July 2025 Current Affairs Bulletin
A chronological timeline of significant affairs curated for high-yield exam retention.
May 9 riots: Faisalabad ATC sentences Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz and other PTI leaders to 10 years in jail
An anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad sentenced PTI leaders including Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz to 10 years in jail for the May 9, 2023 riots. A total of 108 out of 185 accused were convicted, while former minister Fawad Chaudhry was acquitted.
Read Source ArticlePakistan says deal concluded with US on tariffs; Trump cites oil reserves agreement
Pakistan and the United States finalized a trade deal on Wednesday night, expected to lower tariffs and boost bilateral trade. US President Donald Trump announced the deal on Truth Social, highlighting plans to develop Pakistan's oil reserves.
Read Source ArticleGovt eyes rollovers to meet debt obligations
Pakistan needs $10bn net external financing in FY26 after rollovers, with total debt servicing of $25.9bn including $22bn principal. The SBP governor projected foreign exchange reserves to reach $17.5bn by June 2026.
Read Source ArticleState Bank keeps monetary policy rate unchanged at 11pc
SBP kept the policy rate unchanged at 11% after seven cuts from 22%, with June inflation at 3.2% and foreign reserves exceeding $14 billion. The MPC aimed to maintain a positive real rate to stabilize inflation within the 5-7% target.
Read Source ArticleTribal fears mount in Himalayas after suspension of Indus Waters Treaty
India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23 after a tourist attack, enabling fast-tracked hydropower projects on western rivers. Himachal Pradesh plans 22 new projects totaling 828 MW, alarming Bodh and Swangla tribes who fear ecosystem destruction.
Read Source ArticlePresident Dr Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan on Aug 2: Iranian official
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Pakistan on August 2 for two days at PM Shehbaz Sharif's invitation, announced political adviser Mehdi Sanai. The visit focuses on expanding border cooperation and increasing trade from the current $3 billion.
Read Source ArticleMay 9 riots: Ex-CJP Jawwad Khawaja files contempt plea against PM Shehbaz
Former CJP Jawwad S. Khawaja filed a contempt petition against PM Shehbaz Sharif on July 28 for failing to obey the Supreme Court's May 7 order to establish an independent civilian appellate forum within 45 days. The petition, citing Article 204 and the Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003, argued the government's non-compliance renders all court martial proceedings against civilians unlawful.
Read Source ArticleCJP-led bench adjourns hearing on Imran's bail pleas in May 9 cases without issuing notices
A two-member Supreme Court bench led by CJP Yahya Afridi adjourned Imran Khan's bail pleas in eight May 9 cases to August 12 without issuing notices. The court rejected PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja's request for notices and an earlier hearing.
Read Source ArticleEconomic recovery continues, but rains pose threat: ministry
Pakistan posted a current account surplus of $2.11 billion in FY25, its first annual surplus in 14 years and largest in 22 years, with GDP growth of 2.68% and inflation easing to 4.5%. The Ministry of Finance warned that heavy rains could disrupt agricultural output and supply chains, threatening the economic recovery.
Read Source ArticleECP disqualifies 3 PTI lawmakers following their convictions
The ECP disqualified PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, MNA Mohammad Ahmed Chatta, and MPA Ahmad Khan under Article 63(1)(h) for their convictions. Chaudhry was sentenced to 10 years in a May 9 riots case, while Chatta and Khan each received 10-year sentences in a separate case.
Read Source ArticleCountry’s July inflation likely to remain at 3.5-4.5pc as price pressures ease: finance ministry
The finance ministry projected July consumer inflation at 3.5-4.5%, after June's 3.2% and a nine-year low average of 4.49% for FY2025. It warned that recent heavy rains could pose risks to agricultural output and supply chains, potentially impacting the inflation outlook.
Read Source ArticleFinance minister heads to US for final trade negotiations
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb departed for the US to lead concluding trade negotiations with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The talks aim to formalize a comprehensive trade agreement and expand cooperation into IT, agriculture, and minerals.
Read Source ArticlePM approves digital overhaul of FBR to curb tax evasion
PM Shehbaz Sharif approved a digital overhaul of the FBR with globally renowned experts, directing continued business dialogue and no harassment. The FBR deployed officials in 10 sectors including ghee and tobacco under Section 40B to monitor production, while the PM urged broadening the tax net to high-net-worth individuals and retailers.
