to reject Israel's Gaza plan at OIC summit
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Saudi Arabia from August 25-26 to reject Israel's plan for full military control over Gaza at the OIC-CFM extraordinary session in Jeddah. Pakistan will advocate for total Israeli withdrawal, unhindered humanitarian aid, and a sovereign Palestinian state.
Read Source ArticleCentre, KP on same page over NFC award tweaks
KP Finance Minister Muzammil Aslam announced that the province will demand disincentivising population and including prosperity and forestation as criteria for horizontal NFC resource distribution. The first meeting of the 11th NFC is scheduled for August 29, with the Centre and KP both supporting reducing the population factor.
Read Source ArticlePakistan Bar Council says changes to SC rules violation of basic rights
The PBC declared amendments to the Supreme Court Rules, 2025, including a court fee hike, as a violation of Article 37(d) of the Constitution and demanded their immediate withdrawal. The PBC also decided to host an All Parties Conference in Islamabad on September 27 to formulate a strategy against terrorism and boost the economy.
Read Source ArticleFM Dar meets Bangladesh’s Yunus during historic visit as ‘revitalising Saarc’ comes under focus
Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar met Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka, discussing Saarc revival and bilateral ties during the first Pakistani FM visit in 13 years. Six cooperation pacts were signed including visa abolition for diplomatic passport holders, a Joint Working Group on trade, and a 500-scholarship Knowledge Corridor for Bangladeshi students.
Read Source Article50pc decline in dollar sales reported amid concerns of re-emerging illegal forex market
Currency dealers reported a 50% decline in dollar sales by money changers in August, with only $115 million sold to the banking sector, amid concerns of a re-emerging grey market offering rates between Rs287 and Rs292. The official dollar rate dropped by Rs4 to Rs284.50 since July 22 after a crackdown on smugglers, while remittance inflows remained robust at $3.2 billion in July.
Read Source ArticleFM Dar hails new phase of Islamabad-Dhaka ‘reinvigorated partnership’ in landmark Bangladesh visit
Ishaq Dar made the first Pakistani foreign minister visit to Bangladesh in 13 years, hailing a 'reinvigorated partnership'. He invited all stakeholders to engage and noted progress in bilateral ties since Sheikh Hasina's government fell in August 2024.
Read Source ArticleADB approves $800m for fiscal sustainability
The ADB approved an $800m package for Pakistan, comprising a $300m policy-based loan and a $500m guarantee to mobilize $1bn from commercial banks. Subprogramme 2 supports tax policy, expenditure management, and digitalisation reforms to reduce the fiscal deficit and public debt.
Read Source ArticleJCP panel rejects idea of selection criteria for constitutional bench judges
A JCP subcommittee voted 3-2 to reject developing criteria for constitutional bench judge selection, referring the matter to the full JCP. It approved JCP secretariat service rules but deferred high court judge performance evaluation rules, citing Article 191A does not authorize such criteria.
Read Source ArticlePresident Zardari constitutes 11th National Finance Commission to divvy up revenue
President Zardari constituted the 11th NFC with Finance Minister Aurangzeb as chairman and provincial ministers as members. The 10th NFC expired July 21, and the 7th award has been extended for 15 years due to provincial-centre disagreement.
Read Source ArticleAGP uncovers Rs375tr ‘irregularities’ in federal finances
The AGP reported Rs375 trillion in irregularities for FY24, with only 13% of funds for public good and 87% on debt and interest. It also found Rs284 trillion in procurement issues and Rs513.87 billion in unauthorized supplementary grants.
Read Source ArticleChina’s Foreign Minister Wang, COAS Munir discuss regional security and counter-terrorism
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and COAS General Syed Asim Munir met in Islamabad, discussing regional security and counter-terrorism. They reaffirmed their strategic partnership and agreed to enhance coordination at regional and international forums.
Read Source ArticleSC accepts Imran’s bail pleas in eight May 9 cases
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, granted bail to PTI founder Imran Khan in eight May 9 cases. The PTI celebrated while Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said bail does not mean acquittal.
Read Source ArticleChina affirms commitment to working with Pakistan on regional peace
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, reaffirming support for Pakistan's sovereignty and regional peace. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and CPEC for shared development.
