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Middle East Conflict Could Push Pakistan’s Inflation to 17% and Widen Trade Deficit: PIDE Report

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 […]

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Pakistan Nears IMF Agreement to Revise FBR Tax Collection Target for FY26

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 […]

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Pakistani Rupee Strengthens Against US Dollar Amid Global Turbulence

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 […]

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Gold Prices Drop Sharply in Pakistan After International Market Reversal

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, […]

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IMF Delegation Leaves Pakistan; Talks Shift Online Over Security Concerns

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. […]

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Lawmaker Claims Pakistan Steel Mills Was Quietly Offered to Russia

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 […]

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Petrol and Diesel Prices Likely to Increase from 1st March 2026

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 […]

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UAE to Rollover $2 Billion Loan to Pakistan for Extended Period: Ishaq Dar

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 […]

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Industries Save Rs. 12.1 Billion Under Government’s Discounted Electricity Package

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 […]

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Pakistan’s Large-Scale Manufacturing Grows 5% in First Half of FY26

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 […]

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Pakistani Rupee Sees Marginal Recovery Against US Dollar Amid Mixed Currency Performance

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 […]

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Electricity Subsidies May Be Restricted to Deserving Consumers Under New IMF-Linked Plan

The government is preparing to overhaul its electricity subsidy framework by limiting financial support strictly to low-income households, subject to approval from the International Monetary Fund. The proposal, finalized by the Power Division, is expected to be discussed in upcoming negotiations with the IMF as part of broader fiscal reforms. Under the new framework, all […]

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Pakistan Attracts $176 Million in Largest Bond Inflows in 19 Months

Pakistan has recorded its strongest monthly net foreign inflows into sovereign bonds in nearly two years, signaling renewed investor interest in the country’s debt market. According to a report by Bloomberg, January saw a significant turnaround compared to the same period last year. Net inflows into government bonds reached $176 million in January, marking the […]

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SOE Losses Cross Rs. 830 Billion in FY25 Despite Continued Government Support

Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) recorded combined losses of Rs. 832.8 billion in fiscal year 2024-25, according to a fresh report issued by the Ministry of Finance. Although the figures reflect a slight 2 percent improvement compared to the previous fiscal year, the overall financial burden remains substantial. The latest data underscores persistent structural challenges within […]

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Pakistani Rupee Extends Gains Against US Dollar for 93rd Consecutive Day

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) continued its modest upward trend against the US Dollar (USD), closing in green for the 93rd consecutive trading day on Tuesday. Despite the streak, the currency posted losses against most other major international currencies during the session. The PKR closed at 279.75, marking a gain of just one paisa against the […]

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Lawmakers Hope for SBP Interest Rate to Drop to Single Digits by June 2026

During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce on Monday, lawmakers expressed optimism that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) could lower its policy rate to single digits by June 2026. Members highlighted that persistently high interest rates have significantly restricted business activity and limited access to financing for the private sector. Federal […]

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Gold Prices Plunge, Now Approaching Rs. 5 Lakh Per Tola in Pakistan

Gold prices in Pakistan saw a significant drop on Friday, following a record high just a day earlier, highlighting continued volatility in the bullion market. According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price of gold per tola fell by Rs. 35,500, settling at Rs. 537,362. Meanwhile, 10 grams of gold declined […]

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Pakistan’s Forex Reserves Expected to Reach Record High by December 2026

pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves are projected to reach an all-time high by the end of December 2026, marking a significant milestone for the country’s financial stability and macroeconomic outlook. According to estimates shared by Topline Securities, reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) are expected to exceed $20.2 billion, reflecting improved external account […]

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Pakistan Secures Record $4.5 Billion in Foreign Loans in First Half of FY26

Pakistan has recorded a significant rise in external borrowing during the first six months of the current fiscal year, receiving a total of Rs. 1,272 billion in foreign loans and grants. In dollar terms, this amounts to $4.5 billion, marking an increase of $904 million compared to $3.6 billion received during the same period last […]

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PM Shehbaz Sharif Departs for Switzerland to Attend World Economic Forum 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left Pakistan on Tuesday for Switzerland, leading a high-level delegation to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026. The visit is aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s diplomatic ties and exploring new avenues for economic cooperation. The Prime Minister is accompanied by key officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, […]