June | Pakistan

The festive occasion of Eidul Azha is likely to be celebrated across Pakistan on June 7, 2025, according to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco). In a statement, the commission issued a prediction regarding the sighting of the crescent moon for the month of Zilhaj 1446 AH, “based on scientific analysis, astronomical data, and modern observational techniques.” It said according to astronomical models, the birth of the new moon for Zilhaj will occur on May 27, 2025, at 8:02pm PST. The scientific analysis for May 27, 2025 (29 Ziqa’ad) in Pakistan indicates the age of the moon at sunset will be approximately 11 hours and 34 minutes, it mentioned. “Even under the most optimal weather conditions, the possibility of the moon being sighted across the country is extremely low, as there will only be a 37-minute interval between sunset and moonset,” it added. The commission said 1st Zilhaj is expected to fall on May 29. Therefore, Eidul Azha will be celebrated across Pakistan on June 7. It added ...

The federal government is set to present the budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, with an estimated outlay of around Rs20 trillion, in Parliament on June 2, official sources confirmed.

• NEC to meet on May 26 or 27 to approve development programme • 200 ongoing uplift projects likely to be closed • Ahsan says proper allocations cannot be made for key schemes ISLAMABAD: The federal government will present the next fiscal year’s budget on June 2, with a 16 per cent lower development allocation of Rs921 billion, resulting in the likely closure of about 200 ongoing development projects. This was announced at a press conference by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who disclosed that an indicative budget ceiling (IBC) of Rs921bn for the next year provided by the Ministry of Finance was over three times lower than Rs2.9 trillion demanded by the Planning Commission based on requirements of various ministries for development projects. The figure is also around 16pc lower than the current year’s revised allocation of Rs1.1tr, slashed on the instructions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from Rs1.4tr approved by the parliament as part of the federal budget 2024-25. The minister said he would conte...

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has directed Pakistan to proceed with further downsizing at the Utility Stores Corporation as part of its right-sizing initiative, with a deadline set for June 30.

LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued a firm directive to complete all projects under the Lahore Development Plan by June 30, setting strict monthly timelines for progress monitoring.

The federal government has officially invited expressions of interest (EOIs) from potential investors for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), marking a major development in its bid to offload a controlling stake in the national flag carrier. According to the Privatisation Commission, the decision has been made to sell between 51% and 100% of PIA shares, along with management control, to the prospective buyer. Interested parties have until June 3, 2025 to submit their EOIs. As part of the process, the government has announced a number of incentives for investors. These include relief from 18% general sales tax (GST) on the purchase or lease of new aircraft. Additionally, protection and coverage will be provided in certain tax and legal cases, the commission stated. The move also involves the transfer of specific liabilities listed on PIA’s balance sheet, aimed at making the offer more attractive to potential buyers. This privatisation effort is a central component of the government’s br...