Islamabad, April 18, 2026 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Saturday forecast rain-wind and thunderstorm activity for Islamabad and surrounding areas on Sunday, April 19, warning of possible isolated hailstorms and broader weather instability across parts of the country.
(more…)Author: Mrs. Anjum Shahnawaz
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Oil prices tumble around 10-12% after Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices plunged on Friday after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” for shipping during a ceasefire with Israel and Lebanon, easing fears of prolonged supply disruptions from one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
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PRA registers 33% jump in March tax collection
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) reported a 33% increase in sales tax collection on services in March 2026, driven by improved enforcement and expanded taxpayer coverage, according to an official statement on Friday.
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Aurangzeb says Pakistan’s economy showing stabilisation, investor confidence rising
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday outlined an improving economic outlook and ongoing reform agenda, saying recent policy measures have helped restore investor confidence and reopen access to international capital markets.
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Kayani urges traders to register, file taxes to widen tax base
ISLAMABAD, April 17, 2026 — Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani on Friday urged traders across Pakistan to ensure tax registration and timely filing, calling it essential for broadening the country’s narrow tax base and strengthening fiscal stability.
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Pakistan cuts diesel prices soon after Hormuz reopening
ISLAMABAD, April 17, 2026 — Pakistan reduced diesel prices on Friday following a sharp drop in global oil markets after Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route, officials said.
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Weekly inflation falls 0.69% but remains elevated at 12.16% YoY
ISLAMABAD, April 17, 2026 — Pakistan’s weekly inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), declined 0.69% in the week ending April 16, helped by a sharp cut in petroleum prices, but remained elevated at 12.16% year-on-year, official data showed on Friday.
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Pakistan urges safe passage in Hormuz, backs diplomacy to end conflict
UNITED NATIONS, April 17, 2026 — Pakistan called on the international community to ensure the security of ships and crew in the Strait of Hormuz and restore normal maritime traffic, warning that ongoing disruptions are inflicting widespread economic damage beyond the Middle East.
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Aurangzeb seeks faster Panda bond approval in talks with China central bank
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2026 — Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held talks with the governor of China’s central bank on Thursday, seeking expedited approval for Islamabad’s planned Panda bond issuance and reaffirming economic cooperation between the two countries, the finance ministry said.
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Pakistan receives $2bn Saudi inflow ahead of UAE repayment
Pakistan has received a $2 billion deposit from Saudi Arabia, providing crucial support to its foreign exchange reserves ahead of a $3.5 billion repayment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later this month, officials said on Thursday.
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