Pakistan Moves Toward Refurbished Vehicle Re-Export Industry as FBR Plans EFS Changes
Pakistan is preparing to open a new chapter in its export and automotive sectors as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) works on amendments to the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) 2021. The proposed changes are aimed at supporting the government’s upcoming refurbished vehicle import and re-export initiative. The plan is designed to allow businesses to […]
NEPRA Reviews K-Electric’s Rs58 Billion Tariff Adjustment Requests
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has completed a public hearing on major financial claims submitted by K-Electric under its Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) framework for FY2017–2023. The total amount under consideration exceeds Rs58 billion and includes tariff adjustments, tax-related recoveries, and pending power purchase costs. The hearing focused on K-Electric’s request for End-of-Term Adjustments […]
Pakistan’s IT Sector Set for Record Growth as Digital Transformation Gains Pace
Pakistan’s technology industry is entering a new phase of growth, with the country expected to achieve nearly $4.6 billion in IT exports during the current fiscal year. The projection reflects the government’s increasing focus on digital development, innovation, and technology-driven economic expansion. During a recent review meeting of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication […]
Government Prepares Major Reforms to Reduce Tax Litigation in Pakistan
The federal government is moving toward significant reforms in Pakistan’s tax dispute system as the number of pending cases involving the Federal Board of Revenue continues to rise sharply. Authorities are now considering the formation of a scrutiny committee to examine tax appeals before they are filed in courts, with the goal of discouraging unnecessary […]
Pakistan Eyes Chinese Capital Markets with Historic Panda Bond Launch
Pakistan is preparing to enter China’s domestic debt market for the very first time through a Panda bond issuance worth around $250 million. The move represents a major step in the country’s efforts to diversify its external financing sources and strengthen economic stability amid ongoing global and regional challenges. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that […]
ECC Clears Vehicle Re-Export Plan to Encourage Investment and Export Growth
Pakistan has approved a new policy aimed at developing an export-focused vehicle refurbishment industry after the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) gave the green light to a framework for importing, refurbishing, and re-exporting used vehicles and auto parts. The initiative is expected to open new investment opportunities in the automotive sector while helping the country increase […]
FIA Questions Pakistan’s Oil Price Compensation System Amid Allegations of Irregular Claims
Pakistan’s fuel pricing system has come under fresh scrutiny after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) raised serious concerns about the mechanism used to compensate oil marketing companies (OMCs) during recent fluctuations in petroleum prices. An interim inquiry report prepared by FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle in Karachi has described the current price differential compensation framework as deeply […]
K-Electric’s Massive Tariff Adjustment Request Heads for Review
Pakistan’s power sector is once again in the spotlight as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority prepares to examine a substantial tariff adjustment request from K-Electric. The utility has asked for more than Rs58 billion in adjustments linked to its previous multi-year tariff period, setting the stage for an important regulatory decision. The public hearing, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Rs7.5 Billion Controversy: What the Latest FBR Case Reveals About Corporate Accountability
A recent case initiated by Pakistan’s tax authorities has put the spotlight on how companies handle financial responsibilities—especially when personal and corporate obligations become intertwined. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has filed a money laundering case against a Karachi-based pharmaceutical company and several of its directors, raising serious questions about transparency and governance. The […]
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, […]
Revenue Pressures Mount as Pakistan Falls Short of Tax Targets
Pakistan’s tax collection efforts are facing growing strain, with the gap between actual revenue and official targets widening as the fiscal year progresses. The latest figures show that the country is significantly behind schedule, putting pressure on authorities to accelerate collections in the final months. During the first ten months of fiscal year 2025–26, total […]
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 […]
A Quiet but Crucial Deal: What SPL’s Renewed Agreement Means for Pakistan’s Currency Production
In a development that may not attract widespread attention but carries real economic significance, Security Papers Limited (SPL) has extended its trade agreement with Pakistan Security Printing Corporation for another three years. The updated deal introduces revised terms while maintaining a familiar pricing structure, reflecting both continuity and adaptation in a critical sector. Continuity with […]
When Digital Tax Systems Fall Short: Why FBR’s Tech Gaps Matter for Taxpayers
Pakistan’s push toward a digital tax ecosystem is meant to simplify compliance, improve transparency, and modernize revenue collection. But according to the Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA), the reality on the ground tells a more complicated story. In a recent representation to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the association outlined serious flaws in the […]
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 […]