February 2026 Current Affairs Bulletin
A chronological timeline of significant affairs curated for high-yield exam retention.
Senate passes bill regulating virtual assets
Senate passed a bill to regulate virtual assets and establish the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA), aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
Read Source ArticleBalochistan High Court suspends Mines and Minerals Act
Balochistan High Court on Thursday suspended the Mines and Minerals Act until next hearing, directing the government to respond in a petition by Raisani.
Read Source ArticleECC cuts mortgage rate to 5pc, approves Thar Coal Rail Link funds
ECC cut mortgage rate to 5% from 8% for Mera Ghar Mera Aashiana scheme, targeting 500,000 units, and approved Rs6.61bn for Thar Coal Rail Link.
Read Source ArticleSenate passes resolution condemning unprovoked Afghan Taliban aggression, calls on Kabul to cease hostile acts
The Senate unanimously adopted a resolution on Friday condemning unprovoked Afghan Taliban aggression and demanding immediate cessation of hostile actions, while calling on the international community to urge Taliban adherence to norms. The resolution, moved by Sherry Rehman, stressed Pakistan's 40-year burden of hosting Afghan nationals and warned of a firm, proportionate response to any sovereignty challenges.
Read Source ArticleTax authorities can raid without notice, FCC rules
The Federal Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that tax authorities can conduct raids under Section 175 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 without prior notice or pending proceedings. The three-judge bench led by Justice Aamer Farooq rejected a petition by M/s Sceptre Pvt Ltd, holding that the unambiguous language of the law permits such enforcement.
Read Source ArticleBanks earn Rs671bn profits in 2025
Pakistan's banking sector posted cumulative profits of Rs671 billion in CY25, an 11% year-on-year increase, driven by a decline in interest expenses. United Bank Ltd recorded its highest-ever after-tax profit of Rs130 billion, while National Bank of Pakistan saw a 227% profit growth and Habib Bank Ltd held the highest deposits of Rs5.5 trillion.
Read Source Article44 Afghan Taliban operatives killed, 2 Pakistan security personnel martyred during ongoing border clashes: Attaullah Tarar
Pakistan security forces killed 44 Afghan Taliban operatives, including eight in a counter-attack, while two Pakistani security personnel were martyred and three injured during cross-border clashes, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed. The clashes, involving artillery fire across Chitral, Bajaur, Kurram, and other sectors, destroyed several Afghan hideouts and check posts, with no Pakistani posts compromised, according to the PM's spokesperson.
Read Source ArticleA day after ordering a recount, ECP again notifies PPP’s Ali Hassan Zehri as winner of 2024 polls in Hub
The Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday notified PPP's Ali Hassan Zehri as the winner of PB-21 Hub from the 2024 polls after a recount at 39 polling stations, increasing his votes to 23,974 while BAP candidate Saleh Bhootani's votes fell by 13,507 to 17,403. The Islamabad High Court suspended the recount order, and the case involves allegations of fake ballot papers and tampering, with earlier litigation including a Supreme Court annulment in 2024.
Read Source ArticleReinstatement not a right if acquitted on technicalities: SC
The Supreme Court ruled that acquittal on technical grounds does not entitle a policeman to automatic reinstatement, upholding the dismissal of constable Shahzad Hussain for demanding a Rs200,000 bribe. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, writing for a bench led by CJP Yahya Afridi, emphasized that maintaining discipline in the police force allows the employer to separate officers even after criminal acquittal.
Read Source ArticleFM Dar to undertake 3-day Saudi visit, will attend OIC session on Israel pursuing West Bank annexation: FO
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar will visit Saudi Arabia from February 26-28 to attend an OIC Executive Committee ministerial session on Israel's illegal West Bank annexation decisions. He will also hold bilateral meetings with OIC counterparts and visit the Holy Cities.
Read Source ArticleIMF mission opens talks with central bank on Pakistan’s loan programmes
An IMF mission led by Iva Petrova began technical-level discussions with the State Bank of Pakistan on Wednesday for the third review of the $7bn EFF and second review of the $1.1bn RSF. The mission will start policy-level talks with the government on Monday, and successful completion would enable disbursement of about $1bn from the EFF and $200m from the RSF by end-April.
