Govt Imposes 18% Sales Tax on Imported Solar Panels to Boost Local Industry
ISLAMABAD – In a significant policy shift aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing, the federal government has proposed an 18% sales tax on imported solar panels in the 2025-26 budget, a move designed to level the playing field between imported and locally produced solar
Sania Saeed on Gendered Violence, Societal Repression, and the Urgency of Collective Change
Veteran actor Sania Saeed, in a deeply emotional appearance on The Rafay Mahmood Podcast, addressed the persistent epidemic of violence against women in Pakistan, using the murder of 17-year-old influencer Sana Yousaf as a tragic focal point. “Every day, I wake up with
PIA Begins Post-Hajj Flights, Over 115,000 Pakistani Pilgrims Returning Home
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially commenced its post-Hajj flight operation for 2025, with the first return flight PK-732 departing from Jeddah on Tuesday evening. The flight, carrying 307 pilgrims, left King Abdulaziz International Airport at 8:50 PM local time and is scheduled
Budget 2025–26: Major Relief Expected for Construction Sector, Super Tax Cuts Likely
The upcoming Federal Budget 2025–26 is likely to offer tax relief to the construction and industrial sectors, with notable reductions in super tax and import duties, sources revealed on Monday. Over 3,500 imported items may see a reduction in additional regulatory duties, while
Russia Launches Record 479 Drones in Overnight Attack on Ukraine
In the largest aerial assault since the start of the war, Russia launched a record 479 drones at Ukraine overnight, according to Kyiv’s air force on Monday. The barrage, which affected multiple regions, marks a significant escalation in Moscow’s offensive as it continues
Govt Mulls 10% Salary, Pension Hike; Final Decision Expected on June 10
The federal government is actively considering a salary and pension increase for employees as part of the Budget 2025-26, sources from the finance ministry revealed. One proposal includes a 10% hike in both salaries and pensions to offset inflation, along with a 30%
Budget 2025-26: Govt Proposes Higher Taxes on Bank Withdrawals, Savings, and Vehicles
As Pakistan gears up to unveil its Budget 2025–26, government insiders confirm that a range of new tax measures are on the table — including higher taxes on bank deposits, savings schemes, and cash withdrawals by non-filers, all aimed at improving revenue and
Oil Prices Rebound as OPEC+ Sticks to Modest Output Hike for July
May 31, 2025 — Global oil prices rebounded sharply on Monday after OPEC+ announced it would stick to its current output increase of 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) for July, matching hikes seen in May and June. The decision alleviated fears of a
President Zardari Signs Landmark Child Marriage Restraint Bill into Law for Islamabad
In a significant step towards advancing children’s rights, President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025 into law. The legislation, passed by Parliament earlier this month, officially became law following presidential assent as per a notification
Eid-ul-Adha 2025 likely to fall on this date
Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal committees will hold meetings at their respective provincial headquarters The final decision on the date of Eid-ul-Adha will be announced on May 27, following the meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee scheduled for that day. Ministry of Religious Affairs has convened