The estimated current expenditure for the financial year 2026–27 had been set at Rs1,415 billion. However, due to additional requirements in various sectors, it increased to Rs1,433 billion, according to budget documents.

The documents said under current expenditures, an additional Rs1.38 billion was earmarked for the Tribal Affairs Department, Rs1.29 billion for the local government, Rs7.5 billion for the local bodies, and Rs7.35 billion for relief activities.

READ MORE: KP unveils Rs2.17trn deficit budget

Similarly, Rs3 billion were earmarked for the merged districts and Rs1.46 billion for the transport sector.

According to the budget document, the development budget was Rs547 billion, but through the supplementary budget it was increased to Rs608 billion. This represents a total increase of Rs71.73 billion in development expenditures.

To further improve the law and order situation, an additional Rs7.1 billion had been allocated for the purchase of armoured vehicles for the police, the budget documents revealed.

The documents said an additional Rs40.43 billion had been released for the Peshawar Revitalization Project to further improve infrastructure and urban facilities in the provincial capital.

Additional funds have also been allocated for education, irrigation, and energy sectors. Rs1.95 billion were to be spent on primary and secondary education, while Rs2.97 billion on irrigation and energy projects.

The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, said the purpose of the supplementary budget was to ensure public welfare, timely completion of development projects, improvement of law and order, and provision of basic facilities so that the pace of development in the province could be accelerated.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb presented demands for grants in the House for approval.

The House rejected cut motions moved by opposition members, mostly from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), numbering over 200, on the demands for grants of the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Finance, and the Cabinet Division.

On the defence and security front, the House sailed through nearly Rs3 trillion in demands for grants for Defence Services without a single objection from either side of the aisle, including the opposition PTI.

READ MORE: Aurangzeb moves Finance Bill in Senate amid protest

It also approved Rs17.1 billion for the Defence Division, Rs298.05 billion for the Combined Civil Armed Forces, Rs21.65 billion for the Airports Security Force (ASF), and Rs21.82 billion each for the Interior and Narcotics Control divisions.

On the intelligence and accountability front, the House also quietly cleared hefty allocations of Rs22.96 billion for the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Rs7.74 billion for the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), with the approvals sailing through without any visible resistance.

About Atomic Energy and the nuclear sector, the House passed Rs22.58 billion for Atomic Energy, Rs2.36 billion for Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, and Rs1.34 billion for Capital Outlay for Atomic Energy.

The House also approved 12 demands for grants worth over Rs4,282 billion for the Ministry of Finance, while rejecting 100 cut motions submitted by the opposition.

For Housing, Planning and Development, the House passed Rs142.694 million for Naya Pakistan Housing Authority, Rs5.93 billion in demands for grants for Housing & Works Division, Rs9.58 billion for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Rs27.63 billion for Development Planning Division and Rs16.39 billion for Civil Works (Capital) for the financial year ending June 30, 2027.

About Information/IT/Media, the House approved demands for grants of Rs11.01 billion for Information and Broadcasting, Rs15.9 billion for Miscellaneous Information & Broadcasting, Rs22.5 billion for IT & Telecommunication Division and Rs19.58 billion for Development IT Division.

About demands for grants for Transport and Communication, Rs354.958 million for Communications Division, and Rs36.14 billion for other Communications expenditure.

For Pakistan Post Office – Rs25.54 billion; Railways Division – Rs70.48 billion; Communications Development Loans – Rs59.26 billion; Communications Development Projects – Rs4.44 billion for the financial year ending June 30, 2027. Demands for grants for Education and Training: the House approved Federal Education Division – Rs42.75 billion; Higher Education Commission (HEC) – Rs66.43 billion; NAVTTC (total) – Rs8.99 billion; and Education Development – Rs28.41 billion. For Health and Social Services, the House approved Rs37.22 billion.

For Law and Justice Division – Rs11.12 billion; Federal Judicial Academy – Rs354.570 million; Federal Shariat Court – Rs1.13 billion; District Judiciary ICT – Rs1.85 billion; National Assembly – Rs9.04 billion; Senate – Rs3.22 billion; Parliamentary Affairs – Rs1.21 billion; and Council of Islamic Ideology – Rs322.355 million.

About Water/Environment/ Climate: Climate Change Division – Rs1.32 billion; Water Resources Division – Rs4.24 billion; Water Development Loans – Rs55.25 billion; and Climate Development Projects – Rs2.48 billion.

About Science/Technology/ Industry: Science & Technology Division – Rs15.97 billion; SUPARCO – Rs4.90 billion; Industries & Production – Rs22.88 billion; and Industrial Development (Capital) – Rs6.66 billion, etc.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Pattern of Shareholding

As of December 31, 2025, the company has a total of 599.084 million shares outstanding which are held by 2688 shareholders. Associated companies, undertakings and related parties have the majority stake of 91.41 percent in AGL followed by Banks, DFIs and NBFIs holding 3.78 percent shares. Local general public accounts for 1.92 percent shares of the company while 1.062 percent shares are held by public sector companies & corporations. The remaining shares are held by other categories of shareholders.

Historical Performance (2019-25)

Except for a year-on-year drop in 2020, AGL’s topline has posted staggering growth over the period under consideration. Despite that, the company is unable to post net profit in any of the years except 2023 and 2025. In fact, in 2020, the company was not even able to post gross profit. AGL’s gross and operating margins which came out of the negative zone in 2019 fell back into the same ditch in 2020. Gross and operating margins took an upward flight thereafter until 2024. In 2025, operating margin continued to strengthen but gross margin tapered off. AGL’s net margin stayed in the negative zone in all the years except 2023 and 2025. The detailed performance review of the period under consideration is given below.

In 2019, AGL’s topline boasted a tremendous 168.55 percent year-on-year growth to clock in at Rs.12,174,42 million. The growth was an industry-wide phenomenon due to robust return on major crops which increased the purchasing power of farmers. The fertilizer production across the industry also grew by 10 percent during the year due to better gas supply. During 2019, AGL produced 338 KT of Urea which is 2.5 times of the production volume achieved by the company in 2018. The sales volume also grew from 101KT in 2018 to 320KT in 2019, registering a 216.83 percent growth. The cost of sales also grew by 117.43 percent in 2019 due to steep rise in the prices of raw and packing material as well as fuel and power. Yet, AGL was able to post gross profit of Rs.1573.07 million in 2019 as against gross loss of Rs.342.34 million posted in 2018. GP ratio for 2019 stood at 12.92 percent. High freight charges pushed the distribution cost up by 208.45 percent in 2019. Administrative expense grew by 34 percent in 2019 which largely signifies market induced rise in salaries and wages, travelling and conveyance as well as utility charges. Other expense nosedived by around 99.57 percent during 2019 due to lesser provisioning done against doubtful receivables. Conversely, other income multiplied by over 4300 percent in 2019 due to reversal of late payment surcharge (LPS) and present value adjustment of GIDC in 2019. This greatly buttressed the operating results of AGL in 2019 and the company posted an operating profit of Rs.2,329.41 million in 2019 as against operating loss of Rs.1057.09 million in 2018. OP margin for 2019 hovered around 19.13 percent. However, the joy appeared to be momentary as 27.80 percent year-on-year hike in finance cost didn’t allow the impressive operating performance to cascade down, resulting in net loss of Rs.652.78 million in 2019, down 80.48 percent year-on-year. Loss per share stood at Rs.1.66 in 2019 as against loss per share of Rs.8.52 in 2018. It is to be noted that AGL had a huge debt-to-equity ratio of 66 percent as of December, 31, 2019, hence finance cost stood at 27 percent of its topline in 2019.

In 2020, AGL’s topline slid by 53.18 percent year-on-year to clock in at Rs.5,699.72 million. While COVID related lockdowns had a significant negative impact on urea off-take in 2020, another significant phenomenon which produced an industry-wide decline in urea off-take in 2020 was market price distortion as the government abolished GIDC for the fertilizer sector that resulted in price cuts by various producers. Moreover, cotton crop immensely declined during 2020, affecting farmers spending pattern. AGL sold 139 KT of Urea in 2020 which was around 57 percent lower than the last year’s volume. As the plant remained operational for only 123 days in 2020, cost of sales plunged by 35.17 percent year-on-year in 2020. However, low volume and reduced price resulted in gross loss of Rs.1172.72 million in 2020. Lesser off-take also meant lesser freight charges which pushed distribution expense down by 57.61 percent year-on-year in 2020. Administrative expense inched up by 9.11 percent on account of higher legal and professional charges. Other expense and other income didn’t prove to be favorable during the year. Other expense grew by 249.29 percent on account of higher provisioning done against doubtful advances. Other income dwindled by 88.44 percent year-on-year in 2020 as the PV adjustment of GIDC and reversal of LPS was no longer available in 2020. AGL posted operating loss of Rs.1541.38 million in 2020. Finance cost ticked down by 10.76 percent year-on-year in 2020 and stood at 52 percent of the topline. This was due to low discount rate. Debt-to-equity ratio of AGL mounted to 76 percent as AGL’s equity was declining on the back of higher accumulated losses. Net loss surged by 558.25 percent to clock in at Rs.4296.90 million in 2020 with loss per share of Rs.10.95.

