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SBP Housing Finance Regulations Expand Home Loans With 30 Year Tenor
Pakistan

SBP Housing Finance Regulations Expand Home Loans With 30 Year Tenor

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The State Bank of Pakistan has overhauled its housing finance framework, introducing revised SBP housing finance regulations that could significantly change how banks and development finance institutions provide home loans. The new rules take immediate effect and replace several regulatory instructions issued between 2019 and 2021. The move comes as Pakistan continues to struggle with a major housing shortage, high construction costs and limited access to affordable formal financing. Under the revised framework, banks and DFIs can finance the purchase of houses and apartments, construction on an owned plot, purchase of a plot followed by construction, home extensions, expansion and renovation. Financing is also permitted for renewable energy solutions installed in residential properties. The broader scope is a positive development. However, the real test will be whether banks actually become more willing to lend to ordinary households rather than simply having a more modern regulatory framework on paper. 30 Year Housing Finance and 90 Percent LTV Limit One of the most significant changes under the SBP housing finance regulations is the maximum financing tenor of 30 years. Renewable energy financing for housing units can have a maximum tenor of 10 years. The maximum loan to value ratio has been set at 90 percent. In practical terms, eligible borrowers may be able to obtain financing covering up to 90 percent of the property value, subject to the banks assessment and other applicable conditions. This could reduce the upfront financial burden for homebuyers. Yet affordability remains a serious concern. A higher financing ratio does not automatically make housing affordable when property prices, construction costs and household incomes remain under pressure. Monthly Debt Payments Capped at 65 Percent of Income The revised rules state that total monthly amortization payments for the proposed housing loan and all other outstanding consumer financing obligations cannot exceed 65 percent of the borrowers net disposable income. This requirement is intended to prevent excessive household borrowing and reduce credit risk for banks. However, the 65 percent threshold deserves scrutiny. For lower and middle income families, allocating such a large share of disposable income toward debt repayment could leave limited room for food, education, healthcare, utilities and other essential expenses. The regulation may therefore protect financial institutions more effectively than it protects financially stretched households unless banks apply prudent affordability assessments. New Rules Target Informal Income Borrowers A major feature of the revised framework is its recognition of informal income. Banks and DFIs have been directed to use informal income estimation models circulated by the Pakistan Banks Association when assessing borrowers whose earnings are not supported by conventional salary documentation. This could be particularly important in Pakistan, where a large section of economic activity operates outside formal payroll structures. The success of this measure will depend heavily on how accurately banks assess informal earnings. If lenders remain excessively conservative, millions of potential borrowers could continue to remain outside the formal housing finance market despite the regulatory change. Property Valuation and Insurance Requirements Tightened For housing finance of up to Rs5 million, banks and DFIs may extend loans by placing a lien on the property. This can include properties supported by a Green Property Certificate issued by the Punjab Land Records Authority or an equivalent certificate from another provincial authority. For financing exceeding Rs10 million, property valuation by a Pakistan Banks Association panel valuator is mandatory. Banks and DFIs must also obtain comprehensive insurance or takaful coverage for financed housing units. Standardized financing documents issued by the Pakistan Banks Association are required, while digital signatures must be authenticated through one time passwords or other two factor authentication methods. These measures should improve documentation and reduce fraud risks, although additional compliance requirements could also increase transaction costs and processing times. Stricter Classification for Troubled Housing Loans The revised SBP housing finance regulations introduce a four tier asset classification framework consisting of OAEM, Substandard, Doubtful and Loss. Loans become subject to different classifications after overdue periods of 90 days, 180 days, one year and two years respectively. Provisioning will be determined using IFRS 9 Expected Credit Loss requirements or Forced Sale Value based calculations, whichever results in the higher provision. The Forced Sale Value benefit will expire five years after classification. The framework also limits rescheduling or restructuring of housing finance to once during any two year period. Any extension of tenure is capped at five years and remains subject to the overall 30 year maximum. Simplified Applications Could Help Unlock Housing Finance Banks and DFIs are also required to introduce simplified and standardized loan application forms for formal salaried individuals, formal businesses and informal income borrowers. These forms must be available in both physical and digital formats and in Urdu and English. This is arguably one of the most practical elements of the new framework. Complicated documentation has long discouraged potential borrowers from entering the formal housing finance system. The bigger question is implementation. Pakistan has repeatedly introduced financial inclusion reforms, but the gap between regulation and actual bank behavior remains significant. What the New SBP Housing Finance Regulations Really Mean The revised framework represents a substantial regulatory reset for housing finance. Longer repayment periods, a 90 percent LTV ceiling, recognition of informal income and financing for renewable energy could widen access to formal housing credit. But regulations alone will not solve Pakistan’s housing crisis. Banks must become more responsive to genuine borrowers, property records must become increasingly digitized and transparent, and lending assessments must balance risk management with realistic household affordability. The SBP housing finance regulations create an opportunity to expand mortgage finance, but their success will ultimately be measured not by the number of rules issued, but by whether more Pakistani families can actually secure affordable financing to buy, build or improve their homes.

