BusinessPakistan’s telecom industry has proposed tax cuts and duty reductions for the 2026-27 budget, saying the measures would improve affordability, expand broadband and support digital inclusion. The sector says high taxes and rising costs are constraining investment and network growth.
BusinessThe SECP said it registered 4,082 companies in April 2026, the highest monthly total in Pakistan’s corporate history. The total number of registered companies has now reached 294,101.
NATIONALThe National Assembly finance panel has deferred a bill that would expand banks’ powers over mortgaged properties after borrower default. Lawmakers also raised concerns over fiscal space for the government’s 500,000-home financing plan.
BusinessThe Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry has presented budget proposals to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, focusing on industrial revival, exports and tax reform. The chamber also urged steps to reduce business costs and improve policy stability.
BusinessISLAMABAD: Pakistan loses an estimated Rs350 billion annually to the illicit cigarette trade, the commerce minister was told in a meeting with a PMI delegation. Participants also highlighted weak enforcement, under-reporting and gaps in traceability.
CITYJinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre held a fire safety and disaster preparedness workshop in Karachi with a live drill led by Rescue 1122. Officials said rapid evacuation, timely alerts and wider public awareness are key to reducing losses in emergencies.
CITYKARACHI: The Karachi University Teachers' Society has decided to continue its examination boycott and warned that the protest could escalate into a complete shutdown amid financial and administrative concerns.
CITYPakistan Rangers (Sindh) said five suspected members of the Tees Mar Khan and Commando Group were arrested in an intelligence-based operation in North Nazimabad. Weapons, mobile phones and cash were recovered, while further raids are under way.
CITYA National Assembly panel was told that 17,000 children in 30 Islamabad union councils remain out of school. The committee also reviewed private school regulation, free admissions and the Cambridge Mathematics paper leak.
WorldOil prices rose about 1% after renewed US-Iran fighting raised concerns over the fragile ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz. Brent climbed to $101.26 a barrel and WTI to $95.66.
NATIONALA NAB investigation into the Islamabad Cooperative Housing Society has found nearly 36,000 allegedly illegal plot files issued without sufficient land. Seven suspects have been arrested and financial irregularities exceeding Rs16 billion have been detected.
CITYA 16-year-old girl was allegedly shot dead by her father in Dhoke Noor, Rawalpindi, in what police described as an honour-related killing. Police said a case has been registered and raids are under way to arrest the suspect.