In 2021, the topline of AGL again recovered and posted year-on-year growth of 77.22 percent to clock in at Rs.10,100.92 million. Increase in the support price of wheat crop resulted in strong urea demand. Moreover, introduction of hybrid seed varieties of rice and maize which had higher urea requirement per acre also resulted in boost in urea sales across the industry. This coupled with uninterrupted gas supply also facilitated the fertilizer sector to operate at an optimum level and meet the growing demand. AGL sold 230 KT of urea in 2021 which was 65 percent higher than the last year’s sales volume. Higher prices of raw and packaging material as well as greater capacity utilization of 206 days resulted in cost of sales growing by 41 percent year-on-year in 2021. Yet, AGL was able to post gross profit of Rs.409.52 million in 2021 with GP margin of 4.1 percent. Distribution cost ascended by 58.47 percent year-on-year in 2021 on account of higher freight charges. Administrative expense magnified by 14.35 percent on the back of inflation which particularly pushed up the salaries and wages expense. IT consultancy charges as well as legal & professional fee also surged in 2021. Other expense shrank by 91.61 percent during 2021 as no provision against doubtful receivables was booked during the year. Other income also plummeted by 44.83 percent in 2021 due to lesser liabilities written back as well as lesser profit on P&L bank balance. AGL posted operating loss of Rs.212.48 million in 2021 which was 86 percent lower than the last year’s figure. Finance cost ticked down by 4.75 percent year-on-year in 2021 and stood at 28 percent of AGL’s topline due to low discount rate. Debt-to-equity ratio further climbed to its highest level of 85 percent in 2021 due to loss accumulation which gobbled up AGL’s equity. Net loss of Rs.2681.24 recorded by AGL in 2021 was 37.6 percent lesser than the net loss posted in 2021. AGL’s loss per share stood at Rs.6.83 in 2021.

The topline continued its growth journey with 71.23 percent escalation to clock in at Rs.17,296.18 in 2022. This was on the back of better farm economics that boosted the industry wide sales to an unprecedented level of 6616 KT in 2022. AGL touted 2022 as the best year since 2010 due to better gas supply which enabled it to operate for the longest period of 351 days. The company was able to sell 351 KT urea in 2022, 53 percent higher than 2021. Cost of sales inclined by 56.58 percent year-on-year in 2022, yet gross profit mounted by 418 percent in 2022 with GP margin of 12.3 percent. Higher sales volume resulted in 81.32 percent surge in distribution expense in 2022. Increase in advertisement budget was also one of the factors which pushed the distribution expense up in 2022. Administrative expense also grew by 29.96 percent due to higher salaries, travelling and conveyance expense, utilities as well as fee and subscription charges. Other expense enlarged by around 8178.29 percent in 2022 due to loss on the disposal of property, plant and equipment. Other income didn’t post any significant rise during 2022. After two successive years, AGL posted operating profit of Rs.1068.99 million in 2022 with OP margin of 6.18 percent. Radical increase of 52.74 percent in AGL’s finance cost was on the back of record high discount rate coupled with increased borrowings. This resulted in net loss of Rs.2953.33 million in 2022 with loss per share of Rs.7.53. In 2022, debt-to-equity ratio slid to 64 percent as equity grew on account of surplus on the revaluation of property, plant and equipment.

In 2023, AGL posted 28.19 percent year-on-year rise in its net sales which clocked in at Rs.22,172.16 million. During the year, the company operated with 277 days of gas supply versus 351 days in 2022 and produced 292k tons of urea, resulting in capacity utilization of 67.44 percent. AGL sold 287k tons urea in 2023, down 18.23 percent year-on-year. Conversely, the sales volume of phosphate fertilizer increased to 80k tons in 2023 versus 54k tons in 2022. This greatly contributed to profitability of the company in 2023. Gross profit improved by 107.32 percent in 2023 with GP margin attaining a new high level 19.84 percent. Higher gas prices and inflationary pressure was absorbed by favorable changes in the prices of fertilizer products. Distribution expense posted a nominal rise of 5.28 percent in 2023 due to increased petroleum prices which pushed up the freight charges. Administrative expense mounted by 34.44 percent in 2023 on account of exorbitant hike in payroll expense as the company expanded its workforce from 959 employees in 2022 to 979 employees in 2023. Legal & professional charges also drove up administrative expense in 2023. 68.88 percent higher other expense in 2023 was the consequence of higher provisioning for WWF and loss incurred on the disposal of property, plant & equipment in 2023. Higher other expense was conveniently offset by 588.53 percent higher other income recorded by AGL in 2023. This was primarily driven by hefty profit on short-term investments coupled with gain on settlement of short-term loan and accrued markup. All these factors translated into 249.67 percent higher operating profit in 2023 with OP margin of 16.86 percent. Finance cost escalated by 42.3 percent in 2023 due to unprecedented level of discount rate. Debt-to-equity ratio stayed at 64 percent in 2023. AGL also booked gain amounting to Rs.3207.11 million on restructuring of loan in 2023. This one-off gain converted loss before taxation into net profit of Rs.1085.79 million in 2023. EPS stood at Rs. 2.77 in 2023 while NP margin clocked in at 4.9 percent in 2023.

In 2024, AGL’s topline posted year-on-year growth of 41.20 percent to clock in at Rs.31,306.77 million. During the year, the company operated at the highest number of days due to uninterrupted gas supply and produced 365k tons of urea which was the highest production volume in last 15 years. This was against the production volume of 292k tons achieved in 2023. Capacity utilization was recorded at 85.91 percent in 2024 versus capacity utilization of 67.44 percent recorded in the previous year. While the sector was plagued by negative farm economics of wheat in 2024 which took its toll on the purchasing power of farmers, however, the farm economics greatly improved towards the end of CY24. AGL sales volume was recorded at 325k tons in 2024, up 13.24 percent year-on-year. Besides, the company also sold 71k tons of phosphate, down 11.25 percent year-on-year. The company also increased the prices of its products in 2024 to pass on the onus of higher gas prices and inflationary pressure to its customers. This resulted in 42.45 percent stronger gross profit recorded in 2024 with GP margin attaining its highest level of 20 percent. Distribution expense mounted by 76.31 percent in 2024 due to higher freight charges which was the impact of improved volumes and implementation of axle load. Administrative expense surged by 26.77 percent in 2024 due to higher payroll expense, vehicle running & maintenance charges as well as fee & subscription charges incurred during the year. The company also expanded its workforce from 979 employees in 2023 to 998 employees in 2024. Other expense escalated by 543.11 percent in 2024 due to higher provisioning done against doubtful receivable (government subsidy) and loss on disposal of property, plant & equipment recorded during the year. Other expense was completely offset by 188.19 percent higher other income recognized during the year which was the result of tremendous profit on short-term investments. Operating profit picked up by 58.68 percent in 2024 with OP margin clocking in at 18.95 percent. Finance cost grew by 15 percent in 2024 due to higher discount rate and increased borrowings. This resulted in the gearing ratio of 71 percent in 2024 versus gearing ratio of 69 percent recorded in 2023. Higher finance cost invalidated the superior operating performance recorded by the company during the year and resulted in net loss of Rs.1114.18 million in 2024. This translated into loss per share of Rs.2.71 in 2024.

