June 2025 Current Affairs Bulletin
A chronological timeline of significant affairs curated for high-yield exam retention.
President gives assent to Finance Act 2025
President Asif Ali Zardari assented to the Finance Act 2025 on June 27, effective July 1, with a Rs17.57 trillion outlay. The budget targets 4.2% GDP growth and 7.5% inflation, allocating Rs2.55 trillion for defense and Rs1.06 trillion for pensions.
Read Source ArticleCountry's June inflation likely to remain between 3-4pc: finance ministry
The finance ministry projected June 2025 CPI inflation between 3-4%, with May's inflation at 3.46%. Analyst Awais Ashraf expects June inflation to be 3.2%.
Read Source ArticlePakistan urges India to resume functioning of IWT after Hague court's supplemental award
The Hague's Permanent Court of Arbitration on June 27 ruled that India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, affirming the treaty's validity. Pakistan urged India to resume the treaty's functioning, while India rejected the award and the court's jurisdiction.
Read Source ArticlePresident declares Justice Dogar senior-most IHC judge in revised seniority list
President Asif Ali Zardari declared Justice Sarfaraz Dogar the senior-most IHC judge in a revised seniority list after the Supreme Court's June 19 verdict upheld the transfer of three judges. The president also declared the transfers permanent, with Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and Justice Muhammad Asif ranked ninth and eleventh respectively.
Read Source ArticleEfforts on to increase annual remittance to $50bn within five years
Pakistan aims to increase annual remittances to $50 billion within five years, with ACE Money Transfer CEO Rashid Ashraf meeting Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb and other officials in Islamabad. Discussions covered incentive programmes, formalising undocumented migration, and public awareness campaigns to encourage legal remittances.
Read Source ArticleIndian meddling exposed at SCO summit: Bugti
Balochistan CM Mir Sarfraz Bugti said Pakistan thwarted India's attempt to link the Pahalgam attack with Pakistan at the SCO summit and presented irrefutable evidence of Indian interference in Balochistan. Bugti affirmed that Pakistan is ready to present this evidence at all international forums that value truth and justice.
Read Source ArticleHague court delivers major blow to India's IWT suspension
The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled unanimously that India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty does not affect its competence to adjudicate disputes. Pakistan welcomed the supplemental award, while India rejected it.
Read Source ArticlePTI's hopes dashed as rivals set to receive reserved seats
The Constitutional Bench overturned the July 12, 2024 Supreme Court judgment by a 7-3 majority, restoring the Peshawar High Court verdict that denied PTI reserved seats. As a result, 77 reserved seats will be distributed among other parties, giving the ruling coalition a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly.
Read Source ArticleIHC orders govt to dissolve CDA, transfer powers to Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation
The Islamabad High Court ordered the federal government to dissolve the Capital Development Authority and transfer its powers to the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation, declaring a 2015 SRO imposing ROW charges illegal and unconstitutional. The court noted that the CDA's original mandate had been fulfilled and that local governance is now governed under the ICT Local Government Act, 2015.
Read Source ArticlePakistan hails Hague court’s supplemental award in Indus Waters case, says India can’t sideline arbitration process
The Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a supplemental award affirming its competence over the Indus Waters dispute, ruling that India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan welcomed the decision, while India rejected it, stating it does not recognize the court.
Read Source ArticleBudget 2025-26: National Assembly passes Rs17.6tr budget amid opposition outcry
The National Assembly passed the Rs17.57 trillion federal budget for FY25-26, including a 20% increase in BISP funding and raising the tax exemption threshold to Rs1.2 million. The budget also reduced solar panel tax from 18% to 10% and curtailed FBR arrest powers, despite strong opposition criticism.
Read Source ArticleSBP set to miss $14bn forex target for FY25
SBP's foreign exchange reserves dropped by $2.7 billion to $9.064 billion, a three-year low, ensuring the $14 billion FY25 target will be missed. Even after receiving $3.6 billion in loans, reserves will stand at $12.664 billion, still short of the target.
Read Source ArticleFinance Bill sails through parliament to greenlight Rs17.57tr budget
Parliament approved the Finance Bill 2025 on June 26, 2025, authorizing the Rs17.57 trillion budget for fiscal year 2026. The bill received PPP's support after the government accepted proposals for BISP budget increases and tax exemptions for salaried class earning up to Rs1.2 million annually.
