Carlos Brathwaite applauds Babar Azam’s captaincy

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan’s provincial governments to generate an additional Rs430 billion in tax revenue during the current fiscal year, as part of broader efforts to strengthen public finances and increase provincial own-source revenues. According to official details, the proposed increase in tax collection is equivalent to 0.3 per cent of Pakistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is expected to be shared among the four provinces in line with their allocations under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. The move is aimed at improving fiscal sustainability by encouraging provinces to rely more on locally generated revenues rather than transfers from the federal government. Officials believe stronger provincial tax collection would also help create greater financial discipline and support long-term economic reforms. Sources said each province would contribute to the additional revenue target based on its respective share under the NFC formula, although specific collection targets for individual provinces have yet to be announced. The recommendation comes as Pakistan continues implementing economic reforms under its programme with the IMF, with revenue mobilisation remaining one of the key priorities for both the federal and provincial governments. Meanwhile, the federal government has decided to establish an inter-ministerial committee, to be headed by the prime minister, for the implementation of decisions made by the National Economic Council (NEC). According to officials, the committee will include federal and provincial ministers along with senior government representatives. It will be responsible for monitoring the execution of national policies, reviewing progress on major development initiatives and ensuring timely implementation of decisions taken by the NEC. The committee is also expected to strengthen coordination between the federation and the provinces, particularly on economic planning, fiscal reforms and development projects that require close cooperation among different levels of government. Government sources said improved coordination is considered essential for achieving national economic objectives and ensuring that development programmes are implemented efficiently across the country. Economists say increasing provincial tax revenues has long been a key recommendation of international financial institutions, which argue that greater fiscal autonomy can improve governance, reduce dependence on federal transfers and create a more balanced financial system. The IMF’s latest recommendation is likely to shape upcoming provincial budgetary decisions as governments evaluate measures to expand their tax base while balancing the need to protect economic activity. The proposed revenue measures are expected to remain a major focus of fiscal policy discussions in the months ahead.

The federal government has announced a public holiday across Pakistan on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the holiday for 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal. The government has also issued an official notification confirming the decision. According to the notification, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, will be observed as a public holiday across the country. Government offices and institutions covered by the notification will remain closed on the day. The holiday will allow people to observe Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ and participate in religious gatherings and other activities. Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ is observed every year on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Special religious programmes, processions and gatherings are held in different parts of Pakistan on the occasion. The announcement of the public holiday comes as preparations for the religious occasion continue across the country. Authorities are also expected to make security and traffic arrangements for major gatherings and processions.