In 2025, AGL’s recorded 14.61 percent year-on-year increase in its topline which clocked in at Rs.35,880.38 million. During the year, the company was acquired by two industrial giants: Fauji Group and Maple Leaf Group. After the acquisition, the board was reconstituted. The company operated for the whole year due to sustainable gas supply and produced 374k tons of urea, up 2 percent year-on-year. Sales volume clocked in at 390k tons, up 20 percent year-on-year. Increased sales volume was due to better wheat sowing and improved water availability during the year. Phosphate sales also increased by 27 percent to clock in at 90k tons in 2025. Competitive pricing resulted in 3.56 percent erosion recorded in gross profit in 2025 with GP margin ticking down to 16.84 percent. Distribution expense and administrative expense mounted by 104.39 percent an 18.83 percent respectively in 2025 due to higher payroll expense, freight charges and third-party marketing expense allocated by Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited for the marketing of AGL’s products on services agreement. Workforce was streamlined from 998 employees in 2024 to 873 employees in 2025. Other expense mounted by 38.54 percent in 2025 due to higher provisioning done for WWF and WPPF and receivables impaired during the year. Other expense was completely offset by 153.23 percent stronger other income recorded in 2025. The increase in other income was due to gain on conversion of preference shares into ordinary shares in 2025 and reversal of late payment surcharge booked on GIDC in the previous years. During the year, AGL converted 148.43 million preference shares into 174.44 million ordinary shares and recognized gain worth Rs.1.97 billion. Operating profit improved by 23.86 percent in 2025 with OP margin attaining its optimum level of 23.86 percent. Finance cost tumbled by 39.59 percent in 2025 due to lower discount rate and lesser outstanding borrowings. Interest on preference dividend of convertible and non-convertible preference shares also dropped in 2025. Gearing ratio dropped to 57 percent in 2025. AGL posted net profit of Rs.2894.84 million in 2025. This translated into EPS of Rs.5.36 and NP margin of 8.10 percent in 2025.

Recent Performance (1QCY26)

During the first quarter of 2026, AGL registered 6.67 percent downtick in its net sales which clocked in at Rs.7040.75 million. This was because the company had to curtail its production from 67k tons of urea in 1QCY25 to 55k tons of urea of 1QCY26 due to RLNG supply shortfall arising from the crisis in the Middle East. Sales volume also declined by 21.35 percent to clock in at 70k tons in 1QCY26. Conversely, Phosphate production significantly increased from 17k tons in 1QCY25 to 27k tons in 1QCY26. Sales volume of phosphate also tremendously increased by 233.33 percent to clock in at 20k tons in 1QCY26. Cost of sales barely moved during the period despite lower production. This resulted in 57.22 percent diminution recorded in gross profit in 1QCY26 with GP margin clocking in at 5.35 percent versus GP margin of 11.67 percent recorded in 1QCY25. Distribution expense mounted by 48.84 percent likely due to third party marketing expense. Administrative expense stayed largely intact during the period despite inflationary pressure. This might be due to widespread rationalization of workforce after the appointment of new management. Other income deteriorated by 47.86 percent in 1QCY26 likely due to one-off gains recognized in the previous year. AGL posted operating loss of Rs.150.40 million in 1QCY26 versus operating profit of Rs.723.82 million recorded in 1QCY25. Finance cost dipped by 9.82 percent in 1QCY26 due to monetary easing and lesser preference dividend due to conversion of a huge portion of convertible preference shares into ordinary shares in 2025. AGL registered net loss of Rs.1019.774 million in 1QCY26, up 327.71 percent year-on-year. This translated into loss per share of Rs.1.70 in 1QCY26 versus loss per share of Rs.0.56 recorded in 1QCY25.

Future Outlook

Announcement of wheat support price and the commencement of wheat procurement drive by the federal and the provincial governments have greatly improved the farm economics. This will yield stable demand of fertilizer in the coming months. The Government of Pakistan has also approved the allocation of gas from the Ghazij/Shawal discoveries in the Mari Field to the Company’s urea plant at Daud Khel. This will ensure consistent gas supply and enable AGL to take advantage of the improved demand.

Proponents argue that the current arrangement leaves the Centre with insufficient resources to meet its core obligations, particularly defence and debt-servicing.

The debate centres on the fiscal framework established under the seventh NFC Award following the 18th Amendment’s passage, which raised the provincial share of the divisible tax pool to 57.5 percent and reduced the federal share to 42.5 percent. Crucially, it also mandated that any future NFC Award cannot reduce the provincial share below its existing level, effectively making any change to the vertical distribution contingent upon a constitutional amendment.

However, given the sensitivity of the issue, the provinces so far haven’t been able to agree to such an amendment. A workaround was instead devised during recent budget-making sessions, whereby the provinces voluntarily surrendered Rs1.035 trillion to the Centre from their share of the divisible tax pool. Yet influential quarters remain convinced that the underlying imbalance will eventually require a constitutional amendment. What is often overlooked in this debate, however, is that the existing formula was grounded in specific assumptions: that the economy would grow at a pace sufficient to expand the overall fiscal pie, and that the devolution of subjects such as education and health to the provinces, as mandated by the 18th Amendment, would be matched by the abolition of corresponding federal ministries. Neither expectation materialised. Growth remained below projections, while many devolved ministries continued to operate at the Centre, forcing the federal government to finance responsibilities that were expected to disappear. Had these assumptions held, the fiscal pressures now cited as evidence of the vertical formula’s unsustainability may have been far less severe.

Yet even as attention focuses on the vertical distribution of resources, far too little is being said about what is arguably an even more unsustainable aspect of the NFC framework: the horizontal formula governing resource distribution among the provinces. Under this arrangement, population accounts for a massive 82 percent of the weight used to distribute resources among provinces. Such overwhelming reliance on this metric effectively rewards rapid population growth. This is particularly alarming as Pakistan’s population growth rate is perhaps the country’s most pressing existential challenge. At 2.55 percent annually, the population is expanding at a pace that requires GDP growth of at least six percent every year simply to keep up with the demands generated by a rapidly growing population. And, given Pakistan’s current productive capacity, that is unlikely to happen.

The consequences are already visible. Hundreds of thousands of young people enter the labour force every year, yet the economy lacks the capacity to absorb them. Unemployment remains rampant, social pressures continue to mount and Pakistan contends with an accelerating brain drain, with many of its brightest minds choosing to build their futures elsewhere. When population remains a dominant factor not only in resource allocation but also in federal job quotas and other governance structures, the incentive for effective population control inevitably weakens. If Pakistan is serious about addressing its long-term challenges, reforming the horizontal distribution formula deserves as much attention as the debate over the vertical one. Unlike changes to the federation-province resource split, revising the horizontal formula does not require a constitutional amendment. It requires consensus among the federating units through the NFC process. Given the political and constitutional hurdles involved in altering the vertical formula, building agreement around a more balanced horizontal formula may be both the more achievable and the more critical reform, and must be urgently pursued.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Articles 4, 9 and 14 of the Constitution collectively provide a robust safeguard against arbitrary state action. They guarantee every citizen the right to be treated in accordance with law, protect life and liberty, and uphold the inviolability of human dignity and the privacy of the home. These protections are not contingent upon public approval of an individual’s conduct; rather, they exist precisely to protect citizens from unlawful intrusion and abuse of authority.

As the court rightly observed, Sections 371-A and 371-B of the Pakistan Penal Code are aimed at combating trafficking, sale, purchase and commercial sexual exploitation of human beings. They cannot be stretched to criminalise the mere presence of adult men and women in a private residence. The record in the present instance revealed no allegation of trafficking, commercial gain, exchange of money or organised prostitution. In the absence of these essential ingredients, invoking the said PPC provisions amounted to a clear misapplication of criminal law and underscored the dangers of using serious offences to prosecute conduct that does not fall within their ambit.

Equally significant is the court’s concern over the manner in which the raid was conducted. Entering a private home without a search warrant and without observing the procedural safeguards prescribed by law raise profound legality issues. Privacy of the home is not a technicality; it is a cornerstone of personal liberty and human dignity. If law-enforcement agencies are permitted to intrude into private spaces on the basis of anonymous complaints, suspicion or unverified information, constitutional guarantees become vulnerable to abuse. The court was therefore right to emphasise that protections afforded by Articles 4, 9 and 14 cannot be overridden through arbitrary police action carried out in the name of combating immorality.

The judgment also draws attention to a troubling tendency to conflate alleged moral impropriety with criminal conduct. Courts have repeatedly warned that law enforcement must not become an instrument of social surveillance or moral regulation. The criminal justice system exists to address legally defined offences, not to enforce subjective notions of morality. At a time when concerns about abuse of authority and encroachments on civil liberties are growing, this ruling reinforces an essential constitutional principle: no citizen’s dignity, reputation or privacy may be compromised except in accordance with law. For that reason, the judgment deserves appreciation as a principled affirmation of the rule of law and fundamental rights.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

She said that electric buses represent a major revolution in modern, eco-friendly, and quality public transport, while the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme has emerged as the largest housing initiative in the province’s history, benefiting millions of citizens across South Punjab. She added that the Kissan Card and Livestock Card schemes have injected new life into the rural economy, while the School Meal Programme has significantly improved education standards, health conditions, and school enrollment rates.

According to her, initiatives such as Suthra Punjab, Clean Water, and beautification projects reflect a visible transformation in both urban and rural areas, while road infrastructure development has completely reshaped connectivity and boosted economic activity in South Punjab.

