May 2026 Current Affairs Bulletin
A chronological timeline of significant affairs curated for high-yield exam retention.
How will citizens react to the surgical strike that is the proposed 28th amendment?
Analysis calls proposed 28th amendment a surgical strike, predicting disproportionate effects on Sindh, Balochistan, and KP.
Read Source ArticleRs200 billion import relief for industry
Government plans to slash additional customs duty on 3,149 tariff lines and reduce regulatory duty to 20%, providing Rs200 billion relief in FY27 budget.
Read Source ArticleIslamabad stays in frame for US-Iran deal signing
Diplomats give 90% chance of US-Iran deal signing in Islamabad, which hosted initial talks, as both sides seek to avoid open-ended conflict.
Read Source ArticleKidnapping for ransom triable by ATC, declares Peshawar High Court
Peshawar High Court ruled kidnapping for ransom is a scheduled offence under the Anti-Terrorism Act, triable by ATC.
Read Source ArticleGovt mulls scrapping export tax in upcoming budget
Government considers abolishing 1% advance export tax to provide Rs100bn relief to exporters in upcoming budget.
Read Source ArticleHegseth hails Pakistan's role in US-Iran negotiations
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Pakistan's role in facilitating the April 8 US-Iran ceasefire, calling it a true friendship.
Read Source Article28th Amendment tabled in parliament
Debate on the 28th Amendment focuses on revising the 57.5% provincial resource share and strengthening local government.
Read Source ArticleNA, Senate budget sessions summoned on June 5
President Zardari summoned NA and Senate on June 5 to announce FY2026-27 budget targeting 4.1% growth and 8.5% inflation.
Read Source ArticleGovt cuts petrol, diesel prices by Rs22
Government cut petrol and diesel by Rs22 each to around Rs381 and Rs380, and kerosene to Rs272, effective May 30.
Read Source ArticleUS strikes Iran, drawing retaliatory attack on American base after Trump dismisses Hormuz deal
US struck an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas and shot down four drones Thursday, prompting Iran to target a US base in Kuwait.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, China agree to deepen military cooperation: Chinese Defense Ministry
Col. Jiang Bin of the Chinese Defense Ministry said China and Pakistan agreed to elevate military ties, citing 75 years of relations and joint exercises.
Read Source ArticleDar to meet Rubio in Washington tomorrow: FO
Deputy PM Dar will meet US Secretary of State Rubio in Washington on Friday and met China's FM Wang Yi in New York.
Read Source ArticleSupreme Court upholds spouse's right to joint posting
The Supreme Court in a verdict authored by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar ruled that married civil servants have a legitimate expectation of joint postings under wedlock policies unless compelling public interest dictates otherwise. The bench set aside the Punjab Service Tribunal order and directed authorities to reconsider Naheeda Aziz's transfer request within 15 days.
Read Source ArticlePakistan plans oil reserves, storage push as Hormuz constraints expose vulnerabilities
Pakistan depends on the Strait of Hormuz for 90% of its oil and LNG imports and lacks strategic reserves, so it plans to build strategic and commercial storage. The energy ministry's proposal includes a bonded storage framework finalised by June and a ring-fenced fund of Rs10 per litre on petroleum expected to generate $700 million annually.
Read Source Article'US-Iran peace deal could benefit entire region,' PM tells Pezeshkian in Eid call
PM Shehbaz Sharif in a 30-minute call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday hoped a peace deal would unlock Iran's economic potential and benefit the region. Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its role in peace efforts, including contributions by Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Read Source ArticleNational Dialogue Committee suggests formation of national govt
NDC leaders Fawad Chaudhry, Muhammad Ali Durrani, and Waseem Shahzad on Monday proposed the formation of a national government and constitutional reforms. They demanded a 28th Constitutional Amendment to implement the 18th Amendment and devolve power to grassroots.
Read Source ArticleChina, Pakistan reach 'new broad consensus' on boosting ties
Following PM Shehbaz Sharif's four-day visit to Beijing, China and Pakistan issued a joint statement reaching a 'new broad consensus' on deepening their strategic partnership. The statement described bilateral ties as a 'strategic asset' and agreed to accelerate building a China-Pakistan Community with a shared future.