ISPR Rejects India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ Documentary As Propaganda
Pakistan

ISPR Rejects India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ Documentary As Propaganda

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Pakistan’s military media wing has rejected India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ documentary, describing it as a “Bollywood-style” production that allegedly attempts to portray a military setback as a successful operation. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) accused India of presenting a selective and inaccurate version of last year’s Pakistan-India military confrontation. The statement said the documentary was designed to reshape the narrative surrounding the conflict for a domestic audience. “More than a year after Marka-i-Haq, India refuses to face the harsh reality,” ISPR said, adding that instead of acknowledging what Pakistan describes as a failed military venture, India had chosen to present events in its preferred version. The remarks came after Indian content creators produced a highly dramatized documentary featuring senior Indian political and military leadership and focusing on Operation Sindoor, the name New Delhi gave to its strikes on Pakistan on May 7, 2025. ISPR Questions India’s Account Of Operation Sindoor ISPR said the documentary used dramatic narration, selectively edited interviews and cinematic reconstructions to present what it described as a distorted account of the military confrontation. According to the military’s media wing, the production contained “fundamental contradictions” that raised questions about its version of events. ISPR particularly challenged the documentary’s attempt to connect a speech delivered by Pakistan’s army chief on April 16, 2025, with the Pahalgam attack that occurred six days later. The Pakistani military said the documentary was attempting to create a conspiracy theory by linking the two events without providing evidence to establish such a connection. The statement also questioned India’s timeline regarding the alleged perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack. ISPR said India later claimed that three alleged perpetrators were identified and killed on July 28, 2025, which was 82 days after Operation Sindoor. The military questioned how Operation Sindoor could be described as punishment for those responsible for the Pahalgam attack if India itself subsequently claimed that the alleged perpetrators were eliminated months later. Pakistan Challenges ‘100pc Mission Success’ Claim ISPR also rejected the documentary’s portrayal of Operation Sindoor as a complete military success. The military said the claim of “100 per cent mission success” did not correspond with what it described as the operational record of the conflict. According to ISPR, Pakistan’s armed forces successfully resisted Indian military action during what Pakistan calls Marka-i-Haq, claiming that eight Indian military aircraft were shot down. Pakistan subsequently launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, using precision-guided rockets and missiles, Pakistan Air Force precision munitions, long-range loitering munitions and precision artillery. ISPR said the operation targeted 26 military targets, including facilities that Pakistan claimed were involved in attacks against Pakistani citizens and entities it accused of supporting terrorism against the country. The Pakistani military presented these events as evidence that the conflict did not result in the unilateral Indian victory portrayed in the documentary. ISPR Points To Contradictions In Documentary The military’s statement said the documentary itself contained admissions that were difficult to reconcile with its portrayal of a decisive Indian victory. ISPR pointed to references in the production to Pakistani missile, drone and air activity, engagements along the Line of Control and the activation of Indian air-defence systems. According to the statement, these references indicate that the conflict involved sustained military activity and significant responses from Pakistan. ISPR argued that such acknowledgements contradicted the documentary’s repeated suggestion that Pakistan had been decisively defeated. The military also challenged the documentary’s account of how the fighting ended. US Intervention And Ceasefire According to ISPR, the documentary acknowledged that hostilities ended following communication between the two countries’ directors general of military operations and an agreement to cease military action. Pakistan’s military said this undermined the portrayal of Operation Sindoor as an exclusively unilateral Indian victory. ISPR maintained that the cessation of hostilities, which followed US intervention, could not later be presented as evidence of unconditional Indian military success. The statement also highlighted what it described as contradictions in the documentary’s account of escalation. According to ISPR, the production simultaneously claimed that India achieved surprise, precision, deep strikes and escalation dominance while also arguing that New Delhi deliberately limited the conflict and gave Pakistan an “exit window”. The Pakistani military said these competing claims demonstrated that the documentary was designed primarily as a domestic political and military narrative rather than an objective account of events. ISPR Says Battlefield Record Cannot Be Rewritten ISPR accused India of attempting to use cinematic reconstruction to reshape the history of the conflict. “India has not declassified the truth,” the military said, arguing that the documentary had been assembled to present what Pakistan considers a military failure as a successful operation. The statement said that cinematic presentation could not change the chronology of events, aircraft losses, military casualties or the actual engagements that took place. ISPR further argued that Pakistan did not need to manufacture a narrative around Marka-i-Haq, saying the operational record, battlefield evidence, diplomatic exchanges and subsequent statements by India provided evidence of what occurred. The military also reiterated Pakistan’s stated commitment to regional peace and stability. At the same time, ISPR said the Pakistan armed forces remained prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests. The statement ended with a warning that any future military action against Pakistan would receive a firm response.

