ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday announced a 50 basis points reduction in its policy rate, bringing it down to 10.5%, effective from December 16, 2025. The decision comes as part of the central bank’s ongoing efforts to ensure price stability while fostering sustainable economic growth amidst a challenging global environment. In a statement, the SBP’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) noted that inflation had remained within the 5-7% target range on average during the first five months of the 2026 fiscal year (July-November FY26), although core inflation remained “relatively sticky.” Despite this, the MPC indicated that inflation…
Author: Imran Ali Khan
SIALKOT: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday held former spymaster Faiz Hameed responsible for the removal of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 2017, accusing him of orchestrating a political conspiracy that ultimately facilitated the rise of PTI and Imran Khan. Asif also indicated that additional charges against Hameed are expected in the near future. The remarks came two days after Hameed was sentenced to 14 years in prison following a 15-month trial in which he was convicted on four counts, including violating secrecy laws, engaging in political activities, misuse of authority, and causing harm to others. Addressing a press…
Washington:The $686 million defense package offered to Pakistan by US President Donald Trump’s administration this week will transform the country’s ageing fleet of F-16 fighter jets into a modernized force capable of operating securely and efficiently alongside contemporary air forces, according to defense experts and officials. At its core, the upgrade will allow the F-16s to operate safely and effectively for at least another decade and a half by extending their service life, strengthening secure communications, enabling real-time sharing of tactical data, and ensuring sustained maintenance through comprehensive parts, training, and support. Enhanced mission planning and testing tools included in…
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: The United Nations’ (UN) special rapporteur has warned that former prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan is being held under conditions that may amount to inhuman or degrading treatment intensifying global scrutiny over the treatment of high-profile political detainees in Pakistan. Alice Jill Edwards, the UN official, urged Pakistani authorities to ensure that Khan’s detention fully complies with international norms and to lift his solitary confinement immediately. According to reports, since his transfer to Adiala Jail on September 26, 2023, Khan, 73, has spent up to 23 hours a day in solitary confinement under constant camera surveillance, with…
ASHGABAT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to the peaceful resolution of global disputes, calling on the international community to pressure the Afghan Taliban to honor their international obligations and curb terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil. Speaking at an international forum held in connection with the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, the prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to promote global stability and peace. Peaceful resolution of disputes is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign diplomacy, PM Shehbaz said, underscoring Pakistan’s support for…
Islamabad: The government has signed a landmark $2 billion real-world asset tokenisation agreement with Binance Investments, marking Pakistan’s first formal entry into blockchain-based distribution of sovereign assets. However, the move has sparked debate over transparency and due process, with questions raised about the selection of Binance and the absence of leading global asset tokenisation players from the initiative. The concerns were voiced by former finance minister Asad Umar, who questioned the credibility of the process in a post on social media platform X on Saturday. A real-world asset tokenisation agreement worth $2 billion was signed between GOP and Binance. What…
Islamabad: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday underscored the urgent need for international cooperation to combat terrorism, mitigate climate change, and resolve global conflicts through peaceful means. Speaking at a high-level international forum in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Sharif emphasized that global stability and sustainable development require a collective approach. Let us move from zero-sum mindsets to purposeful cooperation, invest in connectivity as bridges for people and ideas, resolve disputes peacefully, and reaffirm our commitment to the UN Charter, he said. The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Iran for their mediation efforts with…
Doha: Saudi Arabia booked their place in the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 semifinals with a thrilling 2–1 extra-time victory over Palestine on Thursday, following Morocco’s earlier progression to the last four. The quarterfinal clash at Qatar’s Al-Rayyan Stadium delivered tense moments, VAR drama, and a valiant exit for Palestine, who have made a historic run in the tournament. The first half saw both sides struggle to create clear-cut chances, with strong defensive setups keeping the score goalless. The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute when a foul in the penalty area handed Saudi Arabia a spot-kick. Faris Al-Buraikan…
Dhaka has indicated that it could strategically consider joining a regional bloc with Pakistan in the future a grouping that may potentially exclude India according to a top Bangladeshi official. Md Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser, told the state-owned Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) on Wednesday that while it is strategically feasible for Dhaka to participate in such a bloc, similar arrangements would be difficult for other South Asian countries like Nepal or Bhutan. It is possible for us (Bangladesh) strategically (but) it is not possible for Nepal or Bhutan to form a grouping with Pakistan excluding India, Hossain said. Hossain’s…
In a historic development that has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s political and defence circles, former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM). The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the verdict on Thursday, terming it the culmination of a 15-month-long, exhaustive legal process carried out strictly under military law. According to the ISPR, the proceedings were initiated on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act. Hameed was charged on four serious counts, including engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority…