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Pakistan News

Balochistan unveils tax-free Rs1.089 trillion budget, announces 7% pay raise

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Balochistan unveils

QUETTA: The Balochistan government presented a Rs1.089 trillion tax-free budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, announcing a 7% increase in salaries and pensions for provincial employees while prioritizing education, health and law and order.

Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani presented the budget in the provincial assembly, saying no new taxes had been imposed. The budget includes a 7% raise in salaries and pensions and outlines significant allocations for public services, development projects and employment generation.

The minister said Rs270 billion has been earmarked for general public services, Rs157 billion for education, Rs74 billion for health and Rs108 billion for maintaining law and order. The government has also allocated Rs10 billion for the establishment of the Bank of Balochistan.

According to the budget documents, non-development expenditures are estimated at Rs798 billion, while the province expects to receive Rs30.61 billion in federal grants. An allocation of Rs5 billion has been made for Phase II of Safe City projects.

Nosherwani announced the creation of 5,000 new jobs for young people, including 3,000 positions in the school education sector, 500 in the health department, 1,000 for newly created districts and 500 in various government departments.

The budget also allocates Rs1 billion for the Kissan Card program aimed at supporting farmers. In addition, sales tax on public transport has been abolished, while new electric vehicles have been granted a 100% tax exemption.

The finance minister said the government had sought to reduce official privileges amid challenging economic conditions, adding that education, healthcare and security remain the administration’s top priorities.

“We are moving in the right direction for the development of the province, and government initiatives are not just on paper but are producing tangible results,” Nosherwani told the assembly.

Pakistan playing mediator role in complex US–Iran situation

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Pakistan playing

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is handling a highly complex issue involving the United States and Iran in a mediating capacity, senior security officials said on Tuesday.

Speaking to journalists, top security officials said Pakistan’s role in the matter is that of a facilitator, adding that the leadership’s primary focus is peace and stability in the region.

Officials said Pakistan does not engage in “headline diplomacy” and has fulfilled all requirements of mediation, adding that the international community is gradually recognizing Pakistan’s efforts. They described the situation as a conflict that, in their view, was averted without escalation through what they called diplomatic skill and strategic engagement.

Security sources said that several regional countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, also played a role in supporting de-escalation efforts.

They added that attempts to destabilize the situation continue, alleging that certain international actors exert influence over global media narratives.

Officials said Pakistan maintains separate and balanced relations with Iran, the United States and Gulf countries, and emphasized its desire for stable ties with Afghanistan.

On reports regarding Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to India, security sources said Pakistan is not concerned with bilateral engagements between other states and views such developments with an open diplomatic approach.

Security officials also provided details of internal security operations, stating that 32,092 intelligence-based operations were conducted by June 15, 2026, with 2,170 terrorist incidents recorded. They said 1,861 militants were killed, while 640 members of security forces and civilians were martyred. Officials added that hundreds of militants were killed in operations in Afghanistan and within Pakistan.

Commenting on unrest in Azad Kashmir, security sources said groups involved in incitement would be dealt with under legal and constitutional procedures. They said the state continues to prioritize dialogue but will not allow violence or threats against civilians.

Officials also said modern warfare is increasingly technology-driven, noting that defense budget constraints are being discussed within military and political leadership circles.

On the Indus Waters Treaty, security sources reiterated that Pakistan rejects any unilateral move by India and will safeguard its water rights under international agreements.

Security officials also denied any meeting between the military leadership and former prime minister Imran Khan, and said those involved in the May 9 violence would be brought to justice through legal processes.

Punjab sets higher revenue targets, cuts development projects in budget

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Punjab sets

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday received the provincial budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, featuring a modest increase in salaries and pensions for government employees and a significant reduction in development spending, amid noisy protests from opposition lawmakers.

