Pakistan pushes for deeper SCO collaboration amid global challenges

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb addresses a press conference in Islamabad, on April 5, 2025.—APP ISLAMABAD: Pakistan remains completely committed to working with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states for lasting prosperity, stability, and growth, Finance Minister Aurangzeb said on Tuesday. He expressed these views during a virtual address to the meeting of finance ministers…

Budget FY26: Govt eyes lean Rs1tn PSDP amid Rs3tn ministry requests

Labourers work at a construction site on the outskirts of Peshawar on June 12, 2024. — AFP The federal government plans to allocate Rs1 trillion for development spending in fiscal year 2025-26, well short of the Rs3 trillion requested by ministries, official documents show.  The Finance Ministry initially set an indicative budget ceiling of Rs921…

PSX rises amid expectations of fiscal discipline, IMF support

Broker is busy in trading at Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. — PPI Investor sentiment lifted the equity market on Thursday, posting strong gains amid optimism over upcoming budget measures and adherence to (International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) fiscal benchmarks. “There is overall optimism on IMF’s dollar being transferred, budget to…

Hugh Jackman breaks silence with cryptic post amid divorce rumours

Hugh Jackman wows fans with recent update Hugh Jackman has broken his silence following his ex-wife Deborra-Lee-Furness formally filing for divorce after 27-year of marriage. The Deadpool & Wolverine star, who shares two children – Oscar Maximilian Jackman and Ava Eliot Jackman – with Deborra, 69, raised eyebrows with a cryptic new post. Taking to…

India announces mock drills in states bordering Pakistan amid ceasefire

Civil defence personnel during a mock drill in Varanasi on May 7, 2025. —AFP  Haryana to carry out mock drills in 22 districts. Drills to simulate critical incidents such as air raids, drone attacks. Controlled blackout to be observed near vital installations. ISLAMABAD: India is set to conduct large-scale civil defence mock drills from tomorrow…