Pakistan Considers New Tax Collection Agency as FBR Reform Plans Gain Momentum
Pakistan’s federal government is considering major changes to the country’s tax administration, including the possibility of establishing a new tax collection agency or further restructuring the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The move comes amid concerns over revenue performance and the limited results of previous reform efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the FBR […]
Pakistan Moves Towards a National Digital Market to Strengthen Agriculture and Support Farmers
Pakistan’s agricultural sector could see significant changes under a new proposal by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to establish a national agricultural spot market. The proposed initiative aims to create a more organized system for buying and selling agricultural commodities while helping farmers secure better prices, reduce crop wastage and obtain financing […]
IMF Urges Pakistan to Strengthen Revenue Collection and Build Financial Reserves for Sustainable Growth
Pakistan’s economic recovery, fiscal reforms and long-term development priorities came under discussion during a meeting between International Monetary Fund (IMF) Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke and Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. During the meeting, Clarke stressed the need for Pakistan to […]
China’s Shengtang Group Eyes $10 Million Investment in Pakistan Across Seven Key Sectors
Pakistan may attract fresh Chinese investment as Shengtang Group has expressed interest in signing a $10 million memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore business opportunities in seven important sectors of the country. The proposed investment could support industrial growth, infrastructure development, energy projects, and other areas linked to Pakistan’s economic progress. According to a statement […]
Pakistan Targets Over 4% Economic Growth as Government Plans $1 Billion-Plus Privatization Drive
Pakistan is aiming for economic growth of more than 4% in the current fiscal year as the government steps up efforts to attract private investment, sell state-owned entities and strengthen the country’s financial position. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has also confirmed that discussions with the United States are continuing over a proposed $10 billion exchange […]
Pakistan and UK Discuss New Aircraft Options to Revamp PIA Fleet
Pakistan is exploring fresh options to upgrade the fleet of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with the United Kingdom offering potential support involving Airbus aircraft and Rolls-Royce engines. The possibility of aircraft leasing, engine arrangements and export credit assistance was discussed as Pakistan and Britain looked for ways to address PIA’s immediate fleet requirements while keeping […]
Pakistan-IMF Talks Enter Final Phase as Key Economic Issues Remain on the Table
Pakistan’s latest negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have entered a crucial stage, with both sides now working through a draft Memorandum of Financial and Economic Policies (MEFP). The document outlines the economic measures and commitments that could pave the way for a staff-level agreement between Pakistan and the Fund. The IMF review mission […]
Pakistan’s Freelancing Sector Sees Sharp Rise in Export Earnings
Pakistan’s growing freelance economy has recorded another significant milestone, with freelancers earning $352 million in export receipts during July and August of FY27. According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan, the figure represents a 44% increase compared with the $244 million earned during the same period a year earlier. The latest numbers highlight […]
Pakistan Expands Tax Relief for Airlines and Shipping Industry
Pakistan’s aviation and maritime sectors have received a significant tax boost as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has broadened sales tax exemptions for airlines and restored similar relief for certain shipping-related imports. The latest measures are aimed at reducing the financial burden on businesses involved in aviation and shipbuilding while also bringing changes to […]
Pakistan Nears IMF Review With Most Targets on Track
Pakistan is heading toward the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) September 2026 review with most of its key programmed targets expected to be on track. According to Arif Habib Limited (AHL), six of the seven quantitative performance criteria are likely to have been met at the March and June 2026 test dates. The IMF review will […]
SECP Introduces Digital Investor Onboarding System to Make Account Opening Faster
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken a major step toward making investment in Pakistan’s capital markets easier and more accessible by introducing a new unified digital investor onboarding framework. The initiative is aimed at removing unnecessary paperwork, reducing repeated verification procedures and making it significantly quicker for individuals to start investing. […]
Pakistan’s Freelance Economy Starts FY2026-27 With Strong Export Growth
Pakistan’s freelance economy has begun the new fiscal year on a promising note, with export earnings from freelancers recording a sharp increase in July 2026. According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan, freelance export receipts reached $175.4 million, marking a 45.5% increase compared with the same month last year. In July 2025, freelancers […]
Pakistan Plans Major Reforms to Transform Construction Industry
Pakistan is preparing to introduce a broad set of reforms aimed at improving the country’s construction industry, with the proposed establishment of a Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) at the center of the initiative. The government is also examining the possibility of creating a dedicated Construction Development Bank (CDB) to address financing challenges faced by […]
Agro Processors Prepares for PSX Listing With 15% Public Offering
Pakistan’s equity market is preparing for another new listing after the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) gave the green light to the initial public offering of Agro Processors & Atmospheric Gases Limited. The company plans to make 58,049,541 shares available to investors, representing 15% of its paid-up capital following the IPO. The shares […]
Why More Than 317,000 Pakistanis Are Seeking Jobs Abroad in 2026
The search for better employment opportunities is taking a growing number of Pakistanis overseas. During the first six months of 2026, more than 317,000 Pakistani workers left the country to pursue jobs in foreign markets, highlighting the growing pressure on the domestic labor market. According to official figures, 317,436 workers travelled abroad for employment between […]
FBR Signals More Tax Relief as Pakistani Businesses Push for Lower Costs
Pakistan’s business community may be in line for further tax relief as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) considers additional measures to reduce the financial pressure on companies. The issue came under discussion during a meeting of a Senate Standing Committee on Finance sub-committee, where business representatives highlighted the growing challenges faced by industries across […]
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 […]
Rs10 Billion Approved to Support Pakistan’s Textile and Export Industries
Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has approved Rs10 billion in funding for the textile, apparel, and other export-oriented industries under various duty drawback and technology-upgradation schemes. The move is aimed at easing financial pressures on exporters, improving industrial liquidity, and helping businesses invest in modern technology to strengthen their competitiveness in international markets. Government Moves to […]
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 […]