August 12 total solar eclipse, will it be visible in Pakistan?

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fiscal position improved significantly during the fiscal year 2025-26, with the federal Ministry of Finance reporting that the country’s fiscal deficit fell to its lowest level in 22 years. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, the fiscal deficit stood at 2.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during FY2025-26. The government also recorded a primary surplus of 2.9% of GDP, marking its highest level in 26 years. Pakistan has now maintained a primary surplus for three consecutive years, reflecting an improvement in the government’s ability to cover its non-interest expenditures through its revenues. The ministry reported that total government revenues reached Rs19.8 trillion during the fiscal year. Tax revenues accounted for Rs14.8 trillion, highlighting the central role of improved revenue collection in strengthening the country’s fiscal position. Meanwhile, the government significantly reduced its interest-related expenditure. Interest payments declined to Rs6.95 trillion in FY2025-26 from Rs8.9 trillion in the previous fiscal year. The reduction helped ease pressure on the overall budget and contributed to the improvement in the fiscal balance. On the expenditure side, defence spending increased by 18% to Rs2.588 trillion during the year. The government, however, reduced spending on subsidies by 22%, bringing the amount down from around Rs1.3 trillion to Rs1.001 trillion. Development spending also declined during the fiscal year. According to the ministry, development expenditure fell from Rs786 billion to Rs727 billion. The latest figures indicate a notable improvement in Pakistan’s fiscal management, particularly through stronger revenue collection, a reduction in interest payments and tighter control over certain categories of expenditure. The government’s continued primary surplus also represents an important indicator of progress in efforts to stabilise public finances.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has stepped up preparations for its August 5 public rally, launching a mobilisation campaign to bring party workers together in Peshawar and other parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. PTI workers are holding meetings across the provincial capital, while banners and promotional material for the rally have begun appearing in different areas of the city. Party leader Zubair Ahmad Qureshi said workers from other provinces would also attend the gathering, which will take place near the Peshawar Motorway Plaza. Qureshi called the event one of the biggest rallies in the province’s history and said PTI would observe August 5 as a “day of referendum.” He also said Chief Minister Sohail Afridi would make an important announcement about the party’s future strategy. The PTI leader said party workers had prepared for a movement seeking the release of the party’s founding chairman and would not compromise on the demand. He added that the party had expanded its outreach campaign and started contacting members of the business community. Qureshi said PTI would also observe August 5 as a Black Day and hold a strike. However, he stressed that the party would keep its protest peaceful.

The arrival of a fleet of green electric buses in Muzaffarabad, promised by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders, has sparked a political and legal debate just days before the first phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir general elections. The AJK Election Commission has warned that no new development schemes, financial packages, or government resources can be introduced or used during the election period in violation of the code of conduct. The controversy follows recent election rallies addressed by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, during which they unveiled a series of development initiatives for AJK, including the provision of 10 green electric buses each for Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, along with several other public welfare projects. Shortly after the announcements, the first fleet of ten electric buses reached Muzaffarabad, drawing attention from political observers and raising questions about whether the move is compatible with election regulations. The AJK Election Commission has emphasized that the code of conduct prohibits the announcement or initiation of new development schemes during the election period to ensure a level playing field for all political parties. The PML-N’s unveiling of development projects and the subsequent arrival of the buses have been criticized by opposition parties, who argue that the move constitutes a violation of the code and an attempt to influence voters. The election commission has not yet issued a formal ruling on the matter, but the controversy has added to the pre-election tensions in the region. The first phase of the AJK general elections is scheduled for July 27 in Mirpur Division, with a comprehensive three-tier security strategy in place, involving police, Civil Armed Forces, and the Pakistan Army to ensure a peaceful and orderly polling process. As the election date approaches, the debate over the electric buses highlights the broader challenges of maintaining electoral integrity and ensuring that all parties adhere to the rules. The election commission’s warning serves as a reminder that the use of state resources for political purposes during elections is strictly prohibited, and any violations could lead to legal consequences. The coming days will determine whether the PML-N’s initiatives are deemed compliant with the code of conduct or whether they will face further scrutiny and potential action from the election authorities. The controversy underscores the importance of upholding democratic norms and ensuring that elections are conducted fairly and transparently, without undue influence from incumbents or ruling parties. The people of AJK will head to the polls with the hope of a free and fair election that reflects their will and aspirations.