Electricity consumers across Pakistan are set to face higher bills in August after the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) approved a fuel cost adjustment (FCA) of 75 paisa per unit for electricity consumed in June 2026. The adjustment is expected to place an additional burden of around Rs9.8 billion on consumers. Nepra had earlier...
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new sales tax collection mechanism for Pakistan’s steel industry, linking tax liability directly to electricity consumption in an effort to improve compliance and strengthen documentation across the sector. The new framework will apply to steel melters, re-rollers and composite units, including those generating their own electricity...
Global oil prices fell by more than 1% on Friday as improved crude shipments through key maritime routes eased supply concerns, even as the conflict between the United States and Iran continued to fuel geopolitical uncertainty. Brent crude futures declined by $1.03, or 1.2%, to $88 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude...
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a Rs 98 billion subsidy package to reduce borrowing costs for exporters and stimulate Pakistan’s export sector after overseas shipments declined by 6% in the last fiscal year. Chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the ECC endorsed three major export support initiatives, including an enhanced Export Finance Scheme...
Pakistan’s inflation is expected to accelerate to 9.1% year-on-year in July, as higher food prices and renewed uncertainty over global energy markets add fresh pressure to the cost of living, according to market estimates by Growth Securities and JS Global. Economists expect the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to record a 1.1% month-on-month increase, largely driven...
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its recent downturn on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index falling 1,264.14 points, or 0.74%, during the morning trading session as investor sentiment remained subdued. The index slipped to 170,475.30 points before trading was temporarily suspended for the routine Friday (Jummah) prayer break. After opening on a weaker note,...
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved the prospectus for the initial public offering (IPO) of Tasdeeq Information Services Limited, clearing the way for the first Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) listing of the 2026-27 fiscal year. Tasdeeq, a credit bureau licensed by the State Bank of Pakistan, collects and maintains credit information...
Global oil prices climbed to their highest levels in nearly six weeks on Wednesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East raised fresh concerns about potential disruptions to crude supplies. Brent crude futures rose above $92 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also advanced as investors reacted to heightened geopolitical risks and...
The federal cabinet has approved a new Rs1.8 billion special allowance for senior bureaucrats, despite extending austerity measures for the 2026-27 fiscal year and announcing only a 7% salary increase for government employees. The decision has sparked debate over public sector pay disparities during a period of economic pressure. The newly introduced benefit, titled the...
An anti-hoarding crackdown in Hyderabad has triggered an unexpected wheat shortage, with traders and flour mill owners reporting limited supplies despite government efforts to stabilize prices. According to market sources, wheat has largely disappeared from shops after district authorities launched raids against alleged profiteers and seized thousands of sacks from warehouses. The move initially pushed...