May 2025 Current Affairs Bulletin
A chronological timeline of significant affairs curated for high-yield exam retention.
Justice Munib Akhtar sworn in as acting CJP
Justice Munib Akhtar took oath as acting chief justice on May 31, 2025, administered by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, due to CJP Yahya Afridi's absence.
Read Source ArticleNowhere in world courts martial try terrorism cases: Justice Mandokhail
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail issued a 36-page dissenting note stating that nowhere in the world do courts martial try terrorism cases, opposing the majority verdict upholding military trials of civilians.
Read Source ArticlePakistan won't let India weaponise water, says PM Shehbaz
PM Shehbaz at the Dushanbe glacier summit called India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty a 'red line' and said Pakistan will not allow the weaponisation of water.
Read Source ArticlePresident Zardari signs bill to curb child marriage into law
President Asif Ali Zardari signed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill on May 30, 2025, criminalising marriage under 18. The Council of Islamic Ideology opposed the bill, ruling that classifying underage marriage as rape contradicts Islamic law.
Read Source ArticlePTI erred in asking its members to join SIC: Supreme Court's CB
The Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench observed that PTI misled its candidates into joining the Sunni Ittehad Council, which holds no parliamentary seats. Justice Hilali questioned whether extending the deadline for independents to join parties amended the Constitution.
Read Source ArticlePakistan becomes co-signatory to China's global mediation body
Pakistan signed the convention to establish the International Organisation for Mediation in Hong Kong on May 30, 2025, alongside Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, and Serbia. Deputy PM Ishaq Dar called for resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute under UN Security Council resolutions.
Read Source ArticlePakistan unveils first govt-led Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
Pakistan Crypto Council CEO Bilal Bin Saqib unveiled the first government-led Strategic Bitcoin Reserve at Bitcoin Vegas 2025, addressing an audience including US VP JD Vance. The government allocated 2,000 MW of surplus electricity for bitcoin mining and AI data centers, and Saqib is leading the creation of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA).
Read Source ArticleAdviser to finance minister announces no extension in budget date
Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad confirmed the federal budget for FY26 will be presented on June 10, with the Economic Survey released on June 9. Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal reiterated no change in the budget date despite Eidul Azha holidays expected on June 7.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz touches down in Tajikistan to cap off four-nation tour
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Dushanbe on Thursday for a two-day visit, capping a four-nation tour that included Turkiye, Iran, and Azerbaijan. He will hold bilateral talks with President Emomali Rahmon and attend the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation.
Read Source ArticleJudges in a fix over SIC role in reserved seats case
The Supreme Court's constitutional bench questioned the Sunni Ittehad Council's (SIC) standing in the reserved seats case, noting the original order allocated seats to PTI. Justice Musarrat Hilali asked SIC counsel Faisal Siddiqi whether he represented PTI or SIC, while ECP lawyer said independents' declarations to join PTI were not accepted.
Read Source ArticleSecretary’s input aimed at bringing clarity to oath requirement: AGP
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan told the Supreme Court that the law secretary's notification clarifying no fresh oath for transferred IHC judges was meant to remove ambiguity. The five-judge constitutional bench heard arguments on judges' seniority dispute, where AGP stated that then IHC CJ Aamir Farooq had complete independence in determining seniority.
Read Source ArticleSBP buys $6bn to bolster its forex reserves
The State Bank of Pakistan purchased $5.9 billion from the currency market since June 2024 to bolster reserves, using higher remittance inflows. SBP revised its foreign exchange reserves target to $14 billion for FY25, and reserves reached $11.5 billion after a $1 billion IMF inflow on May 16.
Read Source ArticleSC questions legality of PTI's relief in reserved seats case
Senior Counsel Makhdoom Ali Khan argued before the Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench that Article 187 cannot grant relief to PTI, a non-party, in the July 12, 2024 reserved seats case. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail questioned if the court could ignore presiding officers' failure to perform duties while reviewing petitions against the majority judgement.