Read Source ArticleImran approaches SC to challenge bail denial in May 9 cases
Imran Khan filed a Supreme Court appeal against the June 24 Lahore High Court denial of post-arrest bail in eight May 9 cases, claiming he was in NAB custody and the prosecution evidence is fabricated. His sister Aleema also accused Adiala jail authorities of blocking lawyers from entering for the Toshakhana 2 case.
Read Source ArticleSBP eases account opening, pushes for digital inclusion
The SBP mandated account opening within two days and simplified procedures, while also directing banks to offer digital payment solutions to all merchants via Raast QR, POS, or e-commerce. Pakistan’s financial inclusion rate rose to 60% in 2023, reducing its share of the world’s unbanked from 9% to 4%, according to PwC’s 2024 Banking Publication.
Read Source ArticleCJP Afridi unveils road map to empower district judiciary
CJP Yahya Afridi unveiled a road map to empower district judiciary through institutional support and protection from external influences. He prioritized ethical AI integration and appointed Justice Rehmat Hussain Jaffery to lead a committee on district judiciary reforms.
Read Source ArticleSenators alarmed by 'judicial interference' in parliamentary affairs
PPP senators raised concerns over LHC and IHC stay orders on Senate standing committee proceedings, citing violation of Article 69. The Senate unanimously adopted a resolution condemning Israel's sovereignty claim over the occupied West Bank.
Read Source ArticleWeekly inflation jumps 4.07pc
The Sensitive Price Index (SPI) rose 4.07% week-on-week ending July 24, driven by sharp increases in vegetable and petroleum prices. Year-on-year inflation increased by 2.22%, with sugar reaching Rs200 per kg.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz lauds S&P ratings upgrade, vows to achieve sustainable growth
S&P Global upgraded Pakistan's credit rating to 'B-' from 'CCC+' with a stable outlook, attributing the improvement to IMF support. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to sustain reforms and transparency to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Read Source ArticleRubio lauds Pakistan's role in global and regional peace in 1st meeting with FM Dar
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Pakistan's sacrifices in the war on terror and its role in global peace during his first meeting with FM Ishaq Dar. They agreed to boost bilateral trade, investment, minerals cooperation, and counter-terrorism, with a dialogue scheduled for August.
Read Source ArticleSHC quashes NAB inquiry against Sindh Public Service Commission's 2018 examination
The Sindh High Court quashed a NAB inquiry into the SPSC's 2018 Combined Competitive Examination after the investigation officer admitted to no substantial evidence. Justice Sangi noted the Supreme Court had validated the exam in 2022 and the NAB chairman's sanction was improper.
Read Source ArticleIHC suspends single-bench order to form commission for probing misuse of blasphemy law
The Islamabad High Court suspended a single-bench order that had given the government 30 days to form a commission to probe blasphemy law misuse. The decision came on an intra-court appeal by lawyer Rao Abdur Rahim.
Read Source ArticleS&P Global lifts Pakistan’s credit rating ‘B-’ from ‘CCC+’, outlook stable
S&P Global raised Pakistan’s sovereign credit rating to B- from CCC+ on Thursday with a stable outlook. The agency cited IMF support for stabilising finances and expected continued economic recovery.
Read Source ArticleGaza is now a ‘graveyard for innocents’, Dar tells UNSC
Presiding over the UN Security Council, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called Gaza a 'graveyard for innocents' and proposed a six-point plan including an immediate ceasefire and two-state solution. He accused Israel of collective punishment and the UN of failing to stop the genocide.
Read Source ArticleWorld’s top court paves way for climate reparations
The International Court of Justice said climate change is an 'urgent and existential threat' and countries breaching obligations commit a 'wrongful act' that could result in full reparations. The advisory opinion, the largest case in ICJ history, was championed by Vanuatu and is not legally binding but carries significant moral and legal weight.
Read Source ArticleSBP to publish monetary policy report biannually
The State Bank of Pakistan will publish a Monetary Policy Report biannually after MPC meetings in July and January, as part of its Vision 2028 plan. The central bank also released the advance MPC meeting schedule for FY26, listing eight meetings from July 2025 to June 2026.
Read Source ArticleForeign debt inflows surge to $12.4bn
Pakistan's foreign debt inflows surged to $12.4 billion in FY25, with $5.25 billion disbursed in June alone to meet an IMF benchmark. Commercial borrowing from China and UAE rose 330% to $4.3 billion, while multilateral lenders contributed $4.84 billion.
