February 23, 2026 - Page 2 of 2 - Daily Capital Mail

Finance ministry terms claims of 8% interest on external loans ‘misleading’

February 23, 2026 capital

The Ministry of Finance on Sunday categorically rejected claims regarding the country’s external debt and associated interest payments, calling the reports misleading and stating that the nation’s external debt profile remains predominantly concessional and long-term. “Pakistan’s total external debt and liabilities currently stand at $138 billion, while public external debt interest outflows increased from $1.99 billion in FY2022 to $3.59 billion in FY2025, representing an increase of 80.4 per cent, not 84 per cent as reported,” the ministry said in an official statement. The ministry stated that the overall average…

Global trade after US Supreme Court tariff ruling

February 23, 2026 capital

ISLAMABAD: The anxiously awaited ruling of the US Supreme Court on Friday striking down the “reciprocal tariffs” represents a significant constitutional and political setback for President Trump. The tariffs, imposed under the Emergency Powers Act, had been central to his trade and foreign policy strategy. They were justified on the grounds that persistent trade deficits constituted a national emergency. The court rejected this expansive interpretation, ruling that emergency powers cannot override the constitution’s assignment of tariff authority to Congress, leaving the president no choice but to withdraw the duties. Yet…

China opens its market as US tariffs squeeze Africa

February 23, 2026 capital

KARACHI: China has waived all duties on imports from 53 African countries, positioning itself as an anchor of stability amid chaos in the international “rules-based” trading system triggered by US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Many African economies are grappling with the fallout from Washington’s trade measures. Against this backdrop, China’s blanket tariff relief has strengthened its position as a reliable economic partner for Africa. The zero-tariff announcement – made during a high-level meeting linked to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Changsha, China – marks one of the…

FDI no substitute for local investment

February 23, 2026 capital

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s policymakers often celebrate every rise in the stock exchange index and every uptick in foreign direct investment (FDI) as a vote of confidence in their economic policies. On the ground, however, no sustainable long-term policy exists beyond firefighting, struggling to secure rollovers of deposits from friendly countries, and obtaining short-term foreign currency loans at higher rates. Exports have failed to reach a comfort zone, and the external sector is being supported largely by overseas Pakistanis’ remittances and Roshan Digital Account inflows. The latest numbers tell a sobering story.…

Pink Button service launched in Murree

February 23, 2026 capital

MURREE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched another significant public welfare initiative to ensure the safety of residents and tourists at the popular hill station of Murree. A modern “Pink Button” service has now been formally activated in Murree, enabling immediate contact with the police in any emergency situation and ensuring a swift response. District police officials said that Murree, a busy tourist destination of international repute, receives thousands of visitors throughout the year, and their safety and convenience remain a top government priority. Under the Pink Button…

PM Shehbaz to visit Qatar Feb 23–24 for talks with Amir Sheikh Tamim

February 23, 2026 capital

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to Qatar from February 23 to 24 at the invitation of Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Foreign Office said on Sunday. The prime minister will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other ministers and senior officials. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the visit reflects the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two countries and underscores their shared commitment to further strengthening multifaceted cooperation. During his stay in Doha, the prime minister…

PTI’s gruelling internal crisis

February 23, 2026 capital

ISLAMABAD: Ali Amin Gandapur was once the face of PTI’s resistance. Handpicked by jailed PTI founder Imran Khan as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he was seen as a hardliner capable of sustaining the party’s confrontational posture while its leader remained behind bars. He twice led protesters toward the capital, demanding Imran Khan’s release. However, this past week, that image fractured. Gandapur found himself facing criticism from within his own ranks after giving interviews that questioned the party’s strategy. Once celebrated for defiance, he is now facing hostility from sections…

‘Pakistan has right to defend its people’

February 23, 2026 capital

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 the border and follow repeated warnings that went unheeded. Referring to his statement of February 8, 2026, the president recalled that he had stated that Pakistan takes strong exception to the situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban regime has created conditions similar to, or worse than, those prevailing before 9/11. He added that Pakistan had cautioned the international community that “when terrorist groups are…