Read Source ArticleCJP Afridi calls for united efforts to transform judiciary
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, speaking at the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan's symposium on technology in the judiciary, called for a united effort to transform the judicial system. He highlighted recent digital innovations by the Supreme Court and emphasized the need for a national framework including cybersecurity and ethical AI guidelines.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, Iran pledge to work for regional peace
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meeting in Tehran on May 26, 2025, pledged to boost bilateral trade and investment for regional stability. Shehbaz thanked Iran for its support during the recent Pakistan-India conflict and renewed Pakistan's offer for talks with India on Kashmir and other issues.
Read Source ArticleJustice Mandokhail questions PTI joining Sunni Ittehad Council as SC live-streams reserved seats case
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail questioned PTI's merger with the Sunni Ittehad Council during the Supreme Court's first live-streamed hearing of review pleas against the July 2024 order declaring 39 PTI-backed MNAs eligible for reserved seats. The 11-member constitutional bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, adjourned the hearing after senior counsel Makhdoom Ali Khan argued on behalf of PML-N and PPP women candidates affected by the ruling.
Read Source ArticleGB Land Reforms Act hailed as historic step towards local ownership
Gilgit-Baltistan's Land Reforms Act 2025 replaced the colonial Northern Areas Nautore Rules 1978, dividing land into Common Land (pastures, glaciers) and Government Land, and was hailed as historic by the GB Bar Council. The Act, moved by Amjad Hussain, established District and Gilgit-Baltistan Land Appropriation Boards to oversee distribution, declaring locals owners of common lands.
Read Source ArticleReal income for Pakistanis has declined by 15pc over past few years, studies indicate
Studies indicate real income for Pakistanis declined by 15% over recent years due to inflation, currency devaluation, and taxation, while over 40% of the economy operates informally. The salaried class pays 200% more taxes than associations of persons, prompting calls to raise the tax threshold to Rs1.2 million and abolish the 10% surcharge on high earners.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court allows court martial of civilians, revives Ayub-era law
On May 7, 2025, the Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench sanctioned military trials of civilians, reviving an Ayub-era law from 1967. The verdict was accused of surrendering fundamental rights and showing lack of faith in civilian courts.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, IMF agree on budget blueprint
Pakistan and the IMF reached a preliminary budget agreement for FY2025-26, with a target primary surplus of 1.6% of GDP. Talks on revenue, defence, and tariff reforms continue, with the next mission expected in the second half of 2025.
Read Source ArticleHolding Indus treaty in abeyance has no legal cover, says minister
Federal Minister Muhammad Moeen Wattoo warned India's unilateral abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty is unlawful and an act of war. He revealed India sought modification on April 8 but suspended it on April 24, while Pakistan still receives normal water flow.
Read Source ArticleBudget put off to June 10 as talks with IMF continue
Pakistan postponed the federal budget 2025-26 to June 10 from June 2 due to inconclusive IMF talks and Eid holidays. The IMF approved $1.4 billion in RSF and disbursed the $1 billion second tranche of the $7 billion EFF after Pakistan met all targets.
Read Source ArticleSC CB examines scope of Article 200 in judges’ transfer
A five-judge Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court examined Article 200, with Justice Afghan warning that permanent transfers could render the Judicial Commission redundant. Lawyers argued Article 200 only allows temporary transfers and that a fresh oath under Article 194 is required, affecting seniority.
Read Source ArticleWon’t let India suspend, amend Indus Waters Treaty: senators
Senators warned that any unilateral Indian suspension or amendment of the Indus Waters Treaty would be treated as an act of war, with Ali Zafar citing international law allowing military action. Shibli Faraz called the treaty settled and not open to renegotiation, while Kamran Murtaza cautioned against a military response due to India's $700 billion economy.
Read Source ArticlePresident, PM decorate COAS Munir with rank of field marshal
On May 22, 2025, President Zardari and PM Shehbaz formally conferred the rank of field marshal on COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir at a ceremony attended by top civilian and military leaders. Munir became only the second Pakistani officer to receive the five-star rank, previously awarded to Gen Ayub Khan in 1959.
Read Source ArticleNA okays another IMF-dictated law ahead of budget
On May 22, 2025, the National Assembly passed the Off the Grid Levy Bill, 2025 without debate, as part of IMF Extended Fund Facility commitments. The bill, which imposes a grid levy on captive power plants, was approved by the standing committee minutes before the session and passed 99-44.