Read Source ArticlePakistan joins global elite with new payment system
The State Bank of Pakistan launched PRISM+, a Real-Time Interbank Settlement Mechanism adopting the ISO 20022 global standard. The system aims to modernize payment infrastructure and aligns with Vision 2028 for digital inclusion.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court rift: Justices Shah, Akhtar say judicial process undermined in 26th Amendment controversy
Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Munib Akhtar accused CJP Yahya Afridi of failing to implement a binding November 2024 decision to hear 26th Amendment challenges before a Full Court, instead assigning them to a Constitutional Bench. The Registrar's non-compliance and the CJP's private consultations further damaged judicial process, the judges said.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz's China visit later this month to mark formal launch of CPEC-II
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's August 2025 China visit for the SCO summit will formally launch CPEC Phase II, focusing on industrial cooperation with measurable outcomes. Pakistan aims to capture $30-50bn of China's $2 trillion annual imports through enhanced trade and export diversification.
Read Source ArticleKabul hosts Pakistan, China foreign ministers today
Chinese FM Wang Yi and Pakistani FM Ishaq Dar attended a trilateral meeting in Kabul on August 20, 2025, focusing on counter-terrorism and extending CPEC to Afghanistan. Wang Yi will co-chair the sixth Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad on August 21 to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Read Source ArticleSenate, NA Pass Anti-Terrorism Act Amendments Amid Opposition Uproar
The Senate passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2025, reinserting powers for law enforcement and armed forces to detain suspects for up to three months. The bill rejected JUI-F amendments, includes a three-year sunset clause, and was approved after the National Assembly's passage.
Read Source ArticleAJK High Court Strikes Down Quota System in Govt Jobs, Colleges
The AJK High Court struck down the decades-old quota system in government services and professional colleges, declaring it unconstitutional, discriminatory, and against Islamic injunctions. The court ordered all recruitment and admissions on open merit, abolishing notifications since 1972, except for a quota for disabled persons.
Read Source ArticleFitch Forecasts 3.5% GDP Growth, Stable Inflation for Pakistan
Fitch Ratings forecast Pakistan's GDP growth at 3.5% in FY27 and inflation averaging 5%, after upgrading the sovereign rating to B- in April 2025. The agency noted banks are well-positioned due to eased inflation to 4.1% in July 2025 and a policy rate halved to 11%.
Read Source ArticleAGP to present mechanism for production of detained persons before top judicial body
Attorney General Mansoor Awan assured NJPMC of a mechanism for producing detained persons within 24 hours, to be presented at the next meeting. The committee also mandated reporting of extraneous influence within 24 hours and action within 14 days, and approved uniform timelines for case disposal.
Read Source ArticleState Bank to launch upgraded payment and settlement system today
The State Bank of Pakistan launched Prism Plus, built on ISO 20022, on Tuesday with Governor Jameel Ahmed chairing the event. The system aims to enhance transparency and efficiency, as Raast processed 371 million transactions worth Rs8.5 trillion in Q3 FY25 and RTGS handled 1.5 million transactions worth Rs347 trillion.
Read Source ArticleColonial-era laws prioritise executive supremacy over justice, says ex-AGP Makhdoom Ali
Makhdoom Ali Khan stated that colonial-era laws were designed to maintain executive supremacy, not deliver justice, and called for structural judicial reforms. He emphasized that the system still targets political workers and that reforms are needed to prioritize civilian supremacy over executive authority.
Read Source ArticleFour IHC benches constituted to clear backlog of tax, commercial cases
The IHC constituted four specialized benches under Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, with Justices Babar Sattar and Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan assigned exclusively to the Commercial Litigation Corridor and tax cases to clear a backlog of around 2,000 cases. Other benches handle company, educational institution, and financial recovery matters.
Read Source ArticlePSX rises for eighth week on rating upgrade, strong results
The KSE-100 index gained 0.8% to close at 146,492 points, extending its rally to eight weeks following Moody's rating upgrade to Caa1 and strong corporate earnings. Daily traded volume rose 8% to 606 million shares, while leasing companies led sectors with a 13.5% gain and Airlink topped individual performers with a 19.7% increase.
Read Source ArticleEuropean leaders to join Ukraine’s Zelensky in Trump meeting
European leaders including UK PM Starmer, French President Macron, and German Chancellor Merz will join Ukrainian President Zelensky in Washington on Monday for talks with US President Trump. Trump's envoy Witkoff said the US is prepared to offer Ukraine 'robust security guarantees' like NATO's Article 5, though Zelensky rejected Russia as a guarantor and the meeting follows a Trump-Putin summit that failed to yield a ceasefire.
Read Source ArticleSJC dismisses complaints against CEC Sikander, two other ECP members
The SJC dismissed complaints against CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja and ECP members Nisar Ahmed Durrani and Shah Muhammad Jatoi in meetings on Nov 8, 2024 and Dec 13, 2024. The decision, announced on Aug 15, 2025, follows PTI's complaint filed in July 2024 seeking removal of the ECP officials.
