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FBR GST and excise collections rise by Rs 45 billion

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) recorded a net increase of 45 billion rupees in revenue generated from Federal Excise Duty (FED) and General Sales Tax (GST) during the 2025-26 fiscal year.

According to official sources, total combined collections from FED and GST reached 329 billion rupees for FY2025-26, compared to 284 billion rupees collected during the preceding 2024-25 fiscal year.

The overall tax collection figures reflect broader gains, with FBR’s total revenue reaching 357 billion rupees, an increase of 42 billion rupees over the previous year’s total.

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    14 cities bid to host T20 World Cup 2028 matches

    Fourteen cities across Australia and New Zealand have expressed interest in hosting matches during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028, highlighting strong enthusiasm for the tournament that will be jointly staged by the two neighboring nations. Tournament organizers invited cities to submit bids for hosting rights, and a total of 14 cities responded with proposals to stage matches during the global event. However, only eight to ten cities are expected to be selected as official host venues, meaning several bidding cities will ultimately miss out. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 is scheduled to take place during October and November and will mark another major cricket event jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Both countries have extensive experience organizing ICC tournaments and are expected to provide world-class venues and infrastructure for teams and fans. According to reports, organizers will evaluate each bid based on the International Cricket Council’s hosting guidelines. A key factor in the selection process will be logistics, with officials aiming to create a tournament schedule that minimizes unnecessary travel while ensuring smooth operations throughout the competition. The governing body is expected to prioritize a balanced distribution of venues that allows teams to move efficiently between matches without excessive travel. A more compact tournament structure is also expected to improve scheduling, simplify event management, and provide a better experience for supporters traveling across both countries. Reducing the number of host cities is seen as an important part of the planning process. With Australia and New Zealand separated by the Tasman Sea and both countries covering vast geographical areas, organizers are seeking to strike the right balance between showcasing multiple regions and maintaining practical travel arrangements. Officials believe that selecting fewer venues will help streamline tournament operations, reduce travel demands for participating teams, and make it easier for fans to follow their favorite sides throughout the competition. The bidding process also reflects the continued popularity of international cricket in both nations. Many cities view hosting World Cup matches as an opportunity to attract visitors, boost local tourism, and generate significant economic activity through hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment. Meanwhile, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is expected to host the final of the 2028 T20 World Cup. The iconic stadium has a rich history of staging major international cricket events and is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most prestigious venues. If confirmed, the MCG would once again provide the stage for the tournament’s biggest match. The final list of host cities is expected to be announced after organizers complete their evaluation of the bids and finalize venue arrangements in line with ICC requirements. Once confirmed, preparations will begin for upgrading facilities, coordinating logistics, and developing match schedules ahead of the tournament. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 is expected to feature the world’s leading cricket nations and attract thousands of traveling fans, making it one of the biggest sporting events on the international cricket calendar. With significant interest from host cities and careful planning underway, Australia and New Zealand are preparing to deliver another memorable edition of the tournament.

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    Iran appoints former revolutionary guards chief Mohsen Rezaei to National Security Council

    TEHRAN: Iran has appointed veteran military and political figure Mohsen Rezaei to a senior position within the country’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), replacing Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr and bringing one of the Islamic Republic’s most prominent former Revolutionary Guards commanders back into a central security role. The appointment was announced late Sunday by the office of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s deputy director of communications. No official explanation was immediately provided for the change, and it remains unclear whether Rezaei’s appointment will result in any significant shift in Iran’s security or foreign policy. Rezaei, 71, has extensive experience in Iran’s military, security and political institutions. He served as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from 1981 until 1997, a period that included most of the Iran-Iraq war. His return to a prominent security position comes at a particularly sensitive time for Iran, amid continuing tensions with the United States and Israel, as well as uncertainty surrounding the security of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The SNSC is one of Iran’s most important institutions for coordinating national security and foreign policy. Although the council is formally chaired by the elected president, it brings together senior military, intelligence and government officials, along with representatives of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Major strategic decisions ultimately remain subject to the authority of the supreme leader. Zolqadr’s short tenure ends Zolqadr had been appointed secretary of the SNSC only in late March. He took over the position following the death of his predecessor, Ali Larijani, who was killed in an air strike during the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Unlike Zolqadr, Rezaei has maintained a considerably higher public profile over the course of his political career and has frequently spoken on major domestic, economic and foreign-policy issues. In a separate decree issued Sunday, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Rezaei as his representative to the SNSC. The decree referred to Rezaei’s extensive experience, including his service during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war. Hardline politician Saeed Jalili also serves as the supreme leader’s representative on the council. The same decree appointed Zolqadr as Khamenei’s political adviser, suggesting that his departure from the SNSC leadership does not represent a complete withdrawal from the country’s senior political establishment. Rezaei’s long political career Rezaei’s career has extended well beyond the military. After leaving his post as IRGC commander, he served for more than two decades as secretary of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, an influential body involved in resolving disputes between state institutions and advising the supreme leadership. He later entered the executive branch, serving as vice president for economic affairs from 2021 to 2023 during the administration of former President Ebrahim Raisi. Rezaei also holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Tehran. Despite his academic background, much of his professional life has been spent within Iran’s military, security and political establishment. His appointment therefore places an experienced figure with a long history in Iran’s national security apparatus at the center of a council responsible for coordinating some of the country’s most consequential strategic decisions. Strait of Hormuz remains key issue The leadership change comes as Tehran continues discussions over the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international energy route. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Saturday that Tehran and Oman were nearing an understanding on a possible new shipping route through the strait. The waterway has faced severe disruption during months of conflict and escalating regional tensions. However, Iranian officials have indicated that reopening the route would depend on broader conditions being met. These reportedly include demands related to US compensation for Iran and an end to what Tehran describes as American threats and aggression. Zolqadr had previously outlined several demands, including an end to US threats against Iran, the cessation of military action against Iran and its regional allies, the lifting of sanctions and blockade measures, and the release of Iranian assets. The demands highlight the wider diplomatic and security challenges facing Tehran as it attempts to manage relations with Washington while dealing with continuing regional instability. Policy direction remains uncertain The replacement of Zolqadr by Rezaei does not necessarily indicate an immediate change in Iran’s foreign-policy direction. The SNSC operates within a broader political system in which the supreme leader has ultimate authority over major matters of national security and international affairs. However, Rezaei’s extensive military background and long involvement in Iran’s senior political institutions could make his appointment significant, particularly as Tehran navigates negotiations, military tensions and economic pressure.