Read Source ArticleNo water for Pakistan from 'Indian rivers': Modi
Indian PM Modi declared on May 22, 2025 that Pakistan will not get water from rivers under India's control, escalating the dispute after India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty following the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Pakistan's Attorney General Awan affirmed the treaty remains binding and Islamabad is willing to discuss modifications under its terms.
Read Source ArticleArmy’s top brass vows to stop ‘externally-sponsored terrorists’ from destroying national peace: ISPR
President and PM confer field marshal baton on COAS Gen Asim Munir; army vows to stop externally-sponsored terrorism.
Read Source ArticleChina makes Taliban regime, Islamabad agree on ties upgrade
China brokers deal between Pakistan and Taliban regime to upgrade ties, extending CPEC to Afghanistan.
Read Source ArticleIMF yet to decide on budget relief request
IMF stalls on Pakistan's budget relief request as authorities pledge PSDP cuts to cover revenue gap.
Read Source ArticleConstitutional Bench weighs two dissenting judges' presence
Supreme Court Constitutional Bench deliberates whether dissenting judges can review previously rejected petitions.
Read Source ArticlePunjab Assembly passes unanimous resolution against India over Indus Waters Treaty
Punjab Assembly unanimously passes resolution condemning India's violation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Read Source ArticleCOAS elevated to field marshal for decisive role in Marka-i-Haq
Chief of Army Staff Gen Munir promoted to field marshal, first such elevation in over six decades.
Read Source ArticleSC upholds Zahir Jaffer’s death sentence in Noor Mukadam murder case
The Supreme Court upheld Zahir Jaffer's death sentence for murder under Section 302(b) but commuted his additional death penalty for rape to life imprisonment. Co-accused watchman Mohammad Iftikhar and gardener Jan Mohammad were released after their sentences were reduced to time served.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, IMF open talks on budget finalisation
Pakistan and IMF began high-level budget talks in Islamabad on May 19, targeting a fiscal deficit of 5.1% of GDP and a primary surplus of Rs2.1 trillion for FY2025-26. The negotiations address a $19.75 billion external financing gap, with IMF projecting 3.6% GDP growth and 7.7% average inflation.
Read Source ArticleChina says it backs Pakistan in defending ‘sovereignty’
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi affirmed support for Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity during a meeting with Deputy PM Ishaq Dar in Beijing on May 20. Wang called Pakistan an 'ironclad friend' and agreed to deepen the all-weather strategic partnership and CPEC 2.0 following a ceasefire with India.
Read Source ArticleJCP nominates Justice Ejaz Swati for top judge of Balochistan High Court
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan by consensus nominated Justice Ejaz Swati as chief justice of the Balochistan High Court, who had been acting chief justice since February 14. Swati, born in Quetta on June 6, 1963, completed his LLB in 1988 and was elevated as an additional BHC judge in 2013.
Read Source ArticleDar arrives in China on 3-day official visit to discuss regional situation
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar arrived in Beijing on May 19 for a three-day official visit to discuss regional security with Chinese FM Wang Yi, after a ceasefire halted tensions with India. Afghan Interim FM Amir Khan Muttaqi is also expected to join the trilateral talks on peace and stability.
Read Source ArticleEconomic perils may push policymakers to introduce stricter tax measures
Pakistan's economic managers may introduce stricter tax measures after a Rs831bn shortfall in tax collection in the first 10 months of FY25 and slower GDP growth of 2.6%. The US also plans a 5% tax on outbound remittances starting July 4, which could impact Pakistan's $3.5bn annual remittance inflow.
Read Source ArticleSIC seeks fresh bench for reserved seats case review
The Sunni Ittehad Council raised five objections to the 11-judge constitutional bench, demanding a fresh bench with the same 13-judge strength as the original July 2024 full court ruling. Senior counsel Faisal Siddiqi argued the two dissenting judges were improperly excluded and requested reconstitution under the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act 2023.
