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  • ICC deletes, then reposts embarrassing video featuring Jay Shah instead of WTC players

    ICC deletes, then reposts embarrassing video featuring Jay Shah instead of WTC players

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) is under fire for its latest promotional video for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.

    Rather than focusing on the players or the match itself, the 45-second video has turned into what many are calling a highlight reel of ICC’s Chairman Jay Shah.

    Posted on June 17, the video quickly drew backlash from cricket fans and journalists around the world. It was originally uploaded a day earlier, but mysteriously got deleted, only to be reposted the next day without explanation.

    The promo features 23 total shots. Out of those, 11 are dedicated to Jay Shah alone. In contrast, South African captain Temba Bavuma is seen five times, Aiden Markram just twice, while Australian captain Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada barely make an appearance.

    Cricket fans and media personalities did not pull back their verbal punches. 

    One user pointed out, “In this 45-second micro video, ICC Chairman Jay Shah appears 11 times.”

    Another mocked, “Did Jay Shah lift the World Cup?”

    A Sri Lankan journalist sarcastically asked, “How many runs did Jay Shah score in the final? How many wickets did he take?”

    Indian journalist Kuldeep Lal called the video unbelievable and questioned the ICC’s priorities.

    British journalist Atif Nawaz joked, “Looks like Jay Shah shot and edited the video himself on his own phone.”

    An Australian journalist added, “If you blink even once while watching this video, you’ll miss Pat Cummins entirely.”

    One viewer commented, “Maybe people came to see Jay Shah and suddenly cricket broke out.”

    Another user slammed the ICC, saying, “One of the worst ways to celebrate a team’s victory is by showing the ICC or BCCI representative too many times. This is the power of money, and it’s cheap.”

    Someone else wrote, “It seems Jay Shah’s PR team is taking over this account. Dude, you are posting in the wrong account.”

    British journalist Charlie Reynolds also took a dig. “Jay Shah appears 11 times in the video. That’s as many times as the entire South African team, who actually won the final.”

    Journalist Pearl Radley gave her take, too, saying it felt like Jay Shah was the Man of the Match. “Even Aiden Markram didn’t get this much screen time.”

    What should have been a celebration of South Africa’s historic win has turned into a PR blunder. Instead of honouring the players who fought for the trophy, the spotlight was grabbed by someone who never stepped on the field.

  • Sanitary Items Needs Every Home

    Sanitary Items Needs Every Home

    When was the last time you loved the aesthetics of your bathroom? Most people don’t. And yet, we begin and end every day there. 

    It’s where we brush off the world, reflect, and wash away fatigue. A bathroom shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be a sanctuary.

    In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-have sanitary items for every home. From bathroom sets, top-of-the-line sanitary ware, indulgent bathroom shower sets and much more. 

    With help from H‑VERSE’s star brands Hansgrohe, Ideal Standard, Empolo, Geberit, and Aquis. You’ll get practical tips, style inspiration, and much more. So let’s dive in.

     

    Journey Through the Bathroom: From Purpose to Pleasure 

    Before we jump into products, let’s explore what makes a bathroom more than plumbing and fixtures.

    Stage

    Feeling

    Feature That Matters

    Morning Wake-Up

    Energizing

    A zesty shower with even water flow

    Midday Reset

    Clean & Cool

    A minimalist wash basin with crisp lines

    Evening Wind-Down

    Calming

    Rain-style shower and ambient lighting

    Quick Freshen-Up

    Efficient

    A compact bidet and ergonomic toilet

     

    Every device your sanitary fittings, washbasin, toilet, bidet, and bathroom shower set has a role. And with smart picks, they elevate your routine from a necessary chore to a daily ritual.

     

    Sanitary Ware Essentials: The Foundations of Every Bathroom

    Wash Basins – Your Gateway to Cleanliness

    The wash basin is more than water collection; it’s where your day starts and ends. Think of it as the bathroom’s handshake: first impressions count.

    • Ideal Standard delivers classic ceramic basins with glossy, easy-to-clean surfaces.

    • Aquis masters compact designs are perfect for powder rooms or tight spaces.

    • Empolo offers sculptural basins that double as statement pieces and functional fixtures.

    Want to impress your morning-yawn self? 

    A countertop bowl with gentle curves and splash guard makes handwashing feel a little luxe.

