Pakistan’s Fertilizer Sector Seen Resilient Amid Global Tensions
Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, concerns about supply disruptions and rising commodity prices have surfaced worldwide. However, Pakistan’s fertilizer sector appears relatively well-shielded from severe fallout. According to insights from the International Monetary Fund, the country is expected to face only limited impact in this area, thanks to strong domestic preparedness. Jihad […]
Pakistan Expands Investment Horizons with New REIT Offering
Pakistan’s capital markets are taking another step forward with the approval of a new real estate investment opportunity. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has given the green light to the Offer for Sale of units for JS Rental REIT, opening the door for investors to tap into income-generating property assets without directly owning […]
Power Sector Reset: Regulator Cuts Disco Investment Plans to Push Efficiency
Pakistan’s power sector regulator has taken a firm stance on efficiency over expansion, approving significantly reduced investment plans for three major electricity distribution companies (Discos) for the next five years. While the companies had collectively proposed a massive outlay, the final approved figure reflects a careful review process aimed at cutting excess and ensuring that […]
Mobile Phone Taxes in Pakistan: A Growing Concern for Consumers and Policymakers
Pakistan’s mobile phone taxation policy is facing increasing criticism as concerns grow over its impact on affordability and digital inclusion. Recent discussions in the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance have brought attention to the heavy tax burden placed on imported devices and the broader implications for consumers. At the center of the debate is […]
Pakistan’s Textile Sector Under Pressure: Modest Decline Masks Deeper Challenges
Pakistan’s textile sector, long considered the backbone of the country’s export economy, is showing signs of stress in the ongoing fiscal year. Recent data for July–March FY2025–26 reveals a slight dip in overall textile exports, alongside a more noticeable decline in recent monthly performance. While some segments continue to grow, the broader picture reflects a […]
Pakistan’s Rising REER Signals Growing Pressure on Export Competitiveness
Pakistan’s external sector has come under renewed focus after the country’s Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) climbed to its highest level in more than seven years. The index reached 105.17 in March 2026, raising concerns about the country’s ability to stay competitive in global markets. The REER is a key indicator used to assess a […]
Pakistan Opens Door for Regulated Used Car Imports: What the New Policy Means
The government has taken a significant step toward restructuring Pakistan’s used car import market by launching a formal registration process for companies interested in bringing in pre-owned vehicles. This move follows the approval of a new policy by the federal cabinet aimed at improving transparency, quality standards, and consumer protection within the sector. Under the […]
Salaried Pakistanis Carry the Tax Load as Real Estate Lags Behind
Pakistan’s tax system once again highlights a familiar pattern: those with fixed incomes are contributing far more than sectors traditionally associated with wealth. According to figures from the Federal Board of Revenue, salaried individuals paid Rs420 billion in taxes during the first nine months of FY2025–26—more than twice the amount collected from the real estate […]
KPRA’s Strong Revenue Growth Signals Rising Efficiency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s revenue performance has shown notable improvement in the current fiscal year, with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA) reporting a solid increase in collections during the first nine months of FY2025–26. The figures reflect a combination of better tax compliance, stronger enforcement, and a broader tax base—factors that are gradually strengthening the province’s […]
Pakistan’s Economic Outlook Softens as Growth Slows and Inflation Pressures Return
Pakistan’s economic trajectory appears to be entering a more challenging phase, as the World Bank has revised its growth expectations downward for the upcoming fiscal year. The latest assessment suggests the economy will expand at a slower pace than previously predicted, reflecting a mix of rising inflation and external uncertainties. After achieving an estimated growth […]
A New Chapter in Accountability: Pakistan Moves to Reform NAB Appointments
Pakistan is preparing for a significant shift in how it manages accountability and anti-corruption oversight. Under fresh reform commitments tied to the International Monetary Fund programmed, the country plans to redesign the appointment process of the head of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The goal is simple but crucial: make the system more transparent, independent, […]
Bridging the Digital Divide: Pakistan’s Progress in Empowering Women
Pakistan is steadily moving forward in closing its digital gender gap, a critical step toward inclusive economic growth. Recent data shows that the gap in mobile internet usage between men and women has reduced to 25%, down from 36–38% just a year ago. While there is still ground to cover, this improvement highlights the impact […]
Can FBR Challenge Presidential Orders? A New Legal Opinion Sparks Debate
A recent legal opinion in Pakistan has stirred an important constitutional discussion: can a government body challenge a decision made by the president? According to advice issued by the Ministry of Law and the Attorney General, the answer is yes — under specific circumstances. At the center of this development is the Federal Board of […]
PTA Clears the Way for Telenor Pakistan’s Merger into PTML
Pakistan’s telecom sector is set for a significant shift after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the merger of Telenor Pakistan into Pak Telecom Mobile Limited. Both entities operate under the umbrella of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, and this move marks a major step toward consolidation within the industry. […]
Digital Tax Reform: Pakistan’s Plan to Modernize Revenue Collection with ADB Support
Pakistan is exploring a major step toward reforming its tax and customs system by seeking a $200 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The initiative signals a shift in strategy—from relying heavily on new taxes to improving how existing revenues are collected and managed. The proposed programmed, “Transforming and Digitalizing Revenue Administration,” […]
Punjab’s Crop Prospects Improve with Strong Wheat Output and Renewed Focus on Cotton
Punjab’s agriculture sector is heading toward a promising season, with wheat production expected to cross 22.5 million metric tons. Encouraging field reports suggest that crops are developing well, setting the stage for a productive harvest in the coming weeks. Officials monitoring the situation have expressed confidence in the crop’s condition, attributing the positive outlook to […]
FBR Moves to Address Karachi Businesses’ Concerns: Promises, Pressure, and the Road Ahead
Pakistan’s business community—especially in Karachi—has long struggled with tax-related delays and procedural inefficiencies. In a recent development, the head of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Rashid Mahmood Langrial, has stepped in with directives aimed at resolving these persistent issues more quickly. His visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry brought these concerns […]
Wheat Procurement, Falling Prices, and Policy Gaps: A Critical Moment for Pakistan’s Farmers
Pakistan’s agricultural sector is once again at a crossroads. As the federal government prepares for a large-scale wheat procurement drive, concerns are mounting over timing, implementation, and the broader challenges farmers are already facing across multiple crops. The government plans to procure 6.5 million tons of wheat at a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs3,500 […]
Punjab’s Rs60 Billion Development Drive Signals Shift Toward Transparent Governance and Urban Renewal
Punjab has taken a major step in advancing its development agenda, securing bids worth Rs60 billion for 94 infrastructure projects under the Punjab Development Programmed (PDP). The scale of this initiative reflects a strong push by the provincial government to modernize urban areas while improving transparency in how public funds are allocated. A key feature […]
Islamabad High Court Clarifies Tax Treatment of Property Sale Gains
A recent ruling by the Islamabad High Court has brought much-needed clarity to how gains from the sale of immovable property should be taxed in Pakistan. The decision settles an ongoing debate by confirming that such gains fall strictly under the specific capital gains provision of the tax law, rather than being treated as general […]