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 […]
FBR and Business Community Join Hands to Improve Tax Grievance Resolution
In a positive step towards strengthening relations between Pakistan’s tax authorities and the business sector, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has agreed to work closely with leading business organizations to improve the resolution of tax-related issues. The understanding was reached during a high-level meeting in Karachi between the Chairman of the FBR and representatives […]
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 […]
NAB Broadens Auqaf Property Inquiry, Seeks Digital Land Records Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has intensified its investigation into the administration of Auqaf properties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by requesting computerized land records from all districts of the province. The expanded inquiry aims to examine allegations of corruption, abuse of authority, and procedural irregularities linked to the management of Waqf properties. The request has been […]
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 Customs Revamps Import Valuation for Light Fittings After Years Without a Standard Framework
Importers of lighting products in Pakistan will now operate under a newly established customs valuation framework, as the Directorate General of Customs Valuation has issued a fresh ruling covering a wide range of light fittings and fixtures. The move restores a standardized valuation system after nearly seven years and is expected to bring greater consistency […]
FBR Faces Pressure to Improve Refund Processing and Resolve Issues in New Tax Return System
Pakistan’s tax administration is undergoing another phase of reform, but recent developments suggest that several challenges still need to be addressed. The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has recommended the introduction of a fully automated income tax refund system, while the Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) has highlighted multiple concerns regarding the newly launched income tax […]
FBR Establishes Independent Committees to Improve Tax Litigation Management
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a major initiative aimed at making Pakistan’s tax litigation process more efficient and transparent. By setting up three Independent Case Scrutiny Committees (ICSCs) in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, the tax authority hopes to reduce unnecessary legal disputes and ensure that only well-founded cases are pursued before higher […]
Pakistan Accelerates National Digital Vision with Plans for a Unified Digital Identity
Pakistan is moving closer to a digitally connected future as the federal government speeds up the implementation of its National Digital Vision. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed relevant authorities to fast-track the country’s digital transformation, with the ultimate goal of providing citizens with a single digital identity for accessing a wide range of public […]
FBR Collected Rs1.866 Trillion in Taxes Through Electricity Bills Over Four Years
Electricity bills in Pakistan have become more than just a payment for power consumption—they have also become an important channel for tax collection. According to a briefing presented to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected a total of Rs1.866 trillion in sales tax and income […]
FBR to Temporarily Shut Down Online Tax Services for Scheduled Maintenance from August 8–10
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a temporary suspension of several of its online tax platforms due to planned system maintenance. The maintenance exercise is aimed at improving the performance and reliability of the digital tax infrastructure, but it will temporarily interrupt access to a number of important services. According to the FBR, […]
FBR Introduces Independent Committees to Improve Tax Litigation
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is moving towards a more structured and responsible approach to tax litigation by proposing the establishment of Independent Case Scrutiny Committees. The initiative, introduced through draft amendments to the Income Tax Rules, 2002 under SRO 1138(I)/2026, follows the provisions of the Finance Act 2026 and is expected to change […]
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 […]
Pakistan Misses IMF Circular Debt Target as Power Sector Liabilities Rise to Rs1.835 Trillion
Pakistan’s power sector continues to face serious financial challenges, with circular debt climbing to Rs1.835 trillion by the end of June 2026. The figure is Rs221 billion higher than the ceiling of Rs1.614 trillion agreed under the country’s programmed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), raising fresh concerns about the pace of energy sector reforms. […]
Pakistan Plans to Market Roosevelt Hotel as US Investors Show Growing Interest
Pakistan is preparing to launch the sale of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, with the government aiming to take the landmark property to the market by December 2026. The move comes as several US financial institutions have reportedly expressed interest in the high-profile asset, highlighting its strong investment appeal. The update was shared by […]
Pakistan’s Auto Industry Accelerates: Passenger Car Sales Surge 39% in FY2025-26
Pakistan’s automobile industry continued its recovery in FY2025-26, delivering another year of impressive growth as improving economic conditions, affordable financing, and competitive pricing encouraged consumers to return to the market. The latest industry figures show that passenger vehicle demand remained strong, while commercial vehicles and motorcycles also posted healthy gains. Passenger Vehicle Market Shows Strong […]
SBP Sets Ambitious Goal to Expand SME Financing to Rs1.5 Trillion by 2028
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has unveiled an ambitious plan to significantly increase financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), setting a target of Rs1.5 trillion in SME financing by June 2028. The central bank also aims to raise the number of SME borrowers to 750,000, reflecting its commitment to strengthening one of […]