ISLAMABAD: Pakistan confirmed on Thursday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” in Washington next week, as Islamabad pushes for a lasting resolution to the Palestinian conflict amid broader diplomatic efforts in the region.
Top Stories
Pakistan’s government debt climbs to Rs78.5 trln despite fiscal surplus
KARACHI: Pakistan’s total government debt rose to Rs78.5 trillion by the end of December, up 0.82% from mid-year levels, as the cash-strapped South Asian nation continued to rely heavily on domestic borrowing amid tight external financing, central bank data showed on Wednesday.
Ex-army chief Bajwa in ICU after fall at home – family
ISLAMABAD: Former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa was admitted to an intensive care unit after suffering a head injury in a fall at his home, family sources said on Wednesday, adding that he was stable and out of danger.
Supreme Court orders medical check for Imran Khan’s eye, allows calls to children
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday ordered the formation of a medical team to examine former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s eye condition and directed that he be allowed to speak by phone with his children, both steps to be completed before Feb. 16.
Nepra imposes fixed power charges on low-usage households, cuts industrial rates
ISLAMABAD: The power regulator on Wednesday introduced fixed monthly charges for domestic electricity consumers using up to 300 units a month for the first time, expanding a fee structure previously limited to higher-consumption households, while slashing rates for industrial users in a bid to ease burdens on key sectors.
PM Sharif directs appeal against power regulator’s solar net-metering changes
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the Power Division to file a review appeal against recent changes by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) that shift solar consumers from net-metering to net-billing, amid widespread criticism from lawmakers.
National Assembly accepts resignation of Baloch leader Mengal
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday accepted the resignation of Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the veteran politician and chief of his faction of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-M), more than a year after it was submitted amid escalating tensions in the restive southwestern province.
SBP chief sees growth up to 4.75 percent this year, rebuffing IMF downgrade
KARACHI: Pakistan’s central bank governor pushed back against a recent downgrade of the country’s growth outlook by the International Monetary Fund, arguing that the economic recovery is proving broader and more resilient than headline trade figures suggest.
Defence minister rebukes opposition leader over army remarks in heated parliament session
ISLAMABAD: Defence minister on Wednesday lambasted the opposition leader in parliament for remarks that he said belittled the sacrifices of the armed forces, amid a heated exchange that underscored ongoing tensions between the government and critics over the military’s role in national affairs.
Auto sales hit 43-month high in January on lower rates, new models
KARACHI: Pakistan’s auto industry posted robust growth in January, with sales of cars, pickups, vans and sport utility vehicles reaching a 43-month high of 23,055 units, driven by new-year registrations and improving economic conditions, an analyst said.