Editorial

Opinion

Pakistan’s Budget 2026-27 offers more relief than expected, cutting the top income tax rate and abolishing supertax for individuals and firms. Still, growth targets face oil and IMF programme uncertainty.

Opinion

A national IT skills competency test found weak graduate performance: most students scored below 50%. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered third-party evaluation, highlighting outdated university curricula.

Opinion

Pakistan’s budget faces a revenue gap and higher spending needs, so the Centre proposes asking provinces to return parts of NFC-linked transfers. Experts warn this accounting fix won’t solve long-term fiscal problems.

Opinion

Gilgit-Baltistan polls returned PPP as the frontrunner with gains in the 24-seat House, while PTI fell to two seats. PTI alleges fraud, as climate risks and Kashmir role remain key issues.

Opinion

Pakistan’s new small trader scheme lets retailers with up to Rs200m sales opt into a 1% turnover tax and avoid audits and digital invoicing. Critics call it a political concession that weakens broader tax reforms.

Opinion

Final tax proposals now go to the Prime Minister, balancing income tax relief for salaried people and demands from business, before IMF vetoes can apply. Key issues include company dividend tax and mobile phone relief.

Opinion

The federal government’s turnover tax plan replaces the failed Tajir Dost scheme, offering traders a 1% levy on turnover and reduced audits. Officials target Rs 250 billion in the first year but face questions on losses, estimates, and tax compliance.

Opinion

The House voted to require Trump to withdraw forces from Iran unless Congress declares war or authorizes military force, underscoring voter unease and testing the War Powers framework.

Opinion

Distribution companies propose higher fixed charges for industry to favor grid electricity over solar. The IMF wants grid-exit data, and officials face pressure to cut tariffs.

Opinion

Cotton acreage falls to the lowest in 50 years as farmers shift to sugarcane and rice using solar tubewells. The textile industry now faces output gaps and higher imports.

Opinion

A fragile ceasefire holds but could unravel fast as the US and Iran resume negotiations under pressure from Israel’s Lebanon actions. Pakistan and partners urge good faith to prevent renewed war.