Read Source ArticleSCO moot in China unable to adopt joint statement; Pakistan reaffirms commitment to fight terrorism
The SCO defence ministers meeting in China could not adopt a joint statement after India refused over references to terrorism. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to fight terrorism, while India declined to sign because the document omitted reference to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people.
Read Source ArticleRetail transactions hit Rs164tr in 3QFY25
Retail transactions in Pakistan rose 12% in volume to 2,408 million and 8% in value to Rs164 trillion in Q3 FY25. Digital channels accounted for 89% of total payments, driven by mobile app-based platforms and the Raast system.
Read Source ArticleLHC denies post-arrest bail to Imran in eight May 9 cases
The Lahore High Court on June 25, 2025 denied post-arrest bail to PTI founding chairman Imran Khan in eight cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots, including the Jinnah House attack. The two-judge bench announced a short order, with a detailed verdict to follow.
Read Source ArticleWB, ADB Loans approved for education, water access and women’s empowerment
The World Bank on June 25, 2025 approved $194 million for two Balochistan projects: $100 million for education benefiting 250,000 students and $94 million for water security benefiting 500,000 people. The Asian Development Bank separately signed a $350 million loan agreement for women's financial inclusion, including a $300 million policy-based loan.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, UAE sign MOU on visa exemption at 12th JMC session held after 13-year gap
Pakistan and the UAE held the 12th Joint Ministerial Commission session in Abu Dhabi on June 25, 2025 after a 13-year hiatus, co-chaired by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. They signed a memorandum of understanding on mutual visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders, along with agreements on investment promotion and artificial intelligence.
Read Source ArticleCeasefire brokered with Iran after Washington request for liaison, Qatar’s PM says
Qatar PM confirms Iran ceasefire brokered after US request; says ties scarred but should recover.
Read Source ArticlePSX climbs nearly 6,000 points amid announcement of Iran-Israel ‘ceasefire’
KSE-100 index rose 5.23% to close at 122,246.63 as Iran-Israel ceasefire announced.
Read Source ArticleTextile exports drop for second month
Textile exports fell for second month in FY26, pushing sector growth to single digits.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz convenes NSC after US strikes on Iran
PM Shehbaz convened an emergency NSC meeting on Monday, condemning US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities as a serious violation of international law. He also spoke with Iranian President Pezeshkian, reaffirming solidarity and calling for de-escalation through diplomacy.
Read Source ArticlePakistan backs UN resolution for Iran crisis de-escalation
Pakistan co-sponsored a UN Security Council draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and condemning attacks on Iran's nuclear sites. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stated the strikes on IAEA-safeguarded facilities breach international law and threaten global security.
Read Source ArticleUS strikes on Iran threaten global oil spike
Analysts warn US strikes on Iran could push oil to $100 per barrel if Iran retaliates against Gulf infrastructure. Brent crude has risen 18% to $79.04 since June 10, and ether fell 8.5% on Sunday.
Read Source ArticleSC bars FBR from making arrests before liability assessment
The Supreme Court on June 21, 2025 barred the FBR from arresting taxpayers or initiating criminal prosecution without prior tax liability determination via audit or show-cause notice. The court quashed all FIRs and arrests made without such process, declaring them unlawful and unconstitutional.
Read Source ArticlePakistan reclaims strategic space in Washington
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir concluded a four-day US visit on June 20, 2025, highlighted by a White House luncheon with President Trump who suggested Pakistan could mediate the Iran-Israel conflict. The visit also saw Trump offer to mediate Kashmir and Pakistan nominate Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
Read Source ArticleTrump says Iran’s key nuclear facilities ‘obliterated’ by US airstrikes
US President Trump announced on June 22, 2025 that airstrikes using B-2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles obliterated Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran responded by launching missiles at Israel, wounding scores in Tel Aviv, while the US warned of greater force if Iran retaliates.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court reserved seats verdict ‘amended Constitution’: Justice Hilali
Justice Hilali said the Supreme Court's July 12, 2024 verdict amended the Constitution by extending the deadline for independents to join a party from three to 15 days, allowing 41 PTI-backed lawmakers to confirm affiliation. She made the remarks on Friday during appeals, while counsel Salman Akram Raja argued the verdict recognized PTI backing from the start.
Read Source ArticleSindh Assembly Speaker wins high court’s favour in tussle with Governor House
SHC declared unconstitutional the principal secretary's denial of access to Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah, who became acting governor on June 2, and ordered immediate access to all offices except residential areas. The court also issued notices to the governor and principal secretary for June 23.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz seeks shipping plan to save $4bn
PM Shehbaz directed authorities to prepare a business plan for PNSC within two weeks to save the annual $4 billion maritime trade burden and to acquire ships on lease to expand the fleet. PNSC currently operates 10 ships with a combined cargo capacity of 724,643 tonnes.
