SECP Takes Steps to Make Corporate Sukuk Easier for Businesses in Pakistan
Pakistan’s corporate Islamic finance market is set for a potential boost after the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) introduced a new guidebook designed to simplify the process of issuing Sukuk. The regulator’s new toolkit aims to give companies a clearer understanding of the requirements involved in launching Sukuk, while reducing the legal, structural […]
Pakistan and Russia Move Toward New Rail Trade Routes and Expanded Farm Cooperation
Pakistan and Russia are exploring new avenues to strengthen economic relations, with proposed freight rail connections and expanded agricultural cooperation emerging as key areas of mutual interest. The two countries are working on plans for freight rail services linking Moscow with Faisalabad and Karachi. The proposed corridors are expected to operate in both directions, creating […]
Pakistan Tightens Export Finance Rules as Government Approves Rs88 Billion Support Package
Pakistan is moving to strengthen oversight of its export financing programmed as the government seeks to boost foreign sales while reducing the chances of subsidized funds being misused. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved an export finance support package worth Rs88 billion for fiscal year 2026-27, combining expanded working-capital financing, long-term funding for export-oriented […]
Bank of Punjab Plans Rs30 Billion Share Issue for Punjab Government
The Bank of Punjab (BOP) has announced plans to raise up to Rs30 billion through the issuance of new ordinary shares to the Government of Punjab, marking a major proposed capital injection into the bank. According to a disclosure submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, BOP’s Board of Directors approved the proposal […]
LHC Declares Bank Customer Data as “Property” in Landmark Cyber Fraud Case
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has delivered an important ruling concerning the misuse of confidential banking information, observing that customers’ private banking data can be treated as “property” under the law. The ruling came in a cybercrime case involving allegations of leaked bank information, fraudulent SIM cards and unauthorized transfers of more than Rs104 million […]
Pakistan Moves Closer to Full Crypto Licensing Framework
Pakistan is taking another major step toward bringing its virtual assets industry under a formal regulatory structure. The country is nearing the introduction of a comprehensive licensing system for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), a development that could significantly shape the future of the local crypto and digital-asset market. Bilal Bin Saqib, Minister of State […]
NAB Seeks Removal of Rs500 Million Corruption Threshold
Pakistan’s accountability watchdog has called for a major change in the rules governing corruption investigations, urging the government to remove the Rs500 million threshold that currently limits the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) ability to pursue cases. NAB Chairman retired Lt Gen Nazir Ahmed raised the issue during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on […]
Pakistan’s Gas Sector Set for a Major Transformation: What the New Reform Roadmap Means
Pakistan is preparing for one of the most significant reforms in its natural gas sector in decades. The government has introduced a comprehensive roadmap designed to modernize the industry, improve financial sustainability, attract private investment, and gradually create a more competitive gas market. The proposed reforms aim to address long-standing challenges such as mounting circular […]
Pakistan’s Trade Gap Expands as Import Growth Outpaces Export Gains in July 2026
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 July 2025. The rise in […]
Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Economic Ties with Push for 24/7 Border Trade
Pakistan and Iran are taking significant steps to deepen their economic partnership by improving border trade, enhancing customs coordination, and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. The renewed efforts are part of a shared vision to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion in the coming years. The latest developments emerged during a meeting in Islamabad between […]
US Signals Strong Interest in Pakistan’s Mineral Wealth Beyond Reko Diq
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 technologies, clean energy, and national […]
FBR and Business Community Join Hands to Improve Tax Grievance Resolution
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 of the FBR and representatives […]
AI Could Reshape Pakistan’s Job Market: Challenge or Opportunity?
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 entering the workforce. Why Pakistan […]
SBP Raises Lending Limit for Unrated Large Private Companies to Rs10 Billion
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 for large businesses and support […]
NAB Broadens Auqaf Property Inquiry, Seeks Digital Land Records Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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 properties. The request has been […]
SECP Expands Supervisory Powers to Enhance Market Transparency and Regulatory Oversight
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 efficiency, strengthening compliance, and safeguarding […]
Pakistan Customs Revamps Import Valuation for Light Fittings After Years Without a Standard Framework
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 expected to bring greater consistency […]
Why Pakistani Banks Continue to Favor Government Lending Over Businesses
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 the country. Banks Still Prefer […]
FBR Establishes Independent Committees to Improve Tax Litigation Management
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 cases are pursued before higher […]
Pakistan Accelerates National Digital Vision with Plans for a Unified Digital Identity
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 a wide range of public […]