     

    Toilets & WCs – Everyday Heroes in Sanitary Fittings

    Let’s clear the air: the toilet isn’t glamorous but a good one makes a huge difference.

    • Ideal Standard offers ergonomic-height WCs that reduce strain. It’s a literal lifesaver when you’re not feeling your best.

    • Empolo blends design with efficiency, letting you demonstrate taste even in private moments.

    • Aquis makes compact options that fit into apartments, rental units, or guest bathrooms without compromising comfort.

    Tip: Explore dual-flush toilets to conserve water. It’s good for your wallet and the environment.

     

    Bathroom Shower Set – Spa Vibes, Every Day

    Here’s where things get exciting. A well-tuned bathroom shower set can be invigorating or meditative, depending on your mood.

    • Hansgrohe rain shower systems simulate gentle rainfall. It’s ideal for stress relief.

    • Empolo and Ideal Standard surround you with thermostatic mixers to keep the perfect temperature.

    • Add a handheld wand for cleaning those hard-to-reach places (yes, even kids splash zones).

    Imagine starting a long day feeling cleansed and alert or ending it with warm water that soothes like a hug.

     

    Shattafs & Bidets – Hygienic Must‑Haves

    These might not be the most glamorous, but profoundly important.

    • Called shattafs in many Muslim homes or bidets elsewhere these sanitary fittings transform post-toilet hygiene.

    • Empolo offers press-button precision sprayers; Ideal Standard balances style and strength.

    • Features like adjustable-pressure nozzles make them accessible to all ages.

    They reduce toilet paper use and elevate cleanliness to a whole new level practical and eco-friendly.

     

    Concealed Cisterns – Sleeker, Smarter Bathrooms

    A great design hides the ugly bits. Concealed cisterns tuck away plumbing and pipes for a sleek, minimal look.

    • Geberit dominates this space with silent flush, slim profiles, and nearly maintenance-free.

    • Pair this with wall-hung toilets from Ideal Standard, and you’ve got a modern, visually spacious bathroom setup.

    Plus, ever tried cleaning around the toilet base? 

    Wall-mounted units are a game-changer.

     

    Accessories & Trims – Those Finishing Touches

    It’s true: the beauty is in the details.

    • Anti-fog mirrors, soft LED lighting, stylish towel bars are the sanitary fittings that don’t only look good but make life easier.

    • Go for chrome or brushed finishes to match your tapware and hardware seamlessly.

    • Look for adjustable soap trays, toothbrush holders, or even modesty wraps discreetly tucked into cabinetry.

    These tiny extras add up to a seriously refined bathroom experience.

     

    Smart Bathroom Setups: Designing for Real Life

     

    Open & Clean Layouts

    Arrange thoughtfully:

    • Basin near the entry for handwashing.

    • Toilet and bidet or shattaf grouped for discreet use.

    • Shower placed away from the entrance with proper waterproofing.

    Allow 30–40 cm counter space around the basin for ease. Use recessed shelves in the shower for hair and soap — no clutter.

    Accessibility for Everyone

    Bathrooms need to work for all ages and abilities.

    • Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower.

    • Use non‑slip flooring. Micro-matte finishes help kids avoid accidents.

    • Choose thermostatic mixer taps for consistent water temperature.

    Your bathroom should be safe enough for toddlers, relaxing for grown-ups, and accessible for seniors.

     

    Compact But Complete

    Living in a cozy apartment? You can still go premium:

    • Our favorite compact range comes from Aquis that includes small basins, slim-profile toilets, and corner shower sets.

    • Add a Geberit concealed tank for slim lines and great looks.

    • With the right sanitary ware, even 5 sqm can feel like a boutique hotel.

     

    Maintenance & Longevity Tips

    • Wipe chrome sanitary fittings weekly to avoid water spots.

    • Clean ceramic basins with non-abrasive soap.

    • Check Geberit flush seals annually.

    • For hard water areas, descale your Hansgrohe shower head every few months.

    • Replace bathroom sponges or loofahs every 3 months science says they harbor too much.

    Clean fixtures mean lasting beauty and cleaner water for you.