Read Source ArticleLahore ATC acquits Qureshi, sentences Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry to 10 years in May 9 riots case
Lahore ATC sentenced PTI leaders Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema to 10 years in prison for their role in the May 9 riots at Sherpao Bridge. The court acquitted former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and five other accused in the same case.
Read Source ArticleUNSC unanimously adopts Pakistan-sponsored resolution on peaceful dispute settlement
The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a Pakistan-sponsored resolution that urges member states to utilize mechanisms like negotiation and mediation for peaceful dispute settlement. During the session, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar called for an immediate Gaza ceasefire and noted over 58,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Read Source ArticleIranian president to visit Pakistan on July 26th
Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian will arrive in Pakistan on July 26, as confirmed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi after a phone call with his Iranian counterpart. The visit comes as the second Iranian presidential trip to Pakistan in two years, following Ebrahim Raisi's visit in April 2024.
Read Source ArticleAafia Siddiqui case: IHC issues contempt notice to PM Shehbaz, other federal cabinet members
The Islamabad High Court issued contempt notices to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and federal cabinet members for failing to submit a response in the Aafia Siddiqui case. The court set a two-week deadline for replies and criticized the government's use of roster control to obstruct judicial proceedings.
Read Source ArticleWB outlines energy efficiency path for Pakistan's key industries
A World Bank report on Pakistan's industrial energy efficiency targets five key sectors: cement, steel, fertiliser, textile, and paper. It states existing technologies can save 50-60% energy in textile, 6-20% in cement, and 8-10% in steel, while also cutting emissions.
Read Source ArticleTrump's renewed interest in Pakistan has India recalibrating China ties
President Donald Trump's luncheon meeting with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House on June 18 prompted a private diplomatic protest from India. India is recalibrating its ties with China as a hedge and warned the US of adverse effects on bilateral relations.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, US near breakthrough as trade talks enter final stage
Pakistan and the US are close to concluding a trade agreement; Finance Minister Aurangzeb described talks as 'very constructive' with US Commerce Secretary Lutnick. Deputy PM Dar will visit the US next week to chair UN Security Council debates on multilateralism and the Middle East.
Read Source ArticleInterior Minister Naqvi discusses counterterrorism in Kabul meeting with Afghan counterpart
During a day-long visit to Kabul, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Afghan counterpart Sirajuddin Haqqani and discussed counterterrorism, infiltration by the banned TTP, and border management. Naqvi called for joint action against terrorist organisations and raised the repatriation of illegal Afghan refugees.
Read Source ArticlePunjab Assembly speaker bins pleas for PTI MPAs' disqualification
Following negotiations between government and opposition, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan dismissed disqualification pleas for 26 PTI MPAs, ruling that allegations require a judicial verdict. He also withdrew damage notices to 10 PTI members and began reversing the removal of opposition committee chairpersons.
Read Source ArticleSenate passes bill to end death penalty for key offences
The Senate passed the Criminal Laws Amendment Bill, replacing death with life imprisonment for stripping women (Section 354-A) and harbouring hijackers (Section 402-C) in compliance with EU GSP+ conditions. The bill faced dissent, including from PTI and BAP lawmakers who argued for stricter penalties.
Read Source ArticleIT exports hit record $3.8bn in 2024-25
Pakistan's IT exports reached a record $3.8bn in FY25, an 18% increase, driven by a 90% surge in freelance and remote work to $779 million. Stakeholders like P@SHA urged a long-term, predictable tax regime to sustain growth.
Read Source ArticleDar to visit US next week for high-level UNSC events, ‘certain’ Washington engagements
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar will visit the US to attend UNSC high-level events in New York, chairing debates on multilateralism, Palestine, and OIC cooperation, with additional engagements in Washington. The visit coincides with Pakistan's first UNSC presidency since 2013 and ongoing bilateral trade negotiations.
Read Source ArticlePakistan records annual current account surplus of $2.1bn
Pakistan posted a $2.1bn current account surplus in FY25, the highest in 22 years, driven by remittances up 27% and IT exports up 44%.
Read Source ArticleSenate panel green-lights tweaks to bar councils’ bill
Senate panel approved bar council bill changes, raising enrollment to 10 years, requiring 30 cases, and setting election date, with PPP opposition.
