03 Feb, 2026
1 min read

Banks to Remain Closed on February 5 for Kashmir Day

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that it, along with all commercial banks, will remain closed on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in observance of Kashmir Day. In an official circular issued on Tuesday, the SBP stated, “The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on Thursday, February 5, 2026, being a public holiday […]

1 min read

Pakistan’s Urea Sales Set to Hit Six-Year Low After Record December Performance

Pakistan’s urea sales are projected to fall sharply in January 2026, marking the lowest monthly off-take in over six years. According to research by Topline Securities, the decline follows record-breaking purchases in December, combined with tapering seasonal demand and reduced manufacturer discounts. The sector research highlights that fertilizer sales slowed dramatically both month-on-month (MoM) and […]

3 mins read

US Expands H-2B Visa Program to Ease Seasonal Labor Shortages

The United States has announced a major expansion of its H-2B visa program, aiming to address persistent labor shortages across key seasonal industries. Under the Trump administration’s latest decision, an additional 65,000 H-2B seasonal guest worker visas will be made available through September 30, significantly increasing access to foreign labor for U.S. employers. This temporary […]

2 mins read

Government Moves to Reduce Reliance on Bank Financing Through Capital Market Reforms

The federal government has announced plans to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on bank financing by advancing capital market reforms, signaling a strategic shift in the country’s financial framework. This decision aims to lower transaction costs, broaden investor participation, and strengthen alternative funding sources for businesses and institutions. The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Finance […]

3 mins read

PIA Privatisation Agreement Signed in Islamabad, Marking Major Reform Milestone

An important step in Pakistan’s economic reform agenda was completed on Thursday as the privatisation agreement of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was formally signed during a ceremony held in Islamabad. The development marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to restructure state-owned enterprises and improve their long-term sustainability. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the […]

3 mins read

Govt Makes Energy-Efficient Products Mandatory to Cut Power Costs in Public Sector

The federal government has taken a significant step toward reducing electricity consumption and controlling rising power costs by making energy-efficient products mandatory for all public sector procurement. Under the new policy, federal government departments and institutions will now be required to purchase only energy-efficient, star-rated products for official use. The directive has been formally notified […]

1 min read

Scotland Unveils 15-Member Squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Cricket Scotland has officially announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The team will be led by experienced top-order batter Richie Berrington, who brings valuable leadership and international experience to Scotland’s campaign. Eleven members of […]

1 min read

PCB Confirms Pakistan’s Participation in T20 World Cup 2026 Amid ICC Dispute

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Pakistan will participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as scheduled, while also pursuing a formal protest over what it considers unfair treatment by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi shared details […]

2 mins read

Safe City Announces Official E-Challan SMS Number

The Safe City Authority has officially announced that all verified e-challan SMS notifications will now be sent exclusively from the number 9915, aiming to eliminate public confusion and reduce the risk of fraud. According to a spokesperson for the Safe City Authority, citizens should treat any traffic violation message received from a number other than […]

2 mins read

May 9 Violence Case: Hammad Azhar, Zubair Niazi Declared Proclaimed Offenders

The Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has intensified proceedings in the May 9 violence cases by declaring seven accused individuals, including prominent political figures, as proclaimed offenders and issuing perpetual, non-bailable arrest warrants. The decision was announced during a hearing of the GOR Gate attack case, presided over by ATC Administrative Judge Manzar Ali Gill. The […]