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...
Pakistan’s proposed Auto Policy 2026–31, designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), has reportedly been shelved after local car manufacturers raised objections, forcing the government to restart the policy-making process. The Ministry of Industries and Production had prepared a new auto policy after consulting stakeholders, with a strong focus on promoting electric mobility...
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...
The federal government has decided to import one million tonnes of wheat on an urgent basis to address growing supply shortages and stabilize flour prices across the country. The decision was made after consultations between the federal government and provincial authorities, who reviewed wheat availability, market prices and consumer demand. Officials also agreed to immediately...
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...
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...