Pakistan’s Financial System in 2025: Stability with Cautious Optimism
Pakistan’s financial landscape showed notable resilience throughout 2025, managing to stay stable despite a challenging global environment. According to the central bank’s latest financial stability review, a combination of easing inflation, improving macroeconomic indicators, and strong banking sector fundamentals helped the system maintain its footing. One of the most significant highlights was the overall expansion […]
US Opens Doors to Pakistani Investors at SelectUSA Summit 2026
The United States has once again positioned itself as a prime destination for global investment, extending an open invitation to Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities within its vast and dynamic economy. This outreach comes as the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 takes place from May 3 to 6 in Maryland, bringing together thousands of […]
Altern Energy Pulls the Plug on Key Agreements: A Turning Point or Just Another Reset?
Pakistan’s power sector has seen its fair share of restructurings, but the recent move by Altern Energy Limited stands out for its scale and timing. The company has formally ended multiple agreements with the government and major state-run entities, signaling a notable shift in how energy contracts are being handled in the country. A clean […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Pakistan Sets Ambitious Fiscal and Reserve Targets Under IMF Program
Pakistan is preparing to adopt a stricter economic framework as part of its ongoing engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aiming to stabilize public finances and strengthen external reserves. The latest understanding between both sides outlines ambitious fiscal targets and structural reforms designed to steer the economy toward greater sustainability. At the center of […]
OGDCL Receives Rs7.725 Billion: A Step Forward in Pakistan’s Circular Debt Strategy
Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to tackle the long-standing issue of circular debt in the energy sector continue to show gradual progress. In a recent development, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has received Rs7.725 billion as part of its scheduled interest payments under a government-backed financial arrangement. This payment represents the 10th instalment in a […]
Pakistan’s Forex Reserves Show Modest Growth, Signal Stability
Pakistan’s external financial position recorded a slight improvement in April 2026, as the country’s foreign exchange reserves inched upward. Fresh data released by the State Bank of Pakistan shows that total liquid reserves reached $20.63 billion for the week ending April 17, indicating a stable—though not rapidly improving—economic outlook. A closer look reveals that reserves […]
Key Tax Relief for Corporates as Tribunal Limits Minimum Tax Application
A recent decision by the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue has delivered an important message for businesses across Pakistan: minimum tax cannot be enforced where there is no actual tax payable. The ruling, which favored a banking company, is likely to influence future tax disputes and provide greater clarity on how certain provisions should be applied. […]