The federal government has abolished the 18% sales tax on the shipping industry in the 2026-27 budget, a move hailed by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry as a major boost for maritime and logistics sectors. For more: tribune.com.pk/story/2613018… #etribune #News #Latest #business

The Pakistan Poultry Association has expressed profound disappointment over the federal budget 2026-27, stating that despite repeated assurances from the government, the poultry sector has received no meaningful fiscal relief. For more: tribune.com.pk/story/2613017… #etribune #news #Latest #business

In an economy where billions have become the new millions and trillions the new billions due to years of inflation and rupee depreciation, the federal government's decision to allocate just Rs7.1 billion for agricultural storage infrastructure in Budget 2026-27 has raised questions about the understanding of those in the power corridors of Islamabad regarding a crisis that costs more than Rs140 billion annually in wheat losses alone. For more: tribune.com.pk/story/2613016… #etribune #news #latest #business

A large-scale oil contamination incident has affected a vast stretch of Gwadar’s western coastline, raising serious concerns about environmental degradation and its potential impact on marine life and coastal communities. The pollution has spread across approximately 20 kilometres of shoreline, coating beaches with thick layers of crude oil. The incident has alarmed environmentalists and local residents alike, particularly after several marine animals, including sea turtles, were found dead along the affected coastline. As reports of the contamination emerged, Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Naqeebullah Kakar directed authorities to launch immediate response efforts. Teams from the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) were dispatched to assess the extent of the damage and investigate the source of the spill.

Violations of the US blockade of Iranian ports “will not be tolerated”, US State Secretary Marco Rubio told India’s top diplomat, who said US strikes in the Gulf killed three Indian nationals. For more: tribune.com.pk/story/2612996… #etribune #News #latest

United States Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has claimed that the US has funded more than 120 biological laboratories across over 30 countries, adding that details of the programme were deliberately concealed from the American public. For more: tribune.com.pk/story/2612992… #etribune #News #latest

Lebanon reported Israeli strikes on the country’s south on Saturday as the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for more than 20 locations, including the city of Nabatieh, ahead of raids there. For more: tribune.com.pk/story/2612981… #etribune #News #latest

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Saturday welcomed the US–Iran negotiations entering their final stage, expressing hope that the development would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region. For more: tribune.com.pk/story/2612948… #etribune #News #latest

The exact timing of the ​signing of the ‌Islamabad memorandum will not be on ​Sunday, Iran's Foreign ​Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei ⁠said, according ​to state media ​on Saturday. For more: tribune.com.pk/story/2612946… #etribune #News #latest

US President Donald Trump shared on Truth Social a post by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in which he said that negotiations on a peace deal have reached a critical and advanced stage, adding that the agreement is now closer than ever before. In the post, Shehbaz Sharif stated that the finalisation of the deal is expected within the next 24 hours, after which Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the agreement. He further noted that technical-level talks between the relevant parties are scheduled to continue next week to work out remaining details and implementation mechanisms. The message also expressed appreciation for the role of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran in facilitating and supporting the negotiation process, alongside other regional partners who contributed to the discussions

The federal government on Friday further cut the price of petrol by Rs4 per litre and that of high-speed diesel by Rs2 for the next week. According to a press release from the Petroleum Division, the new petrol price is Rs373.78, while HSD is Rs378.78

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday said that the government had decided to impose federal excise duty (FED) on imported vehicles while presenting the 2026–27 Federal Budget in the National Assembly. For more: tribune.com.pk/story/2612819… #etribune #news #latest

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU) is “closer than ever” to being finalized, shortly after US President Donald Trump criticized Tehran for allegedly leaking details of the agreement to Iranian media. In a post on X, Araghchi urged the media to avoid speculation until the document is officially finalized, stating that all details would be made public at the appropriate time in keeping with Iran’s “responsible and transparent approach.”

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday unveiled tax relief measures for four income slabs of salaried employees and announced the removal of the surcharge, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while presenting the 2026–27 Federal Budget in the National Assembly. Speaking in the National Assembly, Aurangzeb said, “I am pleased to announce that under the prime minister’s guidance, our government will reduce tax rates for different income groups to ease the burden on employees.” According to the proposal, salaried individuals earning Rs2.2-3.2 million annually will see their tax rate reduced from 23% to 20%. Those with an income between Rs3.2-4.1m will have their tax rate cut from 30% to 25%. Employees earning Rs4.1-5.6m annually will face a reduced tax rate of 29%, down from 35%. Meanwhile, salaried individuals with incomes between Rs5.6-7m will see their tax rate lowered from 35% to 32%. Aurangzeb said that the surcharge on the salaried class would also be abolished, a long-standing demand.

United States President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran's leaked comments on a deal with the ​US did not represent what has been agreed ‌to in writing. "What they said, including their weak and pathetic statement on having a deal, bears no relation to the truth. Very dishonourable people ​to deal with. With them, there is no such ​thing as dealing in good faith. Amazing!" he wrote ⁠on Truth Social. "They better get their act together, and ​fast!" Trump said. Terms of the deal as described earlier today by Iranian officials appear to offer Tehran much ​of what it has demanded so far, with Trump appearing ​to win little of what he has sought, beyond the reopening of the ‌Strait ⁠of Hormuz, which Iran shut after he ordered attacks in February. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that the draft would waive sanctions on Iran's oil, unfreeze billions of dollars ​of its funds ​and require ⁠a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. For more: tribune.com.pk/story/2612769… #etribune #news #Latest

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is presenting the Federal Budget 2026-27, outlining the government's roadmap from economic stabilisation to sustainable growth. The budget focuses on strengthening economic stability, promoting investment and exports, accelerating digital transformation, advancing privatization and tax reforms, enhancing agricultural productivity, and creating new opportunities for Pakistan's youth through skills development, entrepreneurship, and innovation-driven initiatives.

The federal government has allocated Rs3 trillion for defence in the Budget 2026–27, reflecting its focus on strengthening national security and military preparedness amid evolving regional challenges. Presenting the budget, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized that “defence remains our government’s top priority,” underscoring the importance of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty. The substantial allocation highlights Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing defence capabilities while addressing a complex and rapidly changing security landscape.

United States President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a "great settlement" with Iran to end the Middle East war, saying he expected a deal to be signed in Europe in the coming days. "We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, saying that they would "subject to finalisation of documents, which should get done, over the next few days, probably have a signing, maybe in Europe."

During the briefing at the White House US President Donald Trump praised Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying, “I call him the General. He is a general. He is a great general—so great that he is actually a field marshal, a step above.” The US president also said a deal between the United States and Iran could be finalized within the next few days, noting that the relevant documents are in the final stages of preparation. Speaking at the White House, Trump said the agreement “should be done pretty quickly” and added that Iran wants the deal “every bit as much as everybody else wants it.” Trump said the signing ceremony could take place somewhere in Europe as early as this weekend. While he indicated that he would not be able to attend, he said Vice President JD Vance would represent the United States. Claiming that the US helped Ships get through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, “We took out, some nights, 25 ships; some nights, 15. Over the last four or five nights, we did 25, 22, 21, 26, 18, and 14. Who else would remember those numbers? Nobody.” He added that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen once the US and Iran formally sign the agreement.

Hours before the World Cup kickoff, the boost to travel and tourism expected from this year’s biggest sporting event has yet to ​materialise. For more: tribune.com.pk/story/2612621… #etribune #News #latest