Azma Bokhari further said that Ramadan Package, “Dhee Rani Programme”, Minority Card, and other welfare initiatives are ensuring large-scale public relief, while the restoration of peace and stability in Kacha areas is a historic achievement of the Punjab government, marking a strengthened writ of the state and a new era of public welfare.

She stated that under the education-focused vision of the Chief Minister, 10,244 laptops have been distributed among students across South Punjab, while 33,004 scholarships have been awarded to deserving and talented students to promote higher education and digital access.

She said that under the electric bus service, 125 buses are successfully operational across South Punjab, including 24 in Dera Ghazi Khan, 12 in Muzaffargarh, 22 in Bahawalpur, 18 in Rahim Yar Khan, 15 in Bahawalnagar, and 15 in Rajanpur, providing modern transport facilities to the public.

She further highlighted that 8,444 bikes have been distributed under the bike scheme, including 1,371 electric bikes and 7,073 petrol bikes, aimed at facilitating students in South Punjab.

She said that the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme is providing financial assistance of up to PKR 1.5 million to deserving families, with millions already benefiting from the scheme. So far, 64,390 applications have been received from Multan, 60,530 from Muzaffargarh, and 45,450 from Bahawalpur, reflecting strong public trust in the initiative. Thousands of families across all districts of South Punjab are receiving housing loans under this programme.

She added that under the Livestock Card initiative, a total credit limit of over PKR 32.86 billion has been allocated for livestock farmers in Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Cholistan, with 12,479 farmer accounts being activated to ensure easy financial support.

Azma Bokhari further said that the Punjab government has invested PKR 13 billion under the Chief Minister School Meal Programme to improve nutrition and education outcomes. The programme has expanded from 3,527 to 8,319 schools, covering 1.19 million students, with over 116.3 million milk packets and 21.7 million biscuit packets already distributed.

She said that Suthra Punjab, Clean Water, and beautification initiatives reflect the government’s vision of providing better living standards and a cleaner environment.

She added that thousands of kilometres of road networks have been constructed and rehabilitated, significantly improving connectivity and boosting economic activity in South Punjab.

She further stated that Ramazan Nigehban Package, “Dhee Rani Programme”, Minority Welfare initiatives, and other social protection schemes are providing direct relief to millions of families.

Azma Bokhari said that after the restoration of peace in the Kacha areas, a new phase of development has begun, bringing long-neglected regions into the mainstream of progress.

She concluded that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of “One Punjab, Equal Development” is being translated into reality through practical actions rather than slogans.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Addressing a press conference organised by the party, Faisal Mir said that new office bearers of Pakistan Peoples Party Lahore had been appointed to various wings, and that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had nominated presidents for different departments.

General Secretary of the Peoples Party Dr Ayesha Shaukat, Mian Shahid Abbas Advocate, Majeed Ghauri and other leaders were also present on the occasion.

He said that media anchors had already issued a certificate declaring the Peoples Party finished in Punjab, but the party had shown those very anchors a practical demonstration of its public strength.

The Lahore president said that three candidates had already been nominated for the cantonment board elections, and that holding local government elections was a constitutional responsibility of the government, which must be fulfilled immediately.

He criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, calling it the party of General Ziaul Haq, and announced that the Peoples Party would hold a public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan ground on July 25.

On the occasion, General Secretary Dr Ayesha Shaukat said that the Peoples Party was continuously working to strengthen its organisational base and that a success similar to the one achieved in Gilgit-Baltistan would soon be witnessed in Lahore as well.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party Punjab issued notifications appointing the presidents of the Traders Wing, Cultural Wing and Study Circle Wing of Pakistan Peoples Party Lahore, as well as vice presidents of the parent organisation.

On the occasion, notifications were distributed among various office bearers, under which Agha Taqi Shah, Azain Gulzar, Malik Manzar Abbas Khokhar and Fayyaz Bhatti were appointed vice presidents of Lahore. Similarly, Iqbal Ahmed Khan was appointed president of the Trade Wing of Pakistan Peoples Party Lahore, while Iqbal Afaqi was appointed General Secretary of the Trade Wing Lahore.

Ali Jamshed Naqvi was appointed president of the Cultural Wing, Aftab Ahmed Warraich was appointed president of the Study Circle Wing, and Amjad Awan was appointed president of the Peoples Labour Bureau Lahore, while Nasir Ali Khan was also assigned a position on the occasion.

In another development, renowned actress Mahnoor Haider has formally joined the Pakistan Peoples Party.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Opposition members described the budget as a “numbers game,” alleging reductions in allocations for agriculture, education, and health, while the government defended it as a people-friendly budget focused on public welfare and development.

The assembly session commenced under the chairmanship of Panel of Chairpersons member Malik Ahmad Saeed Khan. During the budget debate, opposition lawmaker Ejaz Shafi strongly criticized the government’s financial plan, calling it a “deceptive exercise in figures.” He alleged that development funds for agriculture, higher education, special education, and the health sector had been reduced, adversely affecting farmers, students, and ordinary citizens.

Responding to the criticism, Information Minister Uzma Bukhari accused the opposition of prioritizing political narratives over constructive budget discussion. She claimed that the Punjab government had successfully implemented several public welfare initiatives, including electric bus services, the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing scheme, the Green Tractor Programme, as well as laptop and scholarship programmes.

Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin also defended the government’s performance, stating that record development projects were underway across Punjab. He highlighted significant progress in healthcare, road infrastructure, and sanitation services, adding that direct relief measures were being provided to farmers and the general public.

Meanwhile, opposition member Farrukh Javed Moon raised concerns over electoral transparency, the wheat crisis, and alleged corruption, criticizing the government’s handling of these issues. Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi also called for a transparent investigation into the death of a young girl during a Counter Crime Department (CCD) firing incident in Chakwal.

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The meeting was attended by Punjab Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar, Faisalabad Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen, the Regional Police Officer (RPO), Chief Traffic Officer (CTO), and all Deputy Commissioners and District Police Officers (DPOs) of the division. Detailed discussions were held regarding law and order, security, traffic management, and public facilitation measures during Muharram.

The Commissioner, RPO, CTO, Deputy Commissioners, and DPOs briefed the meeting on the arrangements made for the holy month. Addressing the participants, Azma Bukhari directed the authorities to ensure foolproof security arrangements for all religious gatherings and procession routes. She emphasised that all relevant departments must work in close coordination to prevent any untoward incident.

The Information minister further directed that water stalls (sabeels) be arranged outside mosques for worshippers on Ashura to provide relief during the intense summer heat. She said the district administration remains in constant contact with organizers of all majalis and processions, and final arrangements are being completed through mutual cooperation.

Uzma Bukhari also instructed the authorities to ensure comprehensive security and administrative measures for the annual Urs of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA) and the Shahadat Conference scheduled to be held in Chiniot district.

She stated that continuous sprinkling of cold water would be carried out along procession routes to reduce the effects of extreme weather. For this purpose, anti-smog guns have also been provided in Faisalabad.

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The pilgrims were warmly received by Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora.

Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Qamar-ul-Zaman, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

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She paid homage to all fathers, particularly those who instil confidence and courage in their children, especially daughters, and encourage them to face life with determination and self-belief.

The chief minister said that fathers, like a protective shade, endure scorching heat and heavy rain themselves to provide comfort and security to their children. “A father not only teaches his children how to live, but also how to live with their heads held high,” she said.

Maryam Nawaz said that a father is a beacon of light who illuminates every darkness in the lives of his children, adding that a father’s love and prayers continue to provide protection and guidance at every stage of life. Referring to her father, Nawaz Sharif, she said: “My father, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, is my mentor, leader, teacher and source of strength. His lap was my first school and his shadow remains my strongest support.”

She said that his personality and affection had shaped her political thinking and outlook, adding that fathers teach their children to live with self-respect and achieve success with confidence. The chief minister expressed the hope that every child would be blessed with a father who inspires dreams and gives them the courage to turn those dreams into reality.

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Industry leaders have linked the downturn directly to policy failures at the federal level. Pakistan Ginners Forum Chairman Ehsanul Haq said the absence of any reforms for the cotton ginning and textile sector in the federal budget for 2026-27 had driven the market into a sharp crash. His comments were echoed by the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, which criticized the Federal Board of Revenue’s strict tax penalty regime, cautioning that provisions in the finance bill risk penalizing compliant businesses while allowing those engaged in fraud to evade accountability.

Against this backdrop, a delegation from the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association met with Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to raise concerns facing the sector and seek government support.