Read Source ArticleBanks to register foreign shares to ease investment inflows
The State Bank on Monday authorized banks to register and transfer shares of local companies to non-residents, delegating functions to authorised dealers to simplify paperwork. The central bank also developed a Non-Resident Shareholding Registration System (NSRS) to automate record keeping, effective one month after the circular.
Read Source ArticleChina's Xi hails 'unbreakable' ties, praises Pakistan's role in Iran peace efforts as he meets PM Shehbaz
Xi Jinping praised Pakistan's 'constructive role' in mediating US-Iran peace efforts during a meeting with PM Shehbaz in Beijing on Monday. Xi hailed the 'unbreakable' friendship and said China always prioritizes Pakistan in its neighborhood diplomacy.
Read Source ArticleGovt plans Wapda security force for water projects
The government sent the Wapda Security Force Act, 2026 to parliament to create a dedicated security force for water projects and Chinese workers. The force follows two attacks on the Dasu Hydropower Project in November 2021 and March 2024 that killed Chinese and Pakistani workers.
Read Source ArticleSC verdict on recruitment of civil servant’s child to be applied prospectively: PHC
Peshawar High Court ruled that the Supreme Court's September 26, 2024 verdict on child recruitment applies prospectively, preserving rights accrued before that date. The bench directed the authorities to decide 16 appointment petitions within one month.
Read Source ArticleMore facts surface ahead of high profile One Constitution project case hearing
A 2012 interim arbitration award by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and ex-chamber president Mian Hamid Javed set BNP ownership at 75% Sheikh and 25% Pirzada pending audit. IHC documents revealed 240 flats in the disputed One Constitution project were allotted to Pakistan's elite, including a former acting president and former PM.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz lands in Beijing, will hold 'high-level' meetings with Chinese leadership
PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Beijing on Sunday for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang during his four-day visit. MoUs worth over $7bn were signed at the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Hangzhou, including $1.22bn witnessed by the PM, with 30% converted to agreements.
Read Source ArticleExports to EU stay sluggish despite GSP+
Despite GSP+ status, Pakistan's exports to the EU grew just 0.51% to $7.608bn in 10MFY26, with Western and Northern European shipments declining 3.53% and 0.79% respectively. Exports to Southern and Eastern Europe rose 5.75% and 5.09%, with Spain up 7.04% to $1.322bn and Italy up 3.52% to $969.44m.
Read Source ArticleHigh court rejects pleas against outsourcing of govt hospitals in KP
Peshawar High Court, comprising Justices Ijaz Anwar and Farah Jamshed, rejected six petitions challenging the outsourcing of 24 government hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The court said it had limited powers to intervene in policy, and the government argued the move was management outsourcing, not privatization, with hospitals remaining government-owned and patients receiving free treatment.
Read Source ArticleWeekly inflation hits 14.47pc
Pakistan's weekly inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Index, rose 14.47% year-on-year for the week ending May 21, driven by sharp rises in petrol (62.24%), diesel (60.90%), and wheat flour (59.45%). Week-on-week, the index declined 0.33%, with potatoes dropping 42.08% and eggs falling 24.47%.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz lands in Hangzhou, kicking off 4-day China visit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Hangzhou for a four-day official visit, witnessing the signing of a sister-province agreement between Zhejiang and Punjab and an MoU for a China-Pakistan Joint Technology Research Centre. He will attend a B2B investment conference, visit Alibaba headquarters, and hold meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing.
Read Source ArticleFO says PM Shehbaz to visit China from May 23-26
PM Shehbaz Sharif will visit China from May 23-26, meeting President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to discuss bilateral ties and chair a B2B investment conference.
Read Source ArticleDismissed complaints against CJP Afridi made public
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi made public on Thursday the Supreme Judicial Council's May 14 decision to dismiss five complaints against him.
Read Source ArticleTrade gap with neighbours widens by 30pc
Pakistan's trade deficit with nine neighbouring countries increased 30.18% to $12.718bn during the first 10 months of FY26.