Read Source ArticlePSX historic rebound after ceasefire, IMF tranche approval
The KSE-100 index gained 12,474 points (11.64%) to close at 119,649 on May 17, 2025, after a US-brokered Pakistan-India ceasefire and IMF approval of a $1 billion tranche. Analysts forecast the index to reach 165,215 points by December 2025, supported by the ceasefire and falling interest rates.
Read Source ArticleDavid Lammy lauds Pakistan for Afghan refugee relocation to UK
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy lauded Pakistan for facilitating Afghan refugee relocation to the UK during a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. He also affirmed UK-US efforts to ensure an enduring ceasefire between Pakistan and India and urged both countries to meet their Indus Waters Treaty obligations.
Read Source ArticleNational Assembly passes landmark bill to criminalise child marriages in Islamabad
The National Assembly unanimously passed a bill criminalising child marriages in Islamabad with a minimum age of 18. The bill repeals the 1929 Child Marriage Restraint Act in the capital and imposes fines up to Rs1 million and imprisonment from one to seven years.
Read Source ArticleSC constitutional bench urged to hear 26th Amendment pleas on priority basis
The Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) on Friday requested the Supreme Court's constitutional bench to prioritise hearing 26th Amendment challenges before the May 19 review petitions on the reserved seats case. The SIC argued that the bench's formation under the amendment compromised judicial independence and violated Article 10-A fair trial rights.
Read Source ArticleUK urges 'all sides' to meet treaty obligations amid India's suspension of IWT
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Pakistan and India to uphold their Indus Waters Treaty obligations after India unilaterally suspended the 1960 pact on April 23. Lammy said Britain is working with the US for a durable ceasefire, as Pakistan plans international legal action over the suspension.
Read Source ArticleUN projects Pakistan's economy to grow by 2.3pc in 2025 amid continuing fiscal reforms
Pakistan's GDP is projected to grow by 2.3% in 2025 according to the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 report, while global growth is forecast at 2.4%, down from 2.9% in 2024. The report noted declining inflation allowed most South Asian central banks to ease monetary policy, with Pakistan's inflation falling to 0.3% in April 2025.
Read Source ArticleSenate committee clears IMF-driven grid levy bill
The Senate Finance Committee cleared the Captive Power Plants Levy Bill 2025, imposing a 5% grid levy on gas supplied to industrial captive power plants effective March 7, with rates rising to 10% in July, 15% by February 2026, and 20% by August 2026. The levy was demanded by the IMF to reach a Staff-Level Agreement on the $7 billion EFF and will be used to reduce power tariffs for other consumers.
Read Source ArticlePakistan calls for 'composite dialogue' with India
Pakistan and India extended their ceasefire to May 18 via military contacts, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for a composite dialogue in a Senate speech. The US State Department urged both sides to maintain the truce, while Dar reiterated Pakistan's rejection of India's 2019 revocation of Kashmir's autonomy and warned against any violation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Read Source ArticleSC Constitutional Bench restores parliament’s tweak to sales tax law
Supreme Court Constitutional Bench restored parliament's amendment to Entry No. 151 of the Sales Tax Act via the Finance Act 2024, overturning the Peshawar High Court's decision. The bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, criticized the high court for substituting 'pay order' with 'post-dated cheque', calling it judicial overreach.
Read Source ArticleIMF expects Rs20tr revenue, stricter spending
IMF projects Pakistan's total revenue to reach nearly Rs20 trillion in FY26, up from Rs17.8 trillion, with GDP growth of 3.6% and average inflation of 7.7%. The Fund targets a fiscal deficit of 5.1% of GDP and a primary surplus of Rs2.1 trillion to lower the debt-to-GDP ratio to 75.6%.
Read Source ArticlePakistan invites India for ‘comprehensive dialogue’ on Kashmir
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited India to a comprehensive dialogue on Kashmir and water distribution, asserting Pakistan is ready for war or peace. He made the offer in Sialkot after Pakistan's strikes on 26 Indian military facilities and downing of multiple Rafale jets in retaliation for India's attack.
Read Source ArticlePakistan receives second tranche of $1bn from IMF
Pakistan received $1.023 billion second IMF tranche under the EFF programme, raising its foreign exchange reserves to $11.355 billion by May 16. Inflation fell to a historic low of 0.3% in April, while the SBP cut the policy rate by 1100 basis points since June 2025.