Pakistan’s Food Import Bill Surges to $9.16bn in FY26 Despite Agriculture’s 23.4% GDP Share
Pakistan

Pakistan’s Food Import Bill Surges to $9.16bn in FY26 Despite Agriculture’s 23.4% GDP Share

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Pakistan imported $9.16 billion worth of food in FY26, accounting for 13.2 percent of the country’s total import bill. Productivity and Processing Shortfalls Official data shows the food import bill rose about 11.7 percent from $8.2 billion in the previous year. Palm oil alone accounted for roughly $3.79 billion, remaining the single largest item. Sugar imports jumped dramatically, reaching around $175 million after the government allowed large-scale purchases to meet domestic shortages. Tea, pulses and other items also added to the rising bill. Analysts note that Pakistan possesses one of the world’s largest contiguous irrigation networks and significant cultivable land. Yet yields remain low in several key crops while post-harvest losses and limited processing capacity continue to hurt output. Food exports meanwhile declined sharply to about $5 billion from over $7 billion a year earlier, widening the food trade deficit. Structural Reforms Needed Across the Value Chain Economic Policy & Business Development highlighted that the core problem is not land scarcity. It is weak productivity, inadequate processing facilities, limited value addition and inefficient markets. Without stronger research, better seed varieties, improved storage and modern agro-processing units, import dependence will persist. Experts argue that targeted incentives for oilseed cultivation, better crop forecasting and farmer-friendly policies could reduce the edible oil and sugar import burden. Market reforms that improve farm-to-market linkages and reduce intermediaries would also help farmers earn more while boosting domestic supply. Policymakers have been urged to treat agriculture as a complete value chain rather than focusing only on production. Strengthening the entire chain—from input supply and cultivation to processing, packaging and export—offers the clearest path to cutting the food import bill. Continued reliance on imports for basic food items places pressure on foreign exchange reserves and exposes the economy to global price shocks. Addressing these structural weaknesses remains essential for long-term food security and external account stability.