Read Source ArticleFood import bill swells 14pc, exports dip 32pc
Pakistan's food import bill rose 13.81% year-on-year to $7.848bn in July-April 2025-26, driven by sugar and edible oil. Raw food exports fell 32.02% to $4.190bn, with sugar imports surging 10,181.25% and palm oil imports up 11.77%.
Read Source ArticleIMF wraps up Pakistan visit following talks with authorities on reforms, budget
The IMF mission visited Islamabad from May 13-20, and authorities reaffirmed a primary surplus target of 2% of GDP for FY2027. The Fund approved the latest review, enabling $1.1bn from the EFF and $220m from the RSF, with the next mission expected in H2 2026.
Read Source ArticlePakistan races to prevent US-Iran escalation
Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran for the second time in a week, meeting President Pezeshkian and IRGC chief to mediate US-Iran tensions. US President Trump said talks are in final stages and threatened renewed strikes, while Iran warned of confrontation beyond the Middle East.
Read Source ArticleLate amendments to review petitions permitted at advanced stage: FCC
The Federal Constitutional Court ruled that amendments to review petitions can be introduced at an advanced stage if they are clarificatory and cause no prejudice. FCC Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan made the ruling in a Nowshera land acquisition case involving Rs75 billion in compensation.
Read Source ArticleForeign investment plunges to $1.409bn
Foreign direct investment in Pakistan fell 31% to $1.409 billion in July-April FY26, with April inflows plunging to $54 million. China remained the top investor with $740 million, while Norway withdrew $365 million during the period.
Read Source ArticleXi and Putin unite in criticism of US on nuclear, security issues
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the US Golden Dome missile defense plan and Washington's nuclear policy at a joint summit. They signed agreements on trade, media, and energy but failed to finalize the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline.
Read Source ArticleSC lays down rules for uniformity in civil pleadings
Supreme Court directed trial courts to scrutinize plaints at initial stage and bar councils to consider standard formats.
Read Source ArticleCurrent account slips back into deficit
Pakistan's current account recorded $324m deficit in April 2026, reversing $1.134bn surplus in March as food and luxury imports rose.
Read Source ArticlePAA extends airspace ban on Indian aircraft until June 24
Pakistan extended airspace ban on Indian-registered aircraft and airlines until June 24, 2026, citing security reasons.
Read Source ArticleFederal Shariat Court strikes down 2022 legislation decriminalising suicide attempt
Federal Shariat Court struck down 2022 law decriminalising suicide attempt, declaring it repugnant to Islam.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz reviews Rs1.5tr PSDP, directs more funds for well-performing ministries
PM Shehbaz reviewed Rs1.5tr PSDP, directing more funds for well-performing ministries and prioritising water and hydropower.
Read Source ArticlePakistan continues to push for diplomatic solution to Mideast war as Naqvi meets Iranian leaders in Tehran
Interior Minister Naqvi met Iranian leaders in Tehran as Pakistan pushes for diplomatic solution to Mideast war.
Read Source ArticlePakistan hails PCA's decision in IWT proceedings, says it affirms limits on India’s water-control capability
On May 15, 2026, the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a supplemental award in the Indus Waters Treaty proceedings, affirming limits on India's water-control capability on western rivers. Pakistan hailed the decision as validating its position that the treaty imposes substantive constraints on India's pondage for the Ratle and Kishenganga projects.
Read Source ArticleSC holds prolonged ad hoc postings exploitative
The Supreme Court ruled that prolonged ad-hoc, look-after, or additional charge postings amount to exploitation and rejected Pakistan Railways' appeal against a Federal Service Tribunal order. The case involved employee Shahkar Qudos Hashmi, who performed duties in a higher grade on an ad-hoc basis for nearly eight years before being promoted.
Read Source ArticleAurangzeb calls Panda Bond issuance transformational step
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described Pakistan's inaugural Panda Bond issuance in Beijing as a transformational step that opens access to the world's second-largest capital market. He noted that nearly one-quarter of bilateral trade with China is now settled in Chinese yuan, highlighting deepening financial integration.
