Today's Top News: Defense Budget Approval and US-Iran Negotiations
The National Assembly of Pakistan has approved key financial demands, including the defense budget, for the fiscal year 2026-27. Simultaneously, significant negotiations between the United States and Iran have commenced through Pakistan's mediation, while a rain and flood alert has been issued across the country.
On Sunday, the National Assembly unanimously approved 88 demands for grants exceeding 43.85 trillion rupees under the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. A substantial amount has been allocated for the defense budget, which will be used for the expenditures of the armed forces and other vital national sectors.
Significant negotiations between the United States and Iran are taking place in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir held meetings with the Iranian delegation and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. According to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, it was agreed during these talks that no transit fees or service charges would be imposed in the 'Strait of Hormuz' (a key maritime trade route in the Persian Gulf).
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert due to the risk of heavy rains and flooding across the country. According to the agency, rain with thunderstorms and strong winds is expected in the coming days, and all relevant provincial and local authorities have been directed to remain on alert.
For government formation in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has announced its decision to join the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) alliance. Leaders of both parties stated that this alliance will work for the development of the region, and the formal process of government formation will begin on Monday.
In legal and safety news, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has commuted the death sentence of a convict to life imprisonment in a case involving the rape of a 10-year-old girl at a school in Sheikhupura. On the other hand, two laborers died in an accident at the Lakhra coal mine in Jamshoro, near Hyderabad.
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