PM Shehbaz Felicitates Google on Opening of Pakistan Office, Terms It Milestone in Digital Partnership
Pakistan, Tech

PM Shehbaz Felicitates Google on Opening of Pakistan Office, Terms It Milestone in Digital Partnership

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday unveiled the foundation plaque of Google’s Pakistan office, and described it as a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey. Prime Minister Welcomes Google Delegation Addressing the delegation here at the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz Sharif said it was the delegation’s first visit to Pakistan, adding that he hoped it would be followed by many more in the times to come. He said Google was a household name not only in Pakistan but across the world, and that there existed great scope for building a wonderful partnership with the company to enhance bilateral engagement in multiple areas. Pakistan’s Digital Transformation and Youth Potential The prime minister termed it an interesting coincidence that the visit was taking place at a time when Pakistan was undergoing a major digital transformation across various areas of governance, and noted that the country’s youth bulge could be leveraged to turn around Pakistan’s economic fortunes. Google Highlights Long-Term Commitment to Pakistan Vice President of Google, Wilson L. White, said it was a profound honour to be on his first visit to Pakistan, calling it a great milestone achieved on the day. He said the occasion marked the culmination of a long-standing commitment, as Google had been investing in and committed to Pakistan for over a decade, and that the opening of its local office was a very special moment. Google Supports Pakistan’s IT Export Ambitions He said the prime minister’s ambition of making Pakistan a US$30-billion IT export hub was very much aligned with Google’s own goals. He informed the meeting that over the past ten years, Google had contributed to more than Rs 3.9 trillion of economic activity for local Pakistani businesses and households, supporting over 960,000 jobs, adding that this was just the beginning. Google Commits to Pakistan’s IT Export Goals The Google Vice President said the company was committing to Pakistan’s IT export goals in three major ways: by investing in Pakistani people, in manufacturing and infrastructure around export hardware, and in local businesses. He said Pakistan’s digital transformation was only possible through investment in its people, and that Google had already contributed to the upskilling of over one million Pakistanis through its career certificate programmes, in collaboration with schools and teachers, to prepare them for the digital transformation ahead. Free Google Gemini Subscriptions for Students He further announced that Google Gemini subscriptions would be made free for all students in Pakistan for one year, with a formal announcement to follow later in the week. Senior Officials Attend Foundation Plaque Unveiling The prime minister, along with the Google delegation, was flanked by United States Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker and Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja during the unveiling of the foundation plaque of the Google Pakistan office. PM Felicitates Google Team and Pakistani Officials Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the Google team and Pakistani officials on the occasion, calling it a wonderful day for the partnership and a stepping stone towards a long journey of collaboration in a field he described as both attractive and the need of the hour. Government to Empower Youth Through Technology He said the government would empower Pakistan’s youth through modern tools, techniques and technology, and thanked Google Vice President Wilson for visiting Pakistan, expressing hope that the visit would translate into dozens of such visits every year. He remarked that the partnership would blossom like a beautiful flower.

Cnergyico Buys 8.1m Barrels Of US Crude As Pakistan Diversifies Energy Supplies
Pakistan