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    PM Shehbaz calls for faster rightsizing reforms

      Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need to improve the efficiency and performance of government institutions by adopting modern technology and enhancing the professional training of public sector employees. He made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting on the federal government’s rightsizing initiative and measures aimed at improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of state institutions. The meeting reviewed the progress made under the government’s administrative reform agenda, which seeks to reduce the size of the public sector, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and ensure more efficient delivery of public services. Addressing the participants, the Prime Minister said that technological innovation and skill development are essential for transforming the public sector into a more responsive, transparent, and efficient system. He stressed that government institutions must embrace modern digital solutions while ensuring that employees receive the training required to adapt to new technologies and administrative practices. Shehbaz Sharif said the government’s rightsizing policy is already producing positive results by reducing unnecessary spending and improving the utilization of public resources. He noted that several major reforms have been implemented under the initiative, including the closure of the Utility Stores Corporation, Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD), and the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO). According to the Prime Minister, these decisions were taken after careful consideration to streamline government operations, eliminate overlapping functions, and reduce the financial burden on the national exchequer. He said the objective of the reforms is to build a leaner and more efficient public sector capable of delivering better services to citizens while ensuring fiscal discipline. The Prime Minister stated that the savings generated through the rightsizing initiative would help strengthen the country’s financial position and allow the government to allocate more resources toward priority sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. To ensure transparency and accountability, Shehbaz Sharif directed that all positions and institutions abolished under the rightsizing programme should undergo an independent third-party audit. He said the audit would assess whether the reforms had been implemented effectively and whether the expected financial and administrative benefits had been achieved. The Prime Minister also instructed the relevant authorities to accelerate the implementation of all remaining rightsizing measures. He emphasized that administrative reforms should be carried out efficiently while maintaining transparency and ensuring that public services are not disrupted during the restructuring process. During the meeting, officials briefed the participants on the progress achieved so far. They informed the Prime Minister that vacant positions across various federal ministries and government departments have been abolished as part of the government’s effort to reduce unnecessary staffing and improve administrative efficiency. The meeting was further informed that work is also underway on the privatization of several state-owned enterprises. Officials said the government is taking practical steps to transfer selected public sector entities to the private sector in accordance with its broader economic reform programme. The privatization process aims to reduce the financial burden of loss-making enterprises on the national budget while encouraging greater investment, improved management, and enhanced productivity. Participants also reviewed the overall progress of the government’s institutional reform agenda and discussed future steps to further improve governance and public sector performance. The Prime Minister reiterated that administrative reforms are essential for ensuring sustainable economic growth, strengthening public finances, and delivering better services to the people. Concluding the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing structural reforms aimed at creating a modern, efficient, and accountable public sector. He said that through the adoption of technology, improved training, transparent governance, and responsible financial management, Pakistan’s government institutions can become more effective in meeting the needs of citizens and supporting the country’s long-term development goals.

