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KARACHI: Pakistan’s central bank chief expects the economy to grow as much as 4.75% this fiscal year, pushing back against a recent downgrade by the International Monetary Fund. Governor Jameel Ahmad, in written responses to Reuters, argued the recovery is broader and more durable than headline export data suggest. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised its FY26 growth forecast to 3.75–4.75% at its January meeting, 0.5 percentage point higher than its previous range, despite a contraction in exports in the first half of the year and a widening trade deficit. The governor said differences in projections were not unusual and reflected…

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif lamented on Wednesday that politicians were fighting for their own interests instead of the country. Addressing the National Assembly, he said the Pakistan Army belonged to the whole nation. He accused the opposition leader of insulting the office by making an irresponsible statement. He added that politicians were not serving Pakistan but were engaged in a battle for vested interests. He criticised the habit of deviating from the oath. Asif said people changed parties many times for power, but there was no party for the martyrs, adding that the martyrs were sacrificing their lives for the land…

Karachi Kings have secured Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha for Rs58.5 million in the latest player acquisition. According to details, Agha had previously represented Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United as a marquee player in domestic competitions. The right-handed batter has featured in 36 Pakistan Super League matches, scoring 730 runs at an average of 22.81. He has struck three half-centuries, with a highest score of 64. Meanwhile, Australia’s Max Bryant has joined Islamabad United for Rs195 million. No franchise bought South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder. No franchise bought Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Zulqarnain, Mohammad Umar Burki, Nahid Rana, and England’s Tom…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday took immediate notice of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (NEPRA) newly notified Net Metering Regulations 2026, directing authorities to safeguard the interests of existing solar consumers. A high-level meeting was convened under the chairmanship of the prime minister to review the new regulations. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Atta Tarar, Power Minister Awais Leghari, Parvez Malik, Bilal Kayani, Muhammad Ali, Ahad Cheema and other senior officials. During the meeting, the prime minister instructed the Power Division and NEPRA to file a review appeal to ensure full…

South Africa beat Afghanistan after a contest of rare drama in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, with the match settled only after two Super Overs. Batting first, South Africa made 187 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Ryan Rickelton struck 61 from 28 balls and Quinton de Kock made 59 from 41, the pair laying the foundation with a stand of 100 in 52 deliveries. David Miller remained unbeaten on 20 at the close. Rashid Khan claimed two wickets, while Azmatullah Omarzai took three for 41. Afghanistan replied with 187 in 19.4…

The 3rd session of the Belt and Road International General Practitioners Training Course has concluded at the First People’s Hospital of Kashgar, bringing together doctors from Pakistan and Tajikistan along with 90 local general practitioners. The program focused on general practice foundations, chronic disease management, infectious disease control, emergency response and primary-specialist collaboration, with Pakistani doctors also sharing their experience in delivering healthcare with limited resources. The initiative builds on earlier sessions since 2024 and further strengthens China-Pakistan medical cooperation under the Belt and Road framework.

During the three-day Basant kite-flying festival in Lahore, more than 904,000 passengers used the Orange Line Metro Rail, a CPEC project, to travel across the city. The metro remained fully operational and free of cost, providing an affordable and convenient transport option for festival-goers amid heavy crowds at stations. Passengers praised the service for enabling smooth travel to markets and family gatherings, highlighting the metro’s role in supporting celebrations and reflecting strong Pakistan-China cooperation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that hostile forces are attempting to provoke a confrontation between the government and the public. Addressing a ceremony marking the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, President Pezeshkian said that Iran has never sought to acquire nuclear weapons. He added that the country stands ready for all forms of inspection and verification of its nuclear programme. He said neighbouring states had played a part in easing recent tensions. According to the president, countries in the region are capable of resolving their crises without outside involvement and must determine their future free from foreign interference. President…

Gold and silver prices in Pakistan continued their upward trend on Wednesday, reflecting both local demand and global market movements. Investors and traders are keeping a close eye on the rising rates. In the Pakistani market, gold has surged by Rs 2,300 per tola, bringing the price to Rs 528,562 per tola. The price of 10 grams of gold has also jumped by Rs 1,972, reaching Rs 453,156. On the global stage, gold became $23 per ounce more expensive, trading at $5,058 per ounce, indicating strong international momentum affecting local rates. Silver prices also climb Silver prices in Pakistan have…

The political leaders from Gilgit-Baltistan have joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP). According to details that emerged on Wednesday, IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the new entrants into the party. Those who entered the party ranks include former Gilgit-Baltistan governor Raja Jalal, former chief minister Haji Gulbar Khan, former leader of the opposition captain (retd) Shafi, former ministers Fatehullah Khan, Haji Shah Baig, Shamsullah Haq and Maulana Sultan Rais, as well as former minister Dilshad Bano. Abdul Aleem Khan greeted the leaders by placing party mufflers around their shoulders. Speaking on the occasion, he said the IPP had entered Gilgit-Baltistan’s…