36% of packaged edible oil, ghee, milk in Pakistan substandard: PCSIR
- 08-Aug-2026
ISLAMABAD: A laboratory assessment conducted by the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) has found that 36% of packaged edible oil, ghee and milk samples tested in Pakistan failed to meet prescribed national quality standards. The revelation came in a meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) chaired by Federal Minister for […]
PC receives 12 EoIs for FESCO privatization: Adviser
- 08-Aug-2026
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the prime minister on privatization Muhammad Ali, has said that the Privatization Commission (PC) has received 12 expressions of interest (EOIs) from prospective investors seeking to acquire a 51pc stake of Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO). The EOIs have been submitted by four foreign investors including three Turkish, one Chinese and eight […]
Pakistan 'seeks' $1.3 billion refinancing from China
- 04-Aug-2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has requested China to refinance a $1.3 billion commercial loan, with the funds expected to be received later this month once the terms and conditions are finalized, ARY News reported on Tuesday, citing sources in the Ministry of Finance. According to the sources, discussions with Chinese authorities are underway to expedite the refinancing […]
FBR exceeds July tax collection target by Rs40bn
- 01-Aug-2026
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has surpassed its tax collection target for July 2026, collecting a net revenue of Rs820 billion against the assigned target of Rs780 billion, according to provisional figures released on Saturday. The provisional data shows that the FBR achieved 105 percent of its monthly target during the first month […]
11mn contraceptive products bought by govt in 2022; many still unused
- 27-Jul-2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s population is projected to surpass 300 million by 2030 and reach around 390 million by 2050, the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives was informed on Monday. Director General (DG) Health at the Ministry of National Health Services, Dr. Abdul Wali Khan, briefed the committee on population growth trends and […]
NA committee calls for closure of EV companies using lead-acid batteries
- 27-Jul-2026
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production has recommended shutting down electric motorcycle manufacturers that use lead-acid batteries, amid concerns over safety standards and the risk of battery explosions in hot weather conditions. The recommendation was made during a meeting of the committee’s sub-committee, chaired by MNA Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, where officials […]
Pakistan extends austerity measures for FY2026–27 amid high fuel cost
- 22-Jul-2026
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government has decided to continue its austerity drive for the 2026–27 fiscal year, with the Ministry of Finance issuing a formal notification outlining the latest cost-saving measures. Following the US-Israel war against Iran back in February, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, in March, announced a wide-ranging set of austerity measures across […]
Pakistan wins silver medal at 37th International Biology Olympiad
- 21-Jul-2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan secured a silver medal and a merit certificate at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026, held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from July 12 to 19, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) said in a statement on Monday. The Pakistani team was selected through the STEM Careers Programme, a joint initiative of the Higher […]
Pakistan, IMF 'hold' virtual talks over gas sector circular debt Settlement plan
- 21-Jul-2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held virtual discussions on various proposals aimed at reducing the gas sector’s circular debt, which has reached nearly Rs3.3 trillion, ARY News reported on Tuesday, citing sources. According to sources, the talks focused on a proposed settlement plan to reduce the gas sector’s circular debt by around […]
Indian agencies promoting Noreen Niazi's remarks on social media, claims Huzaifa Rehman
- 19-Jul-2026
ISLAMABAD, July 19: Minister of State for National Heritage Huzaifa Rehman strongly condemned recent remarks by Noreen Niazi, saying no patriotic Pakistani could even think of supporting her statement. Speaking on Sunday, Rehman claimed that Indian intelligence agencies were promoting Noreen Niazi’s remarks across Indian social media platforms, while accounts linked to India’s intelligence agency […]