Finance & Digital Economy | August 2026 | 4 min read   Quick Takeaways Gold prices in Pakistan fell sharply after a major drop in international bullion rates. The 24K gold rate closed at Rs. 467,936 per tola after losing Rs. 15,100. The 10-gram 24K gold rate dropped to Rs. 401,179 after a fall...

  Governance Desk | August 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways The Prime Minister’s Office warned federal ministries after a lapse in implementing official directions. The issue was reportedly linked to betel nut import rules and the Plant Protection Department. Around 41 federal secretaries and department heads were told to improve follow...

  Finance & Digital Economy | August 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways Approved finance under the PM Apna Ghar scheme rose 94 percent to Rs279 billion. Applications increased 52 percent to nearly 139,000 by mid-August. Approvals jumped 84 percent to more than 46,000, while disbursed loans crossed 7,600. Recent reforms include...

  Energy & Consumer Affairs | August 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways Pakistan imported no high-speed diesel in July, the first month of the financial year. Local refineries produced more than 500,000 tonnes of HSD during the month. HSD sales rose 19 percent year over year and 25 percent month over...

  Energy & Consumer Affairs | August 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways Oil marketing companies say their regulated margin has remained frozen since September 2023. The ECC has approved a Rs1.22 per litre increase, but the decision has not yet been formally notified. OCAC says companies are operating on a gross...

  Energy & Resource | August 2026 | 3 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways Pakistan’s petroleum exports reached an all-time high of $939 million in FY26. Exports rose 3.9 percent from $903 million recorded in FY25. The value has climbed sharply from $553 million in FY24 to $939 million in FY26. Topline Securities linked...

  Energy & Consumer Affairs | July 2026 | 4 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways CPPA has sought a Rs1.20 per unit increase under June 2026 fuel cost adjustment. NEPRA has completed the hearing and reserved its final decision. Electricity sales during June stood at about 13.07 billion units. Actual fuel cost reached Rs8.91 per...

  Finance & Digital Economy | July 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways ⚡ ECC approved emergency import of one million tonnes of wheat through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan. ⚡ Wheat prices jumped from Rs125 to over Rs150/kg in a single week — a 20% rise attributed to procurement mismanagement. ⚡...

  Weather & Public Safety | July 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways ⚡ The Chenab River is in high flood at Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge; medium flood at Marala and Khanki. ⚡ FFD warns river flows may rise significantly across all major river catchments by July 25. ⚡ Flash flooding forecast...

  Health & Policy | July 2026 | 3 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways An awareness campaign has been launched in educational institutions against vaping and nicotine use. The Drug Advisory Training Hub organized a one-day session for students from different universities. Experts warned that demand for vaping among young people has increased by around...

  Technology & Gadgets | July 2026 | 4 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways China is planning a planetary defense test involving near-Earth asteroid 2015 XF261. The mission will use one spacecraft as an impactor and another as an observer. The impact is meant to test whether a high-speed collision can alter an asteroid’s orbit....

  Finance & Digital Economy | July 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways ⚡ Pakistan is seeking a $6.7bn oil facility from Saudi Arabia’s SFD at 1% interest with a 5-year grace period and 15-year repayment. ⚡ The previous oil facility carried a 6% interest rate — the new ask represents an...

  Energy & Consumer Affairs | July 2026 | 4 min read   The latest roti and naan price dispute in Lahore has put staple food costs back at the centre of a standoff between tandoor owners and the administration. ⚡ Quick Takeaways The United Nanbai Association says roti will cost Rs. 25 and naan...

  Development & Policy Desk | July 2026 | 4 min read Quick Takeaways Punjab has restored the issuance of Fard, also known as Record of Rights, through an official notification. The restored service will initially apply only in areas where land records have not yet been digitized. Buyers and sellers in eligible areas can...

  Foreign Affairs & Diplomacy | July 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways ⚡ Pakistan and Turkiye signed an MoU on family affairs, social services, and social protection at the OIC conference. ⚡ Pakistan will hold the OIC Women’s Conference chair for the next two years — a significant institutional role. ⚡...

  Energy & Resource Desk | July 2026 | 3 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways Pakistan’s crude oil production reached 71,563 barrels per day in May 2026. Topline Securities described the level as the highest crude output in 26 months. Higher gas offtake helped lift associated crude oil production during the month. New fields, including...

  Foreign Affairs & Diplomacy Desk | July 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways Pakistan and the United States are holding high-level trade talks in Washington, D.C. The talks focus on market access, investment cooperation and tariff adjustments. Islamabad wants a more stable trade framework before temporary tariff measures expire. The July...