The market turmoil coincided with renewed tension at the Karachi Cotton Exchange. The Sindh High Court had earlier ruled that, for a period of ninety days, tenants of the Exchange and its three hundred and twenty registered brokers should be permitted to operate from their offices inside the building. On Friday, however, when brokers arrived in large numbers to resume work, the Federal Investigation Agency, which has allegedly occupied the building since December 12, 2025, shut the premises and barred them from entering through the main gate.

Cotton prices in the local market witnessed a sharp decline over the past week, mainly due to a significant increase in the supply of phutti and improved trading volume. On December 13, 2025, the ETPB, with the assistance of the FIA, had allegedly taken over and sealed the Karachi Cotton Exchange building. Following this, the KCA resumed the daily cotton spot rate from June 9, 2026, starting at Rs 21,500. The price of new crop 2026-27 cotton, which had opened at Rs 23,000, fell sharply by Rs 4,000 per maund to close at Rs 19,000. Similarly, the price of phutti per 40 kg also recorded a notable decline of around Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.

At present, depending on the delivery date, cotton prices in Sindh are ranging between Rs 18,500 and Rs 19,000 per maund, while in Punjab prices are ranging between Rs 19,200 and Rs 19,800 per maund. Phutti prices per 40 kg are ranging between Rs 8,800 and Rs 9,300 in Sindh and between Rs 9,300 and Rs 9,800 in Punjab. The supply of phutti is expected to increase after Muharram-ul-Haram, while purchasing activity by mills is also expected to pick up.

No positive measures concerning cotton were introduced in the recent budget, except for the abolition of the Rs 5 per maund tax imposed on phutti in Sindh. A delegation of the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association, led by Chairman Shamlal Mungalani, met with Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and demanded the removal of taxes imposed on cottonseed oil cake and cottonseed. The minister assured the delegation that the matter would be reviewed.

APTMA criticized the FBR’s draconian tax penalty system, warning that the finance bill could end up punishing compliant businesses while letting fraudulent ones go unchecked.

Meanwhile, judges of the Sindh High Court have issued a favourable ruling regarding the Karachi Cotton Exchange building.

Karachi Cotton Brokers Forum Chairman Naseem Usman reported that international cotton prices rose, with New York cotton futures trading between 76 and 82 US cents per pound. According to the USDA’s weekly export and sales report, 177,100 bales were sold for the 2025-26 season, with Pakistan leading purchases at 76,600 bales, followed by India at 39,600 bales and Vietnam at 21,000 bales. For the 2026-27 season, 188,400 bales were sold, led by Vietnam with 65,600 bales, followed by Pakistan with 39,600 bales and Indonesia with 22,500 bales. Total exports reached 251,000 bales, with Vietnam importing the most at 66,300 bales, followed by Pakistan at 33,100 bales and Turkey at 28,000 bales.

Meanwhile, the domestic cotton market crashed after the federal budget for 2026-27 failed to introduce reforms for the cotton ginning and textile sectors. Over just four trading days, the spot rate at the Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) fell by Rs 2,000 per maund, while open market rates dropped by up to Rs 2,500 per maund. Industry sources warned of further declines in coming days, with concern spreading across the cotton sector. Ahead of the budget’s passage, the industry had demanded major relief in sales tax, income tax, and WAPDA fixed charges, while ginners welcomed Punjab government’s decision to abolish the excise cotton fee.

Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ehsan-ul-Haq said the ginning sector currently faces sales tax exceeding 86 percent. He said senior federal officials had assured the industry before the budget that sales tax would be fully eliminated on two segments of the ginning sector and reduced on others, but these commitments were not reflected in the federal budget, triggering a sharp negative reaction in cotton markets. He noted that within four trading days, the KCA spot rate fell to Rs 19,500 per maund after the Rs 2,000 decline, while open market prices fell to around Rs 19,000 per maund in Sindh and somewhat higher in Punjab after dropping more than Rs 2,500. He cautioned that prices could weaken further in the coming days.

He added that alongside the heavy sales and income tax burden, WAPDA’s fixed charges on the cotton sector have also risen sharply in recent months, pushing ginners into financial distress. He said the heavy tax burden has led to a continuous rise in undocumented trade within the ginning sector, causing serious damage to the national economy. He urged the federal government to fully withdraw the 18 percent tax imposed on cottonseed oil, cottonseed, and oil cake before the budget is passed, and to significantly reduce taxes on cotton and oil cake residue, in order to curb undocumented trade and strengthen the agricultural economy.

He further noted that, in response to ginners’ demands, the Punjab government has decided in its recent budget to abolish the excise cotton fee on ginning factories, a move welcomed by the industry. He said cotton-growing regions across the country are currently facing severe weather conditions, with record temperatures in some areas and heavy rains in others damaging the crop, raising concerns about overall national cotton output.

He also said that following the end of the Iran-US conflict, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to boost cotton imports, which could put downward pressure on domestic cotton and lint prices. He added that if the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is reactivated in the near future through Chinese efforts, an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 bales of cotton could enter Pakistan from Afghanistan in the short term, which would likely add further downward pressure on cotton prices.

Pakistan’s largest export-oriented industry has launched a strong attack on the Federal Board of Revenue’s proposed sales tax enforcement regime, warning that controversial provisions introduced through the Finance Bill 2026 could expose thousands of genuine businesses to penalties, recovery proceedings and litigation for actions committed by suppliers over whom they have no control.

In a detailed representation submitted to FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) argued that the proposed amendments to Section 33 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, effectively reverse fundamental principles of tax administration by treating compliant taxpayers and fraudulent operators alike. The association warned that if enacted in their present form, the measures could create widespread uncertainty for businesses, undermine confidence in FBR’s own digital tax systems and significantly increase the cost of doing business in Pakistan.

The textile industry’s intervention comes at a time when the government is seeking to tighten tax enforcement and crack down on fake invoicing through the Finance Bill 2026. While APTMA reiterated its full support for efforts to eliminate tax fraud, curb fake invoices and strengthen documentation of the economy, it maintained that the proposed framework goes far beyond targeting tax evaders and instead places an unfair burden on businesses that have complied with every legal requirement.

According to the representation signed by APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad, the proposed insertion of Serial Nos. 30 and 31 into Section 33 could expose law-abiding taxpayers to severe financial consequences despite having acted in good faith. The association warned that businesses could face reversal of input tax, payment of default surcharge and substantial penalties even where they have received actual goods, obtained valid tax invoices, made payments through documented banking channels and complied with all applicable provisions of tax law.

APTMA argued that the proposals ignore long-established legal principles repeatedly recognized by superior courts. The association noted that courts have consistently held that penal consequences should ordinarily be imposed only where there is evidence of fraud, collusion, deliberate concealment, wilful misstatement or conscious participation in tax evasion. The proposed provisions, however, make little distinction between a taxpayer knowingly involved in fraud and one who has fulfilled all statutory obligations and relied on information available through FBR’s own computerized systems.

The association cautioned that the practical effect of the amendments would be to expose innocent taxpayers to the same treatment as deliberate tax offenders. “The burden of combating fraud should fall on those responsible for the fraud, not on genuine businesses that have complied with the law,” APTMA maintained in its representation.

A major source of concern for the industry is the apparent contradiction between the proposed penalties and FBR’s technology-driven compliance framework. Under the STRIVE system and the existing electronic invoice verification regime, businesses are permitted to claim input tax only where the supplier’s invoice is reflected in FBR’s computerized database. Taxpayers therefore rely on information generated, processed and validated through the tax authority’s own infrastructure before claiming input tax.

APTMA argued that once an invoice has been accepted and reflected within FBR’s system, a purchaser has every reason to believe that the transaction satisfies legal requirements. Yet under the proposed amendments, the same taxpayer could later be penalized because of a mismatch, amendment, omission or reporting failure attributable to the supplier. Industry representatives warned that such an approach effectively destroys the certainty that digital verification systems were designed to provide.

“If taxpayers cannot rely on invoices validated through FBR’s own systems, then the very purpose of electronic verification comes into question,” a senior industry source observed while commenting on the proposed changes.

Particular concern has been expressed over proposed Serial No. 30. Under the proposed provision, where input tax claimed by a registered person cannot subsequently be matched with the supplier’s output tax declaration, the taxpayer may become liable not only for reversal of input tax and payment of default surcharge but also for an additional penalty equivalent to 20 percent of the unmatched amount.

APTMA described this provision as excessively harsh and disconnected from commercial realities. The association pointed out that invoice mismatches frequently occur due to timing differences in filing returns, amendments to declarations, clerical mistakes, data migration problems, software glitches and supplier-side reporting errors. Such discrepancies are common in large-scale manufacturing operations involving thousands of transactions and do not necessarily indicate fraud or tax evasion.