     

    Final Thoughts: It’s About Your Daily Ritual

    At the end of the day, it’s not just about fixtures—it’s about moments:

    • Splashing cold water after a soothing shower set

    • Admiring bathroom tiles in a gleaming countertop basin

    • The clean click of a silent flush right before bed

    • Feeling freshness from a discreet bidet moment

    That’s why sanitary ware choice ripples into mindset, mood, and daily rhythm. With quality bathroom fitting and flair, your home’s bathroom becomes a place you don’t just need—but cherish.

    Read Also: Whitney Cummings: A Bold Voice in Comedy and Beyond

    Ready to elevate your everyday life? Browse H‑VERSE’s curated bathroom sets and sanitary fittings today. Whether you’re after a spa-like retreat, family-ready setup, or space-saving solution there’s a look and feel just for you.

    Tell us about your style, space, and dreams and we’ll guide your journey to bathroom bliss.

  • Aamir Khan says he supports boycotting Turkey

    Aamir Khan says he supports boycotting Turkey

    Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has openly supported the #BoycottTurkey initiative during his appearance on Aap Ki Adalat, one of the most popular shows in India. His remarks are in line with the recent online reports and claims suggesting Turkey aided Pakistan during the recent tensions between the two nuclear powers.

    Relations between India and Pakistan escalated in May 2025 following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). Subsequently, various open-source accounts on social media started sharing unverified information that Turkish military aircraft supplied arms to Pakistan. These allegations have not been confirmed by either government, but have ignited significant outrage on social media in India.

    During the interview, host Rajat Sharma inquired about a photo that has been circulating online showing Khan with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Khan clarified that this meeting took place years ago and had no connection to the current situation.

    “I met Erdoğan a long time ago. In 2023, when Turkey experienced a major earthquake, India was the first to offer assistance. At that moment, no one, including the government, anticipated Turkey would later support Pakistan,” Khan stated.

    When directly asked about his stance on the ongoing boycott, Khan responded, “Yes, I support it.”

    Khan expressed surprise at Turkey’s recent actions, noting that he had not anticipated the country taking a stance against India, particularly after India’s previous humanitarian aid to Turkey. His remarks have been widely circulated online, with boycott supporters citing them as justification for their position.

    The online backlash against Turkey grew stronger after Erdoğan urged for de-escalation between India and Pakistan during a press conference in Ankara. Though framed as a diplomatic initiative, critics in India recalled Erdoğan’s 2020 speech in Islamabad, where he had strongly backed Pakistan’s position on Kashmir.

    The reaction spilt over from social media into broader calls for action. Indian users renewed demands to cancel travel to Turkey, halt imports of Turkish goods such as marble and textiles, and push for a complete economic disconnect.

    Turkish social media users responded with mockery, dismissing the potential economic impact and resurfacing past criticisms of India’s domestic issues. The exchange became another flashpoint in the ongoing digital standoff between India, Pakistan, and their regional allies.

  • ICC introduces new rule changes for all formats of men’s international cricket

    ICC introduces new rule changes for all formats of men’s international cricket

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a number of new rule changes that will apply to all three formats of men’s international cricket: Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

    Changes in ODI Ball Usage

    Currently, a new ball is used from each end for 25 overs. Under the new rule, both balls will now be used until the 34th over. From the 35th over onward, teams must choose one of the two balls to continue with until the end of the innings.

    If the match is reduced to 25 overs or fewer, only one ball will be used throughout the game.

    The ICC says this change is aimed at helping bowlers, especially in the final overs of the game, by allowing reverse swing. This has become rare in recent years because of the constant use of newer balls.

    Concussion Substitute Rules Updated

    Under the latest change, teams must name five specific concussion substitutes before the toss. The list must include one batter, one all-rounder, one wicketkeeper, one fast bowler, and one spinner.

    In the past, teams were allowed to name a concussion substitute during the match without sharing a list in advance.


    Bunny Hop Catches Now Illegal

    The ICC, along with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has also changed the rule about airborne catches near the boundary, often called “bunny-hop” catches.

    Now, any catch where a fielder jumps from beyond the boundary without first touching the ground inside the field and redirects the ball while still in the air will be considered illegal.

    For a catch to be valid, the fielder must first touch the ground inside the field while making contact with the ball.

    However, if a fielder touches the ball inside the field, goes outside the boundary due to momentum, and then comes back in to complete the catch, that will still be allowed.

    This rule will officially come into effect in October 2026, but the ICC will start using it in match conditions starting next week.

    When will the rules apply?