Read Source ArticleConstitutional Bench’s term extended until November 30
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan extended the Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench term until November 30, 2025, appointing Justices Adnan Iqbal Chaudhry and Jaffar Raza. The six-month extension from July 23 was approved by majority vote, and a committee was formed to evaluate high court judges' performance.
Read Source ArticleLaw asking govt officers to give asset details gets Senate nod
The Senate passed the Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2025, requiring BPS-17 to BPS-22 officers to digitally declare domestic and foreign assets for themselves and family members. The bill, already passed by the National Assembly, will become law after presidential assent to meet a June 30 commitment to international organizations.
Read Source ArticleGovt signs $4.5bn loans with local banks to ease power sector debt
Pakistan signed term sheets with 18 commercial banks for a Rs1.275 trillion Islamic finance facility to repay power sector debt over six years. The loan, at a concessional rate of 3-month KIBOR minus 0.9%, will be repaid in 24 quarterly installments with Rs323 billion annual government allocation.
Read Source ArticleSC Constitutional Bench dismisses pleas against transfer of IHC judges
The Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench in a 3-2 majority upheld the transfer of three high court judges to the IHC, ruling it constitutional under Article 200. Justices Naeem Afghan and Shakeel Ahmed dissented, declaring the notification null and void for violating Articles 175A and 200.
Read Source ArticleTrump, COAS Munir talk counterterrorism and trade in cordial meeting: ISPR
COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir met US President Donald Trump at the White House for over two hours, discussing counterterrorism, trade, and technology. Trump thanked Munir for avoiding war with India and invited continued counterterrorism cooperation, while Munir extended an invitation to Trump to visit Pakistan.
Read Source ArticleADB-backed pact signed for $1bn with ME banks
Pakistan signed a $1 billion ADB-backed Syndicated Term Finance Facility with Middle Eastern banks, re-entering international capital markets after over two years. The five-year facility, 89% Islamic compliant, is led by Dubai Islamic Bank and Standard Chartered, with ADB's first policy-based guarantee.
Read Source ArticleTrump says ‘honoured’ to meet Field Marshal Munir; Iran discussed in talks
President Donald Trump hosted Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the White House on Wednesday, the first time a US president met Pakistan's army chief without senior civilian officials. Trump thanked Munir for helping prevent a nuclear war with India and discussed Iran, stating Pakistan is 'not happy' with the situation.
Read Source ArticleCurrent account negative after two months
Pakistan posted a current account deficit of $103 million in May, compared to a $47 million surplus in April. Despite this, the current account remained positive at $1.812 billion during July-May 2024-25, against a deficit of $1.572 billion in the same period last year.
Read Source ArticleBig industry grows 2.3pc in April
Large-scale manufacturing grew 2.29% year-on-year in April, the second consecutive month of positive growth after March's 1.79% increase. However, on a month-on-month basis it declined 3.20%, and for the first ten months of FY25 the sector contracted by 1.52%.
Read Source ArticleWon’t issue verdict that may be construed as ‘amending Constitution’: CB judge Justice Mazhar
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar stated the Constitutional Bench will not deliver a verdict that could be perceived as amending the Constitution. The bench heard a joint petition from five IHC judges challenging the seniority of three transferred judges, with Mazhar noting no deputation principle exists in the judiciary.
Read Source ArticleNA, Senate panels reject 18pc tax on imported solar panels
The National Assembly and Senate standing committees on finance rejected the proposed 18% sales tax on solar panel imports, with all political parties opposing it. FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial noted 32,000 MW of solar power was imported in five years and argued the tax would generate Rs20 billion in revenue.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, US agree to advance talks on reciprocal tariffs: Aurangzeb
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan and the US agreed to advance negotiations on reciprocal tariffs after his constructive conversation with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Pakistan faces a potential 29% tariff on its exports to the US due to a $3 billion trade surplus, with technical-level discussions planned.
Read Source ArticleSBP maintains 11pc interest rate amid Mideast conflict
SBP held the policy rate at 11%, citing inflation risks from a sharp rebound in global oil prices due to Middle East tensions. May inflation rose to 3.5% from an all-time low of 0.3%, with average FY25 inflation forecast at 5.5-7.5%.