Read Source ArticleSC upholds PHC interpretation of ombudsperson’s jurisdiction
The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by the KP government and ombudsperson, ruling they lacked locus standi to challenge the Peshawar High Court's Oct 31, 2025 order interpreting the ombudsperson's jurisdiction under the KP Enforcement of Women Property Act. Justice Musarrat Hilali noted the ombudsperson cannot claim aggrieved party status after its order was set aside, as the high court did not invalidate any statutory provision.
Read Source ArticleIHC ex-Justice Tariq Jahangiri's appointment annulled
The IHC annulled ex-Justice Tariq Jahangiri's appointment in a 116-page judgement, declaring his LL.B. degree void ab initio due to fraud and impersonation. The court also criticized his recusal plea as 'bench-hunting' and affirmed that what is void cannot be validated by subsequent acts.
Read Source ArticleTrade gap widens 42pc with nine countries to $9bn
Pakistan's trade deficit with nine regional countries widened 41.37% to $9.001bn in July-January FY26, as exports fell 16.86% and imports rose 23.69%. Exports to Afghanistan plummeted 59.07% and to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also declined, while imports from China surged 24.58%.
Read Source ArticlePakistan cannot tolerate this anymore, says minister as he outlines terrorist attacks preceding Afghanistan strikes
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the Senate that Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Paktika, Nangarhar, and Khost on February 21, killing over 100 militants. He said the intelligence-based operation was retaliation for recent attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu, and warned that Pakistan will not tolerate further cross-border terrorism.
Read Source ArticleIHC declares chief justice sole ‘master of the roster’, recalls July 2025 order in Aafia Siddiqui case
IHC's larger bench reaffirmed that the chief justice is the sole master of the roster, recalling a July 21, 2025 order in the Aafia Siddiqui case as unlawfully constituted. The judgment, authored by Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas, held that no bench can exercise jurisdiction without approval from the chief justice.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz lands in Qatar on 2-day official visit to explore new avenues of cooperation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Qatar on Monday night for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He is accompanied by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and will discuss trade, investment, energy, and manpower export.
Read Source ArticleUS pulls troops out of Qatar, Bahrain as Iran tensions mount
The United States withdrew hundreds of troops from Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base and Bahrain's Fifth Fleet facilities, the New York Times reported, as a precaution against possible Iranian strikes. The move reduces exposure of the 10,000 troops at Al Udeid, the largest US base in the Middle East, amid rising tensions.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court rules against CNICs blocking in civil debt cases
The Supreme Court on February 22, 2026, ruled that a judgement debtor's CNIC cannot be blocked, setting aside the Sindh High Court's August 2023 order. The two-judge bench of Justices Munib Akhtar and Irfan Saadat Khan called the practice beyond the executing court's jurisdiction and comparable to blocking utilities.
Read Source ArticleGovt borrowing increases 5 times in first seven months of FY26
The government borrowed Rs1.912 trillion from banks in 7MFY26, up from Rs408 billion a year ago, marking a fivefold increase. The surge left little room for private sector credit, with experts citing high interest rates and political uncertainty as deterrents to investment.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, 13 other nations condemn US envoy’s remarks supporting Israeli expansion in Middle East
Pakistan and 13 other nations, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, along with the OIC, LAS, and GCC, condemned US Ambassador Mike Huckabee's remarks endorsing Israeli territorial expansion. The joint statement, issued February 22, 2026, called the comments a flagrant violation of international law and reaffirmed support for a Palestinian state on June 4, 1967 borders.
Read Source ArticleSindh Assembly passes resolution against creation of Karachi province
The Sindh Assembly on Saturday passed a resolution declaring Karachi an inseparable part of the province and opposing the creation of a separate Karachi province. The resolution, tabled by Chief Minister Murad, was supported by JI and PTI members while MQM-P voted against.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court throws out government's delayed challenge to service tribunal order
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected the federal government's delayed plea against a Federal Service Tribunal order, calling the 20-day delay inexcusable. Justice Ayesha Malik, heading the bench, observed that the state must adhere to statutory timelines like any other litigant.