Punjab Finance Minister Shujaur Rehman presented the budget during a session chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. The proceedings began one hour and 40 minutes behind schedule and were attended by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Opposition members staged a protest as the budget speech began, chanting slogans against what they described as a “fake budget.” The demonstration intensified when lawmakers moved toward the speaker’s dais and protested in front of the chief minister.

Under the budget proposals, salaries of government employees will increase by 7%, while pensions will rise by 3.5%. Government officials said the measures were intended to provide relief from inflationary pressures.

The provincial government also proposed a major reduction in development spending. The development budget has been set at 752 billion rupees, down from 1.45 trillion rupees.

According to budget documents, the development allocation for the outgoing fiscal year stood at 1.24 trillion rupees, meaning the new proposal represents a reduction of 488 billion rupees.

The number of development projects has also been cut significantly. The budget includes 3,560 projects compared with 5,755 in the previous year, while the number of new projects has fallen from 1,662 to 420.

The budget documents show a proposed 42.7% increase in the province’s own-source revenue targets. Revenue targets for the Board of Revenue have been increased by 25%, while the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has been assigned a 77% higher target.

Before the budget was presented in the assembly, the Punjab Cabinet approved the financial plan during its 35th meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The cabinet reviewed fiscal targets, budget proposals and their impact on various sectors.

The cabinet also approved a resolution related to the reported agreement between Iran and the United States and held detailed discussions on budget recommendations before giving final approval for its presentation in the assembly.

Imran Khan given fifth eye injection during hospital visit

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Imran Khan

RAWALPINDI: Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has received the fifth dose of an intravitreal injection as part of his ongoing medical treatment, party officials said.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that Khan underwent a medical examination and was taken from Adiala Jail to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital late Sunday night.

According to Gohar, the PTI founder received the scheduled injection and was subsequently transferred back to Adiala Jail.

“I was informed this morning that the PTI founder underwent a follow-up checkup at PIMS,” Gohar said.

He reiterated the party’s demand that Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for medical care and that family members be granted access to meet him.

No official statement was immediately issued by prison authorities regarding the medical visit.

Punjab budget 2026-27 to be presented in assembly on June 16

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Punjab budget

Punjab: Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman will present the provincial budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in the assembly for approval on June 16.

The provincial minister will brief assembly members on key budget proposals and overall fiscal outlines, officials said.

Before its presentation, the budget will be approved by the provincial cabinet.

This will be the third budget of the Punjab government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Officials said the upcoming budget reflects the government’s “pro-people vision” and will focus on expanding provincial revenue, broadening the tax base, and promoting business and industrial growth.

Employment generation, education, healthcare, and social protection have been identified as key priorities, with existing welfare programmes expected to continue in the new fiscal year.

The finance minister said budget resources will be directly linked to public welfare initiatives, aiming to ensure broader economic and social development across the province.

Security forces kill 48 militants in 72 hours of operations in North Waziristan

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Security forces

RAWALPINDI:  Security forces killed 48 militants during operations in North Waziristan over a 72-hour period, the military’s media wing said Saturday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), troops conducted intelligence-based operations in Mir Ali and surrounding areas of North Waziristan, where 21 militants were killed in the latest action.

The ISPR said among those killed were identified militants including Khalid, Muftoon, Musa and Imran.

It added that a total of 48 militants, including four ring leaders, were killed during operations carried out over the past 72 hours. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the militants’ possession.

The military said the slain militants were involved in multiple terrorist activities, including attacks on security personnel and civilians.

ISPR added that sanitization operations are continuing in the area to eliminate remaining militants.

PM reiterates call for charter of democracy, dialogue with opposition

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PM reiterates

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif renewed his call for political dialogue with the opposition, urging progress toward a “Charter of Democracy” and a broader national consensus on governance and the economy.

Speaking during a National Assembly session, Sharif said that 22 security personnel were killed three days earlier, praising the sacrifices of the armed forces and saying their efforts protect millions of citizens from harm.