  Education | July 2026 | 4 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways Punjab authorities have ordered immediate repair and reconstruction work at 135 unsafe government school buildings in Lahore. The renovation plan was delayed last year because of a policy change, leaving construction work pending. Officials say a fresh survey helped identify dangerous structures needing...

  Energy & Consumer Affairs | July 2026 | 4 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways The government expects ECC movement on the refinery upgrade policy by July 15. Petrol and diesel pricing is being shifted gradually toward a market-based model. The minister said refinery inefficiencies will not be passed on to consumers. Pakistan still imports...

Finance Desk | July 2026 | 4 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways FBR has issued STGO 8 of 2026 for goods listed in the Third Schedule of the Sales Tax Act, 1990. Manufacturers and importers must print retail price and sales tax clearly on each retail pack. The order applies to 56 listed categories, including...

  Technology & Gadgets Desk | July 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways Windows 11 version 26H2 is expected in the second half of 2026 as a small enablement-style update. Ask Copilot may appear in Windows Search, but Microsoft is expected to keep the traditional search option available. The Start menu and...

  Technology & Gadgets | July 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways PTA has told PTML not to launch or modify any brand identity until all merger formalities are completed. The regulator wants documentary proof and the relevant SECP acknowledgement before any rollout moves ahead. PTML had approached PTA for approval to...

  Finance & Digital Economy Desk | July 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports have been added to Pakistan’s revised privatization roadmap. The three airports are part of the first phase, which covers 11 entities planned within one year. The full revised program covers 25 state-owned enterprises...

  Foreign Affairs Desk | June 2026 | 5 min read   ⚡  QUICK TAKEAWAYS •       Pakistani and Qatari mediators have concluded two days of talks in Doha between US and Iran negotiators, reporting ‘positive progress’ on issues stemming from the Islamabad MoU. •       The talks focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz...

  Energy & Consumer Affairs | July 2026 | 4 min read OGRA has cut July LPG prices, easing cylinder costs, but market rates may still stay higher in some cities.   ⚡ Quick Takeaways OGRA has reduced the July LPG price from around Rs. 309 per kg to Rs. 241.43 per kg. The cut...

  Finance Desk | June 2026 | 5 min read     ⚡  QUICK TAKEAWAYS •       From January 1, 2028, all new government transactions and loans will be contracted on a Shariah-compliant basis; existing conventional arrangements run to their natural maturity. •       The Ministry of Finance has finalised its post-2027 transition strategy, pending formal federal...

  Finance & Digital Economy | June 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways The government held fresh consultations with exporters and business leaders at the Finance Ministry. Talks focused on tax regime improvements, export facilitation and industrial competitiveness. DLTL, TUF and EFS were discussed as key schemes needing timely and effective implementation....

  Finance & Digital Economy | June 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways Banks and Electronic Money Institutions must upload specified high-value account data to a Central Data Hub. The reporting trigger is deposits or withdrawals above Rs. 100 million during a six-month reporting period. The new Section 165AB has been inserted...

  Finance & Digital Economy | June 2026 | 4 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways Gold per tola fell by Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 431,236 in Pakistan. The 10-gram gold rate dropped by Rs. 730 to Rs. 369,715. International gold eased by $10 to settle at $4,088 per ounce. Silver also weakened, falling by Rs....

  Development & Policy | June 2026 | 5 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways The National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy 2025 has been approved to guide modern crop technology in Pakistan. The policy focuses on food security, better yields, responsible regulation and private-sector investment. GM maize remains a key test case because its approvals and trials...

  Technology & Gadgets | June 2026 | 3 min read     ⚡ Quick Takeaways GTA 6 has reportedly reached No. 1 on PlayStation and Xbox store sales charts. The ranking follows the launch of pre-orders for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Rockstar lists the Standard Edition at $79.99 and Ultimate Edition at $99.99....

  Technology & Gadgets | June 2026 | 4 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways Alsons Group says AKAL has unveiled Pakistan’s first locally developed and manufactured UAV engine. The launch took place at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, giving the engine an international debut. The move could reduce dependence on imported propulsion systems for small unmanned...

  Finance Desk | June 2026 | 6 min read   ⚡  QUICK TAKEAWAYS •       The National Assembly has approved Budget 2026-27 and Finance Bill 2026-27, with implementation beginning July 1. •       Imported vehicle duties are significantly revised: smaller engines (850cc–1,800cc) see major cuts, while 2,000cc+ vehicles attract 86–92% duty. •       Electronic tax filing through...

  Education | June 2026 | 5 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways HEC has temporarily stopped fresh admissions in selected computing programs at 44 institutions. The action is part of the NSCT 2026 quality assurance review of computer-related programs. Students and parents have been advised to verify program status before applying. Affected institutions must complete...

