BusinessEconomists say the FY2026-27 budget supports fiscal stability and IMF commitments but offers limited progress on structural reform. They say the next six to 12 months will be decisive for tax, energy and investment reforms.
CITYFuneral and burial costs in Rawalpindi have risen sharply following new taxes and fees, with total expenses now reaching Rs50,000 to Rs100,000. Residents say poorer families are struggling to cope and have urged authorities to provide free burial services.
NATIONALInspection visits to Hattar Industrial Estate have uncovered licensing, environmental, food safety and labour violations. Residents and officials say the findings expose weak oversight and gaps in enforcement.
CITYA doctor’s vacancy of more than a month has left the Rawalpindi District Courts dispensary effectively non-functional. Lawyers, court staff and litigants are seeking urgent government intervention.
Arts & CultureFMR Art Space has launched in Islamabad with its first exhibition, curated by Farrah Mehmood Rana. The show brings together 20 artists and up to 50 artworks by emerging, young and mid-career practitioners.
EducationPunjab’s C&W Department has declined to issue fitness certificates for private school buildings and has proposed third-party engineering audits instead. The plan followed recent building collapse incidents in Lahore and Khanewal.
BusinessISLAMABAD: Federal government debt rose to Rs82 trillion by the end of May, with domestic borrowing accounting for most of the increase. An AGP audit also raised objections over debt repayment budgeting and missing debt reporting requirements.
BusinessGold prices in Pakistan fell by Rs2,400 per tola on Monday, tracking losses in the international market as a stronger US dollar weighed on bullion. The local rate settled at Rs437,436 per tola.
BusinessOgra will meet oil marketing companies on July 8 as the industry seeks resolution of delayed claims, stagnant margins and repeated pricing changes. The sector says unpaid price differential claims have crossed Rs66 billion.
BusinessPakistan’s cement dispatches rose to 50.58 million tons in FY26 as domestic demand strengthened alongside a recovery in construction activity and lower policy rates. Brokerage reports expect budget support and expanded housing finance to further aid the sector.
NATIONALPakistan’s armed forces on Monday marked the martyrdom anniversary of Havildar Lalak Jan Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider. ISPR said the services chiefs paid tribute to his courage and sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
EntertainmentPakistani drama Bhanwar has brought the threat of AI deepfakes into mainstream storytelling through the story of a journalist targeted with a fabricated apology video. The show’s themes align with wider debate in Pakistan over AI regulation and digital likeness protections.