    The new rules will be applied on different dates for each format:


    Test matches: from June 17


    ODIs: from July 2


    T20 Internationals: from July 10

  • Five Indian-sponsored terrorists killed in IBOs in KP: ISPR

    Five Indian-sponsored terrorists killed in IBOs in KP: ISPR

    Five terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on June 15-16, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed in a statement issued on Monday.

    An Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) was conducted by the security forces in Peshawar District on the reported presence of Indian sponsored terrorists, said the military’s media wing.

    “During the conduct of operation, own troops skillfully surrounded and effectively engaged the Indian sponsored khwarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, four Indian sponsored khwarij, including Kharji Haris and Kharji Baseer, were sent to hell,” said the ISPR.

    The military’s media wing further said that another IBO was carried out in North Waziristan District and in ensuing fire exchange, one more terrorist was neutralised by the security forces.

    “Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the Indian sponsored killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in these areas,” read the statement.

    Additionally, the statement noted that sanitisation operations were launched to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area, “as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian Sponsored Terrorism from the country.”

    Meanwhile, data from the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) shows a five percent rise in militant attacks in May compared to April, though the overall picture suggests militant groups largely remained contained despite the regional geopolitical climate.

    According to the PICSS monthly security assessment, May recorded 85 militant attacks, a marginal rise from 81 in April.

    These incidents resulted in 113 fatalities, including 52 security forces personnel, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four members of peace committees. The month also saw 182 individuals injured, comprising 130 civilians, 47 security personnel, four militants, and one peace committee member.

  • ‘You exposed my real age’: Humayun Saeed’s hilarious reaction to Mustafa Qureshi’s viral comment

    ‘You exposed my real age’: Humayun Saeed’s hilarious reaction to Mustafa Qureshi’s viral comment

    A video of legendary actor Mustafa Qureshi teasing superstar Humayun Saeed about his age is making rounds on social media.

    During a recent Meet & Greet session, Humayun reunited with Mustafa, who was recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Sindh Governor. A video of their friendly exchange has gone viral for all the right reasons.

    Mustafa Qureshi playfully points out the significance of the number seven in Humayun’s date of birth.

    “You were born on July 27, 1971. That’s three sevens 27, July (the seventh month), and 1971. And if you add the digits of 1971  1 + 9 + 7 + 1 you get 18, and 1 + 8 equals 9, which is also a powerful number,” he said.

    Humayun responded with laughter, saying, “Sir, aap ne meri asli umar bhi bata di! (You even told me my age!)”

    The witty comment drew laughter from everyone present.

    If Mustafa Qureshi’s reference to July 27, 1971, is accurate, it means Humayun Saeed is turning 54 this year.

    Fans loved the candid moment. One user wrote, “Humayun still looks 35 what is his real age?”

    Another commented, “Still so fit after all these years? Tell us your secret!”

    Humayun Saeed is currently enjoying the success of his latest film, Love Guru, which is performing impressively at the box office. Known for delivering multiple mega-hit projects, Humayun will soon be seen in the much-anticipated drama Main Manto Nahi Hoon.

  • VIDEO: Asim Azhar reacts to crowd chanting ex-fiancée Merub’s name during concert

    VIDEO: Asim Azhar reacts to crowd chanting ex-fiancée Merub’s name during concert

    Singer Asim Azhar recently urged fans at a concert to respect personal boundaries and refrain from bringing private matters into public events.

    The incident occurred when some attendees began chanting slogans against Asim’s former fiancée, Merub Ali. In response, Asim took the microphone and calmly addressed the situation.

    “Please don’t say such things,” he said. “It hurts both families. Let’s not bring personal matters into such public gatherings.”

    The singer reminded fans to show empathy toward the personal lives of artists. 

    A video clip of the incident quickly went viral on social media, triggering a wave of mixed reactions. While many praised Asim’s maturity and composed response, others were caught off guard by the unexpected incident.

    One user commented, “As an audience, it’s our duty and responsibility not to insult entertainers! They’re already at their most vulnerable when they come to entertain us, and instead, they get insulted. What we unfortunately don’t realise is that these people don’t come alone they come with their families. When we heckle, we’re not only hurting them, we’re also hurting their families. This herd mentality really needs to come to an end. If one starts and others follow, it will only lead to chaos.”