  Finance & Digital Economy | June 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways Pakistan is targeting 300,000 to 400,000 trained workers for Saudi demand linked to the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Officials expect jobs in construction, aviation, tourism, infrastructure and allied services between 2026 and 2034. Saudi Arabia already remains the biggest...

  Finance Desk | June 2026 | 5 min read     ⚡  QUICK TAKEAWAYS •       The NA Standing Committee on Finance approved Finance Bill 2026 with around 30 major amendments — the bill now heads to the full National Assembly for a clause-by-clause vote. •       Electric vehicles valued up to $75,000 will carry zero...

  Law & Governance Desk | June 2026 | 4 min read     ⚡  QUICK TAKEAWAYS •       Hajj 2027 registration opens June 22, 2026 via the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ online portal at hajj.mora.gov.pk — no fee charged. •       No passport is required at the registration stage, but a valid passport (valid until at...

  Finance & Digital Economy | June 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways Gold per tola in Pakistan has fallen to Rs. 437,993 after another small decline. The 10-gram 24K gold rate also slipped to Rs. 374,166 in the latest market update. Friday saw a much larger correction, when gold dropped by...

  Finance & Digital Economy | June 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways FBR field formations will work normal hours on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, 2026. Extended working hours will apply on Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30. The move is aimed at helping taxpayers clear duties and...

  Development & Policy | June 2026 | 5 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways FAO is advancing a GCF-backed climate-resilient agriculture project across five Punjab and three Sindh districts. The project is designed to directly benefit 1.3 million people and support millions more through better climate information. FAO and PMD have installed 24 automatic weather...

  Finance & Digital Economy | June 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways SECP has asked PMEX to prepare a roadmap for deliverable agricultural futures contracts. The plan would use an Electronic Warehouse Receipt system linked with registered warehouses. Farmers, traders and processors could get better price discovery and more transparent deals....

  Education | June 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways HEC has approved a mandatory 3-credit-hour Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course. The course will be added in phases across relevant degree programmes at universities. Public universities have been asked to adopt the course under HEC policy and advisory guidance. ITU Lahore prepared...

  Energy & Consumer Affairs | June 2026 | 5 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways Petrol may become cheaper by up to Rs. 20 per litre if the government passes on the full estimated relief. High-speed diesel could see a larger cut of nearly Rs. 35 per litre after a steep fall in ex-refinery...

  Health & Policy | June 2026 | 4 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways PFA destroyed 18,000 kilograms of unsafe pickles in Multan. Officials also seized 12,000 litres of substandard loose cooking oil. The oil was allegedly prepared from animal fat without proper approvals. A sweets unit was fined Rs. 100,000 over substandard ingredients. The...

  Energy & Consumer Affairs | June 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways LESCO has finalized special power-supply arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram. Senior officers and technical staff have been placed on special duty from June 17 to June 26. The teams will monitor Majalis, processions and sensitive locations to prevent disruptions. Rapid response...

  Energy & Consumer Affairs | June 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways LESCO has reportedly suspended installment facilities for electricity bills during June. The ban covers both current bills and outstanding dues, according to current reporting. Recovery teams have been told to collect payable amounts from active consumers and dead defaulters....

  Finance & Digital Economy | June 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways A Chinese consortium led by CFFEX plans to expand its role in Pakistan’s capital market infrastructure. SECP regulatory approvals have cleared the way for deeper cooperation with CDC and NCCPL. The plan includes possible cross-border ETFs and technology upgrades...

  Education Desk | June 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡ Quick Takeaways Punjab has set up a 13-member committee to review commercial use of public university assets. The panel will examine legal, financial and policy requirements for PPP projects in higher education. The finance minister will lead the committee, with law and higher...

  Automotive & EV Desk | June 2026 | 4 min read ⚡ Quick Takeaways GPX has entered Pakistan through Royal Power Group with petrol motorcycles and electric scooters. The lineup includes Libre 125, Libre 150, Raptor Plus RZ200, Demon GR200R and Demon GR250R. Introductory petrol motorcycle prices range from Rs. 325,000 to Rs. 930,000....

  Key Takeaways The Prime Minister’s laptop scheme recorded 54% female participation as of April 2026, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26. A total of 74,427 laptops were distributed among 407,713 students across 156 higher education institutions in Pakistan. The data shows stronger female participation in digital education at a time when Pakistan’s female...