Read Source ArticleUS declares outfit behind Pahalgam attack ‘terror group’
The US designated the group behind the Pahalgam attack as a foreign terrorist organization, labeling it a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy.
Read Source ArticlePakistan signs trilateral railway agreement with Uzbekistan, Afghanistan in Kabul
Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan signed a framework agreement on July 17, 2025, for a joint feasibility study of the UAP Railway Project, which will link Uzbekistan to Pakistani ports via a rail line through Kharlachi border crossing. The corridor aims to boost regional connectivity and economic integration by connecting Central Asian countries to the Arabian Sea.
Read Source ArticlePunjab Assembly panel approves bill to reward reporting of property tax evasion
The Punjab Assembly's standing committee approved a bill amending the 1958 property tax act to reward whistle-blowers, including citizens and excise officials, with a portion of penalty levied after tax evasion detection. The reward, sanctioned by the commissioner, will be paid only after tax collection, and the government will prescribe procedures for apportionment.
Read Source ArticleJuly 31 deadline set to wind up Utility Stores
The government reaffirmed the July 31 deadline to wind up all Utility Stores Corporation operations, with a sub-committee formed to finalize a Voluntary Separation Scheme and assess privatization options. USC, which posted a Rs4.1 billion loss in first half of FY25 and cumulative losses of Rs15.5 billion, operates over 4,000 retail outlets nationwide.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, China reaffirm mutual support on SCO sidelines
Ishaq Dar and Wang Yi met at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in Tianjin, agreeing to enhance cooperation in agriculture, mining, industry, and security. Dar pledged safety for Chinese nationals, and both sides reaffirmed support for CPEC and planned 75th anniversary celebrations.
Read Source ArticleUK lifts ban on Pakistani airlines, removes from air safety list
The UK removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List on Wednesday, lifting a ban on Pakistani airlines that had been in place since June 2020 after the PIA crash in Karachi. Pakistani carriers like PIA and Airblue can now apply for permits to operate flights to the UK following an aviation security inspection that found Pakistan's security arrangements satisfactory.
Read Source ArticleIHC directs government to form commission on blasphemy law misuse
The Islamabad High Court ordered the federal government to form a commission within 30 days to investigate misuse of blasphemy law, with the commission required to submit its findings in four months. The court also expressed concern over the disappearance of Komal Ismail, a central figure in blasphemy cases, and questioned the thoroughness of the investigation into accused Naik Muhammad.
Read Source ArticleTaxmen should not act as ‘penalising agencies’: SC
On July 14, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that tax authorities must facilitate compliance not penalise, as Justice Ayesha Malik noted the commissioner's conduct fell short of Section 140 and tax recovery is not a 'grab and go' process. The court dismissed appeals against IHC orders that had quashed recovery notices for Pakistan LNG's Rs2.9 billion and Serene Air's Rs1.8 billion demands.
Read Source ArticleUnprivileged to get legal aid at state expense
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi launched an LJCP initiative on July 14, 2025 to provide free legal aid to underprivileged litigants across all judicial levels from magistrate courts to the Supreme Court. Counsels in such cases will receive up to Rs50,000 remuneration through District Legal Empowerment Committees.
Read Source ArticleThree more petitions filed against SC decision on IHC judges’ transfer
Three new intra-court appeals were filed on July 14, 2025 by the Karachi Bar Association, PTI's Shoaib Shaheen, and Raja Muqsid Nawaz against the Supreme Court's June 19 judgment upholding transfers of three judges to the Islamabad High Court. The petitions argue the judgment failed to address the oath requirement and that delegating transfer terms to the president undermines judicial autonomy.
Read Source ArticleFC upgraded to status of federal force
President Asif Ali Zardari promulgated the Frontier Constabulary (Re-organization) Ordinance 2025, transforming the FC into the Federal Constabulary with countrywide deployment authority. The force will have two divisions: the Security Division and the Federal Reserve Division for anti-riot and special protection duties.
Read Source ArticlePTI’s Zulfi Bukhari to testify before US Congress body on ‘political repression’ in Pakistan
PTI leader Zulfikar Bukhari will testify before the US Congress Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on Tuesday regarding political repression in Pakistan. Other witnesses include Amnesty International's Ben Linden, Perseus Strategies' Jared Genser, and Afghanistan Impact Network founder Sadiq Amini.