    Earlier, the singer confirmed that the couple had officially ended their relationship after nearly three years of engagement. Asim Azhar made the announcement on Thursday morning through an Instagram story.

    “Salam everyone, we hope this message finds you well,” Asim began. “We wanted to take a moment to share something personal, as we believe we owe that to those who have supported us: fans, friends, and well-wishers.”

    He continued, “After a great deal of thought and reflection, Merub and I have decided to go our separate ways. This decision has been made peacefully and with mutual understanding.”

    Asim further expressed that although they had shared “many meaningful moments” and had “hoped for a future together,” life sometimes takes a different path.

    “We continue to hold deep respect for each other and for our families,” he added.

    He concluded his message with a request for privacy, “We kindly ask for your understanding and privacy during this time and hope this is met with the same grace with which it is being shared. Thank you for your continued support.”

    Merub Ali has not yet made any public comments regarding the breakup. However, fans noticed that the two have unfollowed each other on Instagram.

    The two, who have known each other since childhood, got engaged in 2022. They also shared the screen in ARY Digital’s hit drama Sinf-e-Aahan and frequently appeared together at public events, often making headlines for their close bond.

  • Differently-abled child pregnant after being raped in Hafizabad

    Differently-abled child pregnant after being raped in Hafizabad

    Police in Punjab’s Hafizabad district have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in the case of a 14-year-old girl with mental and physical disabilities, who was allegedly raped and later found to be six months pregnant.

    The victim, who is cognitively impaired and unable to walk, speak, or hear, was taken to the hospital by her family as a result of health concerns. During the medical examination, staff discovered that she was pregnant.

    The parents, who come from an underprivileged and illiterate family background, claimed they were unaware of the crime.

    The FIR, numbered 1152/25, was registered at City Hafizabad Police Station under Section 376(3) of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to the rape of minors or individuals with mental or physical disabilities, and carries penalties of life imprisonment or the death sentence, along with a fine.

    The complainant has been identified as Rana Sultan Mahmood. According to the investigation, the accused reportedly sexually assaulted the girl after discovering her by herself in the Hussainabad area six months prior. 

    The suspect reportedly went into hiding after the incident.

    Hafizabad District Police Officer (DPO) Atif Nazir Kadhar took notice of the case and instructed the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) City Circle to submit a detailed report.

    Police have stated that efforts are being made to arrest the accused within 48 hours. The victim’s family is currently under police protection.

    This incident aligns with nationwide data compiled by Sahil, an organisation working on child protection.

    Sahil, an organisation working for the protection of children’s rights, has released a Six Month Cruel Numbers data revealing that a total of 1,630 cases of child abuse were reported from across the country.

    The data reveals that in the first six months of 2024, with 862 cases of child sexual abuse, 668 cases of abduction, 82 cases of missing children, 18 cases of child marriages, and 48 cases of pornography after sexual abuse were reported.

    Out of the total reported cases, 59 percent (962) of victims were girls and 41 percent (668) were boys.

    About 81 daily national and regional newspapers were monitored from January to June 2024 to collect data on child sexual abuse, abduction, missing children and cases of early marriages.

    The areas include the four provinces along with the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

    The data shows that the most vulnerable age group remains children aged 6-15, with 693 cases reported in this bracket. 

    Additionally, 94 cases involved children aged 0-5, 231 children were from the 16-18 age bracket, and in 612 cases, the age of the victims was not mentioned.

    In the year 2024, January-June, the abusers involved in 47 % of the total cases were acquaintances, 18 % were strangers, while in 9%, acquaintances along with strangers committed crimes against children.

    In the first six months of 2024, 78 % of the total cases were reported from Punjab and 6 % from the ICT. The rest of the cases were reported from other provinces, including 11 % cases from Sindh, 3 % cases from KP, and 2 % cases from Balochistan, AJK and GB.

    Out of the total reported cases, 44 % were from urban areas and 56 % were from rural areas.


    Cases of violence against women

    In the first half of the year concerning violence against women, Sahil observed that a total number of 1,732 cases were reported, which included different forms of violence such as murder, suicide, abduction, rape, honour killing and torture.

    Sahil’s objective

    Sahil has been working on child protection with a special focus on child sexual abuse since 1996.

    It aims to develop a protective environment free from all forms of violence for children, especially child sexual abuse.

