ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have agreed to accelerate trade deal talks, with the goal of finalizing it “at the earliest,” after a virtual meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick held to discuss US reciprocal tariffs on Pakistani exports.
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Govt curbs tax officers’ arrest powers after business backlash
ISLAMABAD: The government is rethinking sweeping new powers that would allow tax officers to arrest suspected tax evaders, responding to an outcry from businesses and lawmakers who fear the measures could lead to harassment and abuse.
Pakistan brings home 618 nationals from Iran and Iraq amid escalating Middle East conflict
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday repatriated another 618 of its nationals from Iran and Iraq as the conflict between Tehran and Israel intensifies, raising alarm over the safety of Pakistani citizens in the region, officials said.
Rare blue whale found dead in remote bay between Pakistan and Iran
KARACHI: A rare blue whale, one of the planet’s largest and most endangered creatures, was discovered dead on Monday in a remote stretch of Gwatar Bay, straddling the maritime border between Pakistan and Iran, intensifying concerns about the mounting threats to these ocean behemoths.
Pakistan slams fake video claiming nuclear threat against Israel
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign minister on Monday rejected a viral video falsely claiming the country would launch a nuclear attack on Israel if Israel struck Iran with nuclear weapons, calling it “irresponsible and false” amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
SBP stays put on rate, flags oil price risks from Middle East crisis
KARACHI: Pakistan’s central bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 11 percent on Monday, signaling a cautious stance as inflation edges higher and economic growth gathers pace.
Foreign Minister Dar says Iran open to talks if Israel halts attacks
By Staff Reporter ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Monday that Iran is willing to resume negotiating if Israel
Pakistan says oil stocks can weather Middle East storm, but risks linger
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan currently holds sufficient petroleum reserves and faces no immediate threat of supply disruptions, the finance ministry said on Monday, even as escalating tensions between Israel and Iran inject fresh volatility into global oil markets.
Senate panel rejects FBR’s tax fraud arrest powers
ISLAMABAD: A Senate committee on Sunday shot down a Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) proposal that would have let tax officials arrest suspected fraudsters during investigations without court approval.
Pakistan closes Iran border in Balochistan as Israel-Iran clashes trap pilgrims
By Staff Reporter ISLAMABAD: Pakistan indefinitely sealed its border with Iran across Balochistan’s Turbat, Panjgur, and Gwadar districts Sunday, reacting to the spiraling Israel-Iran conflict