ISLAMABAD: The government-backed crypto body will meet next week to draft regulations for digital assets, a push to integrate the technology that clashes with an active ban on cryptocurrency transactions and central bank skepticism.
Economy
Aurangzeb, Greer open talks to avert Trump’s 29pc reciprocal tariffs
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally begun negotiations with the United States to tackle newly imposed reciprocal tariffs, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer launching the process via a conference call on Friday, a senior official said.
Budget set for June 10 despite Eid holiday overlap
ISLAMABAD: The federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 will stick to its June 10 unveiling, shrugging off speculation of a delay tied to the Eidul Azha holidays, a top finance official said on Thursday.
Inflation seen at 1.5-2pc in May
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s inflation is expected to ease to between 1.5% and 2% in May, building on a record-low 0.3% in April, as cooling prices signal a strengthening economic recovery.
Pakistan unveils first government-led strategic bitcoin reserve
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Crypto and Blockchain, Bilal Bin Saqib, unveiled the country’s first government-led strategic bitcoin reserve at Bitcoin Vegas 2025, signaling the country’s entry into the global digital finance landscape
PIA privatisation deadline pushed to June 13
ISLAMABAD: The government has extended the deadline for potential buyers to express interest in acquiring Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to June 13, the Privatisation Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, as it presses ahead with efforts to offload the long-struggling national flag carrier.
Bilal Bin Saqib named blockchain adviser to PM Shehbaz
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tapped Bilal Bin Saqib, the chief executive officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), as his special assistant on blockchain and cryptocurrency, granting him the status of a minister of state.
FM Aurangzeb promises bold budget reforms
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Monday the government has planned a “strategic” budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, promising bold steps to reshape an economy battered by import reliance and fiscal instability.
Sharif, Erdogan reaffirm ties, discuss India clash in Ankara talks
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday, reaffirming their nations’ close ties and tackling regional security concerns, including a recent military flare-up with India that nearly escalated into full-blown conflict.
Pakistan allocates 2,000MW to power Bitcoin mining, AI data centers
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has allocated 2,000 megawatts of electricity to power Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence data centers, marking a significant step in its bid to position itself as a global digital hub.