Read Source ArticleArmy chief Munir in Washington for high-level talks
Army Chief Gen Syed Asim Munir arrived in Washington for a five-day visit to reinforce military and strategic ties with the US. PTI supporters protested outside the Pakistan embassy calling for 'unfettered democracy' ahead of his arrival.
Read Source ArticleKhawaja Asif hails FATF 'snub' to Indian designs
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hailed FATF's decision not to re-list Pakistan as a big victory over Indian and Israeli conspiracies. China, Turkey, and Japan supported Pakistan in the FATF International Cooperation Review Group meeting.
Read Source ArticleIran border crossings in Balochistan closed indefinitely
Balochistan government closed all Iranian border crossings in Gwadar, Panjgur and Turbat indefinitely following Israel's attacks. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed 450 pilgrims were evacuated from Iran, with more to follow.
Read Source ArticleSecond Afghan transit vessel arrives at Gwadar Port
MV ASL ROSE docked at Gwadar Port carrying 20,000 tonnes of DAP fertiliser from Australia for transit to Afghanistan. This is the second Afghan transit vessel after MV Beyond 2 in February, made possible after the ECC abolished bank guarantee requirements.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court reviews progress on digital transformation
Supreme Court Registrar Mohammad Salim Khan chaired a progress review meeting on Saturday assessing implementation of the Reform Action Plan for IT reforms. The agenda focused on digitisation, e-filing and human resource management to enhance public service delivery.
Read Source ArticleBar bodies urge Supreme Court to revisit military trials verdict
Lahore High Court Bar Association and Lahore Bar Association petitioned the Supreme Court on Friday to set aside its May 7 verdict that upheld civilian trials in military courts.
Read Source ArticlePakistan stands in ‘complete solidarity’ with Iran amid conflict with Israel: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed complete solidarity with Iran during a phone call with President Pezeshkian, condemning Israeli attacks as a violation of international law.
Read Source ArticlePSX loses 1,950 points on geopolitical tensions
The Pakistan Stock Exchange's KSE-100 index fell 1,949.55 points (1.57%) to close at 122,143.57 on Friday due to tensions from Israeli strikes on Iran.
Read Source ArticleCentre proposes climate-based criteria for next NFC award
Federal government proposed climate adaptation criteria for the next NFC award in August, replacing the regressive population-based formula.
Read Source ArticleSBP set to hold policy rate as Israel-Iran conflict overshadows growth push
SBP expected to keep policy rate at 12% as Israel-Iran conflict risks commodity price inflation, with 11 of 14 analysts predicting a hold per Reuters.
Read Source ArticlePM thanks UAE for role in defusing tensions with India
PM Shehbaz thanked UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for defusing Pakistan-India tensions after a missile exchange where India lost six aircraft including a Rafale.
Read Source ArticleJudicial Commission of Pakistan to meet next week for extension in CB’s term
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan will meet on June 19 under Chief Justice Yahya Afridi to consider extending the term of the Supreme Court's constitutional bench, which was formed on November 5, 2024. The meeting will also frame new rules for evaluating high court judges' performance under Article 175A.
Read Source ArticlePakistan gets robust inflow of $3.7bn in May
Pakistan received $3.7bn in remittances in May, bringing the July-May total to $35bn, 29% higher than the same period last year. The inflows are set to exceed the revised annual target of $38bn, with UAE remittances surging 45.7% to $7.11bn and UK remittances up 33% to $5.37bn.
Read Source Article‘I can solve anything’: Trump once again offers to be arbitrator in Kashmir dispute
Donald Trump offered to arbitrate the Kashmir dispute, stating 'I can solve anything' and claiming he stopped a nuclear war between Pakistan and India through phone calls and trade threats. He announced a Pakistani trade delegation would visit Washington next week, and State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce expressed hope for resolution.
Read Source ArticleTrump willing to work on Kashmir issue, confirms US State Dept
US State Dept confirmed Trump remains committed to resolving the Kashmir issue, having brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Read Source ArticleDefence budget sees major boost amid India tensions
Pakistan's FY25-26 defence budget of Rs2.55 trillion is a 20.2% increase, the biggest annual hike in a decade, reaching 1.97% of GDP.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, US to resume tariff talks within days
A Pakistani trade delegation led by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul will visit Washington for three days to resume tariff talks with US officials.
