FBR seeks Rs100 billion reduction in tax collection target from IMF
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is preparing to approach the IMF (International Monetary Fund) with a request to reduce the current fiscal year 2025–26 tax collection target by up to Rs100 billion with the minimum proposed reduction likely to be around Rs50 billion. The FBR has already revised the annual tax target from Rs14.131 trillion approved by the parliament to Rs13.979 trillion under its agreement with the IMF although parliament has yet to formally approve this revised figure. During July to January FBR collected Rs7.147 trillion against a target of Rs7.521 trillion resulting in a shortfall of Rs372 billion. Super tax collections are expected to reach between Rs217 billion and Rs220 billion this fiscal year, with nearly Rs175 billion already collected. Earlier, the FBR had projected up to Rs300 billion in additional revenue following a favourable court ruling on the super tax but it continues to face difficulties in achieving monthly targets.
Source:The Patriot
February 24, 2026 12:16 UTC
Sanaullah urges opposition to join political process
Responding to various points raised by Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Raja Nasir Abbas, he urged the opposition to actively participate in the political process to help resolve national issues and reinforce democratic institutions. The government wants the opposition to play an effective role in the democratic process, he added. However, he regretted that the opposition was not willing to become part of the political process, leading to repeated deadlocks. He said that medical assistance was extended to the PTI founder as per the directions of the Supreme Court. Regarding cases against the PTI founder, he said the courts were the appropriate forum and could grant relief in accordance with the law.
Source:The Patriot
February 24, 2026 12:16 UTC
Imran Khan brought to PIMS Hospital for follow-up eye treatment
ISLAMABAD : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was brought to PIMS Hospital for a follow-up check-up, where he was administered a second injection to treat the affected eye and help restore his vision. For follow-up treatment of his eye condition, PTI founder Imran Khan was shifted to PIMS Hospital. According to PIMS administration, a consultant cardiologist performed echocardiography and an ECG, both of which were normal. The procedure was carried out under the supervision of consultant ophthalmologists and a consultant vitreoretinal surgeon from PIMS and Shifa Eye Hospital. The hospital administration further stated that the PTI founder was discharged with follow-up advice and a prescription.
Source:The Patriot
February 24, 2026 10:20 UTC
Security forces kill five Indian proxy terrorists in Pishin operation
RAWALPINDI: Security forces have eliminated five Indian-sponsored terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Pishin district of Balochistan. After an intense fire exchange, a suicide bomber cowardly blew himself up and four other Indian sponsored terrorists were killed. Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored terrorist found in the area. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Monday, commended the security forces for eliminating four terrorists of Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij in District Pishin, Balochistan. The prime minister observed that under Azm e Istehkam vision, the security forces had been achieving huge successes against terrorism, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
Source:The Patriot
February 24, 2026 02:44 UTC
A Necessary Reform in Migration Governance
Pakistan’s engagement with its overseas citizens has long oscillated between rhetoric and reform. For years, misinformation and informal networks have fueled risky migration patterns, often leading Pakistanis into precarious legal situations abroad. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s directive to make the verification process “easy and fast” must translate into measurable timelines, digital tracking systems, and accountability mechanisms. Migration governance today is not merely about exit permissions; it is about sustained bilateral engagement. This meeting represents more than administrative coordination; it reflects a broader recognition that overseas Pakistanis are strategic stakeholders.
Source:The Patriot
February 23, 2026 21:45 UTC
The crease is yours, dear Gavaskar
Asif MahmoodSome of the most celebrated names in world cricket have written to the Government of Pakistan urging better treatment for Imran Khan in jail. Now the latest intervention arrives from former captains of the cricketing world. Facilities built for forty six thousand inmates currently house nearly eighty four thousand. If any jail in India offers a more comfortable arrangement for its inmates, Mr. Gavaskar may kindly detail it in his next letter. The crease is yours, dear Gavaskar.
Source:The Patriot
February 23, 2026 21:45 UTC
Report: Blue Jays, John Schneider continuing extension talks this spring
Report: Blue Jays, John Schneider continuing extension talks this springAfter managing the Toronto Blue Jays to their first World Series appearance in 32 years last fall, John Schneider is set to enter his walk year this season and become a free agent next winter. Now that the off-season is over, it’s officially extension season — an opportunistic window in the baseball calendar when most front offices attempt to put pen to paper on new deals before Opening Day. This is now the Blue Jays’ chance to strike with Schneider, who finished second in AL Manager of the Year voting last year and would surely be highly sought-after if he were to reach the open market. While nothing has been finalized yet, Schneider and Atkins are continuing contract negotiations this spring, as Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reported over the weekend. An extension of this partnership seems inevitable, one way or another, even if both sides are still weeks or months away from reaching the finish line.