Cnergyico Buys 8.1m Barrels Of US Crude As Pakistan Diversifies Energy Supplies

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Pakistan’s largest refiner Cnergyico is increasing its purchases of US crude oil as the country seeks to diversify energy supplies after disruptions linked to the Iran war exposed its heavy reliance on Gulf shipping routes. Cnergyico, which first started importing US crude last year, is considering additional spot purchases alongside longer-term supply contracts with Vitol and other suppliers. Vice Chairman Usama Qureshi told Reuters that the company would assess purchases based on pricing, reliability and supply security. The move comes as Pakistan looks to reduce the risks associated with relying heavily on a single region for energy imports. The disruption caused by the conflict has highlighted the vulnerability of Pakistan’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chains, particularly because a large share of these shipments normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Cnergyico Imports 8.1 Million Barrels Of US Crude Cnergyico has imported approximately 8.1 million barrels of US crude over nine months, according to Qureshi. Of this total, around 7.1 million barrels worth approximately $750 million were imported during the fiscal year that ended in June. The company’s purchases represent a significant portion of the increase in Pakistan’s imports from the United States. According to central bank data, Pakistan’s payments for US imports increased by $914 million to $3.27 billion during the fiscal year. Cnergyico’s US crude purchases therefore accounted for roughly 80% of the increase in Pakistan’s import payments from the US. The growing crude purchases could help Pakistan increase bilateral trade with Washington while also providing the country with another source of oil supplies. Pakistan Seeks More US Imports Pakistan is also seeking to increase imports from the United States as part of broader efforts to manage its trade relationship with Washington. Higher purchases from the US could help narrow Pakistan’s trade surplus with the country and potentially support Islamabad’s efforts to secure lower trade tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The government has been looking for ways to increase commercial ties with the United States while securing better market access for Pakistani exports. Cnergyico could further increase its purchases of US crude if Pakistan’s proposed EXIM Bank trade-finance facility becomes available to the refiner, Qureshi said. Pakistan proposed the facility last month to enable Pakistani buyers to defer payments to US exporters for as long as three years. Such financing could make larger crude purchases more manageable for local refiners and improve their ability to diversify suppliers. Gulf Routes Remain Critical Pakistan currently relies heavily on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for its oil supplies. Before the recent disruptions, around 90% of Pakistan’s oil and LNG imports passed through the Strait of Hormuz, making the route critical to the country’s energy security. The Iran conflict and resulting disruption have increased concerns over the reliability of the route. Any prolonged disturbance can affect shipping schedules, insurance costs, freight rates and the availability of energy supplies. Pakistan has therefore been exploring alternative supply arrangements. One option under consideration is importing Saudi crude through Yanbu, a major port on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The route could provide an alternative to shipments that normally travel through the Strait of Hormuz. Cnergyico Plans $1.2bn Refinery Upgrade Cnergyico is also evaluating infrastructure investments to strengthen its ability to handle crude and refined products. The company is considering the development of a second offshore mooring connected to its storage network. The facility would allow the refiner to import crude and export refined products using large tankers outside Karachi’s congested port facilities. The proposed infrastructure forms part of Cnergyico’s broader $1.2 billion refinery upgrade. The upgrade is expected to help the company meet Euro V fuel standards, reduce furnace-oil production and increase refining capacity to approximately 200,000 barrels per day. A second offshore mooring could also improve the efficiency of crude imports and refined-product exports by reducing dependence on constrained port infrastructure. US Crude Could Lower Shipping Costs Industry analysts believe greater access to US crude could provide logistical benefits for Pakistan. Fawad Basir, head of research at KTrade Securities, said the disruptions in the Middle East had demonstrated the risks associated with dependence on a single supply route. According to Basir, using Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) to transport US crude could reduce freight costs by approximately 25% to 30%. The use of larger vessels could allow refiners to transport greater volumes per shipment, potentially reducing transportation costs per barrel. A second Single Point Mooring (SPM) could also accelerate vessel turnaround times by allowing tankers to load or unload crude offshore rather than relying entirely on existing port facilities. Pakistan Seeks Greater Energy Security The shift toward US crude comes as Pakistan faces rising fuel costs and growing pressure to secure reliable energy supplies. Higher petroleum prices have already increased pressure on households and businesses, while protests over inflation and fuel costs have emerged in the country. For Pakistan, diversifying crude suppliers could provide greater flexibility during future disruptions. However, US crude purchases will also depend on international oil prices, freight costs, financing arrangements and the compatibility of different crude grades with local refineries. Cnergyico’s growing purchases suggest that US crude could become a more important component of Pakistan’s energy supply mix. The refinery’s proposed infrastructure expansion, combined with alternative supply routes and greater access to international crude markets, could help Pakistan reduce its exposure to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. The strategy also supports Islamabad’s broader effort to strengthen economic ties with Washington while addressing the country’s energy security challenges.

