Pakistan’s Auto Industry Accelerates: Passenger Car Sales Surge 39% in FY2025-26
Pakistan’s automobile industry continued its recovery in FY2025-26, delivering another year of impressive growth as improving economic conditions, affordable financing, and competitive pricing encouraged consumers to return to the market. The latest industry figures show that passenger vehicle demand remained strong, while commercial vehicles and motorcycles also posted healthy gains. Passenger Vehicle Market Shows Strong […]
SBP Sets Ambitious Goal to Expand SME Financing to Rs1.5 Trillion by 2028
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has unveiled an ambitious plan to significantly increase financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), setting a target of Rs1.5 trillion in SME financing by June 2028. The central bank also aims to raise the number of SME borrowers to 750,000, reflecting its commitment to strengthening one of […]
Why SECP’s Push for Business Formalization Matters for Pakistan’s Economy
Pakistan’s business landscape is evolving, and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is encouraging enterprises to become part of the formal corporate sector. By making company registration simpler and reducing regulatory hurdles, the regulator aims to help businesses grow in a more structured, transparent, and sustainable way. Making It Easier to Incorporate One […]
Pakistan and Türkiye Strengthen Economic Partnership with Ambitious $5 Billion Trade Goal
Pakistan and Türkiye have taken another important step toward strengthening their long-standing friendship by placing greater emphasis on economic cooperation. During high-level talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral trade to $5 billion while exploring new opportunities in investment, technology, defence, and […]
Multan Excise Surpasses Revenue Goal as Digital Reforms Strengthen Tax Collection
The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department in Multan Division has closed the fiscal year 2025–26 on a strong note by exceeding its annual revenue target. The department collected more than Rs5.37 billion, outperforming its assigned target of Rs5.15 billion and achieving an overall recovery rate of 104 percent. The achievement reflects improved tax administration, […]
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry Faces Audit Scrutiny Over Rs9.6 Billion in Financial Irregularities
A recent audit of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has brought to light financial irregularities amounting to approximately Rs9.6 billion during the fiscal year 2024–25. The audit raises concerns about financial management, procurement practices, budget compliance, and internal oversight, while recommending further inquiries and corrective measures. Billions in Question According to the audit, the […]
Pakistan’s Corporate Sector Hits a New High with Record Company Registrations
Pakistan’s formal business sector has reached a significant milestone, with company registrations climbing to their highest annual level on record during the 2025-26 fiscal year. The latest figures released by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) highlight a growing trend of entrepreneurs and investors choosing to establish registered businesses across the country. Over […]
Why Pakistan’s Army Is Returning to Locally Grown Wheat
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a significant change in the way wheat is supplied to the Pakistan Army, opting for fresh, locally grown grain instead of the current combination of imported and domestic wheat. The decision reflects growing concerns over food quality while also promising substantial savings for the national exchequer. During a […]
Foreign Investors Deepen Their Commitment to Pakistan Through Rs15 Billion in CSR Initiatives
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming an increasingly important part of doing business in Pakistan. Beyond creating jobs and contributing to the economy, foreign investors are expanding their efforts to improve healthcare, education, disaster relief, and environmental sustainability across the country. According to the Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2025 released by the Overseas Investors Chamber […]
Pakistan’s Roadmap to a Riba-Free Financial System: What the Post-2027 Strategy Means
Pakistan is preparing for one of the most significant transformations in its financial history. As part of its commitment to establish a Riba-free financial system, the government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy that outlines how the country’s financial sector will gradually transition to Shariah-compliant finance after 2027. Rather than introducing an abrupt overhaul, the plan […]
Punjab Raises Restaurant Sales Tax on Digital Payments to 8% from July 1, 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, restaurant customers in Punjab will see a change in the amount of sales tax they pay when using digital payment methods. Under the new provincial tax policy, the sales tax on eligible digital transactions has increased from 5% to 8%, while the 16% sales tax on cash and other non-digital payments […]
UK Aviation Security Team Visits Pakistan to Review Airport Safety for Direct Flights
A team of aviation security experts from the United Kingdom has arrived in Pakistan to assess security measures at two of the country’s busiest international airports. The visit is part of an ongoing review of safety standards for direct flights operating between Pakistan and the UK. The inspection highlights the importance both countries place on […]
Interior Ministry Faces Highest Number of Audit Observations in AGP Report
The latest audit report by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has placed the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control at the top of the list for audit observations among federal ministries. The comprehensive 399-page report highlights 65 audit objections, raising concerns over financial recoveries, licensing procedures, procurement practices, and administrative compliance. Significant Financial Recoveries […]
FIA Investigates Go Petroleum in Alleged Multi-Billion Rupee Tax and Duty Evasion Case
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has opened an investigation into Go Petroleum and several of its senior officials over allegations of illegally selling bonded petroleum products before clearing the required customs duties, taxes, and petroleum levies. Authorities believe the alleged violations may have caused losses worth billions of rupees to Pakistan’s national treasury. The case […]
Pakistan’s Finance Act 2026: What the New Tax Measures Mean for Businesses and Consumers
Pakistan has officially entered a new fiscal chapter with the approval of the Finance Act 2026. After receiving presidential assent, the law will come into effect on July 1, 2026, introducing tax and policy reforms valued at approximately Rs1.02 trillion. The government expects these measures to play a key role in achieving its ambitious revenue […]
Pakistan’s Audit Report Exposes Massive Revenue Gaps and Financial Management Challenges
The latest audit report presented to Parliament has revealed a series of financial shortcomings across several government departments and public sector organizations, raising important questions about revenue collection, accountability, and the management of public funds. According to the Auditor General of Pakistan’s Report 2025-26, billions of rupees remain either uncollected, unrecovered, or improperly accounted for […]
Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Transport Links to Boost Trade and Regional Connectivity
Pakistan and Iran have taken an important step toward expanding economic cooperation by agreeing to improve transportation links between the two neighboring countries. Recognizing that efficient transport networks are essential for trade growth, both nations have committed to enhancing road and rail connectivity to facilitate smoother movement of goods across their shared border. The agreement […]
Government’s Ownership in PPL Rises Following Share Transfer
The Government of Pakistan has increased its direct ownership in Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) after a substantial block of shares previously held by an employee trust was transferred to the state. The move has raised the government’s shareholding in the company from 67.51% to 74.86%, strengthening its position as the majority stakeholder. According to a […]
Government Removes 20% Excise Duty on Low-Sugar Hydration Drinks
In a move aimed at encouraging healthier beverage choices and supporting the drinks industry, the government has decided to remove the 20% Federal Excise Duty (FED) on selected low-sugar hydration beverages under the Finance Bill 2026. The revised policy applies to mineral water, aerated water, electrolyte beverages, and hydration drinks that contain no more than […]
PSX Rally Loses Steam Despite Optimism Over US-Iran Diplomatic Progress
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) kicked off the week with strong momentum as investors welcomed signs of progress in diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran. The positive sentiment initially pushed the benchmark KSE-100 Index sharply higher, although the market later gave back a significant portion of those gains as traders remained cautious about […]