Read Source ArticleUS wants Pakistan, India to resume direct talks
President Trump urged India and Pakistan to 'go out to dinner' together at a Saudi investment forum, while State Department spokesperson Piggott welcomed the weekend ceasefire. Washington encouraged direct communication between the two neighbors and commended both prime ministers for choosing peace.
Read Source ArticleIHC removes Raoof, Aleema from no-fly lists
IHC Justice Minhas removed PTI leader Raoof Hasan from no-fly lists, ruling the restriction lacked cabinet approval and violated due process. In an identical ruling, Justice Soomro removed Aleema Khan's name and allowed her to seek travel permission from the relevant trial court.
Read Source Article11 soldiers martyred, 78 wounded while defending Pakistan in Indian attack: ISPR
11 Pakistani soldiers martyred, 78 wounded, and 40 civilians (7 women, 15 children) killed in Indian attacks, ISPR stated, with Pakistan launching Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Read Source ArticleTrump says US stopped Pak-India nuclear war
Trump said US intervention prevented a nuclear war between India and Pakistan, and Modi warned India would not tolerate nuclear blackmail.
Read Source ArticlePML-N questions SC jurisdiction in reserved seats case
PML-N contended the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction to grant reserved seats to PTI via the July 12 short order.
Read Source ArticleDevolution and the rush to right-sizing
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar stressed phasing out overlapping federal bodies per the 18th Amendment, with the 11th NFC being established to finalize the 8th NFC Award. The federal government spent Rs638bn on devolved subjects like health and education, while a new Agricultural Tax Law is expected to yield over Rs500bn for provinces in FY26.
Read Source ArticleUS, China agree to slash tariffs in trade war de-escalation
The US and China agreed in Geneva to reduce tariffs by 115 percentage points over 90 days, cutting US tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% and Chinese tariffs on US goods to 10%. WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised the deal as a 'significant step forward,' and a mechanism for continued trade talks was established.
Read Source ArticlePak-India DGMOs discuss ceasefire in 1st round of talks
Pakistan's DGMO Maj Gen Kashif Abdullah and his Indian counterpart Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai held the first round of talks via hotline after a US-brokered ceasefire on Saturday, discussing commitments to cease fire and consider troop reduction. Deputy PM Ishaq Dar confirmed the talks, with the next round scheduled within 48 hours.
Read Source ArticleTrilateral dialogue: Afghan Taliban govt seeks constructive engagement with Pakistan, China
Pakistani and Chinese special envoys Mohammad Sadiq and Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani in Kabul, agreeing to hold the sixth trilateral foreign ministers' dialogue in Kabul. The talks also included economic cooperation with Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi, covering joint industrial parks and banking relations.
Read Source ArticleIMF wants cut in auto tariffs
The IMF is demanding Pakistan rationalize auto tariffs—currently over 40% on vehicles and up to 98% on parts—and allow commercial import of used cars, alarming local assemblers and part vendors. They met SAPM Haroon Akhtar while the government proposed tariff reductions of 5% to 10-15% with higher cuts on larger engine CBU imports.
Read Source ArticleKP Service Tribunal strikes down removal of DG information
The KP Service Tribunal quashed the November 24, 2024 notification transferring DG Information Mohammad Imran, ruling the government provided no valid justification and violated the two-year tenure policy. The tribunal also noted that junior officer Saleem Khan replaced Imran in a BPS-20 post, contravening a Supreme Court judgment.
Read Source ArticleJustice Ayesha Malik piqued by failure to upload dissenting order
Justice Ayesha Malik formally complained to CJP Yahya Afridi about the IT department's failure to upload her dissenting order issued at 3:11pm on Thursday, calling the delay unacceptable. In her dissenting judgement, she criticized the ECP for acting like a contesting party against PTI and questioned the formation of the Constitutional Bench.
Read Source ArticleRight to access courts not absolute, rules SC
The Supreme Court ruled that the right to access courts is not unqualified, dismissing a review petition filed by the FPSC as frivolous and imposing a cost of Rs100,000. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah observed that repetitive meritless petitions erode judicial integrity and clog dockets.