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He said that her vision of a strong federation, empowered federating units, constitutional rule, and a society founded on dignity, equality, and opportunity for all continues to guide the PPP.

He added that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s legacy remains a beacon for a Pakistan that is secure in its defence, unwavering in the protection of its people’s rights and steadfast in its support for the just struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The PPP chairman further said in his message that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was not merely the first elected woman prime minister of the Islamic world, she was also the voice of the voiceless, the strength of the oppressed and the hope of those denied a place in the corridors of power.

“She transformed politics into a noble mission of public service and dedicated her life to building a Pakistan where every citizen — regardless of class, gender, faith or ethnicity — could live with dignity, opportunity and justice,” he said.

He called upon party workers to renew their pledge to the ideals for which she lived, struggled and ultimately embraced martyrdom, so that her dream of a democratic, tolerant and people-centric Pakistan may continue to inspire and guide the nation for generations to come.

The authority cautioned that the forecast weather system could trigger urban flooding, flash floods, landslides and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in vulnerable areas, particularly in mountainous regions where glacier-related flooding risks remain elevated.

According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the anticipated weather pattern is in line with the seasonal outlook issued several months ago.

The NDMA stated that it has been providing advance warnings and risk assessments to federal, provincial and district authorities to support preparedness and ensure an effective response to any potential emergencies.

The advisory predicts rain accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds and dust storms across much of the country.

In Punjab, rainfall is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Gujar Khan, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. Rainfall is also expected in Islamabad.

Thunderstorms and rainfall are also forecast for several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, Hattian, Mirpur and Bhimber.

The NDMA has separately warned of an increased risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir. Officials said such incidents could result in sudden flooding, landslides and debris flows in susceptible mountainous areas.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kohat, Parachinar, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.

Parts of Balochistan, including Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Khuzdar and Zhob, are also likely to receive rainfall and thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, isolated areas of Sindh, including Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Shaheed Benazirabad and Karachi, may experience strong winds, dust storms and rain.

The NDMA said district administrations and relevant agencies are continuously monitoring vulnerable locations and have been directed to remain on high alert.

Rescue and emergency response teams have also been instructed to maintain readiness for any developing situation.

Tourists and travellers have been advised to avoid unnecessary journeys during periods of heavy rainfall and to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling to northern regions, where flooding, landslides and debris flows could lead to road closures.

The authority urged the public to remain informed through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application and to contact local authorities or emergency services immediately in the event of an emergency.

The NDMA has directed all provincial and district administrations to remain vigilant and implement precautionary measures to minimise the impact of the expected weather system.

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Well-placed sources told Business Recorder that a series of discreet meetings and backchannel discussions have taken place in recent days between the opposition leader in National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai and senior PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on one side, and key government ministers including Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on the other.

The developments come against the backdrop of renewed overtures by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a “Charter of Economy” and a “Charter of Democracy”, initiatives aimed at forging minimum political consensus on critical economic and institutional issues amid continued political polarisation.

On Friday, the Prime Minister himself briefly crossed over to the opposition benches during the National Assembly’s budget proceedings, where he exchanged greetings with Achakzai, Barrister Gohar, and senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser – a gesture that did not go unnoticed in an otherwise adversarial parliamentary environment.

According to sources, the ongoing contacts are primarily aimed at testing the waters for a possible structured dialogue framework between the government and PTI.

At this stage, they stressed, the engagement remains informal and exploratory in nature, focusing on confidence-building measures and identifying limited areas of convergence.

However, they cautioned that considerable obstacles continue to stand in the way of any formal negotiation process.

Chief among them, sources said, is the likelihood that PTI would raise the issue of former prime minister Imran Khan’s release – a demand that government interlocutors view as both politically sensitive and legally constrained.

PTI, meanwhile, is also navigating internal pressures, with segments of its support base – particularly its vocal social media constituency and overseas supporters – openly opposing any engagement with the government and criticising leaders seen as favouring dialogue.

The position of Aleema Khan, the sister of Imran Khan, is also being closely monitored in political circles, given her past public reservations regarding negotiations with the government and her influence among sections of the party’s support base.

Despite these challenges, sources characterised the recent contacts as a “notable and constructive opening”, noting that the budget session has inadvertently created rare political space for direct interaction between the two rival camps.

They added that both sides continue to assess the political temperature cautiously, with no immediate breakthrough expected, but with the possibility of a more structured dialogue mechanism remaining under consideration.

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In a statement posted on X, President Zardari – her widower – said Benazir “showed that leadership is never one-dimensional”, in a message that combined personal grief with public remembrance.

Born on 21 June 1953 in Karachi, Benazir Bhutto remains one of Pakistan’s most iconic and polarising political figures.

Twice elected prime minister, she made history as the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority nation, breaking through political and cultural barriers that long defined the country’s leadership landscape.

In his message, Zardari said Benazir carried many identities throughout her life – daughter, mother, wife, friend, patriot, and a citizen of the world “committed to peace”.

Beyond those roles, he added, was a woman who met every responsibility with courage, conviction and a deep sense of duty.

Benazir married Asif Ali Zardari in 1987, a union that brought together two powerful political families and endured years of political turmoil, exile and public scrutiny.

Together, they navigated one of the most volatile chapters in Pakistan’s modern political history.

Her life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, celebrated by supporters as a symbol of resilience and criticised by opponents who disagreed with her policies.

On her birth anniversary, Zardari’s message struck a reflective tone, portraying her legacy as one that continues to echo in Pakistan’s political memory – part inspiration, part controversy, and still deeply felt nearly two decades after her assassination in 2007.

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Under the revised policy, the economy class passengers travelling between Islamabad and Beijing will now be entitled to 50 kilograms of free baggage, up from 40 kilograms, while the executive economy passengers will receive an allowance of 60 kilograms, an increase of 10 kilograms.

The airline said the move would place its baggage offering among the most generous on the route, providing added convenience for passengers, particularly students, business travellers and families who frequently travel between Pakistan and China.

Alongside the revised baggage policy, PIA highlighted its partnerships with Air China and Shenzhen Airlines, which allow passengers from 25 Chinese cities to connect to Islamabad via Beijing through interline arrangements.

The airline said the agreements would enable smoother onward travel and more competitive through fares.

The announcement comes as PIA, recently transferred to private ownership following years of financial difficulties and operational challenges, seeks to rebuild passenger confidence and strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive aviation market.

While the enhanced baggage allowance may be welcomed by travellers, industry observers note that passenger priorities often extend beyond baggage benefits to include reliability, service quality and network expansion.

PIA maintained that its comparatively low fares on the Beijing-Islamabad sector, combined with the expanded baggage allowance and improved connectivity, form part of a broader strategy to make travel between Pakistan and China more affordable and convenient.

The airline said the latest measures reflect its commitment to deepening air links between the two countries and supporting growing demand from students, tourists and business travellers.

The move also comes against the backdrop of expanding economic and commercial ties between Islamabad and Beijing, which have increased the need for stronger transport connections.

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According to CTP spokesperson, more than 50 traffic police personnel will be deployed along the procession route and at diversion points to ensure smooth traffic flow and public convenience.

The 6th Muharram procession will commence from Gulzar Hussain Shah Street No. 9 and proceed through Street No. 6, Old Airport Road, and PAF Chowk before concluding at Imambargah Isna Asharia, Gracy Line.

Traffic at diversion points will be completely restricted through barriers and other arrangements during the procession.

Roads will be reopened in phases once the procession would pass.

Traffic travelling from Koral Chowk towards Ammar Chowk will be diverted via the National Bank U-turn onto an alternative route, where two-way traffic will be maintained.

Authorities have also announced a complete ban on parking along the procession routes to ensure security and avoid congestion.

CTO Farhan Aslam said that CTP Rawalpindi would continue to play its role in maintaining smooth traffic flow throughout Muharram ul Haram.

He added that citizens would be regularly informed about alternative routes through the department’s official social media platforms and FM Radio 88.6.

He further directed all traffic officers and personnel to work in close coordination with district police to ensure uninterrupted traffic movement on alternative routes during diversions. The CTO also appealed to citizens to cooperate with traffic police and follow the instructions issued during Muharram processions to help maintain order and public safety.

In pursuance of the special directives of the Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works, Captain Muhammad Mahmood (Retd), and the Director General, FGEHA, Captain Zafar Iqbal (Retd), the Authority’s technical team has accelerated work on a comprehensive horticulture, landscaping, and environmental enhancement plan.

In this regard, renowned horticulture expert and Advisor to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Dr Pervez Ahsan Khan, participated in a detailed meeting with FGEHA engineers and the technical team.