Read Source ArticlePSX continues positive trajectory to cross 136,000 points barrier
The PSX KSE-100 index surged 2202.77 points (+1.64%) to close at 136,502.53, crossing the 136,000 barrier on strong investor sentiment. Workers' remittances hit a record $38.3 billion in FY25, while auto sales rose 64% year-on-year in June.
Read Source Article5 PTI MNAs expelled from party for voting in favour of 26th Amendment
The PTI expelled five MNAs on July 12, 2025, for voting in favor of the 26th Constitutional Amendment in August 2024. The lawmakers, issued show-cause notices in November 2024, failed to respond, with two joining the PML-N.
Read Source ArticlePHC rules it can hear pleas against military court sentences
The Peshawar High Court ruled that petitions against military court sentences are maintainable and that convicts have a right to court martial records. The court directed respondents to provide proceedings copies to three petitioners sentenced to 10 years for the May 2023 protests.
Read Source ArticleIMF representative hails Pakistan’s ‘strong’ economic reform progress
IMF representative Mahir Binici praised Pakistan’s strong performance under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility and noted the successful first review in May 2025. He also highlighted the $1.3 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility to boost climate resilience and water sustainability.
Read Source ArticlePHC seeks govt's response to pleas against military convictions
Peshawar High Court on Friday put the federal government on notice to respond to petitions of 13 civilians convicted by military courts over May 9, 2023 protests. The bench of Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Dr Khurshid Iqbal directed the defence and interior secretaries to file comments within a fortnight.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Judicial Council dismisses 19 complaints against judges
CJP Yahya Afridi chaired the SJC meeting that unanimously dismissed 19 of 24 complaints against superior court judges and approved the SJC Secretariat Service Rules 2025. The council deferred five complaints and appointed Justice Munib Akhtar to propose amendments to the Code of Conduct.
Read Source ArticleForeigners withdraw over $1.5bn from T-bills in FY25
Foreign investment outflows from T-bills exceeded $1.5bn in FY25, with inflows of $1.279bn and outflows 24% higher than inflows. June saw the highest monthly withdrawal as the SBP cut the policy rate from 22% to 11% and India-Pakistan tensions rose.
Read Source ArticleJudicial top brass forms body to devise ‘institutional response’ to enforced disappearances
The NJPMC formed a committee including Federal Judicial Academy and LJCP officials to devise an institutional response to enforced disappearances, with a 30-day deadline, as 125 new cases emerged in H1 2025. It also condemned the practice and ordered high courts to establish reporting and redressal mechanisms against external influence on judges within 30 days.
Read Source ArticleSBP builds reserves on record inflows, dollar buying
The SBP boosted forex reserves to a 39-month high of $14.5bn by July 4, after purchasing over $8bn from the interbank and receiving record remittances of $38.3bn in FY25. Total reserves including commercial banks reached $20.028bn, with analysts projecting growth to $20bn in FY26.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, Russia sign agreement to revive Pakistan Steel Mills, reaffirm ‘long-standing industrial partnership’
Pakistan and Russia signed an agreement in Moscow on Friday to revive and expand the defunct Pakistan Steel Mills in Karachi, originally built with Soviet assistance in 1973. The deal was inked by Secretary Industries Saif Anjum and Russia's Vadim Velichko, aiming to restart steel production and strengthen bilateral ties.
Read Source ArticlePresident signs ordinance creating crypto regulatory authority PVARA
President Zardari signed the Virtual Assets Ordinance, 2025 on July 8, establishing the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) to license and regulate virtual asset services. The ordinance, issued under Article 89 for 120 days, also mandates a Sharia Advisory Committee and an appellate tribunal.
Read Source ArticleLahore lawyers challenge judges' transfer to IHC in Supreme Court
The Lahore High Court Bar Association and Lahore Bar Association filed intra-court appeals in the Supreme Court against the June 19 judgement that upheld transfer of three judges to the Islamabad High Court. The appeals argue the transfers violated judicial independence as the judges did not take oath, and the ruling allowed executive interference.
Read Source ArticleECP reserves verdict on Omar Ayub's disqualification
The Election Commission of Pakistan reserved its verdict on a disqualification reference against Omar Ayub Khan, based on a petition by PML-N's Babar Nawaz who lost to Ayub by 82,000 votes in Haripur. Nawaz alleged irregularities including thousands of fake votes and implausible voting speed during the 2024 general election.