Read Source ArticleTrump announces hike in US global tariff rate from 10pc to 15pc
President Trump on Saturday raised US global tariffs from 10% to 15% effective immediately, a day after the Supreme Court struck down his previous duties. The new tariffs are based on Section 122, which allows up to 15% but requires congressional approval after 150 days.
Read Source ArticleSC stays trial of PM Shehbaz's Rs10bn defamation suit against Imran
The Supreme Court stayed the trial of PM Shehbaz's Rs10bn defamation suit against Imran Khan, citing trial court's closure of his right to defence despite his 2022 assassination attempt injury. A bench led by Justice Ayesha Malik issued a notice and fixed review petitions for hearing.
Read Source ArticleIMF says policy efforts under EFF helped stabilise economy, rebuild confidence
The IMF said Pakistan's policy efforts under the $7bn EFF stabilised the economy, with a primary fiscal surplus of 1.3% of GDP and first current account surplus in 14 years in FY25. An IMF team will visit from Feb 25 for the third EFF and second RSF reviews, aiming for $1bn and $200m disbursements.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz meets Rubio after Board of Peace summit in Washington
PM Shehbaz met US Secretary Rubio, who thanked Pakistan for backing Trump's Gaza peace plan and joining the Board of Peace as a founding member. They discussed critical minerals, energy, counter-terrorism, and Shehbaz credited Trump with defusing the May 2025 India-Pakistan crisis.
Read Source ArticleECP asked to explain Imran's ouster in Toshakhana case
The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Election Commission of Pakistan to justify Imran Khan's five-year disqualification following his Toshakhana conviction, with Justice Kakar noting that suspension of sentence does not set aside conviction. The court adjourned the proceedings indefinitely.
Read Source ArticleDemarche issued to Afghanistan over terror attack in KP's Bajaur
Pakistan issued a demarche to the Afghan Taliban regime over a vehicle-borne suicide attack in Bajaur that martyred 11 soldiers, summoning the Afghan deputy head of mission to condemn TTP operations from Afghan soil. The Foreign Office demanded immediate, verifiable measures against all terror groups and stated Pakistan reserves the right to respond, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan will not hesitate to launch air operations inside Afghanistan.
Read Source ArticleAt first Board of Peace meeting, PM Shehbaz calls for end to ceasefire violations in Gaza
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for an end to ceasefire violations in Gaza and stressed Palestinian self-determination at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting led by US President Donald Trump in Washington. Trump claimed his intervention stopped a war between Pakistan and India in May 2025, warning of a 200% tariff if they continued fighting, and said he saved 25 million lives.
Read Source ArticleNational Assembly passes 59 bills in second parliamentary year: report
The 16th National Assembly passed 59 bills in its second parliamentary year, with 46 enacted into law, and adopted 27 resolutions. The House held 11 sessions over 130 working days, answering 1,710 of 7,625 questions.
Read Source ArticleIMF team due on Feb 26th for review, budget talks
An IMF mission led by Iva Petrova will visit Pakistan from Feb 26 to March 11 for the review of the $7bn EFF and $1.1bn RSF, with budget talks for FY2026-27 also on the agenda. Pakistan met nearly all quantitative performance criteria for end-December 2025 but lagged on indicative targets, and successful completion would unlock $1bn and $200m disbursements by April.
Read Source ArticleBoard of Peace meeting to test Pakistan's balancing act
PM Shehbaz Sharif attended the Board of Peace summit in Washington, where the US pledged $5bn and proposed an International Stabilisation Force for Gaza. The summit aimed to consolidate the Gaza ceasefire, but many Muslim states are reluctant to commit troops and critics question the forum's legitimacy and lack of Palestinian representation.
Read Source ArticleCJP says all pending death row cases to be prioritised
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi set a 45-day target for disposing all pending death penalty and life imprisonment cases up to January 2026. The Supreme Court's criminal case backlog reduced from 19,549 to 12,705 since October 2024.