Read Source ArticleSBP forex reserves rise
SBP's foreign exchange reserves increased by $11 million to $14.243 billion in the week ending Aug 8, 2025. Total liquid reserves stood at $19.496 billion, with commercial banks contributing $5.253 billion, surpassing the IMF's end-FY25 target of $14.5 billion.
Read Source ArticlePakistan Navy launches third Hangor-class submarine in China
Pakistan Navy launched the third Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Mangro (Desig), at Wuchang Shipbuilding in Wuhan, China on Aug 15, 2025. Vice Admiral Abdul Samad attended, reaffirming the program's eight submarines, with four built in China and four in Pakistan under Transfer of Technology.
Read Source ArticleCJP ignores calls for full court hearing on 26th Amendment
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi rejected a committee decision to hear 26th Amendment challenges en banc, citing collegiality and public comment concerns. He insisted that under Article 191A, petitions must go to the Constitutional Bench, a stance backed by nine of 13 Supreme Court judges.
Read Source ArticleTrump heads to Alaska summit with Putin, says wants Ukraine ceasefire today
US President Donald Trump flew to Alaska for a summit with Vladimir Putin on Friday, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and acknowledging the war had proven tougher to end than expected. Trump threatened severe economic consequences for Russia if the summit fails, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said talks could last up to 7 hours.
Read Source ArticlePrivatisation Commission signs pact with financial advisers for privatising Zarai Taraqiati Bank
The Privatisation Commission signed an agreement with a consortium led by Next Capital Limited for the strategic sale of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), Pakistan’s largest public-sector agricultural lender. The financial advisers will perform sell-side due diligence and market sounding to attract private sector investment and modernize banking operations.
Read Source ArticleNA passes ATA amendments allowing 3-month ‘preventive detention’ of terror suspects
The National Assembly passed amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, reinserting power for preventive detention of terror suspects for up to three months, with 125 votes in favour and 59 against. The bill, moved by Minister of State Tallal Chaudhry, provides for detention under Section 11EEEE, subject to constitutional safeguards, and remains in force for three years.
Read Source ArticleMoody’s upgrades Pakistan’s credit rating to Caa1 based on ‘improving external position’
Moody's upgraded Pakistan's credit rating one notch to Caa1 from Caa2 and changed outlook to stable, citing improving external position and reform progress under the IMF programme. The upgrade marks the third from a top agency, with Pakistan's local currency ceiling raised to B2 and foreign currency to Caa1.
Read Source ArticlePakistan says IWT ruling backs its stance
The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that India's hydropower projects on western rivers must strictly adhere to the Indus Waters Treaty, rejecting India's best-practices approach. Pakistan's Attorney General Mansoor Usman said the ruling endorsed Pakistan's position, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned India against threatening Pakistan's water share.
Read Source ArticlePHC halts appointments of new opposition leaders in NA, Senate
PHC stayed new opposition leader appointments in NA and Senate after ECP disqualified Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz on Aug 5, adjourning to Aug 15.
Read Source ArticleCJP Afridi questions LHC’s final observations in Imran’s May 9 bail cases
CJP Afridi questioned LHC's final observations in eight May 9 bail cases of Imran Khan, issuing notices to Punjab government and adjourning to Aug 19.
Read Source ArticleLahore ATC orders confiscation of properties owned by Dr Yasmin Rashid, other PTI leaders
Lahore ATC ordered confiscation of four PTI leaders' properties after 10-year sentences in two May 9 cases and ordered Shah Mahmood Qureshi's release.
Read Source ArticleHague court rules India must ensure unrestricted flow of western rivers to Pakistan
The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that India must let flow western rivers for Pakistan's unrestricted use under the Indus Waters Treaty, with exceptions strictly construed for hydroelectric plants. The August 8 award is binding and without appeal, and Pakistan welcomed it while India has not participated in the proceedings.
Read Source Article27th Amendment proposed to fine-tune judiciary structure
The government is considering a 27th Constitutional Amendment to establish a Federal Constitutional Court and modify judicial seniority and transfer criteria, including removing consent for transfers. The proposal, at initial stages, aims to address unresolved issues from the 26th Amendment, with the government now having a two-thirds majority.
Read Source ArticleLahore ATC acquits Qureshi, convicts Dr Yasmin and others in May 9 cases
An anti-terrorism court acquitted Shah Mahmood Qureshi in two May 9 cases, while sentencing Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed to 10 years each. Aliya Hamza and Sanam Javed received five-year sentences for the Shadman police station attack, and appeals are planned.
