Islamabad — Pakistan recorded a budget surplus of Rs542 billion during the first half (July–December) of the fiscal year 2025-26, marking a sharp turnaround from a deficit of Rs1.54 trillion in the same period last year, official data released by the Ministry of Finance showed on Friday.
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Pakistan strengthens financial intelligence to eradicate corruption
Islamabad, February 6, 2026 — In a significant move to combat corruption and enhance transparency, the government of Pakistan is taking steps to strengthen financial intelligence and improve inter-agency coordination across key law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
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SBP to introduce carrot-and-stick policy for asset recovery
Karachi, February 5, 2026 – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is preparing to roll out a comprehensive “carrot and stick” policy aimed at strengthening asset recovery in cases of financial crimes, including corruption and money laundering, according to official documents.
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PM Shehbaz confirms no Pakistan-India match in T20 World Cup 2026
Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday confirmed that Pakistan will not play against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, stating that the decision was taken after extensive consultations and careful consideration.
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Pakistan’s headline inflation rises 5.8% in January 2026
Islamabad, February 2, 2026 – Pakistan’s headline inflation increased by 5.8% in January 2026, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The rise reflects ongoing price pressures in both urban and rural areas across the country.
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PM Shehbaz welcomes World Bank President Banga, praises support for Pakistan’s growth
Islamabad, February 2, 2026 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today met Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group (WBG), in Islamabad. This marked Mr. Banga’s first official visit to Pakistan as World Bank President.
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PM Shehbaz announces major relief package for industries and exports, cuts electricity tariff
Islamabad, January 30, 2026 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday unveiled a comprehensive relief package aimed at boosting Pakistan’s industrial and export sectors. The measures include a significant reduction in electricity tariffs by Rs 4.04 per unit for industries, lowering of wheeling charges to under Rs 9, and a substantial cut in the export refinance scheme rate from 7.5% to 4.5%. Additionally, top exporters will be granted “blue passports” for two years to facilitate export-led growth.
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Pakistan clerics and religious authorities agree on unified Azan, prayer timings
Islamabad, January 30, 2026 – In a significant move to promote religious unity, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, alongside prominent clerics, scholars from all schools of thought, and representatives from the business community, agreed on issuing a unified calendar for Azan and prayer timings.
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Pakistan Gears Up for 5G Spectrum Auction on March 10, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to take a major step toward next-generation connectivity as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially announced that the Spectrum Auction for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS), including 5G, will be held on March 10, 2026.
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Pakistan-Bangladesh Direct Flights Resume After 14 Years
Karachi, January 29, 2026 – Direct flight operations between Pakistan and Bangladesh officially resumed today, as Biman Bangladesh Airlines launched its inaugural service from Dhaka to Karachi after a 14-year hiatus.
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