Day: May 19, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that public funds must be allocated to development schemes that deliver “tangible and measurable results,” as he reviewed ongoing development spending and preparations for the next Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). Chairing a high-level meeting on development budget allocations, the prime minister stressed that ministries showing better performance would be given priority in the release of funds for future projects. He said that water storage and hydropower projects remain among the government’s top development priorities, directing that schemes related to reservoirs and…

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PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to immediately intervene in the suspension of gas supply to the CNG sector in the province, warning that the decision could trigger widespread protests and lead to a law-and-order situation. In a letter dated May 18, the chief minister said the Petroleum Division’s recent move to curtail gas supply to the CNG sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was attributed to LNG supply disruptions and operational constraints faced by Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL). While acknowledging the…

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KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Monday announced that the provincial government has approved 500 new electric vehicle (EV) buses for Karachi as part of efforts to improve the city’s public transport system. Speaking during the Sindh Assembly session while responding to various call-attention notices, the minister said the new EV buses would operate on multiple routes across Karachi and three additional bus routes would soon be launched. The announcement came after MQM lawmaker Naseer Ahmed highlighted the lack of public transport facilities in the Manghopir area and…

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ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Monday urged all provincial governments to generate more than Rs400 billion in additional taxes during the next fiscal year, mainly from the agriculture, services and real estate sectors, to meet key commitments made with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With the proposed provincial contribution, the cumulative additional tax burden under the upcoming budgets of the federation and provinces is expected to exceed Rs1.1 trillion for fiscal year 2026-27. According to government officials, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a virtual meeting with provincial finance ministers and…

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