Governance

Fiscal tightening helps balance the books, but deeper economic flaws are left unresolved ISLAMABAD, July 8– In a bid to rein in public spending and bring the economy back on track, Pakistan’s Finance Division has rolled out a new round of austerity measures for the fiscal year 2025-26. The policy, …

New Potohar Water Board proposed as CDA struggles with sector expansion, falling investor confidence, and a staggering supply shortfall ISLAMABAD, July 4: After more than a decade in bureaucratic freeze, the Tarbela Water Scheme—originally proposed in 2008—is being revived by the federal government in an urgent bid to address the …

Cement, textiles, shipping, and power sectors face shutdown risks as furnace oil prices surge over 80% under new fiscal regime ISLAMABAD, July 3 — A sweeping hike in furnace oil prices—driven by newly imposed petroleum and climate support levies effective July 1—has triggered alarm across Pakistan’s industrial and energy sectors. …

With over Rs80 in taxes per litre, government leans on fuel pricing to patch up fiscal shortfalls Islamabad, July 1 — The federal government has put up fuel prices once again, raising petrol by Rs8.36 to Rs266.79 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs10.39 to Rs272.98. The revised prices, …

As Pakistan enters new fiscal year, over 50 powerful institutions walk away with exemptions — while fuel, electricity, and daily life get costlier for the rest ISLAMABAD, July 1 — As the Finance Bill 2025-26 makes its way to presidential assent, a closer look reveals an unsettling pattern: the bill …

Early monsoon rains trigger deadly floods, exposing Pakistan’s unpreparedness amid escalating climate change impacts ISLAMABAD, June 28 – As monsoon rains arrive earlier than usual, triggering deadly floods and urban chaos, Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change has once again been laid bare. The unfolding season, forecasted to be longer and …

Court strikes blow to unaccountable rule, calls for refund of illegally collected taxes ISLAMABAD, June 28 — In a significant ruling set to reshape municipal governance in the federal capital, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the federal government to dissolve the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and transfer its …

By prioritising law enforcement over livelihoods, and control over care, the government’s fiscal message is clear: this budget is about governing unrest, not fixing its roots LAHORE, June 26 — In a move that has sparked sharp reactions from economists and rights observers alike, the Punjab government has earmarked a …

Islamabad’s anti-construction crackdown sparks sectoral backlash, exposing deep regulatory rifts and urban governance challenges ISLAMABAD, June 25 — The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized construction, warning that no building activity—whether residential or commercial—can proceed without formal approval from the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The …