Read Source ArticleSBP launches ‘Cyber Shield’ strategy to counter growing threats to financial ecosystem
The State Bank of Pakistan launched 'Cyber Shield' under its Vision 2028 agenda to strengthen the financial ecosystem's cyber resilience by 2030. The strategy outlines five key priorities, including cyber defence, governance, information sharing, talent building, and security updates, and a PwC survey found 90% of bankers consider cybercrime the biggest challenge.
Read Source ArticleDar to visit New York for UNSC briefing on Palestine: FO
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will visit New York on February 18 for a UN Security Council briefing on Palestine chaired by the UK foreign secretary. Dar will reaffirm Pakistan's opposition to Israel's West Bank expansion and call for a permanent Gaza ceasefire, full implementation of Resolution 2803, and scaled-up humanitarian assistance.
Read Source ArticleFederal govt assures SC of compliance with directives concerning Imran
The federal government assured the Supreme Court that Imran Khan has been allowed to speak to his children and examined by a medical team after a report revealed 85% vision loss in his right eye. The government filed a fresh application detailing compliance, including a jail report on his diet, exercise, and medical care.
Read Source ArticleBears wipe out over 5000 points from KSE-100 as index closes in the red
The KSE-100 index fell 5,149.80 points (2.87%) to 174,453.93, with 378.7 million shares traded worth Rs37.38 billion. Topline Securities attributed the decline to foreign outflows and political noise, as index-heavy stocks like Fauji Fertiliser and United Bank erased 1,680 points.
Read Source ArticleBangladesh’s Yunus announces resignation, end of interim govt
Muhammad Yunus announced the resignation of his interim government on Monday, urging democracy to continue after the BNP-led alliance won 212 parliamentary seats. Tarique Rahman is set to become prime minister after Tuesday's swearing-in, with a referendum endorsing the 'July Charter' reforms amid clashes that killed five.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz arrives in Austria on 2-day visit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Vienna on Sunday for a two-day visit, the first by a Pakistani premier in over three decades since Nawaz Sharif's 1992 trip. He will meet Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and address a UN event on sustainable development, besides attending the Pakistan-Austria Business Forum.
Read Source ArticleArif Habib-led group seeks to acquire remaining govt stake in PIA
The Arif Habib-led consortium, which acquired a 75% stake in PIA for Rs135 billion in December 2025, now seeks to buy the remaining 25% government stake for Rs45 billion by end of April. The consortium includes Fatima Fertiliser, Fauji Fertiliser, Lake City, and the City School with AKD Group, aiming to operate PIA as a private entity.
Read Source ArticlePopulation surge threatens growth, warns Aurangzeb
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb warned that Pakistan's 2.5% population growth could push it to 400 million, asserting the government cannot employ 250 million and the private sector must lead. He cited Bangladesh's population control and said IT exports at $3-4 billion could reach $8-10 billion.
Read Source ArticleSOEs drain Rs2.1tr of tax revenue in FY25
Fiscal support to Pakistani SOEs increased by 37% to Rs2.079 trillion in FY25, while aggregate profits declined 13% to Rs709.9 billion. The power sector's circular debt reached Rs9.2 trillion, with equity injections of Rs729 billion and sovereign guarantees surging 52% to Rs2.164 trillion.
Read Source ArticleBurden of electricity tariff revisions ‘should not fall’ on middle, lower income households: IMF
The IMF said electricity tariff revisions should not burden middle- and lower-income households, as ongoing discussions assess their impact on macroeconomic stability. The IMF noted power sector circular debt accumulation contained within programme targets, supported by improved recoveries and loss prevention.
Read Source ArticleSwiss say Oman to host US-Iran talks in Geneva next week
Switzerland announced that Oman will host US-Iran talks in Geneva next week, offering its good offices for dialogue between the two nations. The indirect talks follow February 6 negotiations in Oman, while separate US-brokered Russia-Ukraine talks are also scheduled in Geneva next week.