  Literacy Improves but Challenges Remain Pakistan’s literacy rate has increased to 63.0 percent in FY 2025-26, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 released on Thursday, 11 June 2026. The previous literacy rate for FY 2024-25 was reported at 60.6 percent, showing a visible improvement in the national education indicator. The new figure was...

  Education Desk | June 2026 | 4 min read   Pakistan’s latest national IT skills test has exposed a serious gap between university education and market demand, with most participating students failing to cross even the 50% score mark. ⚡ Quick Takeaways Only 0.4% of participating IT students scored above 80% in the National...

  Budget Session to Continue Without Breaks The federal government is preparing to keep the budget session running without interruption as it aims to secure approval of the finance bill before Ashura. According to officials, the session starting today is expected to continue from June 12 onward, and the usual Saturday and Sunday breaks may...

Finance Desk | June 2026 | 4 min read   ⚡  QUICK TAKEAWAYS •       Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will present the FY2026-27 budget in the National Assembly on June 12. •       The Pakistan Economic Survey for FY2025-26 will be launched at 2:20pm on Thursday ahead of the budget. •       The NEC met on Wednesday after...

  Key Takeaways: The federal government is weighing a proposal to cut provincial NFC transfers by nearly Rs. 1.2 trillion in Budget 2026-27. Punjab could face the biggest reduction, followed by Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan under the draft proposal. Officials say the move is being discussed to create more fiscal space for the federal...

  Key Takeaways The government is considering higher growth targets for agriculture, manufacturing, and investment in Budget 2026-27. Major crops are proposed to grow by 3.6 percent, while other crops are targeted at 4.2 percent. Manufacturing has been assigned a 5.8 percent growth target, with stronger expansion expected in small-scale industry. Total investment is projected...

  Key Takeaways FBR has updated the Import General Manifest format for import cargo declarations. Importers must now mention NTN or FTN when filing cargo details. CNIC or passport numbers will be accepted for small parcels and one-time importers. The change will take effect from August 15, 2026, under SRO 918(I)/2026. The move aims to...

  Technology Desk | June 2025 | 8 min read   ⚡  QUICK TAKEAWAYS •       OpenAI is redesigning ChatGPT into a superapp combining coding, AI agents, image generation, and partner services in one interface. •       Codex, OpenAI’s coding product, will receive prominent placement in the revamped experience rolling out in the coming weeks. •       Partner...

Key Takeaways Pakistan Railways has launched the second upgraded Awam Express rake. The improved train will serve passengers on the busy Peshawar-Karachi route. The upgraded rake includes better seating, comfort, and modern passenger facilities. Passengers welcomed the move as a step toward improving long-distance rail travel. The launch reflects Pakistan Railways’ wider push to upgrade...

  Key Takeaways The National Economic Council is meeting on June 8, 2026 under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The session is expected to review the current annual plan and approve priorities for FY2026-27. Key agenda items include PSDP, provincial development plans, and investment proposals. Provincial governments and chief secretaries are expected to present development updates....

  Key Takeaways Pakistan’s gold price fell sharply after a major drop in the previous trading session. As of June 8, 2026, local gold stood at Rs455,327 per tola and silver at Rs7,267 per tola. Ten grams of gold were priced at Rs389,772, while ten grams of silver were at Rs6,202. International gold traded near...

  Key Takeaways Net metering reached its highest recorded share of electricity generation in April 2026. Overall power generation fell 9.6 percent year-on-year as more users relied on self-generated solar power. Lower solar panel prices and high grid tariffs are accelerating rooftop solar adoption. Net-metered units jumped 71.2 percent month-on-month during April’s stronger sunlight period....

  Key Takeaways ECC approved Rs. 10.15 billion for the Pakistan Navy’s Hangor Project under RAFDP-2030. The meeting also cleared several technical supplementary grants for defence, interior, energy and development sectors. Major funding was approved for Islamabad Safe City expansion, Pakistan Coast Guards, PTVC salaries and telecom infrastructure in Shigar. Karachi, Hyderabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and...

  Key Takeaways PHF has announced a 20-member squad for upcoming FIH Pro League matches in Belgium and England. The squad was selected after trials held from May 19 to 20 on the recommendation of the National Selection Committee. The process was also reviewed by the PHF Professional Development Committee led by Olympians Islahuddin Siddiqui...

  Key Takeaways A Lahore heritage forum says many major roads in the city do not appear in officially notified municipal records. Officials said around 21 major roads, 18 traditional streets, and 11 chowks or localities lack formal archival notification. Only Nicholson Road’s later designation under the Roads & Streets Rules 1981 was cited as...

  Key Takeaways Pakistan plans to shift passport fee payments to a fully digital system. The move aims to reduce long queues at banks and passport offices. National Bank, JazzCash, EasyPaisa and other stakeholders attended the meeting. The G-10 Islamabad passport office has already implemented a cashless payment system. Officials say modern technology will improve...