Source:The Nation
February 23, 2026 15:42 UTC
FCC rules 27th amendment transfers interpretation power from SC
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan has ruled that following the 27th Constitutional Amendment, the Supreme Court of Pakistan no longer holds the authority to interpret the constitution and laws. Justice Aamir Farooq, delivering the landmark verdict, clarified that prior to the 27th Amendment, the Supreme Court had the power to interpret constitutional and legal provisions. Under the new constitutional scheme, this authority now rests solely with the Federal Constitutional Court. This decision was articulated in the context of a sales tax case, where Justice Farooq emphasized that the 27th Amendment effectively removed the Supreme Court’s powers to review legal interpretations and legislation. The verdict marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s judicial landscape, redefining the hierarchy of constitutional interpretation and expanding the Federal Constitutional Court’s jurisdiction in legal matters.
Source:The Patriot
February 23, 2026 12:20 UTC
Govt delegation, Achakzai likely to meet this week
ISLAMABAD : A meeting between the government delegation and Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai is expected to take place later this week, with key issues such as electoral reforms on the agenda. Source aid the discussion will focus on important matters, including the potential for early elections. Opposition leader Achakzai has already informed PTI leadership about the contacts with the government. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has not been consulted on these ongoing political talks yet. In future discussions, the opposition leader is expected to demand the release of political prisoners as part of the dialogue.
Source:The Patriot
February 23, 2026 12:20 UTC
"National Security is Non-Negotiable"
But when Afghan soil continues to be used for proxy attacks, we have no choice but to defend our homeland. National security is non-negotiable”. In a statement issued today, Barrister Danyal confirmed that the recent operation successfully neutralized militants involved in attacks on Pakistani soil. Barrister Danyal also pointed to Afghanistan’s emergence as a sanctuary for multiple terrorist groups. “India is actively funding and training these groups, equipping them to carry out cross-border attacks against Pakistan.
Source:The Patriot
February 23, 2026 12:20 UTC
Tolerance for cross-border terrorism reached its limit: President
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan’s recent actions are rooted in its inherent right to defend its people against terrorism emanating from across its borders, and follow repeated warnings that went unheeded. He noted that the most recent report of the United Nations Security Council Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team has reinforced Pakistan’s long-standing position. He said Pakistan exercised restraint for a considerable period and confined its response to terrorist hideouts located near the border areas. However, he warned that Pakistan is fully aware of where the planners, facilitators and patrons of violence are based. President Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan seeks peace, stability and cooperative relations with all its neighbours.
Source:The Patriot
February 23, 2026 12:20 UTC
Armed men open fire at crushing plant in Barkhan
QUETTA: The security situation in Barkhan district of Balochistan has once again become tense after unidentified armed men launched a fierce attack on the crushing plant of Zarghun Construction Company late last night. The attackers first opened fire on the plant and abducted three workers from Musakhel present there and took them away. The incident took place in a remote area of Barkhan district where the company was engaged in road construction and related works. According to officials, the attackers opened heavy fire on the plant, causing partial damage to the machinery and suspending the work process. Zarghun Construction Company officials have also confirmed the incident and are contacting the families of the affected workers.
Source:The Patriot
February 22, 2026 21:50 UTC
A crossroads moment for Pakistan’s moral future
The establishment of Seerah Chairs in universities is a welcome initiative if it moves beyond ceremonial observance and becomes a vibrant platform for research, dialogue, and practical application. Academia must not treat Seerah Studies as a symbolic attachment but as a living discipline capable of informing governance, economics, social justice, and conflict resolution. Ahsan Iqbal’s address at the national seminar on the role of HEC Seerah Chairs goes beyond a routine policy statement; it raises a fundamental question about Pakistan’s intellectual and moral direction. Seerah Chairs, if structured thoughtfully, can serve as intellectual bulwarks against such forces by promoting critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and dialogue. Seerah Chairs can play a constructive role if they become catalysts for intellectual revival, policy innovation, and youth mentorship.
Source:The Patriot
February 22, 2026 21:50 UTC
England beat Sri Lanka by 51 runs
England defeated Sri Lanka by 51 runs in the ICCT20 World Cup Super Eights match. In the ICCT20 World Cup Super Eights match, England gave Sri Lanka a target of 147 runs to win, after which the entire Sri Lankan team was dismissed for 95 runs. For Sri Lanka, Dasan Shankar was the top scorer with 30 runs, while other players failed to show a significant performance. In the match being played in Pallekele, Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to field. Phil Salt played a brilliant innings of 62 runs, Liam Dawson was dismissed for 6 runs, Will Jacques scored 21 and Overton scored 10 runs.
Source:The Patriot
February 22, 2026 21:50 UTC
Husband Haris Khokhar's reaction to Dr. Nabiha's allegations has been revealed.
Social media influencer Dr. Nabiha Ali Khan’s husband Haris Khokhar’s stance on her allegations has come to light. In a video statement, Haris Khokhar said that Dr. Nabiha is suffering from doubts and delusions that cannot be cured. He said that when he started a new business, Dr. Nabiha demanded that he take her with him wherever he went. He said that whenever he wanted to leave the house for work, Dr. Nabiha would suspect that he was going somewhere else. It should be noted that Dr. Nabiha Ali Khan surprised fans by announcing her engagement and marriage to Haris Khokhar last year.
Source:The Patriot
February 22, 2026 20:24 UTC