Read Source ArticleSBP to launch pilot for digital currency, says governor
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad announced a digital currency pilot at the Reuters NEXT Asia summit, while the government approved the Virtual Assets Act 2025 creating the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) to license and oversee crypto.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Judicial Council to take up pending plaints against judges over weekend
CJP Yahya Afridi called the SJC to meet on July 12 to consider around two dozen pending complaints against superior court judges and resume deliberation on a March 2024 letter from six IHC judges alleging intelligence agency interference in judicial affairs.
Read Source ArticleADB questions impact of aggressive tax base expansion
ADB warned that Pakistan's tax base expansion has not boosted revenue, with income tax stuck at 3-4% of GDP despite registered filers tripling from 2007 to 2019, and recommended focusing on enforcement and compliance over widening the tax net.
Read Source ArticleJustice Dogar, 3 others take oath as regular high court CJs
President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath to Justice Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar as Islamabad High Court chief justice on Tuesday. Justice Syed Muhammad Attique Shah, Justice Rozi Khan Barrech, and Justice Junaid Ghaffar were sworn in as Peshawar, Balochistan, and Sindh High Court chief justices, respectively, in separate ceremonies.
Read Source ArticleGovt repays Rs500bn SBP debt early
Adviser to PM on Finance Khurram Schehzad announced that the Ministry of Finance retired Rs500 billion debt owed to the State Bank of Pakistan four years ahead of its 2029 maturity. Combined with a Rs1 trillion market debt buyback, this early retirement of Rs1.5 trillion in FY25 reduced the debt-to-GDP ratio from 75% to 69% and improved average maturity to 3.75 years.
Read Source ArticleRegulatory body formed to oversee digital assets
The federal cabinet approved the creation of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) to license and monitor virtual asset service providers under FATF guidelines. The initiative follows the Pakistan Crypto Council, a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, and the allocation of 2,000 megawatts for Bitcoin mining, and the country has over 40 million crypto users and $300 billion annual trade volume.
Read Source ArticlePresident Zardari appoints chief justices of high courts
President Zardari appointed Justice Sarfraz Dogar IHC chief, Justice Rozi Khan Barrech BHC chief, Justice Attique Shah PHC chief, Justice Junaid Ghaffar SHC chief.
Read Source ArticleYet another record high as PSX soars past 133,000 points
The KSE-100 index hit record 133,370 points Monday, up 1.08%, driven by favourable taxation regime, falling inflation to 3.2%, and potential US trade deal.
Read Source ArticleBlend of realpolitik, strategic opportunism behind Russia recognising Taliban regime
Russia formally recognized the Afghan Taliban regime, reflecting its marginalization in Southwest Asian geopolitics and a blend of realpolitik and strategic opportunism.
Read Source ArticleChief justices of four high courts likely to take oath next week
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan approved Justice Sardar Dogar (IHC), Justice Junaid Ghaffar (SHC), Justice Rozi Barrech (BHC), and Justice Attique Shah (PHC) as chief justices on July 1, but formal notifications were delayed due to President Zardari's absence from the capital. Oath-taking is expected next week, with the president administering the oath to Justice Dogar and governors to the other three.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, Poland agree to boost trade, security cooperation
Pakistan and Poland held the 9th round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Warsaw, led by Additional Foreign Secretary Muhammad Ayub and Polish Secretary of State Bartoszewski, agreeing to boost cooperation in trade, investment, and security. The next round of consultations is scheduled for 2026 in Islamabad.
Read Source ArticleExchange firms bring in $5bn remittances in FY25
Exchange companies contributed approximately $450 million in June and an estimated $5 billion in total for FY25, according to ECAP Secretary General Zafar Paracha. The State Bank of Pakistan included exchange firms in the Pakistan Remittance Initiative, raising the per-dollar incentive from Rs2 to Rs22.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, US reach accord on trade and tariffs
Pakistan and the US reached an understanding on a trade deal during talks in Washington led by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paal, with a formal announcement expected after the US concludes negotiations with other trade partners. The accord aims to prevent the re-imposition of a 29% tariff on Pakistani exports and could lead to increased imports of US crude oil and investment in the Reko Diq mine.
Read Source ArticleGovt debt swells 12pc since last year
Pakistan's central government debt reached Rs76.045 trillion by end of May, a 12.3% year-on-year increase, with domestic debt rising 15.9% to Rs53.46 trillion. External debt grew 4.52% to Rs22.59 trillion, while long-term Pakistan Investment Bonds surged to Rs35.24 trillion, according to the State Bank of Pakistan.