He stressed the need to respect those sacrifices, saying the children of martyrs are often left unaware of the loss of their fathers who “leave this world while protecting the nation’s children.”

The prime minister reiterated his invitation to the opposition to engage in dialogue on a Charter of Democracy and a Charter of Economy, saying political differences should not come in the way of national interest.

“Politics is our own, visions are our own, but Pakistan comes first,” he said, adding that the development of all provinces is his constitutional responsibility.

Sharif also pointed to development projects in Balochistan, including increased provincial shares under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and ongoing infrastructure initiatives.

He cited the Reko Diq mining project as an example of equitable resource distribution, saying Balochistan’s share in the project was transparent and publicly known.

The prime minister further noted that Balochistan’s NFC share was doubled in the 2010 award, and said federal and provincial contributions were being made toward the province’s development.

He added that a road project from Gwadar to Chaman is under construction to highway standards at a cost of 300 billion rupees, aimed at improving regional connectivity.

Pakistan unveils historic defence spending plan in new budget

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Pakistan unveils

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has proposed increasing the defence budget to Rs 3,000 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, according to official budget documents.

For the current fiscal year, the defence budget was initially set at Rs 2,550 billion, while the revised allocation has reached Rs 2,595 billion.

The new budget proposal also includes Rs 822 billion for military pensions, compared to Rs 742 billion allocated in the current fiscal year.

Under administrative expenditures, Rs 10.9 billion has been proposed for the next fiscal year. In the current year, these expenses were set at Rs 7.95 billion, while revised figures have increased to Rs 11.74 billion.

Personnel-related expenditures in the defence sector are projected at Rs 967 billion for the upcoming year, up from Rs 846 billion allocated in the current budget and Rs 851 billion in revised estimates.

Operational expenses are proposed at Rs 743 billion for the next fiscal year, compared to Rs 704 billion in the current year and Rs 721 billion in revised spending.

The proposed allocations reflect an overall increase in defence-related expenditures amid evolving security and administrative requirements.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the increase in Pakistan’s defense budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year was driven by internal security challenges in two provinces and broader border-related security concerns.

Speaking to media after presenting the federal budget, Aurangzeb said the government had to take into account the security situation along Pakistan’s borders while formulating defense allocations.

“The defense budget has been increased in view of security issues at two borders and the deteriorating law and order situation in two provinces,” he said.

India cannot digest its defeat, says Bilawal Bhutto

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India cannot

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that India “cannot digest its defeat” following what he described as last year’s attack on Pakistan.

Addressing a parliamentary party meeting, Bilawal Bhutto said India launched an aggression against Pakistan last year but faced defeat. He added that India is now talking about “Operation Sindoor 2,” claiming that New Delhi intends to weaken Pakistan.

Bilawal Bhutto further stated that parliamentary debates on the budget have always taken place in challenging circumstances, but this year’s biggest challenge was related to national security.

He also said that the meeting discussed the federal budget, Gilgit-Baltistan elections, and the situation in Kashmir.

The PPP chairman noted that the initial decision was to boycott the budget session until concerns were addressed. However, he said that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi requested participation in the session and assured that the party’s reservations would be resolved immediately.

PM Shehbaz says budget brings relief as economic stability achieved

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said Pakistan has achieved economic stability with the grace of Allah and the prayers of the nation, adding that this stability has enabled the government to provide relief to the public in the federal budget.

In a statement after the budget session, the prime minister thanked citizens for their patience and resilience during challenging economic conditions, saying they played a key role in supporting national recovery.

He said the government had promised that once economic stability was achieved, its benefits would be passed on directly to the people. “Alhamdulillah, the era of prosperity has now begun,” he said.

Shehbaz Sharif described the budget as one of relief and public welfare, adding that it reduces the burden on the salaried class and promotes exports, agriculture, industrial growth, investment, and overall economic development.

He said the main objective of the budget was to ensure that the benefits of economic stability reach ordinary citizens directly.