Following the meeting, he conducted an extensive visit to Sectors F-14 and F-15, where he reviewed various sites and provided valuable technical recommendations for the development of world-class landscaping, plantation, and recreational facilities while preserving the area’s natural environment.

During the visit, a detailed assessment of different locations was carried out, and it was decided that modern horticulture, environmentally friendly infrastructure, and the promotion of natural beauty would be given top priority to establish a unique identity for Sectors F-14 and F-15, distinguishing them from conventional housing schemes.

Under the proposed plan, modern check dams will be constructed to conserve rainwater and enhance groundwater recharge. In addition, large-scale nurseries will be established to cultivate thousands of varieties of plants and trees, ensuring that the entire development becomes lush, green, and environmentally sustainable.

To provide residents with healthy and high-quality recreational facilities, the project will also include modern cycling tracks, pedestrian walkways, scenic viewpoints, regulation points, comfortable seating areas, boating points, and suspension bridges harmoniously integrated with the natural landscape.

These facilities will further enhance the attractiveness of Sectors F-14 and F-15 as distinctive residential destinations in Islamabad.

During the meeting, the project consultant, M/s Osmani & Company (Pvt.) Ltd, was directed to incorporate modern horticulture, landscaping, and environmentally friendly features into all designs and the master plan on a priority basis. A separate meeting was also held with representatives of the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), during which it was decided to include the establishment of nurseries, construction of check dams, and development of green infrastructure within the scope of their assigned works.

The existing natural cave and natural lake located in Sector F-14 will be preserved and developed through modern engineering and landscaping techniques, transforming them into unique ecological and recreational attractions. These natural assets are envisioned to become major points of interest not only for residents but also for visitors across the Federal Capital.

On this occasion, the Director General, FGEHA, Captain Zafar Iqbal (Retd), stated that the development of Sectors F-14 and F-15 would not be limited to basic infrastructure alone. Instead, the Authority is committed to developing these sectors as a model of modern urban planning, environmentally sustainable development, natural beauty, and world-class public amenities. He further emphasized that the Authority is determined to make this project one of the finest residential developments in the Federal Capital, offering citizens a beautiful, sustainable, and high-quality living environment.

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Mian Iftikhar Hussain, ANP Provincial President, giving his reaction on the provincial budget, said that the PTI-led government had presented the budget, but it was highly unfortunate that despite remaining in power for over a decade, it is continuously misleading the people of the province instead of telling the truth, he added.

The party leader said the provincial government had claimed that it presented a deficit budget, while a sum of Rs52.8billion has been proposed in the name of the non-existent local governments.

For the first time, 1201 new projects have been included in the budget. Ironically only some thousand rupees had been earmarked for some projects while others were not going to get any money, the ANP leader alleged.

Hussain said it was not a development plan but one to appease the disgruntled members of the provincial assembly.

The ANP leader said that 4.5million children were out of schools in KP, but only Rs5billion had been proposed for the education sector while three times of the funds had been allocated for road infrastructure, which was a clear evidence of the government’s priorities as it had no interest in human development.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain said the ANP had completely rejected the provincial budget. He alleged that the provincial government had been pushing the KP toward economic, educational and administrative destruction.

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Sherpao in a statement issued by Watan Kor, questioned the rationale behind the provincial government’s projected budget deficit of Rs48 billion.

“The government claims that the deficit will be covered through provincial savings without taking loans, but this is not a practical approach. How will the government bridge this gap if it does not resort to borrowing?” he asked.

He also termed the provincial government’s expectation of receiving Rs116 billion under Net Hydel Profit arrears unrealistic.

Criticising the budget for the fiscal year 2026–27, Sherpao said it offered no meaningful relief to the people.

He said the PTI had governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the last 13 years but had failed to deliver on key sectors.

Calling it a “so-called tax-free budget”, he said the financial plan had been prepared without considering ground realities.

He also expressed doubts that the government would achieve its target of Rs182 billion in provincial receipts.

The QWP leader criticised the seven percent increase in salaries and pensions for government employees, saying it was insufficient in view of rising inflation.

Referring to the security situation, Sherpao said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was witnessing a resurgence of militancy and worsening law and order, yet the government had not allocated adequate resources for the police force.

He also criticised what he described as insufficient allocations for the health and education sectors and said the budget lacked any major initiatives for youth development.

Describing the budget as “a play on words”, he said it would fail to meet the government’s promises.

Sherpao further criticised the provincial government for failing to secure Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s constitutional and financial rights from the federal government.

“The PTI-led government, instead of fighting for the province’s rights, has remained focused on protests and the release of a specific individual,” he said, in an apparent reference to former prime minister Imran Khan.

He urged the provincial government to eliminate corruption and prevent misuse of public resources.

Sherpao also opposed the idea of making approval of the budget conditional upon endorsement by the PTI founder, calling the move undemocratic.

“This undermines the collective voice of the elected assembly and places the opinion of one individual above democratic norms,” he said.

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The action was taken against violations of dengue prevention regulations as authorities continue efforts to keep the city protected from the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.

According to the district administration on Sunday, daily inspections and enforcement activities are being conducted to identify and remove conditions that can lead to mosquito breeding. Teams have been directed to take action against individuals and businesses that fail to follow dengue prevention guidelines.

During operations in the F-6 and F-7 sectors, the authorities detained 13 people for violating anti-dengue standard operating procedures (SOPs). In G-6, four more individuals were taken into custody over similar violations.

The administration also carried out inspections in the Red Zone, where five people were shifted to a local police station after being found in breach of dengue prevention regulations.

In E-11, the enforcement teams sealed two offices and three shops for failing to comply with anti-dengue measures. Four individuals were also detained and transferred to a police station during the operation.

Meanwhile, in G-13, two people were taken into custody and one office was sealed following violations of dengue-related rules and regulations.

Officials said the operations focused on locations where stagnant water, poor sanitation conditions, or other factors could contribute to the breeding of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Authorities stressed that strict compliance with preventive measures is necessary to reduce the risk of dengue transmission.

The Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad has instructed all field teams to continue enforcement activities on a daily basis. Officials have been directed to monitor residential, commercial, and public areas and take immediate action wherever violations are identified.

She said that music possesses the unique ability to express every human emotion, whether it is joy or sorrow, separation or union.

The chief minister said that Pakistani artists had earned international recognition for Eastern music and had played a significant role in introducing the country’s rich musical heritage to the world. She said that the Punjab government, through the Information and Culture Department and the Alhamra Arts Council, was providing training and support to young artists to promote art and culture.

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According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sadaqat Khan, the accident occurred while a family from Nankana Sahib was travelling to the popular tourist destination of Naran.

The dumper lost control and fell onto the van, causing severe damage and resulting in casualties. Police said two tourists died on the spot while five others sustained serious injuries.

Emergency responders rushed to the site and shifted the injured victims to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

The police officials confirmed that all those killed and injured belonged to a Sikh family from Nankana Sahib.

The family had set out on a leisure trip when the tragedy occurred on the route to Naran.

In his message, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto was the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan and the first woman Prime Minister in the Muslim world, who paved the way for greater participation and leadership of women in politics. He said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto waged a historic struggle for the restoration and strengthening of democracy in the country and remained steadfast in her commitment to democratic values.

Nasir Shah said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave Pakistan its nuclear programme, while Shaheed Benazir Bhutto contributed significantly to strengthening the country’s defence capabilities through missile technology. He said that the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto continues to serve as a guiding light for the Pakistan Peoples Party and the people of Pakistan. He added that her political services, courage and sacrifices for democracy and the rights of the people will always be remembered.

Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said that Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari remains committed to fulfilling the mission of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and carrying forward her vision of public service, democracy and development. He further said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto played a historic role in empowering women and ensuring their meaningful participation in national politics.

Nasir Shah said that the people-friendly approach, democratic struggle and political wisdom of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto continue to inspire the younger generation and will remain a beacon of hope and guidance for years to come.

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Before dispersing, the house unanimously passed a resolution paying tribute to slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on her birthday, hailing her as the first woman prime minister of the Muslim world.

The session was presided over by Panel of Chairman member Reehana Laghari.

It opened with a Fatiha recitation for Benazir Bhutto and other deceased members. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presented the resolution honoring Benazir Bhutto, saying she had played a pivotal role in Pakistani politics after her father’s judicial execution.

He said she struggled for the restoration of democracy, federal stability, women’s empowerment, national development, and social justice before being assassinated in 2007. The house adopted the resolution without dissent. Sunday marked the third day of general debate on the provincial budget for the next fiscal year, in which only seven members could participate.

