Budget 2026-27: Pakistan is set to unveil a Rs17.5tr budget today, with a tax revenue target of Rs15.267tr, debt servicing at Rs7.824tr and defence around Rs3tr; officials say the government is weighing relief steps like salary/pension increases and a petroleum levy target of Rs1.727tr, while export and import targets are pegged at $32.8bn and $70bn. PIA Privatisation: President Zardari has signed the PIA (Conversion) (Repeal) Bill 2026, completing legal steps for the Arif Habib-led consortium’s 75% acquisition deal. Fuel Costs: Budget talks include a possible doubling of the Climate Support Levy on petrol and high-speed diesel from Rs2.5 to Rs5 per litre, raising fears of another transport and prices shock. Telecom & Digital: PTA released Q1 2026 QoS survey results; Economic Survey data shows smartphone users at 71.6% and ARPU rising to Rs326, while crypto users have crossed 40m. Karachi Heat & Services: PMD forecasts some relief in Karachi with temperatures around 36–38°C; Easypaisa users reported nationwide service disruptions. PoK Crackdown & Water Tensions: PoK unrest and civilian killings drew renewed criticism, while Pakistan warned India that blocking Indus waters would be treated as an “act of war.” Security/Politics: PTI and allies threaten protests over Imran Khan’s medical treatment during the budget session.