    It also provides legal, emotional and psychological support to the victims.

    In related incidents, Lahore police arrested four suspects in May for an alleged gang rape of a mentally-challenged minor, and a madrassah teacher in Muzaffargarh was arrested for allegedly raping an 11-year-old student.

  • What caused tremors in Pak-Iran border area last night?

    What caused tremors in Pak-Iran border area last night?

    As Iran and Israel remain locked in conflict for the fourth consecutive day, two earthquakes on Sunday night struck the Pakistan-Iran border region, leading to speculation surrounding the nature of the tremors.

    While social media argued possible nuclear activity, Met Office data said the tremors were nothing but earthquakes – a 2.5-magnitude quake in the Qom region near the Fordow Nuclear Power Plant, and a 4.3-magnitude earthquake in the southwestern Iranian province of Sistan that is contiguous with Pakistan’s Balochistan.

    No casualties were reported in the earthquakes that come hours after Israeli attacks on alleged Iranian nuclear facilities, namely Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. While the strikes and ambiguity surrounding Iran’s nuclear status led to social media buzz, a day earlier, media reports quoted an Iranian official as confirming that the Israeli airstrikes had earlier hit the Fordow site, which is known for its deep-underground enrichment capabilities.

    The latest military exchange between the archrivals also began when Israel struck Iran’s nuclear and military sites on Friday, killing top commanders and six of its atomic scientists. Israeli strikes prompted Iran to unleash attacks with a barrage of missiles in Tel Aviv, wounding multiple.

    Tel Aviv has said it wants to stop Tehran from building an atomic weapon, which the latter has consistently denied, stating its uranium enrichment programme is for civilian purposes.

    Series of attacks have continued ever since, resulting in multiple casualties on both sides.

    Media reports claimed that as many as 220 individuals, including 70 women, children, top commanders and nuclear scientists, have been killed in Israel’s attack on Iran.

    Several casualties have been reported in Tel Aviv following a series of missile attacks launched by Iran in response to Israel’s aggression.

  • Punjab, Balochistan to unveil provincial budgets for incoming fiscal year

    Punjab, Balochistan to unveil provincial budgets for incoming fiscal year

    Punjab’s Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman is set to present the province’s budget for fiscal year (FY) 2025-26. According to reports, the budget was approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz and will be presented before the Punjab Assembly on June 16.

    This follows the recent release of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s provincial budgets

    Punjab’s Finance Minister has revealed that the budget will showcase the vision of CM Punjab and will be easy on the general public. Reports indicate that the new budget will not introduce new taxes as the provincial government intends to boost tax collection levels by increasing compliance with existing taxes.

    Punjab’s strategy to boost collections by boosting compliance is in line with the federal government’s framework. Recent reports suggest that the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Chairman, Rashid Mahmood Langrial, announced crackdowns on non-compliant businesses to increase revenue inflows. Punjab could witness a similar boost in revenues in the upcoming fiscal year if it increases compliance as well.

    The finance minister has indicated that the provincial government will leverage its assets to boost revenues. Notable expenditures include funding for social, health, and education initiatives. Moreover, reports suggest that the provincial government is set to aid businesses by disbursing monetary and technical assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Details from reports suggest that Punjab’s outlay for FY 2025-26 will sit at Rs5.3 trillion. 23.39 per cent of the budget will be set aside for the  Annual Development Programme (ADP), while approximately 76.6 percent of the budget will cover non-development expenditures.

    Reports reveal that the development budget will fund a staggering 3,132 schemes, with 1,663 initiatives being new. Punjab will reportedly acquire Rs124.3 billion from foreign sources to fund development initiatives.

    In other similar developments, Balochistan is expected to announce its budget on June 17. Reports indicate that Balochistan could announce a hike in salaries and other monetary benefits for government employees. This belief holds weight as protests have reportedly broken out recently over the issue of the poor pay public officials receive.

    According to reports, Balochistan’s outlay for FY 2025-26 will cross Rs1 trillion, which pales in comparison to Punjab’s and Sindh’s budget of Rs5.3 trillion and Rs3.45 trillion, respectively.

    However, unlike Sindh, Balochistan’s budget will likely feature a surplus. Reports have outlined Balochistan’s commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline, as a surplus for FY 2025-26 will mark the second consecutive surplus for the province.