Rs100 Prize Bond Draw August 17, 2026: Winning Numbers Announced
Pakistan

Rs100 Prize Bond Draw August 17, 2026: Winning Numbers Announced

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The government has announced the winning numbers for the Rs100 prize bond draw held on August 17, 2026, in Multan, with the first prize of Rs700,000 going to bond number 732900. The latest Rs100 prize bond draw also awarded three second prizes of Rs200,000 each, while 1,199 bondholders will receive Rs1,000 each under the third-prize category. According to the announced results, bond number 732900 won the first prize of Rs700,000. The three second-prize winners are bond numbers 252196, 427125 and 875106, with each winner receiving Rs200,000. The third-prize winners will each receive Rs1,000. Rs100 Prize Bond Draw August 17 Winners The winning numbers announced so far are: Prize Category Prize Money Winning Bond NumbersFirst Prize Rs700,000 732900Second Prize Rs200,000 each 252196, 427125, 875106Third Prize Rs1,000 each 1,199 winners The first-prize winner holding bond number 732900 will receive Rs700,000, while holders of the three second-prize numbers will each receive Rs200,000. The government has also allocated third prizes of Rs1,000 to 1,199 winners. Complete Rs100 Prize Bond Result List The complete list of the 1,199 third-prize winners has not yet been released officially. The full list will be added once National Savings officially publishes the results. Bondholders can then search the complete list using their prize bond numbers to determine whether they have won a prize. Prize bond holders are advised to verify their numbers carefully against the officially released results before making any claim. The Rs100 denomination remains one of the commonly held national prize bonds, with periodic draws giving holders an opportunity to win cash prizes while retaining the value of their bonds. The August 17 draw was held in Multan, and the announced winning numbers provide bondholders with the initial results while they await the complete third-prize list. Once National Savings releases the detailed results, bondholders should check all six digits of their bond numbers carefully, particularly where numbers are similar.

Pakistan Civil Awards Face Constitutional Challenge Over Sitting Officials and Ministers
Pakistan

Pakistan Civil Awards Face Constitutional Challenge Over Sitting Officials and Ministers

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Pakistan civil awards have come under an unusual constitutional challenge after Lahore-based citizen activist Ashba Kamran issued a formal final notice to President Asif Ali Zardari, demanding the immediate withdrawal of awards announced on August 14, 2026. The awards are scheduled to be formally conferred on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2027. Kamran argues that some awards granted to sitting civil servants and political office-holders for what she describes as routine official responsibilities violate constitutional and legal principles governing national decorations. The challenge is significant because it targets the awards before their formal conferment, leaving the presidency and government with months to respond. Kamran, who operates an accountability platform called The Pen That Questions, Voice of Constitution, Spirit of Accountability, issued the notice on August 15, 2026. She claims that she had already submitted a representation to the President’s office in August 2025 but received no meaningful response. Pakistan Civil Awards and Article 259(2) At the heart of the dispute is Article 259(2) of Pakistan’s Constitution. Kamran argues that the provision restricts civil awards to categories including gallantry, armed forces merit, academic distinction and genuine public service. Her interpretation is particularly contentious. She maintains that “public service” should refer to extraordinary and altruistic contributions rather than the ordinary duties performed by individuals who already receive salaries and hold official positions. The notice also reportedly relies on the Decorations Act, 1975, arguing that national decorations should not effectively become rewards for administrative rank, seniority or routine government employment. This raises a broader question that goes beyond the 2026 list: Should performing the duties attached to a government position be sufficient grounds for receiving one of Pakistan’s highest national recognitions? That question deserves a transparent public answer. Conflict of Interest Allegation Raises Bigger Questions Kamran’s criticism becomes sharper when she connects official awards with political and administrative patronage. Her argument is that rewarding sitting executive functionaries for ordinary official responsibilities could create the perception that the state is using national honours as a mechanism for institutional recognition rather than rewarding exceptional service. She has also invoked Article 5(2), which establishes obedience to the Constitution and law as an obligation. Her notice therefore places responsibility directly on the presidency to examine whether the challenged awards comply with the constitutional framework. However, the activist’s interpretation remains an allegation and legal argument, not a judicial determination. Whether Article 259(2) legally excludes the specific recipients named in the 2026 awards list would ultimately depend on the applicable law, nomination criteria and, if challenged in court, judicial interpretation. Two Demands Before Pakistan Day 2027 Kamran has made two principal demands. First, she wants the awards announced on August 14, 2026 to be revoked before their formal conferment on March 23, 2027, particularly those given to sitting ministers and civil servants for routine official functions. Second, she wants the Cabinet Division to formally clarify that routine administrative duties cannot qualify as public service for future civil award nominations. The notice has also been copied to the Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Division. Pakistan Civil Awards System Faces a Credibility Test The most important issue is not simply whether individual awards are cancelled. It is whether Pakistan’s civil awards system has sufficiently transparent standards to distinguish exceptional public service from normal official performance. If the government believes the challenged awards fully comply with constitutional and statutory requirements, it has an opportunity to explain the legal basis publicly. If the nominations relied primarily on routine responsibilities, the criticism becomes harder to dismiss. The seven-month gap before March 23, 2027 also makes this an accountability test rather than a post-event controversy. The presidency and Cabinet Division now have substantial time to review the objections, publish their position and settle the dispute before the medals are formally presented. For Pakistan civil awards to retain public credibility, exceptional national recognition must be seen as something earned through exceptional contribution, not simply attached to the office a person happens to hold.