Read Source ArticleLaw enforcement agencies should be held accountable for lapses during investigations: SC
The Supreme Court acquitted Ameenullah and Khairullah, arrested in March 2017 with 314kg of narcotics, citing serious lapses in investigation and prosecution, including missing evidence and contradictory testimony. Justice Athar Minallah observed that law enforcement agencies must be held accountable for failures that lead to acquittals, directing the Sindh government and high court to improve case handling.
Read Source ArticleNA body fears poverty may rise to 50pc, seeks BISP overhaul
The National Assembly panel warned poverty could reach 50% and ordered BISP reforms, as a World Bank report showed 45% below the poverty line and extreme poverty surging from 4.9% to 16.5%. The committee also pushed for a digital banking pilot launching by August 15, 2025 in seven districts to enhance transparency and reduce human intervention.
Read Source ArticlePakistani, Indian firms among six US sanctioned for Iran oil trade
US sanctions targeted six firms including Pakistan’s Alliance Energy Pvt Ltd and India’s SAI Saburi Consulting for facilitating Iranian oil trade, with vessels BATELEUR and NEEL involved. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures aim to disrupt Tehran’s revenue sources under the 'maximum pressure' policy.
Read Source ArticleRussia first country to recognise Afghan Taliban
Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government on July 4, 2025, accepting credentials from a new Afghan ambassador. Afghanistan’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi hailed the move as 'brave' and expected other nations to follow, while Moscow had earlier suspended the Taliban’s terrorist designation in April.
Read Source ArticleLHC holds Imran responsible for ‘conspiracy and abetment’ in May 9 riots
Lahore High Court held PTI founder Imran Khan responsible for conspiracy and abetment in May 9 riots, stating his words caused loss of life and property.
Read Source ArticleGovt takes commanding lead after being handed reserved seats
ECP notification of 74 reserved seats gave PML-N-led coalition a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly.
Read Source ArticlePakistan-US trade talks in final stretch
Pakistan and US finalize trade framework including increased Pakistani imports of US crude oil and goods.
Read Source ArticleRuling coalition given two-thirds majority as ECP distributes reserved seats
Following the Supreme Court verdict, the ECP allocated 13 reserved National Assembly seats to PML-N, four to PPP, and two to JUI-F, boosting the ruling coalition's tally to 235 seats and a two-thirds majority. In provincial assemblies, PML-N got 23 seats in Punjab, JUI-F got 10 in KP, and PPP got two in Sindh.
Read Source ArticleInflation slumps to 9-year low at 4.49pc
Pakistan's annual inflation rate fell to 4.49% in FY25, a nine-year low, from 23.41% in FY24, due to high base effect and lower food prices. The State Bank of Pakistan revised its FY25 inflation target down to 5-7%, while the government set a 7.5% target for FY26.
Read Source ArticleJustice Dogar formally picked to head capital court
Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar was nominated as permanent IHC chief justice by the Judicial Commission, receiving nine out of 15 votes. He will take oath in the next few days, while the commission also appointed Justice Rozi Barrech as BHC CJ, Justice Attique Shah as PHC CJ, and Justice Junaid Ghaffar as SHC CJ.
Read Source ArticleJCP nominates chief justices of high courts
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan nominated Justice Sarfraz Dogar for the Islamabad High Court, Justice Rozi Khan Barrech for the Balochistan High Court, Justice Syed Muhammad Attique Shah for the Peshawar High Court, and Justice Junaid Ghaffar for the Sindh High Court as chief justices. The nominations came after a Supreme Court ruling upheld the transfer of three judges and allowed the acting chief justices to continue.
Read Source ArticleJune inflation rises 3.2pc y/y in line with finance ministry forecast
Consumer price inflation in Pakistan rose 3.2% year-on-year in June 2025, matching the finance ministry's forecast of 3-4%, while month-on-month prices increased 0.2% after a 0.2% decline in May. The State Bank of Pakistan kept its key interest rate unchanged at 11% as inflation is expected to stabilize within the 5-7% target range.
Read Source ArticlePakistan assumes UN Security Council presidency
Pakistan assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for July 2025, its eighth term and first since 2013, during a period of global tumult. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad underscored Pakistan's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, pledging to promote transparency and inclusivity.
Read Source Article