Read Source ArticleLahore High Court curtails FBR’s suo motu powers
The Lahore High Court curtailed the FBR’s suo motu amendment powers, ruling that Section 122(5A) requires both an erroneous assessment and prejudice to revenue and cannot be used for speculative inquiries. The decision in Commissioner Inland Revenue vs Sajid Hussain Gondal reaffirmed that deemed assessments under Section 120 cannot be unsettled lightly.
Read Source ArticleGovt mulls ‘debt restructuring’ to reduce power tariffs
Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari announced the government is considering restructuring $30 billion Chinese debt and Rs1.6 trillion circular debt to bring industrial tariffs down to 8-9 cents per unit from 11.5 cents. He noted that clean energy share reached 55% in FY2025 and is projected to exceed 90% by 2035, while residential tariffs remain 35-40% subsidized.
Read Source ArticlePakistan wants Washington to speak directly with Tehran
Pakistan urged the US and Iran to move towards direct negotiations and expressed readiness to participate in any dialogue format, following indirect talks in Muscat on February 6. Foreign Office also confirmed that PM Shehbaz Sharif and FM Ishaq Dar will attend the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington on February 19.
Read Source ArticleJCP defers elevation of two additional judges to BHC
JCP deferred elevation of two additional judges to Balochistan High Court over a constitutional question on the bar council representative. CJP Yahya Afridi also presided over the Supreme Judicial Council, which examined 59 complaints, disposing of 50.
Read Source ArticlePunjab governor promulgates ordinance declaring child marriage non-bailable offence
Punjab Governor Saleem Haider Khan on Wednesday declared child marriage a non-bailable offence with minimum marriage age of 18 for both genders. The ordinance imposes up to seven years imprisonment and Rs1 million fines; all offences are cognizable, non-compoundable, and triable by Session Courts within 90 days.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, US agree to boost partnership in mining, minerals and energy sectors
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and US Assistant Secretary John Mark Pomeroy agreed to boost mining, minerals and energy partnership. The US official condemned terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Quetta, and Naqvi welcomed US investment with security assurances.
Read Source ArticleSBP governor expects broader recovery than IMF forecast
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad raised FY26 growth forecast to 3.75–4.75%, up 0.5 percentage points, citing broad-based recovery and agricultural performance exceeding targets despite floods. He noted that cumulative 1,150-basis-point rate cuts since June 2024 have eased financial conditions, with the policy rate held at 10.5% in January and the current account deficit projected within 1% of GDP.
Read Source ArticleIHC contempt proceedings against PM Shehbaz stayed in Aafia Siddiqui case
The Federal Constitutional Court stayed contempt proceedings against PM Shehbaz Sharif in the Aafia Siddiqui case, restraining the Islamabad High Court’s May 16, 2025 order. The government appealed, arguing judicial overreach and noting that in October 2024, PM Shehbaz wrote to the US president and sent a delegation, but US authorities declined a prisoner transfer agreement.
Read Source ArticleComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in final stages: UAE envoy
UAE Ambassador Hammad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi said the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Pakistan is in final stages, aiming to double bilateral trade from $8-10 billion to $16-20 billion. He spoke at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce, noting UAE’s shift to an AI-driven economy with 99% government services online and expanding investments in infrastructure, ports, railways, and agriculture.
Read Source ArticleSenate outcry as Nepra notifies net-metering scrapping
Senate erupts as Nepra notifies new regulations scrapping net-metering, shifting solar consumers to net-billing amid power minister defends.
Read Source ArticleWorkers' remittances total $3.5bn in January, up 11.3%
Workers' remittances reached $3.5bn in January, up 15.4% YoY, and totaled $23.2bn in Jul-Jan FY26, an 11.3% increase, according to SBP.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz to attend Trump's Board of Peace meeting
PM Shehbaz to attend Trump-led Board of Peace meeting in Washington on Feb 19, focusing on Gaza post-war reconstruction.
Read Source ArticleFormer IHC judge Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri challenges removal in FCC
Former IHC judge Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri on Monday petitioned the Federal Constitutional Court against his December 2025 removal, arguing the IHC order was based on assumptions about his law degree. The petition claimed the removal was a blow to judicial independence and that the IHC exceeded its jurisdiction.
