KARACHI: The current account deficit widened to $245 million in August 2025, up from a revised $379 million shortfall in July and a $82 million deficit a year earlier, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed on Thursday, signaling challenges in sustaining the external account stability that delivered a rare annual surplus last fiscal year.
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IHC bench halts order to oust telecom chief over illegal appointment
ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad High Court bench on Thursday suspended a ruling ordering the removal of retired Major-General Hafeezur Rehman as chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), granting him interim relief in a legal dispute over his appointment’s legality.
New witness claims pressure to undervalue luxury Saudi royal gift in Imran Khan graft case
ISLAMABAD: New witness statements have emerged in Toshakhana-2 corruption case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, with an appraiser alleging he was coerced into undervaluing a luxury Bulgari jewellery set gifted by Saudi royalty, Dawn reported on Thursday.
Nadeem overcomes shaky start to reach javelin final in Tokyo
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem overcame early stumbles to secure a spot in the men’s javelin final at the World Athletics Championships on Wednesday, qualifying with an 85.28-meter throw.
LHC hears petition challenging sales tax on sanitary napkins
RAWALPINDI: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday heard arguments in a constitutional petition challenging the sales tax on women’s sanitary napkins, with the petitioner contending that the levy stigmatises a basic health necessity as a luxury good and deepens gender inequality.
Pakistan’s satellite internet push nears finish line, but regulatory hurdles persist – reports
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is on the cusp of a high-speed internet revolution as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) finalizes preparations to introduce satellite-based internet services, with at least five global players eyeing entry into the South Asian market, Dawn newspaper reported on Thursday.
Pakistan warns UN of terror threat from Afghan sanctuaries
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has warned the UN Security Council that terrorist groups operating from safe havens in Afghanistan pose the greatest threat to its national security, urging robust international action to dismantle networks exploiting both physical and digital platforms to target the country.
Punjab to launch survey of flood damage as Sutlej surge threatens south
LAHORE: The Punjab government will soon launch a comprehensive survey to assess the toll of floods that have ravaged 28 districts, officials said Wednesday, as teams race to drain stagnant water, restore roads, and curb disease outbreaks.
Pakistan, Iran sign trade pacts targeting $10 billion in bilateral commerce
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran signed a raft of protocols on Wednesday aimed at enhancing bilateral trade to $10 billion annually, a near tripling of current levels.
Civilians, policeman, militants among nine dead in Balochistan violence
ISLAMABAD: Four civilians and a policeman were killed in attacks across southwestern Balochistan province over two days, while security forces killed five militants in a counter-operation, officials said on Wednesday, the latest violence to hit the insurgency-torn region bordering Iran and Afghanistan.