Government Extends Relief on Sugar Imports to Ease Market Pressure
Pakistan has taken another step to manage rising food prices by continuing tax concessions on sugar imports. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially prolonged the deadline for reduced taxes and duty exemptions on imported sugar until February 28, 2026. This decision is part of a broader effort to maintain adequate supply in the […]
Pakistan Revises Cargo Rules and Expands Storage at Port Qasim to Tackle Gulf Disruptions
Amid rising uncertainty in the Gulf region, Pakistan has moved swiftly to protect its trade operations by updating cargo handling procedures and expanding storage capacity at one of its key ports. The initiative reflects an effort to keep goods flowing efficiently while tightening oversight on international shipments. The Federal Board of Revenue has introduced amendments […]
SECP Tightens Oversight on State-Owned Enterprises: A Push for Transparency and Better Governance
Pakistan’s corporate regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), has taken a firm stance against non-compliance in the state-owned enterprise (SOE) sector. In a recent development, dozens of government-owned companies have come under scrutiny for failing to meet basic legal and governance requirements. At the heart of the issue is a widespread failure […]
NAB Challenges LHC Decision in Chaudhry Sugar Mills Case
A new legal dispute has emerged between Pakistan’s accountability watchdog and the judiciary after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) challenged a ruling of the Lahore High Court (LHC) regarding the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case involving Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The controversy centers on whether NAB must formally present a reference in an accountability court […]
Oil Shock and Pakistan’s Fragile Economy: A Storm on the Horizon
Global conflicts often send shockwaves through economies far beyond the battlefield, and Pakistan may once again find itself among the most vulnerable. With oil prices climbing toward the $100 mark amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, economists warn that Pakistan’s already delicate economic recovery could face another serious setback. Former finance minister Hafiz Pasha […]
SECP Greenlights New Annuity Products to Boost Retirement Income Security
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken a significant step toward improving financial security for retirees in Pakistan by approving a range of new annuity products. These offerings are expected to strengthen the country’s retirement system by helping individuals convert their accumulated savings into stable and predictable income after they leave the […]
Punjab’s Path to Progress: New Reforms for a Stronger Economy
Punjab is taking a serious step toward financial modernization. In a busy Tuesday session, the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance cleared the path for two major legislative updates designed to tighten the province’s tax net and upgrade its crumbling infrastructure. From synchronizing with federal systems to chasing down overdue audit recoveries, here is what […]
ECC Power Sector Reforms – Plant-wise Savings Summary
Power Plant / Category Previous Tariff (Rs/unit) New Tariff / Terms Key Changes Estimated Savings (Rs billion) 3 Upfront-Priced Wind Plants 42 Fixed ROE in PKR, reduced O&M, lower insurance, waived late interest Dues paid on execution, KIBOR late payment reduced 2% 39 11 Cost-Plus Wind Plants 17 Adjusted cost-plus rates, waived late interest Rationalized […]
Punjab Revenue Authority Reports Strong Growth in February Tax Collection
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has posted a remarkable increase in its tax revenues for February, signaling improved performance in the province’s tax collection system. According to official data, the authority generated more than Rs41 billion during the month, reflecting a substantial 75 percent rise compared with the revenue collected in February of last year. […]
Parliamentarians Set to Join SECP Policy Board After Senate Committee Approves Amendment
Pakistan’s financial regulatory framework may soon see a notable shift in oversight as lawmakers move closer to becoming part of the policy board of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The development comes after the Senate Standing Committee on Finance approved an amendment to the SECP Act 1997, opening the door for parliamentary […]
Textile Industry Pushes for Reform of Captive Power Gas Pricing
The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has formally approached Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with a request that could significantly reshape industrial energy pricing. The Council wants the government to take up the matter with the International Monetary Fund (IMF): remove the Off-Grid (Captive Power Plants) Levy and treat industrial cogeneration units as regular industrial gas connections. […]
FBR Sets March 9 Deadline for IRS and Customs Officers to Submit Pending Asset Declarations
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a firm directive to its field formations, instructing them to ensure that all Inland Revenue and Customs officers file any outstanding declarations of assets and liabilities by March 9, 2026. The move follows a reminder from the Establishment Division, emphasizing strict compliance with disclosure requirements under Rule […]
Pakistan Begins IMF Review Talks, Eyes $1.2 Billion Disbursement
Pakistan has entered another significant phase in its economic reform journey as it starts fresh review discussions with the International Monetary Fund. The outcome of these talks could lead to the release of $1.2 billion in additional financial support, providing further stability to the country’s economy. Fresh Assessment Under IMF Programmed The ongoing negotiations mark […]
Pakistan’s Revenue Struggles Deepen as FY26 Tax Shortfall Reaches Rs430 Billion
Pakistan’s fiscal pressures are mounting as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reports a widening revenue gap during the first eight months of fiscal year 2025–26. Despite intensified enforcement efforts and forced recoveries, the tax authority has fallen significantly behind its target. The Growing Gap From July to February, the FBR collected Rs8,120 billion, missing […]
OPEC+ Moves Carefully as Middle East Tensions Shake Oil Markets
Global oil markets are once again on edge. The alliance known as OPEC+ has agreed in principle to raise crude production slightly, even as conflict involving Iran disrupts shipments across one of the world’s most vital energy corridors. The decision highlights a delicate balancing act: calming nervous markets without overcommitting supply in an increasingly unstable […]
Pakistan’s Senate Clears Virtual Assets Bill 2025: A Turning Point for Crypto Regulation
Pakistan has taken a decisive step toward regulating the digital asset space. The Senate has approved the Virtual Assets Bill, 2025, paving the way for a structured legal framework to oversee cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based financial instruments in the country. If enacted into law after approval by the National Assembly and presidential assent, the legislation will […]
Pakistan Sees Strong Foreign Investment Momentum as 79 New Companies Launch Operations
Pakistan’s investment landscape is showing renewed vibrancy. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), 79 foreign companies have started operations in the country over the past three years, bringing in approximately Rs40.7 billion in investment across diverse sectors. At the same time, only 19 foreign firms exited the market during this period […]
PTA Tightens Oversight on Mobile Tariffs with New 2025 Regulations
Pakistan’s telecom regulator, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), has introduced the Mobile Tariff Regulations 2025 in response to growing public concerns about increasing mobile package prices, declining service quality, and unauthorized balance deductions. The move signals a stronger regulatory stance aimed at protecting consumers while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector. A Structured […]
Pakistan’s Debt-Driven Growth: A Cycle That Needs Breaking
Pakistan’s economy has long walked a tightrope between stabilization and slowdown. In recent commentary across national media, analysts have once again raised concerns about a familiar pattern: growth fueled not by productivity or exports, but by borrowing. This “debt-dependent growth” model may keep the system running in the short term, but it raises serious questions […]
FBR Mandates Digital Integration: A New Era of E-Invoicing for Service Sectors in Pakistan
In a significant step toward tightening tax compliance, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed a broad range of service providers and businesses to connect their electronic invoicing systems directly with its computerized income tax platform. Issued through SRO 288(I)/2026, the notification makes it compulsory for specified enterprises to register their outlets, install compatible […]