Mumtaz Chandio of the ruling PPP said all development in Sindh had taken place under his party’s governments, yet the opposition refused to acknowledge it. He called Karachi the heart of Sindh and said patients from across the country came to Sindh’s hospitals for treatment. He demanded that the NICVD facility be extended to Naushahro Feroze this year, and that the Naushahro Feroze campus be granted university status.

PPP’s lawmaker, Qasim Siraj Soomro claimed the government was focusing on social security and social protection.

He said Tharparkar, though historically underdeveloped, had entered a new era of progress due to Thar coal, which now generated 3,500 megawatts of electricity for the national grid.

Arif Khan Mahar, the PPP legislator, said groundwater in Sindh was deteriorating. He thanked Sharjeel Inam Memon for launching the Shakarpur-Sukkur Peoples Bus Service.

PPP’s Syed Farrukh Shah said Pakistan had emerged as a united nation against India. He criticized the opposition for not listening to the budget speech and said it was regrettable that some lawmakers resorted to sloganeering instead of serious debate.

PPP MPA Burhan Khan Chandio said the provincial government had spent Rs 7 billion on road construction but water shortages persisted. He said irrigation authorities had cleaned canals but water theft remained a serious problem — not only by Punjab at the upper level, but also at the local level.

He demanded NICVD facilities for Qambar Shahdadkot, noting that people from Balochistan also came there for medical care. He also said a PPHI hospital had been built in Nasirabad but had not been made functional, with no staff posted there. He warned that Karachi was not anyone’s personal estate and could not be separated from Sindh.

Provincial Minister Shaheena Sher Ali said her ministry had completed previously stalled projects. She said Darul Amans had been constructed in Sukkur and Mirpurkhas, and that 405 women had been rescued from life-threatening situations and provided with security and livelihood support.

She said a women’s complex was under construction in Sukkur to promote women’s economic independence. She said the government had activated e-commerce to enable women to sell their products internationally in dollars.

She defended the Pink Scooties program, comparing early criticism of it to criticism that had once been leveled at the Benazir Income Support Programme — which ultimately succeeded. She also said PPP had won the most seats in the Gilgit elections and that its vote share in Karachi had increased. She said the city needed to move beyond its violent past toward a brighter future.

Danyal Ahmed of the main opposition party - MQM challenged the government’s development narrative, saying Sindh had borrowed Rs60 billion yet conditions on the ground had not improved. He called the situation in the province one of dynastic rule. He said only 1,000 Pink Scooties had been distributed among a population of 60 million.

He said Karachi alone needed 15,000 buses but the entire province had received only 2,000. He questioned why any mention of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz triggered an angry reaction on the treasury benches. He pointed to unfinished projects including the K-IV water scheme, which had not been completed in 20 years, and the Zulfiqarabad project, which remained incomplete.

He said he had little hope that the Keti Bandar development project would ever be built. The session was then adjourned until 10am Monday.

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Their commitment to diplomacy and de-escalation reflects Pakistan’s dedication to peace and regional harmony. Also the vice president of United States of America JD Vance specially praised field Marshall for his great efforts and diplomacy.

As a Pakistani after decades it’s a proud Moment putting Pakistan flag up in the world. He applauded the efforts of the prime minister and the Field Marshal in resolving the conflict between Iran, the USA and Israel, a crisis that not only caused economic disorder but also adversely impacted the entire population through inflation and shortages of essential resources such as gas, oil, and electricity and these contribution that not only assisted Iran but also stabilized the wider Middle East, benefiting countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, amid global instability.

Its also mitigate the impacts of the crisis and to pass subsidies on to consumers of petroleum products, thereby supporting the country’s vulnerable economic conditions, which is closely linked to regional stability and was affected significantly by this conflict.

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Talking to the media at the Sindh Assembly’s media corner, he said that Benazir Bhutto is remembered with the honorable title of “Dukhtar-e-Mashriq.”

She fought against the darkness of dictatorship with courage, perseverance, and bravery, and made an eternal sacrifice for strengthening democracy and protecting public rights—an example rarely found in history.

The minister said that Benazir Bhutto led a historic struggle for the promotion of democracy, the protection of public rights, and resistance against dictatorship. She endured imprisonment and hardships but never deviated from the democratic path. According to him, there is no example in the region of a political leader as courageous, visionary, and fearless as her.

Sharjeel stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party is the only political party whose leadership has made immense sacrifices for democracy, and whose leaders and workers have laid down their lives for its survival.

He further said that today is also significant because Pakistan’s efforts for global peace have borne fruit. The world will recognize the important role Pakistan has played in promoting peace. Referring to the role of General Asim Munir in this regard, he said that he also discharged important responsibilities.

Sharjeel expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sindh Assembly Member Naeem Ahmed Kharal, saying that he was a close associate who stood firmly with the Pakistan Peoples Party during difficult times. He added that Naeem Ahmed Kharal’s political services and struggle for the party will always be remembered. Due to his passing, the Assembly session will also be adjourned soon in accordance with tradition.

He said that the entire nation should be congratulated on this success and that hostile countries have failed in their nefarious designs. According to him, the world now views Pakistan as a country advocating peace.

In response to a question, Sharjeel said that the condition of the opposition is evident to everyone, as it is plagued by internal divisions and chaos. Responding to another question, he said that the party’s leadership remains unchanged and is fully aware of its past positions and responsibilities. He added that he does not believe in authoritarian thinking and that opposition criticism is part of the democratic process.

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He regretted that the government has already closed the Utility Stores Corporation that was providing food items to the people on subsidised rates. He alleged that the country was being run “on the dictation of foreign lenders” whose policies were always anti-people in their core.

He asked the government to overhaul the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and divert its funds to job creation.

He said millions of young Pakistanis are jobless who should be absorbed in agriculture sector or manpower export on urgent basis

The government has earmarked Rs838 billion for the BISP while this amount should have been spent on new employment opportunities, said Altaf Shakoor

He said supporting the weaker segments of society was always welcome, but the “focus should be on empowering them and not making them beggars”. He said the recent budget once again failed to empower the low-income classes.

He said all the tax burden once again was put on the salaried and urban classes, while powerful landlords and retailers were spared even from due taxation. He said this government, like the previous ones, was bent upon on getting more loans from the IMF and other lenders, further tightening the debt trap.

He said the rulers have enslaved Pakistan financially, and now about half of the total budget is being devoured by loans and their interest. He said only the bankers are being benefited by the government, adding “this budget was also of the bankers, by the bankers and for the bankers”.

He demanded a moratorium on new loans. He said Pakistan could not sustain more loans and the rulers should refrain from further increasing the debt burden.

He said agriculture and irrigation sectors should be given a serious focus, as they have a potential to create new jobs.

He said millions of acres of the barren lands in Pakistan could be cultivated by modifying our irrigation system.

He said drip irrigation should be made mandatory in Pakistan and the present mode of flood-irrigation should be banned to save water.

The PDP chief said saline water irrigation should be introduced in the coastal areas.

Altaf Shakoor called for the electoral system based on proportional representation (PR) in Pakistan to save the country from the rich political elite, “who are looting this nation with both hands”. He said electoral reforms are now overdue in Pakistan as the current electoral system has failed to deliver.

He said the IMF programs have never saved any country, as these loans are designed to enslave nations economically.

He asked to cap new loans and negotiate with the lenders to wave off or at least reduce interest on the present loans. He said instead of loans, grants should be secured from friendly countries to support the sagging economy.

He said agriculture, solar energy, tourism and export of manpower are the sectors that could salvage the falling Pakistan economy.

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President Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana Syed Muhammad Talha, representing renowned industrialist Arif Habib, presented a cheque of Rs10 million to the Vice Chancellor of Jinnah University for Women, Prof. Dr. Naeem Farooqui, as scholarships for the educational expenses of 200 talented and deserving female students.

Finance Director Sunny Ahmed, Deans and Registrars of all faculties of Jinnah University were also present on the occasion. Last month, Chairman Naya Nazimabad Foundation Arif Habib, after visiting the departments of Jinnah University for Women and meeting Chancellor Wajihuddin Ahmed, had promised to provide two hundred scholarships to female students.

On the occasion, Talha said that patronage of capable and deserving female students is very important for the promotion of knowledge and if a woman is educated, a family will be educated.

“It is very important for women to be highly educated in the development of the country and the nation,” he said and added that Naya Nazimabad Foundation will continue to support women’s education in the future as well.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Naeem Farooqui thanked Chairman Naya Nazimabad Foundation Arif Habib for donating Rs10 million for the scholarship and said that the selection of the students for the scholarship has been done purely on their merit and ability.

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