Can a $70 Billion Regional Initiative Fix Pakistan’s Power Puzzle?
Pakistan’s energy crisis has never been a simple story of shortage. In fact, the country produces more electricity than it sometimes uses—yet millions still experience outages. This contradiction sits at the heart of a new opportunity: a massive $70 billion regional energy and digital initiative introduced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The proposal aims […]
New US F-16 Support Deal: A Boost for Pakistan’s Air Power
The United States has taken another step in supporting the global network of F-16 fighter jet operators by awarding a major long-term contract for radar system maintenance and engineering services. Valued at $488 million, the agreement will run until 2036 and includes Pakistan among a wide group of participating countries. At its core, the contract […]
Rs7.5 Billion Controversy: What the Latest FBR Case Reveals About Corporate Accountability
A recent case initiated by Pakistan’s tax authorities has put the spotlight on how companies handle financial responsibilities—especially when personal and corporate obligations become intertwined. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has filed a money laundering case against a Karachi-based pharmaceutical company and several of its directors, raising serious questions about transparency and governance. The […]
How Middle East Tensions Could Shake Pakistan’s Economy
Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are no longer just a regional concern—they are quickly becoming a global economic issue, with countries like Pakistan feeling the pressure almost immediately. Recent remarks from an International Monetary Fund (IMF) representative highlight how ongoing conflict in the region could slow economic growth and introduce new financial risks, […]
Pakistan Engages with US Over Labour Standards in Trade Review
Pakistan is currently presenting its position to the United States as part of a wide-ranging review of international trade practices tied to concerns about forced labour. The review, led by the US Trade Representative (USTR), covers dozens of countries and aims to assess whether proper systems are in place to prevent the import of goods […]
Revenue Pressures Mount as Pakistan Falls Short of Tax Targets
Pakistan’s tax collection efforts are facing growing strain, with the gap between actual revenue and official targets widening as the fiscal year progresses. The latest figures show that the country is significantly behind schedule, putting pressure on authorities to accelerate collections in the final months. During the first ten months of fiscal year 2025–26, total […]
Pakistan–China Partnership Deepens with New Agreements in Infrastructure, Health, and Technology
Pakistan and China have once again reaffirmed the strength of their long-standing partnership by signing a series of new agreements during President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China. The visit holds added symbolic importance as the two nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations—a milestone that reflects decades of strategic cooperation and mutual trust. […]
AGP Limited Charts a New Growth Path with Strategic Pharma Deals
Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector may be heading into an interesting phase, as AGP Limited signals a more aggressive expansion strategy. In its latest board meeting held on April 29, 2026, the company approved a series of initiatives that point toward both short-term product launches and longer-term growth ambitions. A Dual Approach: Expansion and Efficiency At the […]
Pakistan’s E-Commerce Sector Is Losing Billions at Checkout — Why It Matters
Pakistan’s e-commerce industry is expanding rapidly, fueled by growing internet access, smartphone usage, and a shift toward digital shopping. However, behind this upward trend lies a critical issue: a significant portion of potential revenue is being lost at the checkout stage. Estimates suggest that the sector is losing around $1.61 billion annually due to inefficiencies […]
Lower Gas Levies, Higher Stakes: What the IMF’s Decision Means for Pakistan’s Industry
Pakistan’s industrial sector is set to benefit from a notable reduction in energy costs after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved changes to the captive gas levy formula. The revision could cut gas prices for companies running their own power plants by as much as 60%—but the relief comes with important conditions that could shape […]
A Quiet but Crucial Deal: What SPL’s Renewed Agreement Means for Pakistan’s Currency Production
In a development that may not attract widespread attention but carries real economic significance, Security Papers Limited (SPL) has extended its trade agreement with Pakistan Security Printing Corporation for another three years. The updated deal introduces revised terms while maintaining a familiar pricing structure, reflecting both continuity and adaptation in a critical sector. Continuity with […]
When Digital Tax Systems Fall Short: Why FBR’s Tech Gaps Matter for Taxpayers
Pakistan’s push toward a digital tax ecosystem is meant to simplify compliance, improve transparency, and modernize revenue collection. But according to the Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA), the reality on the ground tells a more complicated story. In a recent representation to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the association outlined serious flaws in the […]
NEPRA Tightens Oversight with New Rules on Power Projects and Grid Integration
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has rolled out two important regulatory measures aimed at improving governance and technical discipline in Pakistan’s power sector. Introduced through SRO 692(I)/2026 and SRO 936(I)/2026, these frameworks focus on stricter approval requirements for new power plants and clearer standards for connecting to the national grid. A key highlight […]
SBP Raises Policy Rate to 11.50% and Adjusts Interest Rate Corridor
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced a significant monetary policy update, increasing its benchmark policy rate by 100 basis points to 11.50%, effective April 28, 2026. Alongside this decision, the central bank has also revised its interest rate corridor, setting the overnight reverse repo rate at 12.50% and the overnight repo rate at […]
Pakistan Tightens Grip on Virtual Assets: Pre-Approval Now Mandatory for All Initiatives
Pakistan’s approach to digital finance is entering a more structured phase. The Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) has issued a fresh advisory making it clear that no virtual asset-related initiative can move forward—publicly or operationally—without prior regulatory approval. This development follows a noticeable increase in announcements from banks, fintech firms, and financial institutions about […]
Relief for Exporters as Cargo Surcharge Is Withdrawn
Pakistan’s export sector recently received a much-needed boost after a disputed cargo surcharge was отменed following regulatory intervention. The decision not only removes an immediate financial burden on exporters but also reinforces the importance of oversight in maintaining fair practices within the logistics chain. The issue began when a ground handling agency introduced an additional […]
Pakistan’s PRSC-EO3 Satellite Launch: A Step Toward Smarter Earth Observation
Pakistan has taken another step forward in strengthening its space capabilities with the successful launch of its remote sensing satellite, PRSC-EO3. The satellite was sent into orbit from China’s Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March-6 rocket, marking yet another example of close technological collaboration between the two countries. The mission was completed smoothly, […]
Nepra Clears the Air on Solar Rules: No Approval Needed for Off-Grid Systems
Pakistan’s solar energy sector has been buzzing with confusion lately, but a recent clarification from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has set the record straight. Contrary to circulating reports, not all solar users are required to obtain licenses or approvals. The distinction lies in whether a system is connected to the national grid […]
Digital by Design: SECP’s New Plan to Reinforce Financial Security
Pakistan is preparing for a notable shift in how financial transactions are monitored and verified, as the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) proposes sweeping updates to its anti-money laundering framework. The goal is clear: strengthen safeguards against illicit finance while making the system more efficient through digital tools. Moving Toward a Paperless Investment […]
A City on Standby: Life in Islamabad Under an Unfinished Lockdown
For days now, life in Islamabad has been caught in a strange pause—neither fully shut down nor functioning as usual. The reason isn’t a natural disaster or a domestic crisis, but the possibility of high-stakes international talks that may or may not happen. At the center of it all are anticipated negotiations between the United […]