Read Source ArticlePTI will approach lawyers over ‘rumoured’ 27th Amendment: Asad Qaiser
Asad Qaiser said PTI will approach the legal fraternity over the rumoured 27th Amendment, starting with the Islamabad Bar this month. He alleged that courts face institutional pressure and called the current governance 'illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic.'
Read Source ArticleServices exports rise 9.2pc to $8.39bn in FY25
Pakistan's services exports grew 9.23% to $8.39 billion in FY25, with telecommunication and computer services rising 18.18% and transport exports up 27.86%. The services trade deficit narrowed 15.84% to $2.618 billion, and monthly exports surged 12.91% YoY in June.
Read Source ArticleCOAS Munir terms his 2nd US visit ‘a new era’ in Islamabad-Washington ties
COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir said his second US visit in 1.5 months marks a 'new dimension' in Pakistan-US ties and that a trade deal with the US is expected to boost investment. He also described Kashmir as an unfinished international agenda and noted progress on MoUs with the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and China.
Read Source ArticlePTI’s Zartaj Gul, Ejaz Chaudhry appeal to LHC against ATC convictions in May 9 riots
PTI leaders Zartaj Gul and Ejaz Chaudhry filed appeals in the Lahore High Court on Saturday against their 10-year sentences by anti-terrorism courts for the May 9, 2023 riots. Gul was sentenced on July 31 by an ATC in Faisalabad, and Chaudhry on July 22 by an ATC in Lahore.
Read Source ArticleSensitive Price Index inches up 1.73pc YoY
Pakistan's Sensitive Price Index rose 1.73% year-on-year for the week ending August 8, 2025, and 0.05% week-on-week. The third consecutive weekly increase was driven by rising prices of tomatoes, onions, and chicken.
Read Source ArticleAzerbaijan and Armenia sign peace deal at White House
Armenia and Azerbaijan signed an initial US-brokered peace agreement at the White House on Friday, granting exclusive US development rights to the Trump Route transit corridor. The deal includes separate bilateral agreements on energy, technology, and border security, and marks the first peace declaration between the two countries since the Cold War.
Read Source ArticlePTI’s leaders of opposition in NA, Senate removed from posts
ECP disqualified PTI leaders Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz on August 5, leading to their removal as opposition leaders in NA and Senate. However, the Peshawar High Court halted the ECP from taking action on August 6.
Read Source ArticleSBP reserves slip for third week
SBP foreign reserves fell for the third consecutive week by $72 million to $14.232 billion as of August 1. Total liquid reserves stood at $19.495 billion, including $5.263 billion held by commercial banks.
Read Source ArticlePakistan set to become first South Asian country to ratify Unesco underwater heritage convention
Pakistan will become the first South Asian country to ratify the 2001 Unesco Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced this during a meeting with Unesco representative Dr Cristina Menegazzi.
Read Source ArticleNA passes bill to establish Pakistan Land Port Authority
The National Assembly passed the Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill 2025 on Thursday, making Pakistan the third South Asian country after Bangladesh and India to establish a land port authority. The bill, moved by Minister of State Tallal Chaudhry, now awaits Senate approval and presidential assent to become law.
Read Source ArticleArmy chief heads to US for return visit with CENTCOM
Army Chief Asim Munir is traveling to the US this week for a reciprocal visit following CENTCOM chief Gen. Michael Kurilla's trip to Pakistan in late July. Munir, who previously met President Trump in June, will hold consultations with American counterparts.
Read Source ArticleUS slaps 25% tariff on India, taking rate to 50%
US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods on Wednesday, citing continued Russian oil imports, raising duties on some exports to 50%. The tariff, effective in three weeks, threatens $87 billion in Indian exports, which India rejected as 'unjustified'.
Read Source ArticleSC rules against dismissal without personal hearing
The Supreme Court on August 5, 2025 set aside the dismissal of civil servant Malik Muhammad Ramzan for lack of a regular inquiry, ordering his reinstatement and a de novo inquiry within three months. The judgment emphasized that major penalties require opportunity of hearing under the principles of natural justice.
Read Source ArticleModi to visit China for first time in 7 years as tensions with US rise
Indian PM Narendra Modi will attend the SCO summit in Tianjin from August 31, his first China visit since June 2018, amid US tariffs and tensions over Russian oil purchases. The trip signals a thaw with Beijing after the 2020 Himalayan border clash and follows a meeting with Xi Jinping in October 2024.
Read Source ArticleNon-tax bonanza pushes tax ratio to 21-year high
Pakistan's tax-to-GDP ratio rose to 15.7% in FY25, the highest since 2004, driven by a 68% jump in non-tax revenue to Rs5.27 trillion. The fiscal deficit narrowed to 5.4% of GDP, a nine-year low, while the primary surplus hit 2.4% of GDP.