Read Source ArticleIMF sets Rs17.1tr federal revenue target for 2026-27
IMF targets Pakistan's federal revenues at Rs17.144tr for FY26-27 with Rs430bn new measures and an 18% petroleum levy hike to Rs1.73tr. The fund projects 3.5% economic growth, 8.4% inflation, and BISP payments rising from Rs14,500 to Rs18,000 per family.
Read Source ArticleLaw Minister Tarar sees ‘no indication’ of 28th amendment for now
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated there is no indication of a 28th Constitutional Amendment yet, and coalition partners must be consulted before any introduction. Tarar noted that meetings with stakeholders continue and issues like population control and creation of Hazara and Saraiki provinces remain part of discussions.
Read Source ArticleBrics talks end sans joint statement as divisions over Iran war exposed
Brics foreign ministers ended a Delhi meeting without a joint statement due to divisions over the US-Israeli war on Iran, with Tehran calling for condemnation and accusing the UAE of involvement. The chair's statement asserted that Gaza is an inseparable part of occupied Palestinian territory and reaffirmed the right to Palestinian self-determination.
Read Source ArticleWith rumours rife about an impending 28th Amendment, will Karachi’s voice finally be heard?
Karachi Port handled 8,313 containers in March 2026, but Sindh completed only 3.9km of BRT in 14 years at 0.28km per year. Rumours of a 28th Constitutional Amendment focusing on Karachi's governance have spurred action, while the 18th Amendment's local body devolution remains unimplemented.
Read Source ArticleIMF highlights ‘Gulf exposure’ as biggest external risk for Pakistan
IMF warned that Pakistan's exposure to GCC, with 81% fuel imports and 55% of remittances (9% of GDP), is its biggest external risk. GDP growth is projected to slow by 0.2 points in FY26 and 0.6 in FY27, while inflation will rise by 0.5 ppt this year and 1.5 ppt next year.
Read Source ArticleIn setback for SPSC, Sindh High Court suspends competitive exam results
The Sindh High Court suspended SPSC's CCE-2024 results, ordered record sealing, and issued notices for May 21 after petitions alleging favoritism. Only 70 candidates were declared successful in the May 6 press release, prompting protests demanding a third-party audit and institutional credibility.
Read Source ArticlePakistan raises $250m equivalent in inaugural Panda bond issuance
Pakistan raised $250m in inaugural RMB-denominated Panda bond, a three-year fixed-rate instrument in China's onshore capital market.
Read Source ArticleRussia establishing 'full partnership' with Afghan Taliban
Russia is establishing a full partnership with the Afghan Taliban, becoming the first country to formally recognise them.
Read Source ArticlePakistan Business Forum seeks return of agriculture, industry to federal control under proposed 28th Amendment
Pakistan Business Forum proposed the 28th Amendment to return agriculture and industry to federal control for economic stability.
Read Source ArticleIHC rules high courts can assume jurisdiction in cases of promotion assessments
The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday set aside the Central Selection Board's supersession and deferment of BS-20 officers from PSP, PAS, IRS, PCS, and health sectors, ruling that high courts can assume jurisdiction in promotion assessments. The judgment, authored by Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas, held that denial of fair consideration is judicially reviewable and not exclusive to the Federal Service Tribunal.
Read Source ArticleSBP says it has received $1.3bn tranche from IMF
The State Bank of Pakistan received $1.3 billion from the IMF on May 12, comprising SDR 760 million from the Extended Fund Facility's third review and SDR 154 million from the Resilience and Sustainability Facility's second tranche. The amount, approved by the IMF Executive Board on May 8, will be reflected in Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves for the week ending May 15, bringing total disbursements under the two arrangements to roughly $4.8 billion.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz to undertake official three-day China visit: DPM Dar
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake a three-day official visit to China from May 23 to 26, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday. During the visit, the premier will attend a B2B forum on May 24, following President Asif Ali Zardari's five-day trip to China earlier this month that saw the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding.