  Key Takeaways UHS researchers have reported progress on a new gene-editing approach for beta-thalassemia. The work focuses on multiplex prime editing, a highly precise DNA modification technique. Scientists are targeting the gamma-globin gene to reactivate fetal hemoglobin production. The research could eventually reduce dependence on lifelong blood transfusions. Pakistan faces a heavy thalassemia burden,...

  Key Takeaways Engro Elengy Terminal received Pakistan’s largest LNG cargo at Port Qasim. The Q-Flex carrier brought more than 210,000 cubic metres of LNG on May 13. The unloading required careful handling of tidal, draft, and dual-parcel operations. The shipment is expected to support national gas supply and power generation. Pakistan Handles Its Biggest...

  Key Takeaways Pakistan has assured the IMF that electricity and gas tariffs will continue to reflect global energy costs. Protected consumers will remain exempt, but most users may face regular tariff and fuel charge adjustments. The government has set an electricity subsidy ceiling of Rs. 830 billion for FY27. Circular debt control, IPP settlements...

Key Takeaways SBP reserves increased by $17 million in the week ending May 8, 2026. Total liquid foreign exchange reserves rose by $43 million to $21.337 billion. Central bank reserves stood at $15.867 billion, close to the $16 billion mark. Commercial banks held $5.44 billion in net foreign reserves. The small weekly rise shows stability,...

Key Takeaways HEC has introduced payments for universities that verify academic documents quickly. Universities completing verification within 24 hours will receive Rs. 500 per document. The incentive falls to Rs. 300 within 48 hours and Rs. 100 within 72 hours or later. The new system supports fully online applications and digitally verifiable e-attestation certificates. The...

  Key Takeaways Pakistan has assured the IMF it will phase out the existing subsidy for households using up to 200 electricity units. A new targeted relief model is expected to start from January 2027 and may rely on Benazir Income Support Programme data. Officials say the current system is vulnerable to misuse, including multiple-meter...

Key Takeaways The Faisalabad Board has postponed several Class 9 second-group papers after a reported Biology paper leak. The affected papers include Biology, Computer Science, and Ahl-e-Hadith Dars-e-Nizami. Board officials say fresh dates for the postponed examinations will be announced later. An official inquiry has been launched to determine how the leak happened and who...

Key Takeaways ECC has approved a new framework for uniform electricity network and transmission charges. The decision will apply across all distribution companies, including K-Electric. The move aims to reduce regional differences in power-related cost structures. The package also supports market-based electricity trading under broader power reforms. NSCL gas allocation was endorsed to help revive...

Key Takeaways ECC approved Rs. 59.624 million for Independence Day and Marqa-e-Haq 2025 celebrations. The funding was part of wider Technical Supplementary Grants worth about Rs. 3.01 billion. Major approvals also covered Danish School Kuri, Faiz Ahmad Faiz Complex and passport operations. The committee supported industrial revival and uniform power market charges across distribution firms....

Key Takeaways SNGPL and SSGCL have asked OGRA for higher gas tariffs for FY 2026-27. Public hearings are scheduled in Lahore and Karachi on May 12 and 13. Pakistan must notify gas prices on time under commitments linked to circular debt control. A proposed cut in UFG allowances may gradually reduce losses charged to consumers....

Key Takeaways The Pakistan Business Forum has submitted budget proposals for FY 2026-27, asking the government to lower taxes and simplify rules. The forum wants the super tax abolished, saying it has become a permanent burden instead of a temporary measure. Businesses have also proposed lower corporate tax rates, simpler trader taxation and fewer complex...

  Development & Policy Desk  |  May 2026  |  4 min read     ⚡ Quick Takeaways •       Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz digitally inaugurated the Rahmat Card — described as Pakistan’s first such Zakat-funded welfare programme for widows and orphan children. •       A record Rs 5 billion has been allocated from the provincial Zakat Fund;...

Key Takeaways Early market closures could reduce FBR revenue by Rs. 15-20 billion. Rising fuel prices and power disruptions are slowing business activity. Lower trading hours mean fewer taxable sales and weaker income tax inflows. Lawmakers have questioned FBR performance amid repeated collection shortfalls. Officials are calling for stronger enforcement and broader tax reforms. Why...

Key Takeaways Hotter weather is spreading across Pakistan, with several cities expected to cross 40°C in the coming days. Sindh and Balochistan are likely to see the highest readings, while Punjab will also turn sharply hotter. Dry conditions in parts of Sindh can worsen heat stress and increase dehydration risks. PMD warns the warming trend...