Pakistan has presented an 18.77 trillion rupee (about $67.49 billion) budget that reflects a strong rise in defence spending alongside reduced allocations for development projects. The government is trying to meet IMF programme requirements while also managing domestic political pressures, which leaves little room for tax cuts or expanded welfare initiatives.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that defence expenditure will increase to 3 trillion rupees in the upcoming fiscal year starting July, marking an 18% rise from the previous year. In contrast, federal development spending has been limited to 1 trillion rupees, showing a clear shift toward security and debt obligations over infrastructure and social investment.

This rise in defence funding came after discussions with provincial authorities, who agreed to redirect resources toward security, resulting in reduced provincial development budgets. Aurangzeb said the higher defence allocation was aimed at making the country “invincible” amid regional uncertainty. The budget reflects Pakistan’s tight fiscal situation, where debt repayments, military needs, and IMF conditions dominate spending priorities. Tax revenue is expected to reach 15.26 trillion rupees, an 8.2% increase, even though the Federal Board of Revenue has previously missed its targets.

A large portion of revenue is projected from taxes and levies, especially petroleum levies, which are expected to generate 20.60 trillion rupees. Analysts warn that the tax burden will mainly fall on salaried individuals and formal businesses, while sectors like agriculture, retail, and real estate continue to remain lightly taxed due to political influence. The fiscal deficit is projected at 7.02 trillion rupees, with an overall deficit target of 3.6% of GDP after accounting for a provincial surplus. The government has also committed to achieving a primary surplus of 2% of GDP under its IMF agreement, meaning it must collect more than it spends before interest payments.

The budget was delayed by a week and comes at a time of renewed inflationary pressure driven by rising global oil prices linked to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. This has pushed inflation back into double digits after earlier signs of stabilisation. Economic targets for the coming year include 4% growth and 8.2% inflation, compared with 3.7% growth and 6.7% inflation in the previous year.

Pakistan continues to face severe economic challenges after narrowly avoiding default in 2023 and relying on a $7 billion IMF programme. High debt servicing costs, rising defence spending, and external shocks are tightening fiscal space and limiting social spending, with much of the adjustment burden expected to fall on the middle class. The budget reflects a security-focused fiscal strategy driven by external constraints, but it raises concerns about long-term development, inequality, and economic sustainability.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

Tensions have intensified in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) after Pakistani security forces used tear gas on protesters amid renewed clashes involving members of the Joint Awami Action Committee. The situation has worsened as a shutdown strike continues alongside a communications blackout imposed after deadly confrontations between demonstrators and security forces in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad.

Large-scale protests have spread across parts of PoJK, with hundreds of people taking to the streets. Normal life remains disrupted in several towns, including Bhimber and Kotli, where shutdowns are ongoing. The unrest follows clashes on Sunday night that reportedly left seven civilians dead, according to Dawn. The government crackdown has triggered international concern. Over 50 British MPs have written to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, raising alarm over reports of internet shutdowns, arrests, and escalating instability in the region.

In a letter dated June 6, Bradford East MP Imran Hussain, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, cited accounts from the region describing disrupted communications and growing unrest. Lawmakers said many British Kashmiris were unable to reach relatives in PoJK.

They also expressed concern about reported arrests, including British nationals, and the breakdown of dialogue between authorities and the Joint Awami Action Committee. The MPs warned that communication restrictions in such a volatile environment could heighten uncertainty and further escalate tensions.

Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP Shesh Paul Vaid strongly criticized the violence, alleging excessive force by Pakistani security agencies against civilians and peaceful protesters. He said multiple casualties had occurred due to alleged indiscriminate firing involving the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and local police.

Vaid said the crisis exposed what he called Pakistan’s “false narrative” on Kashmir, arguing that residents of PoJK are increasingly challenging Islamabad’s policies. Comparing the situation to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, he claimed that peaceful protesters were met with gunfire instead of dialogue and accused Pakistan of repeatedly suppressing dissent rather than addressing public concerns.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

More than a week after Eidul Azha, residents across Karachi continue to grapple with the foul smell of decomposing animal waste, raising questions about the effectiveness of post-Eid sanitation measures, Dawn reported. The unpleasant odour has been reported from several areas, including Nazimabad, Karimabad, Teen Hatti, Guru Mandir, Numaish, Orangi Town, Korangi, District South, District East, and District West. Locals claim that animal remains are still lying unattended at some garbage collection points, while several cleaned sites were not properly disinfected.

