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....
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals and investors, describing their protection as the government’s highest priority. Speaking at the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical Business-to-Business (B2B) Conference in Islamabad, the prime minister assured Chinese companies that comprehensive security measures remain in place to support investment and long-term...
Pakistan has highlighted its growing pharmaceutical industry as a promising destination for foreign investment, with Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal inviting international companies—particularly Chinese firms—to explore business opportunities in the country’s healthcare and biotechnology sectors. The invitation arrived during the Pakistan-China Business-to-Business (B2B) Conference on Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, and Biotechnology, held in Islamabad. The minister said...
Global oil prices moved higher as renewed hostilities in the Middle East intensified concerns over potential disruptions to energy supplies and key shipping routes. The latest gains come amid escalating military tensions between the United States and Iran, prompting investors to closely monitor developments in one of the world’s most important oil-producing regions. Brent...
Vietnamese authorities have launched an extensive investigation into an international diamond smuggling network allegedly responsible for illegally importing more than 28,000 diamonds valued at nearly $11 million, with one of the country’s largest jewellery companies caught up in the high-profile case. Police say the syndicate smuggled diamonds sourced from India into Vietnam via Hong Kong,...
Pakistan’s import profile witnessed a significant shift during FY2025-26, with surging imports of coal, soybean seeds, and industrial raw materials driving overall cargo growth despite a sharp decline in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other liquid cargo imports. According to annual statistics released by the Port Qasim Authority (PQA), total imports handled at the port...
The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has successfully received and is handling one of the world’s largest container ships, marking a significant achievement for Pakistan’s maritime and logistics sector. The ultra-large container vessel, MSC Erica, arrived at South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited (SAPTL) on July 12, highlighting the port’s growing capability to accommodate some of the...
Despite decades of government support and billions of rupees in incentives, Pakistan’s automobile industry has struggled to establish a meaningful presence in international markets, while the country’s aerospace sector has emerged as a globally recognized success story. An analysis highlights the stark contrast between the performance of the two industries and calls for a major...