Read Source ArticleEx-CJP Seeks Review of Verdict on Military Trials of Civilians
Former CJP Jawwad S. Khawaja filed a review petition against the Supreme Court's May 7, 2025 judgement restoring military trials of civilians under the Pakistan Army Act. The petition argues the ruling cedes judicial authority to the executive and undermines fundamental rights.
Read Source ArticleBudget FY26: Pakistan Targets 4.2% Growth, Slashes Overall Spending
The FY26 budget targets 4.2% GDP growth with a total outlay of Rs17.573 trillion, down 6.9%, and defence spending up 20.2% to Rs2,550bn. Interest payments decreased 16% to Rs8,207bn, while FBR tax collection target rises 9% to Rs14,131bn.
Read Source ArticleSymbolic 'Reception' for Sikhs Denied Permission to Visit Pakistan
Pakistan held a symbolic ceremony at the Wagah border for Indian Sikh pilgrims denied permission by India to attend Guru Arjan Dev Ji's death anniversary on June 9. Pakistan issued visas but India barred travel amid the recent conflict, though 800 pilgrims visited last year for the event.
Read Source ArticlePakistan agreed to ceasefire despite having ‘upper hand’ on condition of more talks with India: Bilawal
Bilawal stated Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire with India on condition of further talks on all friction points at a neutral location. He claimed Pakistan had the upper hand, having shot down six Indian jets.
Read Source ArticleUS, China begin key trade talks in London
The US and China began a new round of trade talks in London, with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent leading delegations. President Trump said on Truth Social the meeting should go very well, addressing issues like rare earth shipments and tariff compliance.
Read Source Article‘Fantastic story on inflation’: Economic Survey shows ambitious GDP growth for FY25
The Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25 projects GDP growth of 2.7% for FY25, missing the 3.6% target for the third successive year. Finance Minister Aurangzeb termed inflation a 'fantastic story' as CPI inflation dropped from 29% in 2023 to 4.6%.
Read Source ArticleNA speaker approves budget schedule for FY2025-26
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq approved the 2025-26 federal budget schedule, with presentation on June 10 and the Pakistan Economic Survey on June 9. Budget debate starts June 13 and the Finance Bill will be finalised on June 26.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz, Turkiye's Erdogan vow to step up measures for boosting trade
President Erdogan and PM Shehbaz exchanged Eidul Azha greetings in a phone call and agreed to fast-track decisions to boost trade and investment. Shehbaz thanked Erdogan for Turkiye's support during the recent Pakistan-India crisis, and both discussed regional developments including Gaza.
Read Source ArticleGwadar Port Authority gets new chairman
Shah Irfan Ahmed Gharsheen, a grade 20 Balochistan Civil Service officer, has been appointed chairman of Gwadar Port Authority for two years. The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Ministry of Marine Affairs.
Read Source ArticleIslamabad High Court ends stay orders in 270 cases, helping FBR collect Rs600 billion
The Islamabad High Court's three division benches lifted stay orders in 270 tax cases, enabling the FBR to recover over Rs600 billion. Justice Mohammad Azam Khan's bench cleared 173 cases involving Rs424 billion, while Justice Babar Sattar's bench disposed of 94 cases worth over Rs150 billion.
Read Source ArticlePM thanks MBS for role in reducing India tensions
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his role in ending the conflict between Pakistan and India last month. During a two-day visit to Makkah, the PM performed Umrah with the army chief and delegation.
Read Source ArticleJustice Barrech takes oath of acting Balochistan High Court chief justice
Justice Rozi Khan Barrech took oath as acting chief justice of the Balochistan High Court after the retirement of Chief Justice Ejaz Ahmed Swati on June 7, 2025. Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail administered the oath at a ceremony in Quetta.
Read Source Article45pc of Pakistanis live below poverty line: WB
World Bank report based on 2018-19 survey shows 45% of Pakistanis below poverty line under revised $4.20/day threshold.
Read Source ArticlePremier pledges to defeat India’s water aggression with resolve and wisdom
PM Shehbaz Sharif vows to defeat India's water aggression with resolve, backed by provinces, and orders dam funding committee.
Read Source ArticleLiaqat Hussain appointed AJK High Court chief justice
Justice Liaqat Hussain, senior puisne judge, appointed AJK High Court chief justice, to take oath Monday after incumbent's retirement.
Read Source ArticleConditions of Simla Agreement no longer applicable after Indian IWT violation, Khawaja Asif says
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the Simla Agreement is void due to India's violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, claiming the Line of Control reverts to a ceasefire line. The Foreign Office clarified no formal abrogation has occurred, and Asif later called his remarks a personal opinion.
