SBP Introduces Banking on Equality Policy 2026 to Strengthen Women’s Financial Inclusion
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced the second edition of its Banking on Equality (BoE) Policy for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to improving women’s access to financial services and promoting gender equality in the banking sector. The policy aims to reduce the gender gap in financial inclusion to 25% by 2028 as part […]
SBP Extends Bank Working Hours for Tax and Duty Payments
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced extended banking hours to make it easier for taxpayers to pay their government duties and taxes before the end of the financial deadline. Under the new arrangement, commercial bank branches across the country will remain open until 10:00 PM on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The decision was […]
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 […]
SBP Completes First Regulatory Sandbox Tests, Opening New Path for Fintech Innovation
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reached an important milestone in its efforts to encourage financial technology innovation, completing the first testing cycle of its Regulatory Sandbox. The six-month programmed, conducted from January through June 2026, gave selected financial-sector participants an opportunity to test technology-driven solutions in a controlled environment under the supervision and […]
Pakistan’s 11.5% Interest Rate Sparks Debate Among Business Leaders
The State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to leave the benchmark policy rate unchanged at 11.5% has triggered mixed reactions from the country’s business sector. While some industry groups are pressing for cheaper credit to encourage investment and revive manufacturing, others believe maintaining the current rate is the safer option given inflation risks and uncertainty in […]
SBP Earnings Slide 20% to Rs1.99 Trillion in FY26 Amid Lower Interest Income
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) ended fiscal year 2025-26 with a substantial but lower profit, as falling earnings from its financial assets weighed on its overall income. The central bank reported a net profit of Rs1.99 trillion for FY26, down from Rs2.499 trillion a year earlier. The decline of roughly Rs506 billion represents a […]
SBP Eases Housing Finance Rules, Extends Maximum Loan Tenor to 30 Years
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced significant changes to the country’s housing-finance framework, giving prospective homeowners greater flexibility in obtaining financing. The revised prudential regulations apply to banks and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and have taken effect immediately. One of the most notable changes is the extension of the maximum housing-finance repayment period […]
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 […]
SBP Holds Policy Rate at 11.5% as Inflation Pressures Persist
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided to keep its key policy rate unchanged at 11.5%, signaling a cautious approach as inflationary pressures continue to challenge the economy. The decision was announced following the latest meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which reviewed recent economic developments and assessed risks to growth and price […]
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 […]
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 […]
Pakistan’s Forex Reserves Show Modest Growth, Signal Stability
Pakistan’s external financial position recorded a slight improvement in April 2026, as the country’s foreign exchange reserves inched upward. Fresh data released by the State Bank of Pakistan shows that total liquid reserves reached $20.63 billion for the week ending April 17, indicating a stable—though not rapidly improving—economic outlook. A closer look reveals that reserves […]
Pakistan’s Economy Shows Faster-Than-Expected Recovery — But Risks Still Linger
Pakistan’s economy appears to be stabilizing more quickly than many anticipated, with key indicators pointing toward a gradual but meaningful recovery. Recent remarks from the central bank leadership highlight improvements in inflation, foreign reserves, and economic growth — all signs that the country’s tough policy measures are beginning to pay off. One of the most […]
Pakistan Moves to Bring Crypto Businesses Into the Banking System
Pakistan has taken a significant step toward regulating its digital asset space by allowing licensed virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to access formal banking channels. The decision by the State Bank of Pakistan marks a clear departure from its earlier stance in 2018, when financial institutions were effectively barred from dealing with crypto-related businesses. This […]