During a survey, Dawn found decomposing waste in parts of Nazimabad and Orangi Town. Commuters passing through Karimabad, Teen Hatti, and Guru Mandir also complained that the smell persisted even after waste had been removed from many collection spots. A refrigerator repair technician from Orangi Town described how the stench had disrupted daily life. He said even eating indoors had become difficult, recalling how he initially believed spoiled food was causing the smell before realising it was coming from nearby garbage dumps.

Residents in and around Numaish accused civic authorities of failing to thoroughly clean and sanitise areas after removing sacrificial waste. In Sector 15-C of Orangi Town, animal remains were reportedly found near the boundary wall of a government girls’ college, triggering health concerns among residents. Near Lasbela Chowk, a woman criticised both the public and authorities, saying citizens should have disposed of waste only at designated collection points while officials should have ensured proper inspections and cleanup operations.

Zeeshan, a private company employee who travels daily across Karachi, said hardly any part of the city seemed completely free from the lingering stench. Experts told Dawn that merely removing waste is often not enough, as blood and organic matter seep into roads and soil, making thorough washing and the use of disinfectants, bleach, or lime necessary to remove odours and minimise disease risks.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Residents of Quetta are facing growing difficulties as a worsening petrol shortage has severely disrupted everyday life, revealing significant weaknesses in the provincial administration’s handling of essential fuel supplies. Long lines have appeared outside the few fuel stations still operating, while many petrol pumps have halted sales after running out of stock, according to ARY News.

The crisis has left motorists stranded and commuters increasingly frustrated, with queues of cars, motorcycles, and heavy vehicles extending for long distances at the limited stations continuing to provide fuel. Many residents said that even though they are prepared to pay the official rate, obtaining petrol has become extremely difficult, forcing them to wait for hours.

Public frustration has intensified as citizens question why authorities failed to foresee and address the shortage before it worsened. Commenting on the issue, Mehar Ullah Badini acknowledged the crisis and stated that the widespread sale of illegally imported Iranian petrol across the city had disrupted the regular fuel distribution network. He added that the administration had contacted petrol pump owners and taken urgent steps to respond to the situation.

Badini also said that fuel shipments to Quetta had been increased and expressed hope that normal supplies would soon return. However, many residents remain doubtful, saying repeated official assurances have done little to reduce the hardships being faced by the public. The shortage comes amid rising prices of Iranian fuel in Balochistan. Traders reported that smuggled Iranian petrol, which previously sold for around Rs170–180 per litre, has now risen to nearly Rs200–210 per litre in several border and coastal areas, especially in Gwadar District. Fuel dealers blamed the increase on restrictions affecting commercial activities in the Kuntani Hor border region, an important route used for transporting smuggled goods.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Israel and Iran have carried out direct strikes against each other for the first time since an April ceasefire, increasing concerns that the situation could escalate into a wider regional conflict. The Israeli attacks appear to go against advice from Donald Trump, who reportedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to respond militarily to Iran in order to protect ongoing peace negotiations from collapsing. Journalist Nosheen Iqbal discusses the developments with the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews Julian Artopé, the founder and CEO of Zenyum, a company specializing in invisible braces and dental care products. He shares insights from his travels, beginning with Germany, his home country, and highlights Lake Ammersee near Munich as a must-visit destination. He then discusses his journey to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, where he experienced distinctive shrimp ramen and relaxed in a traditional onsen village.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and associated meetings in Cebu, scheduled from May 6 to 8, will bring together heads of state and senior officials from all ten ASEAN countries as well as Timor-Leste. The gathering takes place at a critical moment for the region, amid concerns that the Middle East conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, driving up fuel prices and increasing inflationary pressure on ASEAN economies. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the summit’s key issues in detail with Susannah Patton, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Justin McCurry reports on Japan’s prime minister known for her interest in heavy metal music and her proposal to revise the nation’s pacifist constitution. His coverage highlights political and cultural dimensions of her leadership and the broader debate over Japan’s defense policies and constitutional reform efforts in modern times and its implications for regional security and international relations today globally.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.