Read Source ArticleIndian ‘meddling’ fails to block IMF support
The IMF approved a $1 billion disbursement under the EFF and a new $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility for Pakistan, with India abstaining from the board vote. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the economic team and slammed India's failed attempts to sabotage the loan programme.
Read Source ArticleIMF approves disbursement of $1bn to Pakistan under $7bn deal
The IMF approved an immediate $1bn disbursement under the $7bn EFF and a $1.4bn RSF arrangement, bringing total EFF disbursements to $2.1bn. Pakistan achieved a 2% primary surplus in H1 FY25, inflation fell to 0.3% in April, and reserves rose to $10.3bn.
Read Source ArticleMay 9 and military courts: What the SC decision means for civilians
The Supreme Court, in a 5-2 verdict, allowed civilians accused in the May 9, 2023 riots to be tried in military courts, overturning its prior ruling and restoring three Pakistan Army Act provisions. The court directed the government to legislate within 45 days on High Court appeal rights, while dissenting justices declared the trials unconstitutional.
Read Source ArticleApex court debates seniority criteria in judges’ dispute case
The Constitutional Bench heard a petition by five IHC judges challenging the seniority of three transferred judges. Senior counsel argued transfers were not consultative, and the court adjourned hearing to May 14.
Read Source Article25 Israeli-made drones used by India in attempt to attack Pakistan, all shot down: ISPR
Pakistan's armed forces shot down 25 Israeli-made Harop drones sent by India, ISPR confirmed. The attacks killed 31 civilians in overnight strikes and one civilian in a drone attack, with four soldiers injured.
Read Source ArticleGovt launches sukuk to promote green economy
The government launched its first Green Sukuk to raise over Rs50 billion in two phases for hydropower projects. The initial auction of Rs20-30bn via PSX will fund three small dam-cum-hydropower projects in Balochistan, Sindh, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Read Source ArticleProceedings in reserved seats case adjourned till 13th
Supreme Court's 11-member constitutional bench adjourned review petitions of reserved seats verdict till May 13 and transferred contempt case to a smaller bench. The bench questioned the absence of Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja and ECP members, noting the contempt case is criminal.
Read Source ArticleSC allows military trials for civilians in May 9 riots
Supreme Court constitutional bench, by 5-2 majority, restored Army Act sections for civilian trials, allowing 45 days for appeal legislation.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, US agree to diversify trade partnership
Pakistan and US agreed to diversify trade partnership, focusing on enhanced cotton sector cooperation for mutual growth.
Read Source ArticleInternational pressure credited for improvement in Chenab flows
Improvement in Chenab River flows credited to international pressure, as former commissioner says Indian actions violate Indus Water Treaty.
Read Source ArticleTwo judges object as SC accepts review pleas on reserved seats for hearing
Supreme Court accepted review pleas on reserved seats while two judges objected, deeming petitions inadmissible.
Read Source ArticleIndustry insists SBP policy rate cut ‘inadequate’
Industry leaders term SBP's policy rate cut inadequate and demand further reduction to single-digit level.
Read Source ArticlePakistan downs 5 Indian jets as retaliation for late-night strikes at 6 sites: officials
Pakistan downed 5 Indian jets in retaliation for strikes on 6 sites, killing 31 and injuring 57.
Read Source ArticleSC reserves verdict on military trials case for May 9 riots
The Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench reserved verdict on 38 intra-court appeals against the October 2023 ruling that nullified civilian trials in military courts. The seven-judge bench said it will announce the short order this week.
Read Source ArticleSBP slashes policy rate by 100bps to 11%
The State Bank of Pakistan cut its policy rate by 100 basis points to 11%, the seventh reduction since June 2024 from 22%. April inflation fell to 0.3% year-on-year, driven by lower food and energy prices.
Read Source ArticleIndia begins construction on hydro projects after suspending Indus Water Treaty
India began a three-day reservoir flushing operation at the Salal and Baglihar hydro projects in occupied Kashmir on May 1, the first such exercise since the Indus Waters Treaty was suspended. The 690-MW Salal and 900-MW Baglihar projects had reduced output due to sediment buildup previously prevented by treaty provisions.
