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...
Pakistan’s auto financing market continued its strong recovery in June 2026, with outstanding vehicle loans rising 38% year-on-year to Rs381.69 billion, reflecting growing consumer confidence and improving demand for automobiles. The latest figures, compiled by Arif Habib Limited (AHL) using State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data, also showed a 3.4% month-on-month increase in auto...
Pakistan has called for a stronger economic partnership with Egypt, urging both countries to expand cooperation beyond traditional trade and focus on strategic investment, joint production, technology transfer, and regional value chains. The proposal was presented by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan during a reception in Islamabad marking Egypt’s National Day. Addressing diplomats, government...
The federal government borrowed Rs272 billion from domestic banks during the first month of fiscal year 2025-26 (FY2026), despite recording a budget surplus, highlighting the country’s continued dependence on borrowing to meet financing and debt management requirements. The borrowing figures were released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and analyzed in a report....