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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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How to Check PM Ramadan Relief Package 2026 Eligibility Online

The Government of Pakistan has introduced a simple and accessible online method for citizens to check their eligibility for the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package 2026. The initiative aims to ensure transparency, convenience, and wider access for families seeking financial support during the holy month of Ramadan. According to an official announcement by the Ministry […]

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CM Murad Ali Shah Sets One-Month Deadline for Completion of Two Key Karachi Underpasses

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has issued a firm directive to fast-track the completion of two major infrastructure projects in Karachi. During a high-level review meeting on development initiatives for the fiscal year 2025–26, the chief minister instructed the city administration to complete the Karimabad and Munawar Chowrangi underpasses within one month and […]

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National Gold Medalist Rizwan Pathan Forced to Work as Laborer Amid Financial Struggles

Rizwan Pathan, a celebrated national-level martial arts and gymnastics athlete, has been compelled to work as a laborer at a marble factory in Nowshera due to severe financial difficulties. Despite earning multiple medals for the country, Pathan’s sporting career has been sidelined by economic pressures. The athlete, who once represented Pakistan at major competitions, now […]

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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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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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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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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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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 […]