Read Source ArticleSBP warns Middle East war poses risks to FY26 growth outlook
SBP reported that NCPI inflation averaged 5.2% in H1FY26 and the fiscal balance turned to surplus for the first time since FY02. It warned that the Middle East war poses significant risks, with GDP growth projected at the lower bound of 3.75-4.75% and inflation expected above the 5-7% target in FY27.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, China ink $13bn deals
Pakistan and China signed over 300 MoUs and over three dozen joint ventures worth over $13 billion in the last two years. The MoU conversion rate to formal contracts is nearly 30%, and Pakistan is in talks with CATL for battery investments.
Read Source ArticlePakistan pushes diplomatic track as US-Iran hit stall-mate
Pakistan continues diplomatic engagement as US-Iran negotiations stall, with Trump calling the ceasefire on 'life support' and hinting at restarting the Hormuz operation. Deputy PM Dar met US and UN officials and spoke with his Saudi counterpart, while Iran reaffirmed Pakistan as official mediator and demanded lifting of the US blockade.
Read Source ArticleNA passes unanimous resolution hailing military's 'befitting response' to India in May conflict
The National Assembly unanimously approved a resolution praising the armed forces' 'befitting response' to India's aggression during the May 2025 conflict, which included shooting down Rafale jets and destroying a $1.5 billion S-400 system. The resolution, moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, warned India not to misconstruc Pakistan's desire for peace as weakness.
Read Source ArticleSenators decry hike in petroleum prices, accuse govt of 'economic oppression'
PTI Senator Ali Zafar accused the government of collecting over Rs117.5 per litre in petroleum levy, surpassing the IMF-agreed Rs80 limit, and warned of a new inflation wave. MQM-P Senator Aamir Waliuddin Chishti noted Pakistan has the region's most expensive energy and lowest exports, urging tax cuts to spur trade.
Read Source ArticleTrump rejects 'unacceptable' Iranian terms for ending war
President Donald Trump rejected Iran's formal response to the US ceasefire proposal, calling it 'totally unacceptable' on Truth Social, after the response was conveyed via Pakistani mediators. Iran proposed focusing on ending hostilities in the region, with contentious issues like sanctions relief and the nuclear matter to be addressed later.
Read Source ArticleFinmin says economic recovery intact amid conflict, assures fuel supply
Finance Minister Aurangzeb said Pakistan's economy is recovering with 11% LSM growth in April and $750 million raised via Eurobond. Remittances reached $3.5 billion in April and fuel supply remains uninterrupted despite regional tensions.
Read Source ArticleBetter to err in acquittal than in conviction, rules Supreme Court
The Supreme Court acquitted murder convict Muhammad Iqbal after 20 years, citing the principle that it is better to err in acquittal than conviction. The court ruled that abscondence alone cannot be treated as proof of guilt and prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Read Source ArticleGwadar Port gains strategic weight amid Hormuz crisis
GPA Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch said Gwadar's importance increased due to shorter routes to Iran and Central Asia, with a 4.5km approach channel and investor incentives. He added that Gwadar can serve as a secure alternative trade route during the Hormuz crisis, offering up to 30 days free storage.
Read Source ArticleInflation surges 15.16pc on costly fuel
Short-term inflation rose 15.16% year-on-year in the week ending May 7, driven by petrol (58.32%), diesel (55.76%), and electricity (52.58%) price surges. Week-on-week, the Sensitive Price Index increased 0.79%, with 22 items rising and 14 declining.
Read Source ArticleFederal Constitutional Court staff pay, perks surpass Supreme Court's amid supremacy row
Federal Constitutional Court staff receive higher pay than Supreme Court employees, with judicial and utility allowances up to 50% of basic pay and transport monetization reaching Rs250,000 monthly. The compensation gap between the two apex courts is as high as Rs300,000 in some cases.
Read Source ArticleAt UN, Pakistan raises alarm at Israel's systematic annexation of occupied West Bank
Pakistan's UN envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad condemned Israel's approval of 102 new settlements in nearly four years, nearly doubling the previous 127. He called the annexation and settlement expansion a grave violation of international law, urging immediate reversal.
