ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s poverty rate climbed to almost 29% in the fiscal year ending in 2025, as a string of crises from the COVID-19 pandemic to high inflation and massive floods took a toll on households, a government report showed on Friday, even as the economy began to show some recovery.
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Pakistan launches crypto sandbox to test digital assets under regulator’s watch
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority unveiled a testing framework for cryptocurrencies on Friday, marking a key step in the South Asian nation’s push to oversee the burgeoning digital asset sector while fostering innovation.
Jailed PTI leaders urge suspension of protests during Ramadan, condemn Zardari’s remarks on Khan
LAHORE: Five jailed senior leaders of Pakistan’s opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Friday urged the party to suspend all protest activities during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and shift focus to parliamentary politics, while condemning President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent remarks about the party’s incarcerated founder, Imran Khan.
Magnitude 5.9 quake shakes northwest Pakistan, no casualties reported
ISLAMABAD: A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck parts of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said, with tremors felt across several districts but no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
Sharif, Rubio discuss minerals, counter-terrorism at US peace forum
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of a new international peace forum in Washington, where the two discussed deepening cooperation on minerals, energy and counter-terrorism as Islamabad seeks more American investment to shore up its economy.
PTI criticises PM Sharif’s decision to join Board of Peace without parliamentary debate
ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Friday lambasted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for attending the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, renewing its objections to Islamabad’s decision to join the body without broader consultations, while a senior figure from coalition partner called for parliamentary scrutiny of a recent US deal on a landmark New York hotel.
IMF sees economic stability in Pakistan before key review talks
KARACHI: Pakistan’s efforts to overhaul its economy under a $7 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund have delivered tangible gains, stabilising growth and restoring investor confidence after years of turmoil, a senior IMF official said.
Security forces kill four militants in northwest operation amid rising attacks
ISLAMABAD: The security forces killed four militants linked to an Indian-backed group in an overnight operation in the northwestern district of Lakki Marwat, the military said on Thursday, amid a surge in attacks in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Pakistan signs deal with US to revamp NYC’s Roosevelt Hotel
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the US have inked a memorandum of understanding to jointly pursue the redevelopment of New York’s historic Roosevelt Hotel, a move that could unlock significant value from one of Islamabad’s most prized overseas assets while bolstering bilateral economic relations.
Trump praises Sharif, credits self with halting India-Pakistan clash at peace board launch
ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s top military leader during the inaugural meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday, crediting himself with averting a full-scale war between Pakistan and India last year.