Read Source ArticlePSX hits record high, breaching 142,000-mark
The KSE-100 index closed at a record 142,098 points on August 5, 2025, gaining 1,018 points (+0.72%) amid optimism over corporate earnings, a US tariff deal, and circular debt resolution. Key contributors included Lucky Cement, Bank Al-Habib, and Habib Bank, while trading volume rose 9.29% to 666.37 million shares but value fell 15.08% to Rs42.92bn.
Read Source ArticleCJP calls for overhaul of judicial infrastructure
CJP Yahya Afridi, visiting the Sindh High Court on August 5, 2025, called for citizen-centric judicial infrastructure development, including a proposed 125-court complex with a modern facilitation centre. He emphasized sustainable, scalable planning and structured consultations with stakeholders for long-term viability.
Read Source ArticleGwadar Port Authority, Chinese firm agree to boost investments
Gwadar Port Authority and China's Xinning Enterprise signed a Letter of Intent on August 5, 2025, to boost industrial and commercial investments at Gwadar Port and Free Zone. The ventures aim to develop Gwadar as a regional transhipment hub, launch new industrial projects, and relocate industries within Pakistan's legal framework.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, Iran term terror main hurdle to prosperity, sign MoUs, target $10bn trade
Pakistan and Iran signed over a dozen MoUs, targeting $10 billion in annual trade from the current $2.8 billion, and termed terrorism a key obstacle to prosperity. Both sides also agreed to finalize a Free Trade Agreement.
Read Source ArticleTehran expresses willingness to join Silk Road initiative with Islamabad and Beijing
Iran expressed willingness to join the Pakistan-China Silk Road initiative, aiming to expand maritime trade via Gwadar and Chabahar. Both sides also agreed to upgrade the Quetta-Zahedan railway line and form bilateral working groups.
Read Source ArticleFM Dar, Rubio hold second phone call since US visit amid improving bilateral ties
DPM-FM Ishaq Dar and US Secretary Marco Rubio held a second phone call, discussing bilateral ties and regional issues, after Washington cut tariffs on Pakistan to 19%. The two agreed to remain in contact and continue cooperation on areas of mutual interest.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, Iran Vow to Boost Ties During President Pezeshkian’s Visit
Pakistan and Iran signed 12 agreements and set a $10 billion trade target during Iranian President Pezeshkian's two-day visit.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, China Committed to Next Phase of CPEC
Pakistan and China reaffirmed commitment to CPEC's second phase, focusing on industrial and business cooperation during a meeting between Ahsan Iqbal and Sun Weidong.
Read Source ArticleEquities Hit All-Time High on Economic Optimism
KSE-100 index hit a record 141,035 points, up 1.3% week-on-week, driven by a US trade pact reducing tariffs from 29% to 19% and robust corporate earnings.
Read Source ArticleIran president lands in Islamabad for 2-day visit, eyeing to boost trade ties
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Saturday for a two-day visit aimed at boosting bilateral trade to $10 billion. He was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and visited Allama Iqbal's mausoleum, while his foreign minister held talks with FM Ishaq Dar.
Read Source ArticleFuel and food costs push July inflation to 4.1pc
Consumer inflation rose to 4.1% in July 2025 from 3.2% in June, driven by a 2.9% month-on-month increase in fuel and food prices. Average annual inflation for FY25 dropped to 4.49% from 23.41% the previous year.
Read Source ArticleFBR makes e-invoicing mandatory from Aug 1
The Federal Board of Revenue mandated e-invoicing for all sales tax-registered entities from Aug 1, with public limited companies and importers required to register by Aug 10 and start invoicing from Sept 1. Companies with turnover over Rs1bn follow the same timeline, while smaller entities have staggered deadlines extending to December.
Read Source ArticlePakistani goods face reduced 19pc US tariff as Trump hits dozens with steep duties
US cut tariffs on Pakistan to 19% from 29% after Finance Minister Aurangzeb finalized a trade deal, with PSX closing at 141,034 points.
Read Source ArticleIranian president to visit Pakistan on Saturday: FO
Iranian President Pezeshkian will make his first official visit to Pakistan on August 2-3, meeting President Zardari and PM Shehbaz.
Read Source ArticleEnduring Pak-China partnership to keep playing pivotal role in regional stability: COAS
COAS Munir said the enduring Pak-China partnership will continue to play a pivotal role in regional stability at the PLA's 98th anniversary event at GHQ.
Read Source Article