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Pakistan’s Gas Sector Debt Hits Rs. 3.28 Trillion, Lawmakers Warn of Potential Collapse

Pakistan’s gas sector circular debt has surged to an alarming Rs. 3.283 trillion, prompting urgent warnings from lawmakers about the risk of a systemic collapse. The issue was discussed in detail during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum. Officials highlighted growing financial stress across the gas supply chain, citing mounting losses, […]

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Umrah Ticket Prices Surge as Ramadan Begins

Airfares for Umrah travel have witnessed a sharp increase with the start of Ramadan, as domestic and international airlines raised ticket prices amid soaring demand. Business class fares have climbed to as high as Rs. 500,000, while economy and economy plus tickets are now being sold in the range of Rs. 180,000 to Rs. 200,000. […]

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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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OGDC Announces New Gas and Condensate Discovery at Dars West-3 in Sindh

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (PSX: OGDC) has announced the successful discovery of additional gas and condensate at a newly tested development well, Dars West-3, located in Tando Allah Yar district of Sindh. According to a filing submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, the well was drilled to a total depth of 2,100 meters […]

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Yango Pakistan and NowPDP Launch ‘Baikhtiyar Pakistan’ to Empower Drivers with Disabilities

Yango Pakistan, part of the global tech company Yango Group, has partnered with NOWPDP to launch Baikhtiyar Pakistan — an inclusive mobility and livelihood initiative aimed at creating sustainable earning opportunities for persons with disabilities through the Yango platform. The program reflects Yango Group’s broader commitment to economic empowerment and digital inclusion across its markets. […]

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88% of Unlisted Licensed Companies Now Publicly Disclose Financial Results: SECP

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has announced that 88 percent of unlisted licensed companies are now publicly disclosing their audited annual financial statements, reflecting a major step forward in transparency and regulatory compliance. In a statement issued on February 18, 2026, the regulator confirmed that these disclosures are being made through the […]

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Saudi Arabia Imposes Heavy Fines and Jail Terms for Visit Visa Violations

The government of Saudi Arabia has announced stringent penalties for individuals who fail to report visitors overstaying their visit visas. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen compliance with residency and border regulations across the Kingdom. According to Saudi Public Security, anyone who does not inform authorities about a visitor remaining in […]

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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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Pakistani Artist’s Hand-Painted Animation Illuminates Times Square

A remarkable milestone for Pakistani art has unfolded in the heart of New York City as a hand-painted animation by Eeman Masood lights up the world-famous Times Square. The artwork, titled Listen, is being screened nightly throughout February, placing a Pakistan-trained miniature painter on one of the most iconic public art platforms in the world. […]

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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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Reko Diq Project’s Future Uncertain Amid Security Concerns

The future of the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan is under scrutiny as Barrick Gold Corporation reassesses its budget and timeline due to ongoing security concerns, Reuters reports. To date, Barrick has invested $849 million in the project, including $721 million in 2025, against a Phase 1 capital budget of approximately $6 billion. The […]

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Two New Pakistani Airlines Cleared to Begin Operations

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has completed preparations to facilitate the launch of two new Pakistani airlines — one passenger carrier and one cargo operator — signaling renewed activity in the country’s aviation sector. According to airport sources, a new passenger airline named Karachi Air has finalized plans to lease aircraft and is expected to […]

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UAE Announces Official Ramadan Working Hours for Federal Employees

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced the official working hours for federal ministries and entities across the UAE during the holy month of Ramadan. According to the authority, government offices will operate from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday, while Friday working hours will be from 9:00 am to […]

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FBR Mandates E-Commerce Platforms to Withhold Sales Tax at Source

Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a significant reform aimed at strengthening tax compliance in the rapidly expanding e-commerce sector. Under the new framework, sales tax on goods ordered through digital platforms will now be withheld at source, ensuring more efficient and transparent tax collection. The move places the responsibility of tax deduction […]

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Entry of Tourists Banned After Landslides in Major Northern Area Destination

The district administration has imposed an immediate ban on tourist entry into Galiyat, Abbottabad, following landslides and traffic disruptions caused by recent snowfall on Murree Road. Authorities have restricted tourist movement from Harno and Barian toward Galiyat as a safety precaution, after reports of snow accumulation and landslides in the area. The measure aims to […]

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Pakistan Announces Fitrana and Fidyah Amounts for Ramadan 2026

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has announced the official rates for Fitrana (Sadaqatul-Fitr) and Fidyah for Ramadan 2026, providing guidance to Muslims across Pakistan on fulfilling their religious obligations during the holy month. CII Chairperson Allama Dr. Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naeemi stated that the minimum amount for both Fitrana and Fidyah has been set […]

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Court Orders Immediate Closure of Illegal Food Street in Karachi

The Constitutional Bench of the Sindh High Court has directed the immediate closure and dismantling of an illegal food street operating on a service road in Karachi’s Korangi area. The decision comes in response to concerns over public safety, traffic congestion, and unauthorized commercial activity. Authorities have been instructed to take swift action to remove […]