Editorial

Opinion

US-Iran talks are at an early stage, with major disputes over Strait of Hormuz tolls, nuclear verification by the IAEA, and how confiscated assets will be returned.

Opinion

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian’s one-day trip to Islamabad—his first abroad this year—acknowledges Pakistan’s crisis role and urges a common Muslim front amid Israel-linked tensions and peace-talk spoilers.

Opinion

Pakistani lawmakers face growing pressure as population demands jobs, schools, and healthcare while climate change drives water stress, migration, and extreme weather. They urge better budget alignment with Sustainable Development Goals.

Opinion

Sindh reduced agriculture R&D by 57% for FY27, limiting research expansion as climate stress and disease outbreaks hit farms. The cut risks lower yields, food security, and higher import dependence.

Opinion

Iran’s warning to close the Hormuz Strait underscores escalating fallout from Israel’s Lebanon bombings despite a newly signed ceasefire. Talks loom in Switzerland but risks persist across the region.

Opinion

A dispute over customs duties for electric vehicle imports pits two IMF programmes against each other, leaving Pakistan’s ministries to reconcile contradictory requirements.

Opinion

The US and Iran sign a ceasefire in a rushed electronic process, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing oil prices, while a 60-day nuclear talks window begins.

Opinion

The US released a memorandum ending its conflict with Iran and restarting nuclear talks. But Trump says the ceasefire prevents an economic crisis while threatening renewed attacks if Iran won’t comply.

Opinion

Pakistan’s finance minister says the Strait of Hormuz reopening after a US-Iran ceasefire won’t quickly return the economy to normal. Oil prices may ease, but LNG supply, damages, and lower tax revenues could strain IMF targets.

Opinion

Punjab presented the 2026-27 budget without imposing new taxes or changing existing rates. The Punjab Revenue Authority’s target rose 55% to Rs 528.5bn, alongside Rs 546bn to the federal government.

Opinion

Pakistan helped broker a US-Iran agreement for signing in Geneva, but cautious timelines remain. Meanwhile, the State Bank holds the policy rate at 11.5% despite easing oil prices, warning against premature cuts.

Opinion

Negotiations to end the US-Iran war are nearly signed, restoring access to the Hormuz Strait. The deal brings a 60-day nuclear deadline—while Israel’s role looms.