News

Planning around global tensions

For import-dependent Pakistan, already grappling with its worst crisis in recent history, another conflict in the neighbourhood is deeply alarming. Outside the Middle East, Pakistan may be among the countries hardest hit by the ongoing Iran-Israel war, facing significant economic and social repercussions. Any widening of the conflict would multiply Pakistan’s economic and diplomatic challenges

The dangers of rushing crypto adoption

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

ADB approves plan for digital overhaul of Discos

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

BUDGET 2025-26: Amid cash crunch, Senate panel proposes tax cuts, salary hikes

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

NA panel okays tax relief for salaried people

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