Pakistan’s financial policymakers are facing renewed pressure to rethink the country’s foreign reserve strategy as geopolitical tensions intensify across the Middle East. With fears growing over a prolonged conflict in the Gulf region, experts are warning that reliance on the US dollar could expose vulnerable economies like Pakistan to significant financial risks. Recent discussions among […]
Pakistan’s economic outlook has received a significant boost as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) commits approximately $2.7 billion for the current fiscal year. The investment signals growing international confidence in the country’s potential, particularly in strengthening private sector activity, expanding infrastructure, and generating employment opportunities. The announcement came during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister […]
A recent global comparison of average monthly salaries has highlighted the stark income disparities across countries, with several developing economies ranking among the lowest. According to data attributed to the World Bank, Pakistan tops the list of countries with the lowest average monthly salaries in 2023, raising important questions about economic conditions and wage growth. […]
The cost of imported luxury and non-essential goods in Pakistan has surged sharply, with total taxes reaching as high as 60 percent of the product value. This significant increase is reshaping consumer behavior and putting pressure on import-dependent markets. According to officials from the Federal Board of Revenue, multiple layers of taxation are applied at […]
Pakistan has demonstrated relative stability in managing its fuel supply chain despite ongoing regional tensions, according to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Minister Muzzammil Aslam. His remarks highlight the country’s coordinated approach to handling petroleum availability during a period of uncertainty. Speaking on the matter, the provincial minister commended Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb […]
Global oil markets witnessed a significant correction as Dubai Crude prices fell close to $110 per barrel following easing tensions between the United States and Iran. The decline reflects a shift in market sentiment after weeks of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Dubai crude dropped to around $113 per barrel, marking a steep fall of nearly $29 […]
The Federal Board of Revenue has empowered its intelligence wing with enhanced authority to pursue cases of tax evasion and financial misconduct. The move is aimed at strengthening enforcement and improving compliance across the business sector. Under the new directive, the Director of the Directorate General of Intelligence & Investigation (Inland Revenue) can now approve […]
Global shipping leader A.P. Moller – Maersk has announced a rise in its Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) for shipments originating from Pakistan and the wider Indian Subcontinent bound for West Africa. The revised surcharge is expected to take effect from the Price Calculation Date (PCD) of April 1, 2026, according to sources familiar with the […]
Pakistan’s national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines, has accumulated losses of nearly Rs. 500 billion between 2015 and 2023, according to officials who briefed the Senate Standing Committee on Privatization. The disclosure highlights the severe financial challenges faced by the airline over the past several years. During the committee meeting held on Monday, officials revealed […]
Escalating tensions in the Middle East could trigger serious economic challenges for Pakistan, particularly if the conflict disrupts global oil supply routes. A recent report by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics warns that a full-scale regional crisis could drive international oil prices sharply higher and significantly impact Pakistan’s economy. The report highlights a worst-case […]
Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund are reportedly close to finalizing a revised tax collection target for the current fiscal year as part of ongoing economic negotiations. The discussions are taking place under the country’s $7 billion Extended Fund Facility program, which aims to stabilize Pakistan’s financial system and improve fiscal management. According to sources […]
The Pakistani rupee (PKR) continued its upward momentum, closing in green against the US Dollar (USD) for the 115th consecutive day on Monday. The currency gained three paisas, finishing the session at 279.37 PKR per USD, reflecting steady resilience despite ongoing global economic challenges. In addition to the US Dollar, the rupee also posted gains […]
Gold rates in Pakistan witnessed a significant decline on Tuesday, following a sharp reversal in global bullion prices a day earlier. The sudden shift in the international market directly impacted domestic trading, leading to one of the steepest single-day drops in recent weeks. According to figures released by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association, […]
Pakistan has moved its ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to a virtual format amid prevailing security concerns, while keeping the review process on schedule. Officials from the Ministry of Finance confirmed that although the format has shifted from in-person meetings to online discussions, the timeline and agenda of the talks remain unchanged. […]
Fresh controversy has emerged around Pakistan Steel Mills after a lawmaker alleged that the state-owned industrial giant was quietly offered to Russia for sale nearly six months ago. The claim surfaced during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production, where members expressed serious concern over reported large-scale theft and administrative […]
Petroleum product prices in Pakistan are expected to rise once again, with new rates likely to come into effect from 1st March 2026, subject to government approval. The anticipated adjustment could put additional financial pressure on consumers already managing high living costs. According to projections shared by Arif Habib Limited, the proposed increase may reach […]
The United Arab Emirates has agreed to rollover a $2 billion loan to Pakistan for a longer tenure this time, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Wednesday. Speaking informally to the media, Dar described the deposits as secure and assured that the rollover process would be automatic, providing a significant boost […]
Pakistan’s industrial sector secured financial relief of Rs. 12.125 billion during December 2025 and January 2026 under a government-backed discounted electricity package, according to official data. The benefit was extended to 127,686 industrial consumers, representing approximately 46 percent of total industrial users during the two-month period. The relief is part of a broader strategy to […]
Pakistan’s Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) sector showed signs of recovery as the LSM Index posted a 0.4 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase in December 2025, alongside a strong 9.3 percent month-on-month (MoM) growth, signaling a rebound in industrial activity. During the first half of FY26 (1HFY26), the LSM index recorded a 5 percent YoY expansion, reflecting improving […]
The Pakistani rupee (PKR) continued its modest gains against the US Dollar (USD) on Monday, closing in green for the 101st consecutive day. The currency posted a small appreciation of one paisa, ending the session at 279.61 PKR per USD. Despite its steady performance against the dollar, the rupee faced pressure against several other major […]