Gold Price Rises Rs2,000 Per Tola In Pakistan To Rs461,936
Pakistan

Gold Price Rises Rs2,000 Per Tola In Pakistan To Rs461,936

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Gold prices rose again in Pakistan on Monday, with the gold price increasing by Rs2,000 per tola in the local bullion market, pushing the price of 24-karat gold to Rs461,936 per tola. According to bullion market data, the latest increase follows a rise in international gold prices, which supported higher rates in the domestic market. The price of 10 grams of gold also increased by Rs1,715, reaching Rs396,035. The latest movement keeps gold prices at elevated levels in Pakistan as local bullion rates continue to respond to changes in the international precious metals market. Gold Price Increases In Pakistan The price of 24-karat gold increased by Rs2,000 per tola on Monday, taking the latest rate to Rs461,936. For investors and consumers who purchase gold by weight, the price of 10 grams also recorded a significant increase. The rate climbed by Rs1,715 to Rs396,035. The increase in local gold prices was primarily linked to the upward movement in international bullion rates. Gold remains an important investment and savings asset in Pakistan. Changes in international prices, currency movements and domestic market conditions can influence local bullion rates. Jewellers and gold buyers closely monitor these developments because even relatively small changes in international prices can translate into noticeable changes in local rates. Silver Price Also Rises Silver prices also moved higher in the domestic market on Monday. The price of silver increased by Rs80 per tola, reaching Rs7,029 per tola. The rise in silver prices came alongside the broader increase in precious metals, with international market movements supporting higher domestic bullion rates. Silver is widely used in jewellery, industrial applications and investment products, making its price sensitive to both investment demand and global market conditions. International Gold Price Climbs $20 Gold also gained ground in the international market. According to the latest bullion market data, the international price of gold increased by $20 per ounce, reaching $4,395 per ounce. The rise in the international benchmark was reflected in Pakistan’s domestic bullion market, contributing to the Rs2,000 increase in the local price of gold. International gold prices can be affected by several factors, including investor demand, global economic conditions, interest-rate expectations, geopolitical uncertainty and movements in major currencies. When international bullion prices increase, local markets generally adjust their rates accordingly, although the final domestic price can also be influenced by exchange-rate movements and local market conditions. Gold Remains Closely Watched By Investors The latest increase in the gold price in Pakistan is likely to attract attention from investors and consumers who use gold as a store of value. Gold has traditionally been considered a hedge against economic uncertainty and currency depreciation. However, its price can fluctuate significantly, meaning investors may face gains or losses depending on when they buy or sell. For consumers planning to purchase jewellery, the bullion rate is also an important factor in determining the overall cost. Jewellery prices can be higher than the underlying gold rate because of making charges, taxes and other costs. The latest data shows that both gold and silver moved higher in Pakistan on Monday, following gains in international precious metals markets. With international gold reaching $4,395 per ounce, the upward movement in global bullion prices continues to influence domestic rates.

