NATIONALThe federal government has cut the PSDP by Rs173 billion, reducing the development budget to Rs837 billion. Officials said the move was aimed at protecting the IMF-linked fiscal target amid the impact of the Middle East conflict.
NATIONALThe federal government has announced a nationwide crackdown on illegal cigarette sales, with provinces set to intensify enforcement. A new Oxford Economics report says illicit cigarettes account for more than half of Pakistan’s tobacco market.
BusinessFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has called for an early review of IMF surcharges at the G-24 meeting. He also discussed Pakistan's IMF programme, Eurobond payments and Middle East-related economic risks with a US Treasury official.
EducationThe Board of Intermediate Education Karachi has said the first phase of annual intermediate exams for 2026 will begin on April 29. Private candidates who do not receive admit cards by April 25 can obtain duplicate copies from April 27.
BusinessThe IMF has cut Pakistan’s growth forecast for the next fiscal year to 3.5% and raised its inflation estimate to 8.4% in its latest World Economic Outlook. The lender said the Middle East conflict poses risks to Pakistan and the wider global economy.
BusinessThe Engineering Development Board has introduced a new code of conduct for commercial imports of used vehicles. The rules cover company eligibility, tax compliance, inspections, record-keeping and after-sales obligations.
BusinessMaritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has urged rice exporters to target $10 billion in exports during a visit to REAP in Karachi. He also highlighted port reforms, dredging work and new trade facilitation measures.
ForeignA report says Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received international recognition for his diplomatic role during the Iran-US-Israel crisis. It also said sentiment analysis for April 5-11, 2026 ranked him the most positively viewed world leader globally.
EnvironmentThree rare turtle species — loggerhead, olive ridley and green turtles — were found dead along Balochistan’s coast over 20 days. WWF-Pakistan said the incident is alarming and has raised concern over threats to marine life.
NATIONALSindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed authorities to speed up wheat procurement for rabi 2025-26 after reviewing slow progress. He also ordered priority for small farmers registered under the provincial support programme.
BusinessThe SECP has licensed KOKO TECH Pakistan, owned by Alibaba.com Holdings, to operate a BNPL business in Pakistan. An official statement said the move reflects investor confidence in Pakistan’s digital economy and financial sector.
CITYThe Sindh Food Authority says it seized 25,000 to 30,000 expired beverage bottles from a warehouse in the Hali Road area and sealed the facility. Officials also imposed a Rs300,000 fine and said the stock's expiry dates were being changed at the godown.
