SECP Introduces IPO Reforms to Open Capital Markets for More Businesses
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has unveiled a set of regulatory changes aimed at making it easier for established businesses to enter the capital market and raise funds through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). The amendments, made to the Public Offering Regulations, 2017, are expected to provide greater opportunities for businesses that have […]
Federal Government Assigns Two PAS Officers to OGRA on Deputation
The federal government has appointed two officers from the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on deputation, reinforcing the regulator’s administrative capacity in overseeing Pakistan’s energy sector. According to official notifications issued by the Establishment Division, BS-20 officer Majid Mohsin Panhwar and BS-18 officer Flt. Lt. (Retd.) Imran Ali […]
Pakistan Refineries Boost Output, but Weak Fuel Demand Creates Inventory Pressure
Pakistan’s refining sector witnessed a significant increase in production during May 2026, yet fuel sales failed to keep pace, highlighting growing demand-side challenges for the industry. According to industry data, refinery production climbed by 22.5% year-on-year to 1.01 million tonnes in May. The increase was driven by stronger output across key petroleum products, including diesel, […]
Punjab’s Rs6 Trillion Budget Plan Signals Strong Push for Development and Social Growth
Punjab is preparing to unveil what could become one of the largest budgets in its history, with total spending for the 2026-27 fiscal year expected to approach Rs6 trillion. The provincial government is set to present the budget on June 8, outlining its roadmap for economic development, public services, and welfare initiatives for the coming […]
Pakistan Approves Furnace Oil Exports as Refineries Tackle Rising Inventories
Pakistan’s energy regulators have authorized the export of a significant volume of furnace oil, providing relief to domestic refineries grappling with growing stockpiles and changing energy consumption patterns. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has granted permission to Pak Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO) to export 100,000 metric tones of furnace oil during June 2026. […]
ATCO Laboratories Achieves Major Milestone with PIC/S Certification for Sterile Manufacturing Facility
Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry has reached an important milestone as ATCO Laboratories Group becomes the first company in the country to secure PIC/S certification for a sterile manufacturing facility producing injectable medicines and ophthalmic products. The achievement marks a significant step forward for the local pharmaceutical sector and strengthens Pakistan’s position in the global healthcare market. […]
Pakistan’s Exports Face Pressure Despite GSP+ Benefits
Pakistan’s export sector is facing new challenges as shipments to several major European markets recorded a decline during the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025-26. This slowdown comes even though Pakistan continues to enjoy the European Union’s GSP+ status, which provides preferential trade access to EU countries. According to recent trade figures, Pakistan’s overall […]
Pakistan’s Auditor General Revamps Audit Reporting After Major Financial Figure Controversy
The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has introduced a new system for preparing annual audit reports after last year’s controversy involving the publication of alleged financial irregularities worth Rs375 trillion. The incident sparked nationwide criticism and raised concerns about the credibility of the country’s audit process. To prevent similar situations in the future, the AGP […]
Punjab Agricultural Tax Hike Faces Legal Challenge in Lahore High Court
A fresh legal battle has emerged in Punjab over the government’s decision to increase agricultural income tax rates. The matter has now reached the Lahore High Court (LHC), where a constitutional petition has been filed questioning both the legality and the procedure used to implement the revised taxes. The petition was jointly submitted by opposition […]
Government Plans EFS Reforms to Stop Tax Abuse and Protect Formal Industries
The federal government is preparing possible reforms to the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) as part of the upcoming FY2026-27 budget, aiming to tackle the alleged misuse of tax exemptions and invoice trading in local markets. Officials are reviewing several proposals designed to improve transparency, strengthen tax collection, and support documented industries that claim they are […]
Pakistan Pushes for Greater Trade Access in New China FTA Talks
Pakistan is preparing to request major trade concessions from China as discussions begin on the third phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA). The move is part of Islamabad’s broader strategy to boost exports, reduce its growing trade deficit, and secure better market access for Pakistani industries. According to reports, Pakistani officials are expected […]
Pakistan’s Mobile Phone Assembly Sees Sharp Decline in April 2026
Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing sector experienced a noticeable slowdown in April 2026, as local handset assembly dropped significantly compared to the previous month. Fresh figures released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) show that domestic production activity weakened after a strong performance in March. According to industry data, local companies assembled or manufactured around 1.81 […]
Pakistan’s FY27 Budget: Higher Taxes, IMF Pressure, and Limited Relief Ahead
Pakistan is preparing for another financially challenging year as the government reportedly plans to set an ambitious tax collection target of nearly Rs15.3 trillion in the upcoming FY27 budget. The move reflects continued pressure to stabilize the economy under the ongoing programmed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while also trying to manage inflation, public […]
Pakistan Pushes for Lower Taxes on Electric Vehicles Amid IMF Discussions
Pakistan is considering major incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) as the government looks to promote cleaner transportation and support the country’s growing auto industry. During recent discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Ministry of Industries and Production proposed a reduced 1% General Sales Tax (GST) on electric vehicles instead of the 18% GST […]
Pakistan’s IT Industry Continues Impressive Export Growth
Pakistan’s technology sector is showing strong signs of progress as IT export earnings recorded another major increase in April 2026. According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country earned $423 million from IT and technology-related services during the month, highlighting the growing international demand for Pakistani digital expertise. The latest […]
IMF Reduces Pakistan’s Power Subsidy Target as Energy Reforms Gain Momentum
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered Pakistan’s projected electricity subsidy allocation for FY2026-27, signaling growing confidence in the country’s ongoing power sector reforms and efforts to control circular debt. Under the IMF’s latest review of Pakistan’s economic programmed, the allocation for power subsidies has been reduced from 0.7% of GDP to 0.6% of GDP, […]
Lahore High Court Declares Super Tax Inapplicable on Zero-Taxed Inherited Property Gains
In a major development for taxpayers and the real estate sector, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that super tax under Section 4C of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, cannot be charged on capital gains arising from inherited property when the applicable capital gains tax rate is already set at zero per cent. The […]
Uncertainty Over Super Tax Continues Ahead of Pakistan’s FY27 Budget
As Pakistan moves closer to announcing the FY2026-27 federal budget, uncertainty surrounding the future of the Super Tax continues to worry the business community. During a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, government officials avoided giving a clear answer on whether the tax would be removed or retained in the upcoming budget. […]
China’s Digital Expansion into Pakistan Could Redefine Regional Trade
Pakistan is taking another major step toward digital economic transformation as a leading Chinese technology and industrial e-commerce group prepares to establish its Digital Economy Headquarters in the country. The initiative is expected to unlock more than $10 billion in trade opportunities while opening new doors for Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter […]
Pakistan Tightens Tax Registration Rules for International NGOs
Pakistan’s tax authorities are preparing to introduce stricter registration and documentation requirements for international non-government organizations (INGOs) operating in the country. The proposed changes are part of broader efforts to improve transparency, strengthen regulatory oversight, and streamline compliance procedures within the non-profit sector. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued draft amendments to the […]