Read Source ArticlePakistan expands India trade ban to include transit, export from third countries
Pakistan banned the transit of Indian-origin goods and third-country exports to India via land, sea, and air, citing national security. The move follows an April 22 attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people and adds to trade restrictions imposed since August 2019.
Read Source ArticleTensions with India to ‘influence’ SBP’s monetary policy decision
The SBP's May 12 monetary policy meeting faces pressure from escalating India-Pakistan tensions, with 69% of market participants expecting at least a 50bps rate cut. April inflation dropped to 0.3% YoY, but 9 of 14 analysts polled by Reuters forecast the central bank will hold rates steady.
Read Source ArticleFederal ministers’ monthly salaries hiked to Rs519,000 to match those of MNAs
President Asif Ali Zardari promulgated an ordinance raising federal ministers' monthly salaries from Rs200,000 to Rs519,000, matching the salary of National Assembly members. The ordinance was part of four new laws, including the establishment of the National Agri-trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA).
Read Source ArticleSuo motu facility discontinued by Constitutional Bench
A five-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan observed that the suo motu facility may no longer be available, while Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail questioned the PTI's plea for a judicial commission due to the availability of election tribunals. The bench overturned the registrar's objections and directed the allotment of a case number to the petition.
Read Source ArticleExports plunge 8.9% in April, trade deficit widens
Pakistan's exports fell 8.93% in April 2025 to $2.14 billion, marking the second negative month this fiscal year, while the July-April trade deficit increased by 8.81% to $21.35 billion. Imports during the period grew 7.37% to $48.21 billion, contributing to the widening gap.
Read Source ArticlePakistan bars Indian ships from all ports in retaliation
Pakistan prohibited Indian flag carriers from all its ports in retaliation after India banned Pakistani-flagged ships and imposed trade and postal restrictions following the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. The tit-for-tat measures heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Read Source ArticleGovt insists programme on track amid reports of India asking IMF to review Pakistan loan
Adviser Khurram Shehzad said the IMF programme is "completely on track" with a smooth review, while the board meets May 9 to discuss the $7bn bailout and first review. India raised concerns with the IMF over Pakistan's loans, asking for a review, as reported by a government source.
Read Source ArticleCore inflation slows down to 0.3pc in April
CPI-based core inflation decelerated to 0.3% YoY in April from 0.7% in March, with month-on-month prices dropping 0.8%, according to the PBS. Chase Securities' Yousuf M. Farooq attributed the disinflation to tight monetary/fiscal policy, a stable currency, and softer commodity prices.
Read Source ArticlePahalgam tensions: Army leadership warns of decisive response against any Indian attempt to impose war
Pakistan's army top brass, led by COAS General Asim Munir, warned of a "sure and decisive" response to any Indian war imposition during a special Corps Commanders' Conference. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif added that both the armed forces and public have high morale under Munir's command amid heightened tensions after the Pahalgam attack.
Read Source ArticleIn a first, ISI chief made national security adviser
Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik, the incumbent ISI chief since September 2024, was appointed as Pakistan's tenth National Security Adviser on Tuesday, marking the first time a serving ISI director concurrently serves as NSA. The NSA position had been vacant since April 2022, and the appointment comes amid heightened tensions with India after the recent Pahalgam attack.
Read Source ArticleSC constitutional bench to hear reserved seats case on May 6
The Supreme Court's 13-judge constitutional bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, will hear on May 6 review petitions from PML-N, PPP, ECP, and PTI challenging the July 12 short order that granted 41 reserved seats to PTI. The petitions are based on the ECP's argument that the Elections Act 2017 amendments, including new Section 104-A, have altered the legal foundation of the original ruling.
Read Source ArticleTax target missed by Rs831bn
The Federal Board of Revenue missed its July-April tax collection target by Rs831bn, collecting Rs9.299tr against Rs10.130tr, with the IMF lowering its full-year target to Rs12.333tr from Rs12.913tr. The shortfall was driven by sales tax (Rs774bn below target), customs (Rs228bn), and FED (Rs156bn), while income tax exceeded its target by Rs327bn.
Read Source Article