In a bid to stabilise soaring sugar prices and curb market volatility, the Sugar Advisory Board on Monday approved the import of 500,000 tonnes of the commodity, amid concerns over supply chain disruptions and alleged non-compliance by millers. The decision was taken at a board meeting chaired by Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, who announced that all forma
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the formation of three specialised committees — the Digital Payments Innovation and Adoption Committee, the Digital Public Infrastructure Committee, and the Government Payments Committee — to promote a cashless economy across the country. These sub-committees will present recommendations to facilitate payments between citizens and businesses, rai
The Gilgit-Baltistan finance minister on Monday unveiled the region’s Rs148.63 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26. The budget was presented by Speaker Nazir Ahmed Advocate. Addressing the session, Finance Minister Muhammad Ismail said Rs88.19bn has been allocated for non-development and Rs37bn billion for development expenditures. As per the minister, the region will get Rs80bn in fed
As the government announced a modest tax relief for the lower income slabs, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday introduced three new tax measures in the National Assembly to offset its revenue impact — part of the country’s ongoing commitment to remain within the fiscal parameters agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In his winding-up speech, Mr Aurangzeb informed the Na
Despite India’s heavy subsidies on exports, Pakistan’s rice shipments remained largely unaffected due to a strategy adopted by local exporters that prioritised agility and quality. India recently re-entered the international rice market after a two-year hiatus imposed to ensure domestic food security. The lifting of export bans by New Delhi generated considerable excitement in Indian media, whi