  • Pakistan says no date fixed yet for new US-Iran talks

    President Donald Trump lashed out on Monday after Iran denied it was holding talks with the United States. He declared in an angry social media post that the American military blockade would continue until there was a deal or what he called total surrender. Trump called Iran duplicitous for openly saying it was not negotiating. He wrote that whether Iran wants to admit it or not, the two sides are talking about a problem that Iran has caused for decades. His post came after Iran denied direct talks were happening, even though Trump had said talks would occur when he called off a threatened bombing campaign over the weekend. Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday that its only talks were with Oman, focused on sharing control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil trade. Trump insisted Iran had asked for talks, but was now giving what he called usual excuses about controlling Hormuz. He said the strait is already fully controlled by the US Navy, and that nothing would pass through unless Iran agreed to a deal or surrendered completely. Trump launched the war against Iran together with Israel in February. The original goals included destroying Iran’s nuclear industry and missile programs. Pakistani officials told Turkish news agency Anadolu that no date or location has yet been finalised for the resumption of direct US-Iran talks. A senior Pakistani official said no meeting is scheduled in Islamabad within the next day. Pakistani and Qatari mediators remain in contact with both Washington and Tehran to arrange the next round of talks. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is expected to visit Tehran soon to discuss reviving negotiations under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed on June 17. Sources said the first phase of talks would focus on restoring the ceasefire and returning to the situation before hostilities resumed on July 9, rather than addressing the nuclear issue immediately. Under one proposal, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the US would lift its blockade of Iranian ports. According to a CNN report, a senior US Central Command officer sent an email to military analysts asking for creative and unconventional ideas to pressure and punish Iran. This unusual request suggests Washington may have limited options left to force Iran into an agreement. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei repeated that Iran is not holding any current talks with the US. He said reaching an agreement with Oman would not be enough to reopen the strait as long as what he called American aggression continues. He also said the Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war state. Tensions on the ground continued to rise. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it shot down a US drone over the Strait of Hormuz. Several oil tankers rerouted away from the Bab al-Mandab Strait to avoid attacks by Yemeni forces, adding millions of dollars to shipping costs. An explosion was also reported near a tanker off the coast of Oman. Israel launched two days of naval and ground military drills as regional tensions grew. Separately, Israel continued attacks on southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, targeting several towns with drones and artillery. Iran also announced it had executed two people accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister held phone calls with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s military chief to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.

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    Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet slow down romance

    Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet are reportedly happy with the current stage of their relationship and are not planning to rush into an engagement, despite being together for several years. According to a recent report, the couple remains deeply committed to each other but prefers to allow their relationship to develop naturally rather than making immediate plans for marriage. A source reportedly described Jenner and Chalamet as being very much in love and said they are comfortable with how their relationship is progressing. The couple has apparently chosen not to put pressure on themselves to take the next major step. The pair have also continued spending time together away from the spotlight. They recently enjoyed a getaway with Jenner’s sister Kendall Jenner and her boyfriend, actor Jacob Elordi. The two couples reportedly spent time together in Malibu during the trip. Jenner and Chalamet have become increasingly comfortable appearing together publicly throughout 2026. They have been spotted at several high-profile events, including the Critics Choice Awards, the Oscars, the NBA Finals and the World Cup Final. Earlier reports also suggested that the couple is in a strong place emotionally. Sources close to them have described their relationship as supportive, with both reportedly enjoying each other’s company and feeling comfortable together. Friends and family are said to be positive about the relationship, with those close to the couple believing they could remain together for the long term. However, neither Jenner nor Chalamet appears to be treating engagement as an immediate priority. How their relationship began Jenner and Chalamet were first linked romantically in 2023 after reportedly interacting at an event during Paris Fashion Week earlier that year. Their relationship attracted widespread attention after they were publicly seen together at Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour concert in Los Angeles in September 2023. At the time, reports described their romance as relaxed and uncomplicated, with Chalamet praised for being affectionate and supportive toward Jenner. The couple later reached another major milestone when they made their red-carpet debut together at the David Di Donatello Awards in Rome in May 2025. Since then, Jenner and Chalamet have continued to maintain a relatively private relationship while occasionally appearing together at major events.

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    Pakistan’s Ehsanullah Mehsud wins Taekwondo gold at the Thailand International Taekwondo Championship

    BANGKOK: Pakistan celebrated another proud moment on the international sporting stage as taekwondo athlete Ehsanullah Mehsud captured the gold medal at the Thailand International Taekwondo Championship after an impressive run through the competition. Mehsud sealed the title with a commanding victory over his Sri Lankan opponent in the final, completing an unbeaten campaign that showcased his skill, determination and consistency against top regional competitors. The Pakistani fighter began his journey with a confident win over a competitor from Kazakhstan in the opening round, setting the tone for an outstanding tournament. He then produced one of his best performances in the semi-finals by defeating an Indian opponent to secure a place in the championship match. Carrying that momentum into the final, Mehsud delivered another composed display to overcome the Sri Lankan contender and clinch the coveted gold medal for Pakistan. Speaking after his victory, Mehsud thanked the people of Pakistan for their prayers and unwavering support throughout the tournament. He dedicated his gold medal to the nation, saying the encouragement he received from fans inspired him to perform at his best on the international stage. “I am grateful for the love, prayers and motivation from the people of Pakistan. This gold medal belongs to the entire nation,” he said after the medal ceremony. The achievement drew widespread praise from across the country. Provincial Assembly member Asif Mehsud congratulated the athlete, saying his remarkable performance had brought pride to both Pakistan and Waziristan by raising the country’s flag on the international stage. Recognizing his success, Asif Mehsud also announced a job for the newly crowned champion, describing the gold medal as a reward for years of dedication and hard work. The latest triumph adds to Pakistan’s growing list of achievements in international taekwondo and highlights the emergence of talented athletes capable of competing successfully on the global stage. Sports enthusiasts hope Mehsud’s victory will inspire more young athletes to pursue martial arts and represent Pakistan with distinction in future international competitions.

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