Iran Says Wider War Would Bring Unpredictable Consequences For US Allies
Pakistan

Iran Says Wider War Would Bring Unpredictable Consequences For US Allies

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Iranian lawmaker Valiollah Bayati has warned that any expansion of the ongoing conflict into a wider war beyond the Middle East could have severe and unpredictable consequences for the United States and its allies. The warning comes as tensions between Iran and Washington remain high, with Tehran accusing the US of combining military action with economic pressure. Bayati said US officials were aware of the risks associated with allowing hostilities to spread beyond the region. He warned that any escalation could create consequences that would be difficult for Washington and its allies to control. “White House officials know … well that if the hostilities develop into a war extending beyond the region, it will have severe and unpredictable consequences for them and their allies,” Bayati said, according to Iranian media reports. His remarks underline Tehran’s continued opposition to what it describes as US threats and pressure against Iran. The Iranian lawmaker also made clear that the Islamic Republic would not accept demands imposed through military or economic coercion. Iran Warns Against Wider Regional Escalation The warning over a wider war reflects growing concerns that continued military confrontation could move beyond the immediate battlefield and involve additional countries or strategic areas. Bayati said Iran would respond forcefully to any action that threatens its national security or interests. He maintained that Tehran would not surrender to pressure and would continue to defend what it considers its core national interests. The comments add to a series of warnings from Iranian officials who have repeatedly cautioned the US and its allies against further escalation. Iran has sought to portray itself as prepared for different forms of confrontation, including military, economic and diplomatic pressure. Officials in Tehran have also argued that increased pressure would not force the government to abandon its position. The possibility of a broader conflict has raised concerns across the Middle East because any expansion could affect regional security, energy markets and international trade. The region contains critical energy infrastructure and important shipping routes, meaning prolonged instability could have consequences far beyond the countries directly involved. Iran Says US Turning To Economic Pressure Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has separately accused Washington of relying on economic pressure after failing to achieve its objectives through military means. According to Al Jazeera, Aref said the United States was using what he described as an “economic war” against Iran. He argued that Tehran had previously managed to withstand military pressure and would similarly overcome economic challenges. Aref said Iran would overcome the economic war in the same way it had dealt with pressure on the battlefield. His comments indicate that Iran views economic restrictions and financial pressure as part of a broader confrontation with Washington rather than as an independent policy dispute. Iran has faced extensive sanctions for years, particularly targeting its oil sector, banking system and international trade. Tehran has repeatedly said that such measures are intended to weaken the Iranian economy and put pressure on the government. The latest remarks suggest Iranian officials expect economic pressure to remain a major component of the confrontation. Tehran Rejects Pressure And Threats Iranian officials continue to emphasize that the country will not change its position simply because of threats or economic pressure. Bayati’s warning also appeared aimed at discouraging the United States and its allies from taking actions that could expand the conflict. He argued that any attempt to target Iran’s security or interests would trigger a strong response. The Iranian position could make diplomatic efforts more difficult if military tensions continue to rise. Any miscalculation by either side could increase the risk of further escalation. For Washington and its allies, the main challenge is preventing the conflict from expanding while maintaining pressure on Tehran. For Iran, the challenge is managing the economic impact of continued confrontation while maintaining its military and political position. Wider War Could Affect Global Stability A wider war involving Iran and the United States could have consequences for global markets, particularly if fighting threatens oil production or major maritime trade routes. The Middle East remains one of the world’s most important energy-producing regions. Any disruption to oil and gas supplies could push international energy prices higher and increase inflationary pressure in economies that depend heavily on imported energy. A broader conflict could also affect airlines, shipping companies and businesses operating across the region. Countries outside the Middle East could face economic consequences even if they remain militarily uninvolved.

The Boardroom PK delivers trusted business news, analysis, and insights from Pakistan and beyond, keeping readers informed, inspired, and ahead in the evolving world of business and leadership.

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