WASHINGTON – The ongoing US government shutdown has deepened tensions between Congress and President Donald Trump, with lawmakers increasingly worried that the standoff is eroding their constitutional control over federal spending. As Republicans and Democrats continue to blame each other for the deadlock, Trump’s White House has taken decisive actions that critics say sideline congressional […]
federal budget
Pakistan’s national assembly passes budget for 2025–26 with amendments
The National Assembly of Pakistan has passed the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025–26. The approval came after several days of debate, discussions, and review by lawmakers during a special session held in Islamabad. Members of the assembly approved the Finance Bill 2025 through a clause-by-clause voting process, making it the official budget […]
Budget 2025-26: Coffee, chocolate, juices, and mineral water prices set to rise
The new federal budget proposes higher taxes on many common goods. Coffee, chocolate, fruit juices, and mineral water will become more expensive. The government plans to impose a 5% tax on these beverages. Additionally, online sales through e-commerce platforms will face a 2% tax, affecting many consumers and sellers. Moreover, an 18% tax will be […]
Journalists walk out of post-budget press conference over lack of technical briefing
In Islamabad, journalists staged a walkout during the post-budget press conference on June 11. They protested the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) failure to provide a technical briefing on the federal budget beforehand. The protest began as soon as the press conference started, with reporters standing up and voicing their frustration. The journalists demanded an […]
NA passes captive power gas levy bill under IMF conditions
In a swift move just days before unveiling the federal budget, Pakistan’s National Assembly passed a controversial IMF-driven mini-budget on Thursday — the Captive Power Plants (Off-Grid) Levy Bill 2025 — without any debate and through a supplementary agenda. The bill aims to give legal cover to a previously imposed grid levy on industrial units […]
NA committee finalizes agenda, duration of budget session
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser chaired meeting of the Business Advisory Committee of the National Assembly in the Parliament House. The matters pertaining to agenda and duration of the budget session for the financial year 2021-22 were discussed. It was decided that present session would continue till June 30. It was decided that the […]
Imran Khan presides over federal cabinet meeting
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet met on Tuesday in Islamabad to discuss the country’s economic and political situation. The Cabinet is reviewing PDM’s movement against the government and issues related to Sindh. Prime Minister Imran Khan is presiding over the federal cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister’s office. The cabinet is discussing a 21-point agenda […]