Read Source ArticleIMF wants 'strict compliance' as budget enters final stages
The IMF demands strict compliance with programme conditions, including agriculture income tax enforcement by September 2025, and opposes the sale of surplus power at cheaper rates. The budget targets Rs14.2 trillion in FBR revenue and focuses on digitisation to curb tax evasion, while the IMF also opposes provincial energy subsidies.
Read Source ArticleBalochistan amends ATA, allowing detention sans charge for three months
The Balochistan Assembly amended the Anti-Terrorism Act to permit three months' detention without charge, including a six-year sunset clause. CM Sarfraz Bugti stated that suspects will be held in rehabilitation centres with oversight boards and must be produced before a court after three months.
Read Source ArticlePakistan appointed as vice chair of UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee
Pakistan was appointed vice chair of UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee, head of 1988 Taliban sanctions committee, and co-chair of two IWGs in May 2025.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz invites opposition leader to consult on new chief election commissioner
PM Shehbaz invited opposition leader Omar Ayub on May 16 for consultations on appointing new CEC and two ECP members after March 12 deadline.
Read Source ArticleIHCBA supports proposed 27th Amendment
IHCBA President Syed Wajid Hussain Gilani on June 3 endorsed the proposed 27th Amendment and demanded nationwide rotation of district judiciary judges for judicial integrity.
Read Source ArticleADB approves $800m to boost Pakistan’s public finance
The ADB approved $800 million for Pakistan including a $300 million loan and $500 million guarantee to mobilize up to $1 billion from commercial banks. The programme supports tax and expenditure reforms to reduce fiscal deficit and public debt, with technical assistance from development partners.
Read Source ArticleBudget 2025-26: Shadow of IMF looms over development kitty
The government allocated Rs880 billion for PSDP in FY26, down 20% from the previous year, with cuts to all sectors except transport and parliamentarians' schemes. The APCC approved a Rs4.083 trillion national plan with provinces contributing Rs2.795 trillion and imposed a moratorium on new projects during the IMF programme.
Read Source ArticlePakistan reaffirms commitment to economic cooperation under SCO: Aurangzeb
Finance Minister Aurangzeb reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to SCO economic cooperation and supported establishing the SCO Development Bank for infrastructure financing. He highlighted Pakistan's macroeconomic stability including current account surplus, primary surplus, and low inflation, and proposed joint ventures and technology transfer.
Read Source ArticleResponsibility of SC judges to speak truth demands courage to defy political pressure: Justice Shah
Senior Puisne Judge Mansoor Ali Shah said SC justices must speak truth to power guided by the Constitution, requiring courage to defy political pressure. He emphasized that judges are protectors of the Constitution, not policymakers.
Read Source ArticleInflation climbs to 3.5pc for May
CPI inflation rose 3.5% year-on-year in May 2025, with a 0.2% month-on-month decrease, according to PBS data. The rate exceeded the finance ministry's expectation of 1.5-2.0%, and the 11-month FY25 average stood at 4.61%.
Read Source ArticlePakistani delegation briefs UNSC members on Indian ‘threat to regional peace’
A Pakistani delegation led by ex-FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari briefed UNSC elected members that India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty threatens regional peace and could cause water and food crises. Bilawal refuted Indian accusations and urged pre-conflict diplomatic solutions.
Read Source ArticleJuly-May collection falls short by Rs1tr
The FBR missed its July-May revenue target by Rs1.008 trillion, collecting Rs10.233 trillion against the Rs11.241 trillion target. The shortfall was driven by slowing economic growth and low imports, with sales tax missing its target by Rs895 billion and income tax exceeding by Rs314 billion.
Read Source ArticleAfghan FM, Ishaq Dar agree to finalise framework for railway project
Acting Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistan's FM Ishaq Dar agreed to upgrade diplomatic relations to ambassador level and finalise a framework for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project. Both sides reviewed decisions from Dar's April 19 Kabul visit and pledged to continue building mutual trust.
Read Source ArticleCJCSC warns strategic stability degraded to dangerous levels
Chairman Joint Chiefs General Sahir Shamshad Mirza told the Shangri-La Dialogue that strategic stability has degraded to dangerous levels after Pakistan's military clash with India in May. He warned that without crisis management, escalation can outpace diplomacy, and called for resolving the Kashmir dispute per UN Security Council resolutions.
Read Source Article