Read Source ArticleProvinces deliver Rs1.2 trillion to Centre as revenues slip
During July-December 2025, Pakistan's four provinces delivered Rs1.18 trillion cash surplus to the Centre, led by Punjab's Rs609bn, against the IMF's Rs1.464 trillion annual target. The revenue-to-GDP ratio fell to 8.2% from 8.5%, with FBR tax collection growing 10% to Rs6.161 trillion.
Read Source Article8 Muslim nations, including Pakistan, warn against ‘expansionist Israeli policies’ in occupied West Bank
Eight Muslim nations including Pakistan on Monday condemned Israel's approval of steps to ease settler land purchases in the occupied West Bank, warning against expansionist policies. The joint statement said the measures are illegal, violate UN Security Council Resolution 2334, and undermine the two-state solution.
Read Source ArticlePresident Zardari warns Afghan Taliban created pre-9/11 situation
President Asif Ali Zardari warned that the Taliban regime in Afghanistan created conditions similar to or worse than pre-9/11, threatening global peace. He thanked world leaders for solidarity after an Islamic State-claimed mosque attack in Islamabad that killed 36 and injured over 160.
Read Source ArticlePakistan's services export surges to $4.76bn in July-Dec FY26
Pakistan's services exports rose 16.51% year-on-year to $4.764 billion in July-December FY26, driven by a 19.82% increase in IT services to $2.236 billion. Other business services grew 24.87% to $1.014 billion during the same period.
Read Source ArticleLaw minister claims military courts give 'lenient sentences' compared to civil courts
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar claimed that military courts hand down lenient sentences compared to civil courts under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. He also announced a new committee on missing persons, noting that reported enforced disappearances dropped from nearly 10,000 to around 2,600.
Read Source ArticleNA hurriedly passes Pemra, two other media-related bills
The National Assembly passed three media-related bills in a 15-minute session adjourned due to lack of quorum. It also introduced a real estate management authority bill and a bill mandating 33% women representation on federal boards.
Read Source ArticleWeekly inflation rises 4.8pc
Pakistan's short-term inflation rose 4.84% year-on-year for the week ending Feb 5, with tomato prices surging 79.70% annually. The SPI-based inflation increased 0.09% week-on-week and has been rising for 27 consecutive weeks.
Read Source ArticleUS urges new ‘three-way nuclear deal’ with Russia and China
The US urged three-way nuclear arms talks with Russia and China after the New START treaty expired, accusing China of a secret nuclear test on June 22, 2020. Undersecretary Thomas DiNanno said China will have over 1,000 warheads by 2030, rejecting Russia's proposal to extend the treaty.
Read Source ArticleSenate amends its rule to curb judicial interference in parliamentary affairs
The Senate amended Rule 166(5) of its Rules of Procedure on Friday, granting the chairman sole discretion over public petitions to curb judicial interference. The motion, moved by PPP, PML-N, and MQM senators, was driven by disputes over high court stay orders on committee proceedings.
Read Source ArticleLahore High Court in Rawalpindi suspends implementation of Punjab Local Govt Act 2025
The Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench suspended implementation of the Punjab Local Government Act 2025, staying the urban classification of Daud Khel Pacca in a case by Maple Leaf Cement Factory. Justice Jawad Hassan issued notices to respondents for February 18, 2026, barring the decision's implementation until then.
Read Source ArticleAustralia, Indonesia sign new security treaty
Australia and Indonesia signed a security treaty in Jakarta on Friday, which PM Anthony Albanese hailed as a historic moment in bilateral relations. The pact includes embedding a senior Indonesian officer in Australia's defence force and supporting military training facilities in Indonesia.
Read Source ArticlePeshawar High Court upholds ban on PTM, its leaders
The Peshawar High Court upheld the federal government's 2024 proscription of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement and its leaders, rejecting two petitions. The bench of Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Dr Khurshid Iqbal issued the short order on February 5, 2026.
