In March 2022, Pakistan made headlines when Mark Bristow signed a landmark agreement to launch the country's largest-ever copper and gold mining projecta symbol of traditional resource extraction. Three years later, in March 2025, a new frontier emerged with the formation of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), aiming to mine a different kind of gold: digital. From proposals to use idle electricity
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman on Monday presented a Rs5,335 billion budget for fiscal year 2025–26 in the provincial assembly, terming it a "people-friendly" plan aligned with the development vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The provincial cabinet, led by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, approved the budget ahead of the session. CM Maryam addressed th
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided to maintain the policy interest rate at 11% in its latest monetary policy statement, citing expectations of stabilised inflation and gradual economic recovery. According to the SBP, inflation in May rose by 3.5%, and it is expected to align with the target range in FY26. Despite a consistent rise in the trade deficit, the current account remained
In the national budget for fiscal year 2025-26, real estate and construction have got some incentives, and key agricultural inputs, including fertilisers and pesticides, have been kept untaxed. Though appreciable under an ideal situation, pampering these sectors without taking enough care of small industrialists and the urban middle class could widen the divide between the ruling elite — with t
While the government may tout improved economic stewardship, for ordinary Pakistanis, life remains extremely difficult. Besides the challenge of making ends meet, basic public services — such as dependable water supply, affordable gas and electricity, and decent job opportunities — are either inadequate or out of reach. The situation has been harsh, and the budget presented last week offers lit