In April 2025, Pakistan announced the launch of a new Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and named Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao as its strategic adviser. Finance Minister Aurangzeb hailed it as “a landmark moment” for Pakistan, saying the country was ‘open for innovation’. Mr Zhao himself spoke of the ‘limitless’ potential of a nation where 60 per cent of people are under 30. Yet beneath the optimism
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved technical assistance to help Pakistan modernise its power distribution companies (Discos) through the adoption of smart technologies aimed at improving operational efficiency and service reliability. According to the ADB project document, the initiative seeks to transform Discos into key drivers of the country’s energy transition by incorporating ad
As the government struggles to balance its revenue and expenses, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue has recommended a 50 per cent increase in government employees’ salaries, raise in pensions, removal of import duties on solar panels and a significant cut in levies on small vehicles. The committee, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, has put forward more than 200 recommenda
A parliamentary committee on Saturday approved key amendments to the Finance Bill 2025, including tax relief for low-income salaried individuals, a reduction in the super tax rate, and an increase in the cash withdrawal threshold for non-filers. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, chaired by MNA Naveed Qamar, carried out a clause-by-clause review of the Finance Bill
The Supreme Court on Saturday barred the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) from arresting or initiating criminal prosecution to recover tax due from defaulters without prior determination of their tax liability. “We have no hesitation to conclude that without investigative audit or issuance of show-cause notice or providing opportunity to explain the matters, registration of FIR, initiation of cri