Pakistan’s Textile Exports Jump to $1.81 Billion in July 2026
Pakistan’s textile industry began the new fiscal year on a strong note, with textile exports reaching $1.81 billion in July 2026, according to provisional data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The latest figures represent a 43.13% increase from June, when textile exports stood at $1.27 billion. Compared with July 2025, exports were also […]
Pakistan’s Beverage Industry Faces a Major Challenge as Illegal Factories Stay Beyond FBR’s Digital Monitoring
Pakistan’s tax authorities have taken another significant step toward modernizing tax collection by introducing electronic production monitoring for registered beverage manufacturers. The initiative is intended to improve transparency, reduce tax evasion, and strengthen documentation across the industry. However, one major concern continues to overshadow these efforts: a sizeable portion of the country’s beverage production reportedly […]
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 […]
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 […]
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’s Tax Tribunal Backlog Continues to Grow Despite High-Paid Appointments
Pakistan’s efforts to speed up the resolution of tax disputes are under renewed scrutiny after the backlog of cases at the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) climbed to nearly 68,000. The increase comes despite the government’s decision to appoint 24 private-sector professionals on market-based salaries reaching as high as Rs2.6 million per month. The appointments […]
Interior Ministry Faces Highest Number of Audit Observations in AGP Report
The latest audit report by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has placed the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control at the top of the list for audit observations among federal ministries. The comprehensive 399-page report highlights 65 audit objections, raising concerns over financial recoveries, licensing procedures, procurement practices, and administrative compliance. Significant Financial Recoveries […]
Punjab Proposes Major Increase in Agricultural Taxes and Water Charges in Finance Bill 2026
The Punjab government has unveiled a series of tax reforms for the agriculture sector in its Finance Bill 2026, proposing substantial increases in agricultural income tax and irrigation charges. The measures are part of a broader strategy to strengthen provincial revenues and expand the tax base. Under the proposed legislation, agricultural landowners with holdings exceeding […]
Pakistan Embraces AI-Driven Governance with Launch of Advanced Monitoring Platform
Pakistan has taken another step toward digital transformation with the introduction of an artificial intelligence-powered system designed to improve government oversight and administrative efficiency. The newly launched Prime Minister’s Office System (PMOS) aims to strengthen coordination among federal institutions, ensure timely execution of government decisions, and enhance the overall quality of public service delivery. The […]
PTBA Seeks Greater Clarity on Government’s Proposed Fixed Tax Scheme for Small Traders
The proposed Fixed Tax Scheme (FTS) for small traders, unveiled by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has sparked discussion within Pakistan’s tax community. While the initiative has been welcomed as a step toward expanding the country’s tax net and encouraging undocumented businesses to enter the formal economy, tax experts believe several aspects of the plan require […]
Pakistan Moves Toward Duty-Free Defence Imports from July 2026
Pakistan is preparing to introduce a major policy change that could reduce the cost of defense procurement by eliminating customs duties on military imports. The proposal, recently endorsed by the Tariff Policy Board (TPB), aims to exempt defense-related imports from the existing 15 percent customs duty beginning July 1, 2026. The recommendation follows directions issued […]
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 […]
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 Plans Sweeping Trade and Market Reforms Under IMF Programmed
Pakistan is preparing to implement a new round of economic reforms as part of its commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with major policy changes expected in tariffs, agriculture, sugar trade, and the automobile industry. The reforms, outlined in the IMF’s latest programmed review, are aimed at reducing trade barriers, limiting government intervention in […]
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 […]
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 […]