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ISLAMABAD — Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced on Friday that Pakistan has saved Rs143 billion on power subsidies. This significant saving stems from structural reforms in the energy sector implemented over the past year. Energy Sector Reforms Increase Efficiency Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the government’s efforts to restructure the energy sector. These reforms have notably increased efficiency. The result is that Pakistan is now better positioned to allocate resources more effectively, thereby reducing the financial burden from subsidies. Economic Growth through Reform The finance minister highlighted the critical role of these energy reforms in preparing Pakistan for ongoing economic growth. The government’s commitment stays strong towards maintaining energy stability and affordability. Citizen Benefits and Energy Security Continuous reforms enhance the country’s energy security and affordability, ensuring long-term sustainability. The government aims to provide stable and affordable energy access for all citizens across Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD — Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Finance and Revenue Minister of Pakistan, announced that the country’s IT exports have surged by more than 20% annually. These exports are now nearing the $4.5 billion target for this financial year. IT Sector: A Key Growth Engine The IT sector is rapidly becoming a primary driver of Pakistan’s export growth. It plays a significant role in advancing economic development and strengthening the national economy. Government Initiatives Driving Success The Minister emphasized the technology sector’s robust performance, which aligns closely with the government’s strategic efforts. These strategies focus on: Strengthening digital infrastructure Encouraging economic diversification Boosting overall economic growth Such initiatives are designed to lay a solid foundation for continued growth in IT exports.

The government has introduced significant tax relief measures as part of the Federal Budget 2026-27. These initiatives aim to ease financial pressure on salaried individuals, businesses, and exporters. Benefiting Sectors Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, announced that the relief will benefit key sectors. These include construction, the IT industry, and women’s health products. Goals of Tax Relief Reducing Tax Liabilities One major goal is to reduce tax liabilities for both individuals and businesses. Encouraging Investment The measures encourage an increase in investments by creating a more favorable economic climate. Documenting the Economy This plan aims to improve economic documentation, making financial systems more transparent. Boosting Economic Growth Boosting overall economic growth is another important objective of these tax policies. Senator Aurangzeb emphasized the significance of these actions in promoting economic expansion and fostering a more inclusive financial environment. Impact and Industry Response The government’s focus on significant sectors and groups is intended to provide immediate fiscal relief. This strategy aims to nurture an investment-friendly climate and support ongoing economic growth.

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a notable bullish trend on Friday. The KSE-100 Index soared by over 2,696 points, marking a 1.59 percent rise and closing at 172,399.90 points. Market Trends The impressive rise of the KSE-100 Index follows a positive trend observed in the previous trading session. Before this surge, the index was positioned at 169,703.60 points. Investor Confidence Improved market conditions have significantly boosted investor confidence. This boost played a crucial role in the index’s upward movement. Analysts suggest that this positive trend demonstrates renewed trust among market participants. Given the current optimism, experts predict that the market may continue its positive momentum in the coming sessions.

ISLAMABAD — On Monday, police commandos, alongside officials from Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), successfully delivered the FY2026-27 federal budget to Parliament House. The important documents, securely held in physical boxes, were transported efficiently to their destination. Enhanced Security Measures Comprehensive security protocols were in place to protect the budget documents during transit. Vigilant personnel maintained a strong presence outside Parliament House to ensure these sensitive materials were safely transferred. Significance of Budget Presentation The presentation of the FY2026-27 budget is a pivotal event in Pakistan’s legislative calendar. The National Assembly now embarks on the critical task of reviewing this essential financial plan. This budget outlines the economic framework and strategic priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials have securely delivered the FY2026-27 federal budget to the Parliament House in Islamabad, accompanied by police commandos. This operation ensures the safety and confidentiality of the budget documents. Enhanced Security Measures To safeguard sensitive financial information, strict security protocols were enforced during the budget’s transport. Such precautions are critical until the details are officially released to the public. Timely Delivery for Budget Session The timely delivery of the budget documents is crucial for the parliamentary budget session. During this session, the government will discuss fiscal policies and apportion resources across various sectors. These discussions establish the financial agenda for the upcoming year.

ISLAMABAD — The federal government has allocated Rs 11.57 billion for four ongoing projects under the Revenue Division within the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2026-27. This allocation aims to bolster infrastructure and enhance capacity within the Revenue Division. Revenue Improvement Initiatives These projects are designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of revenue collection mechanisms. This significant financial commitment reflects the government’s dedication to economic reforms and improved public sector administration. Understanding the PSDP The Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) is a vital component of Pakistan’s annual budget. It finances a range of development projects nationwide, playing a crucial role in driving economic growth. The allocation for the Revenue Division projects represents a strategic focus on fiscal improvement for the upcoming year.

ISLAMABAD — The federal government has allocated Rs 10,902.5 million for the Defence Division under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2026-27. This budget supports 19 ongoing projects and 12 new initiatives, as outlined in the PSDP document. Ongoing Defence Projects The following ongoing projects will receive financial allocations: Rs 2,550 million for the New Gwadar International Airport Rs 1,000 million dedicated to modernizing the Hydromet Services of the Pakistan Meteorological Department Rs 1,152.5 million for the NIHD Center of Excellence for Preventive Cardiovascular Research Rs 1,053.8 million for the Quantum Valley Pakistan (Phase-1) Rs 1,000 million allocated for the expansion of the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology Rs 500 million for constructing a Rainwater Harvesting Dam at Islamabad International Airport New Initiatives in the Defence Division The budget supports various new projects, including: Rs 500 million for building the National Defence University FCS Campus at the Defence Complex Islamabad Rs 200 million for enhancing IT infrastructure at the Faculty of Security Studies at the NDU Rs 180.202 million for establishing a new FG Public School in the Defence Complex Rs 100 million allocated for feasibility and design studies for an airport in Mirpur (AJK) Defence Production Division Funding The Defence Production Division has earmarked Rs 979.84 million for two ongoing projects: Rs 820.939 million for upgrading infrastructure at KS&W Rs 158.901 million for establishing a Project Management Cell to develop a shipyard at Gwadar

ISLAMABAD — The federal government has allocated Rs 21.825 billion to the Ministry of Interior for the fiscal year 2026-27. This allocation falls under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), supporting both ongoing and new projects. Focus on Operational Capacity The primary aim of the budget allocation is to enhance the Ministry of Interior’s operational capacity. A significant portion is dedicated to improving public safety measures throughout Pakistan. However, specific project details have yet to be disclosed. Investment in Public Safety This substantial financial investment signals the government’s strong commitment to national security and public safety. These priorities are essential for achieving wider economic growth and developmental goals across the country.

ISLAMABAD — Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has unveiled the Federal Budget 2026-27 at Parliament House in the National Assembly. This announcement drew significant public interest and spotlighted Pakistan’s fiscal policies and economic strategy. Citizens nationwide followed the budgetary details closely as they emerged. Key Focus Areas of Economic Plan The budget unveiling heightened anticipation as the government detailed its economic plan for the coming year. The main focus areas include: Public spending Taxation Measures to stimulate economic growth Commitment to Sustainable Development Finance Minister Aurangzeb highlighted the government’s commitment to sustainable economic development. The initiatives are crafted to balance fiscal responsibility with improvements in social welfare. Strategic Goals for Sectoral Growth The strategy aims to strengthen infrastructure, health, and education sectors. This comprehensive approach is designed to foster substantial growth in Pakistan’s economy.