Read Source ArticleSuthra Punjab Authority Bill passed: New law prescribes jail term, heavy fine for burning solid waste
The Punjab Assembly passed the Suthra Punjab Authority Bill 2025, prescribing up to Rs500,000 fine and two years' imprisonment for burning solid waste. The law also penalizes obstructing waste management officials with up to one year imprisonment and a similar fine.
Read Source ArticlePakistan must create 30m jobs over next decade: World Bank president
World Bank President Ajay Banga said Pakistan must create 25-30 million jobs over the next decade to avert instability and outward migration. He stressed investment in infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and expanded financing for small firms and farmers.
Read Source ArticleConfident Kazakh president’s visit will open avenues for shared prosperity, says PM Shehbaz
Kazakh President Tokayev's first Pakistan visit in 23 years yielded 37 MoUs and a target to boost bilateral trade to $1 billion.
Read Source ArticleJPMorgan plans frontier bond index for 20-25 countries, including Pakistan
JPMorgan plans a frontier local-currency bond index covering 20-25 countries, with Pakistan among top-weighted and a minimum bond size of $250 million.
Read Source ArticleChaudhry Sugar Mills case: LHC directs NAB to approach trial court for closing inquiry against Maryam
LHC directed NAB to approach trial court within one month for formal closure of Chaudhry Sugar Mills inquiry against Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz.
Read Source ArticleFederal Constitutional Court disposes of Arshad Sharif suo motu case
On Tuesday, the Federal Constitutional Court disposed of the suo motu case on Arshad Sharif's killing, ruling judicial oversight impermissible. The 14-page judgment authored by Justice Aamer Farooq cited a mutual legal assistance agreement and diplomatic efforts.
Read Source ArticleKazakhstan president arrives in Pakistan on 2-day visit
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a two-day visit, welcomed by President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, and Deputy PM Dar with a 21-gun salute. He will receive the Nishan-i-Pakistan and attend the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum.
Read Source ArticleUptick in exports after five months
Pakistan's exports rose 3.73% YoY to $3.061bn in January, ending five consecutive monthly declines. The trade deficit widened 28.22% to $22.038bn in July-January FY26, with imports growing 9.42%.
Read Source ArticleAnnual consumer price index rose 5.8pc year-on-year in January
Pakistan's CPI inflation rose to 5.8% YoY in January from 5.6% in December, with a 0.4% month-on-month increase. The State Bank of Pakistan held its policy rate at 10.50%, warning inflation could temporarily exceed its 5-7% target.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz appreciates partnership, support from World Bank in meeting with President Banga in Islamabad
PM Shehbaz met World Bank President Ajay Banga in Islamabad, appreciating support through the 10-year Country Partnership Framework. He pledged commitment to structural reforms for job-rich growth and increased private investment.
Read Source ArticleKazakh president to arrive in Pakistan tomorrow for two-day official visit
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will visit Pakistan on February 3-4 at PM Shehbaz's invitation, accompanied by a high-level delegation. He will meet the President and PM, and address the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum.
Read Source ArticleParliament meets tomorrow, likely to amend NAB law
President Zardari summoned NA and Senate sessions on Feb 2, 2026, to amend the NAB law allowing current chairman Gen Nazir Ahmad to stay beyond his March term. The sessions will also adopt Kashmir solidarity resolutions, while opposition plans to raise Imran Khan's health and delay in electing the CEC.
Read Source ArticleChina, UN warn of terror spillover into Pakistan
Chinese envoy Sun Lei at a UN briefing warned of terror spillover from Afghanistan affecting Pakistan and called for cooperation with Kabul. UN chief Guterres separately expressed concern over TTP operating from Afghan soil and Taliban's lack of progress on inclusivity and rights.
Read Source ArticleFBR’s tax collection rises 16pc in January
FBR's January tax collection rose 16% year-on-year to Rs1.031 trillion, missing the Rs1.047 trillion target by Rs16 billion. For July-January, collections were Rs7.176 trillion, 11% higher than last year but Rs345 billion short of target, with income tax surging 26% in January.
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