Read Source ArticleIMF Executive Board approves $1.3bn financing for Pakistan reform programme
IMF approved $1.32bn release for Pakistan under the EFF and RSF, bringing total disbursements to $4.8bn. Reserves rose to $16bn by end-December 2025 from $14.5bn in June, while inflation rose due to global price pass-through.
Read Source ArticleUS and Iran exchange fire, but Trump says ceasefire still in effect
US and Iran exchanged fire on Thursday, the most serious test of their month-long ceasefire, with Iran accusing the US of targeting an oil tanker and striking Qeshm Island. Trump said the ceasefire was still in effect and claimed Iran had agreed never to seek nuclear weapons.
Read Source ArticlePHC upholds law allowing Nadra to issue succession certificate
Peshawar High Court upheld the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Letters of Administration and Succession Certificate Act, 2021, ruling the provincial assembly was constitutionally competent to enact it. The court also directed the government to consider an amendment, following Punjab's lead, to also allow civil courts to issue such certificates.
Read Source ArticleFCC sets aside Income Tax Ordinance section on deemed income from assets and property
Federal Constitutional Court strikes down Income Tax Ordinance section taxing deemed income from assets as unconstitutional.
Read Source ArticleLHC expands scope of property courts for overseas Pakistanis
Lahore High Court expands property court jurisdiction for overseas Pakistanis to cover inheritance, contract, and transaction disputes.
Read Source ArticlePakistan Bar Council seeks end to lawyers promising ‘guaranteed results’
Pakistan Bar Council, hearing disciplinary complaint, rules lawyers cannot promise guaranteed outcomes to clients.
Read Source ArticleSC, FCC operate as coordinate courts with demarcated jurisdictions: CJP Afridi
CJP Yahya Afridi ruled in a 13-page order that the Supreme Court and Federal Constitutional Court are coordinate courts with clearly demarcated jurisdictions under the 27th Amendment. The ruling stated that Article 189(1) binds on questions of law but does not subordinate one court to the other.
Read Source ArticleCapital Market Development Fund established to strengthen Pakistan's capital markets
The Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF) was launched with an initial Rs120 million from PSX, CDC, NCCPL, PMX, and IFMP under SECP, with participants contributing 1% of annual revenues. Finance Minister Aurangzeb said capital market participation is below 1% of the population, targeting 2.5 million investors, as 24,000 entered in April 2026.
Read Source ArticleDar says Pakistan's focus is now on making US-Iran ceasefire permanent
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar said Pakistan is working to make the US-Iran ceasefire permanent after brokering the first direct negotiations in 47 years. The ceasefire, initially two weeks, was extended indefinitely by Trump upon Pakistan's request, halting hundreds of daily deaths.
Read Source ArticleIHC rules CII has no authority to rule on criminal liability
The Islamabad High Court declared the Council of Islamic Ideology's 2025 opinion against Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza null and void, ruling it had no authority to determine criminal liability. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani stated the advisory body overstepped its constitutional mandate under Articles 229 and 230, violating fair trial rights.
Read Source ArticleExports rebound over 14pc in April
Pakistan's exports rose 14.03% year-on-year to $2.48 billion in April, but imports jumped 7.46% to $6.55 billion, widening the trade deficit to $4.07 billion. The July-April export proceeds fell 6.25% to $25.21 billion, while the trade deficit swelled 20.28% to $31.98 billion.
Read Source ArticleMissiles fly as Hormuz tensions come to a head
The US said it destroyed six Iranian boats after Iran claimed a missile strike on a US warship near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting President Trump to warn of retaliation. A drone attack from Iran sparked a fire at the Fujairah port in the UAE, leaving three Indian nationals hurt, and a South Korean vessel exploded.
Read Source ArticleIHC Rejects Imran, Bushra’s Pleas to Suspend Sentences in £190m Graft Case
IHC rejected Imran and Bushra’s pleas to suspend sentences in the £190m graft case, with their main appeals set for May 7. Imran, imprisoned since Aug 5, 2023, received a 14-year sentence while Bushra was sentenced to seven years on Jan 17, 2025.
