Pakistan’s external trade position came under pressure in July 2026 as the country’s trade deficit increased significantly compared with the same month last year. According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the trade gap widened by 25.17% year-on-year, reaching $3.948 billion compared with $3.154 billion in…
Pakistan and Iran have taken another significant step toward strengthening their economic partnership by agreeing to improve border trade, simplify customs procedures, and work towards keeping border crossings open around the clock. The initiative reflects both countries’ commitment to expanding bilateral commerce and achieving an ambitious trade target of $10…
Pakistan’s mining sector may be entering a new phase of international investment as the United States expresses growing interest in the country’s vast reserves of critical minerals. According to recent reports, US officials believe Pakistan has the potential to become an important supplier of minerals that are essential for modern…
In a positive step towards strengthening relations between Pakistan’s tax authorities and the business sector, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has agreed to work closely with leading business organizations to improve the resolution of tax-related issues. The understanding was reached during a high-level meeting in Karachi between the Chairman…
Artificial intelligence is changing the way people work across the world, and Pakistan is no exception. A recent World Bank report suggests that while AI has the potential to improve productivity and public services, it could also create new challenges for Pakistan’s already struggling job market—especially for educated young people…
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced a major revision to its financing framework by increasing the aggregate exposure limit for unrated large private-sector borrowers from Rs3 billion to Rs10 billion. The revised limit, which will become effective on September 30, 2026, is expected to improve access to financing…
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has intensified its investigation into the administration of Auqaf properties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by requesting computerized land records from all districts of the province. The expanded inquiry aims to examine allegations of corruption, abuse of authority, and procedural irregularities linked to the management of Waqf…
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has broadened the authority of its Supervision Division through a fresh delegation of powers, enabling its officers to take a more active role in monitoring financial markets, listed companies, brokers, insurers, and non-banking financial institutions. The move is aimed at improving regulatory…
Importers of lighting products in Pakistan will now operate under a newly established customs valuation framework, as the Directorate General of Customs Valuation has issued a fresh ruling covering a wide range of light fittings and fixtures. The move restores a standardized valuation system after nearly seven years and is…
Pakistan’s banking sector continues to rely heavily on lending to the government instead of supporting businesses, despite repeated calls from policymakers to expand financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the private sector. The trend raises important questions about investment, economic growth, and the future of business financing in…
Pakistan’s tax administration is undergoing another phase of reform, but recent developments suggest that several challenges still need to be addressed. The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has recommended the introduction of a fully automated income tax refund system, while the Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) has highlighted multiple concerns regarding…
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a major initiative aimed at making Pakistan’s tax litigation process more efficient and transparent. By setting up three Independent Case Scrutiny Committees (ICSCs) in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, the tax authority hopes to reduce unnecessary legal disputes and ensure that only well-founded…
Pakistan is moving closer to a digitally connected future as the federal government speeds up the implementation of its National Digital Vision. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed relevant authorities to fast-track the country’s digital transformation, with the ultimate goal of providing citizens with a single digital identity for accessing…
Electricity bills in Pakistan have become more than just a payment for power consumption—they have also become an important channel for tax collection. According to a briefing presented to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected a total of Rs1.866 trillion…
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a temporary suspension of several of its online tax platforms due to planned system maintenance. The maintenance exercise is aimed at improving the performance and reliability of the digital tax infrastructure, but it will temporarily interrupt access to a number of important…
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is moving towards a more structured and responsible approach to tax litigation by proposing the establishment of Independent Case Scrutiny Committees. The initiative, introduced through draft amendments to the Income Tax Rules, 2002 under SRO 1138(I)/2026, follows the provisions of the Finance Act 2026…
Pakistan’s efforts to speed up the resolution of tax disputes are under renewed scrutiny after the backlog of cases at the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) climbed to nearly 68,000. The increase comes despite the government’s decision to appoint 24 private-sector professionals on market-based salaries reaching as high as Rs2.6…
Pakistan’s power sector continues to face serious financial challenges, with circular debt climbing to Rs1.835 trillion by the end of June 2026. The figure is Rs221 billion higher than the ceiling of Rs1.614 trillion agreed under the country’s programmed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), raising fresh concerns about the…
Pakistan is preparing to launch the sale of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, with the government aiming to take the landmark property to the market by December 2026. The move comes as several US financial institutions have reportedly expressed interest in the high-profile asset, highlighting its strong investment appeal.…
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.…
