Author: Faisal Shahnawaz

  • Bitcoin extends decline as price falls below $62,000 on June 5

    Bitcoin extends decline as price falls below $62,000 on June 5

    Cryptocurrency posts weekly losses of over 16% as investor sentiment remains under pressure

    June 5, 2026 — Bitcoin slipped below the $62,000 mark on Friday, extending a week-long sell-off that has erased more than $11,800 from the value of the world’s largest cryptocurrency.

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  • PM Shehbaz directs pilot launch of AI-driven tax system in Islamabad

    PM Shehbaz directs pilot launch of AI-driven tax system in Islamabad

    Pilot project aims to create a faceless, AI-powered tax administration system to enhance transparency, compliance and revenue collection

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed authorities to launch a pilot phase of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven automated tax system in Islamabad as part of the government’s efforts to modernise tax administration, improve compliance and strengthen revenue collection.

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  • Aurangzeb to present Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 on June 9

    Aurangzeb to present Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 on June 9

    Economic Survey to be released on June 9 ahead of federal budget presentation in National Assembly on June 10

    Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb will present the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 on June 9, a day before unveiling the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27, according to an announcement made on Thursday.

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  • SBP forex reserves rise by $43 million in a week

    SBP forex reserves rise by $43 million in a week

    Central bank reserves edge higher to $17.19 billion, while overall liquid reserves decline slightly due to lower commercial bank holdings

    KARACHI, June 4, 2026 — Pakistan’s official foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $43 million during the week ended May 29, 2026, according to data released by the central bank on Thursday.

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  • Pakistan complete hat-trick of ODI series wins over Australia

    Pakistan complete hat-trick of ODI series wins over Australia

    Shaheen Afridi stars as Pakistan clinches third consecutive ODI series victory over Australia with 2-1 triumph

    Pakistan sealed a 2-1 One-Day International (ODI) series victory over Australia on Thursday, extending their dominance over the visitors by securing a third consecutive ODI series win against the former world champions.

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  • Expected tax regime for cryptocurrency in FY2026–27 budget

    Expected tax regime for cryptocurrency in FY2026–27 budget

    Government weighs capital gains, transaction and holdings-based taxation as digital assets move toward formal regulatory framework

    ISLAMABAD, June 4, 2026 — Pakistan is preparing to introduce a formal tax and regulatory framework for cryptocurrency transactions as part of the federal budget 2026–27, in what would mark one of the country’s first structured attempts to bring digital assets into the tax net.

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  • OGDCL adds 11 new wells, boosts oil and gas output in FY2025–26

    OGDCL adds 11 new wells, boosts oil and gas output in FY2025–26

    State-run energy firm reports sharp rise in indigenous production as new wells add over 9,700 barrels of oil and 74 MMSCFD gas

    ISLAMABAD, June 4, 2026 — The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (Oil and Gas Development Company Limited) has brought 11 new wells into production across Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Balochistan during the first 10 months of FY2025–26, significantly increasing indigenous oil and gas output.

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  • FBR clears Lahore Customs inspector in corruption case

    FBR clears Lahore Customs inspector in corruption case

    FBR converts proposed major penalty into minor disciplinary action, reinstates officer with conditions

    ISLAMABAD, June 4, 2026 — The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has cleared a Pakistan Customs inspector posted in Lahore in a corruption-related disciplinary case, converting a previously recommended major penalty into a minor punishment after departmental review.

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  • ICAP urges review of extra tax collection through electricity and gas bills

    ICAP urges review of extra tax collection through electricity and gas bills

    Chartered accountants call for reforms in utility tax collection system, citing misclassification and compliance issues in FY2026-27 proposals

    ISLAMABAD, June 4, 2026 — The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) has urged the government to review the mechanism for collecting additional sales tax through electricity and gas bills, arguing that the current system is creating undue tax burdens for registered and exempt entities.

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  • ICAP proposes new tax regime to attract foreign investment in Pakistan

    ICAP proposes new tax regime to attract foreign investment in Pakistan

    Chartered accountants propose 10-year tax stability and incentives for export-oriented foreign investors in FY2026-27 budget

    The institute recommended the creation of a separate tax schedule specifically designed for foreign direct investment in export-led manufacturing sectors. Under the proposed framework, qualifying investors would receive a package of tax incentives, legal protections and clearly defined eligibility criteria aimed at encouraging long-term investment commitments.

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