Read Source ArticleIHC Rules Buyers of Apartments at One Constitution Avenue Have No Ownership Rights
IHC upheld CDA's lease termination for One Constitution Avenue, ruling that apartment buyers have no ownership rights. The court said buyers can sue developer BNP for recovery, as BNP failed to comply with SC-ordered Rs17.5 billion payments.
Read Source ArticlePresident Zardari’s Visit to China Signals New Phase in Bilateral Ties
President Zardari’s week-long China visit focused on investment, industrial cooperation and technology transfer, with MoUs signed in agriculture, water desalination and tea production. The trip included the commissioning of a Chinese-built Hangor-class submarine for the Pakistan Navy in Sanya.
Read Source ArticleWith 19 seats empty, Lahore High Court moves to appoint more judges
Lahore High Court has 19 vacant judgeships out of a sanctioned strength of 60, leaving only 41 judges. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has initiated the selection process, interviewing senior advocates and law officers including prosecutor general Ghulam Sarwar Nihang.
Read Source ArticleBar councils oppose transfer of high court judges as ‘punitive measure’
Bar councils through their Inter-Provincial Coordination Committee opposed 'punitive' transfers of judges and called for rotational transfers. They also demanded that any transferred judge be replaced by one from the same province to ensure regional representation.
Read Source ArticleOil spike threatens Pakistan’s economic growth
Topline Securities lowered Pakistan's FY27 GDP growth forecast to 2.5-3.0% from 4.0% due to oil price surge, and expects inflation to average 9-10% with Q4 FY26 exceeding 11%. The current account deficit may rise above $8 billion if import controls slip, while petroleum imports are projected at $15 billion for FY26.
Read Source ArticleFCC rejects Balochistan govt plea for lifetime facilities to retired chief secretaries, widows
The Federal Constitutional Court rejected Balochistan's plea to grant lifetime facilities to retired chief secretaries and widows, ruling the notification lacked legal backing under the Balochistan Rules of Business. Justice Aamer Farooq upheld the Balochistan High Court's decision, stating such benefits cannot be created through executive notification.
Read Source ArticleInflation hits double digits for first time in 21 months
Pakistan's CPI inflation hit nearly 11% year-on-year in April 2026, the first double-digit figure in 21 months, driven by a 15.47% month-on-month surge in transport costs and a 15.25% jump in perishable food prices. The State Bank of Pakistan raised its policy rate by 100 basis points to 11.50% in response.
Read Source ArticlePresident Zardari wraps up China visit with new agreements
President Asif Ali Zardari concluded a five-day visit to China, focusing on CPEC 2.0 and bilateral cooperation in industrial development, agriculture, and the maritime economy. In Changsha and Sanya, five MoUs and a joint investment agreement were signed covering seawater desalination, agricultural technology, tea, machinery, animal vaccines, and medical technology.
Read Source ArticleTribal chiefs lack legal authority to attest documents, Federal Constitutional Court rules
The Federal Constitutional Court, comprising Justices Aamer Farooq and Rozi Khan Barrech, ruled that customary tribal chieftain status does not confer legal attestation authority. The court rejected Ghulam Ali Khan's petition, citing the 1976 System of Sardari Abolition Ordinance and stating Article 28 cannot revive the abolished system.
Read Source ArticleBond, Saudi inflows lift SBP reserves
Pakistan's SBP reserves rose to $15.828bn as of April 24, boosted by a $750m Eurobond issuance and $3bn Saudi support. Total liquid foreign reserves stood at $21.269bn, including $5.441bn held by commercial banks, with SBP reserves near the FY22 high of $16.382bn recorded on April 3.
Read Source ArticleFuel hits Rs400 per litre as govt passes on global impact
The government raised petrol by Rs6.51/litre and diesel by Rs19.39/litre with IMF concurrence, pushing retail prices above Rs400/litre. PM Shehbaz extended fuel subsidies for motorcyclists and transporters by one month, while Pakistan is on track to meet its Rs1.47tr petroleum levy target and faces a potential $10-68bn economic fallout from the Middle East crisis.
Read Source Article