Cabinet clears nationwide medicine tracking system to enhance patient safety and eliminate counterfeit drugs from the supply chain
In a major reform for Pakistan’s healthcare sector, the federal cabinet has approved the nationwide rollout of a Track and Trace System for pharmaceutical products, introducing a digital mechanism designed to monitor medicines throughout the supply chain and curb the sale of counterfeit drugs.
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Prime Minister directs FBR to settle outstanding tax refunds within two weeks to improve business liquidity and investor confidence
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to clear all pending tax refund cases by June 15, 2026, in a significant move aimed at easing liquidity pressures on businesses and improving the investment climate.
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CPI rises from 10.9% in April as food, energy and transport costs keep pressure on households
Pakistan’s headline inflation rose to 11.7% in May 2026, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Monday, reflecting persistent price pressures across food, energy and transport segments.
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In a significant relief for the public, the federal government on Friday announced a sharp reduction in petroleum prices, cutting both petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) rates by Rs22 per litre across the country.
With the latest revision, the new price of petrol has been fixed at Rs381.78 per litre, while high-speed diesel will now be available at Rs380.78 per litre.
The price cut is expected to provide immediate relief to consumers and ease pressure on transport and logistics costs nationwide.
According to officials, the decision has been taken in light of the continued decline in global crude oil prices, allowing the government to pass on the benefit to local consumers.
The move comes as international energy markets show a downward trend, creating space for adjustments in domestic fuel rates.
This is the second reduction in fuel prices within a short span of time. Earlier, petrol prices were reduced by Rs6 per litre, while diesel saw a cut of Rs6.80 per litre.
The latest and much larger reduction is expected to have a broader impact on inflation, particularly in transport-dependent sectors.
High-speed diesel plays a key role in Pakistan’s economy, as it is widely used in freight transport, agriculture machinery, buses, and trucks.
Experts believe the price cut could help reduce supply chain costs, which may eventually reflect in the prices of essential commodities if savings are passed on to consumers.
The government has reiterated that providing relief to the public remains a key priority despite challenging economic conditions.
It has also maintained that support measures for transport operators, motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers, and small businesses will continue as part of its broader economic relief strategy.
On the global front, crude oil prices continued to slide on Friday. Brent crude fell nearly 2% to around $91 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped to about $87 per barrel.
Market analysts note that easing geopolitical concerns and expectations of stable supply have contributed to the recent decline in oil prices.
If this trend continues, further adjustments in domestic fuel prices may be seen in upcoming reviews, offering additional relief to consumers and businesses.
Prime minister calls for compassion, sacrifice and solidarity with vulnerable communities during Eid celebrations
Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged the nation to remember the underprivileged, needy and vulnerable segments of society during Eid al-Adha, saying the religious occasion calls for compassion, sacrifice and collective responsibility.
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IMF seeks extensive daily and monthly exchange market data from SBP to strengthen transparency and monitor currency operations
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has intensified oversight of Pakistan’s foreign exchange market under the country’s ongoing bailout programme, requiring the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to provide extensive daily and monthly data on currency market operations.
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Leaders reaffirm “iron-clad friendship” and pledge expanded cooperation in CPEC, technology, clean energy and regional stability
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a high-level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, as Pakistan and China reaffirmed their strategic partnership while marking 75 years of diplomatic relations.
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New NSRS platform aims to improve transparency and streamline reporting of foreign investment, dividends and disinvestment flows
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a new digital reporting system to streamline the registration and monitoring of foreign shareholding in locally incorporated companies.
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PM Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan is ready to facilitate the next round of Iran-US peace talks as diplomatic efforts gain momentum following President Trump’s announcement of major progress.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed the hope that Pakistan would host the next round of Islamabad Talks between Iran and the United States “very soon, following US President Donald Trump announced that that the agreement had been “largely negotiated.”
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Government cuts fuel prices for second consecutive week as Pakistan prepares for Eid-ul-Adha holidays
Pakistan on Friday reduced petrol and diesel prices ahead of Eid-ul-Adha 2026, offering relief to consumers amid recent volatility in global oil markets and regional tensions affecting energy supplies.
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