Pakistan’s import bill increased by 14.3 per cent to $17.8 billion during July to September of fiscal year 2027, outpacing the 7.7 per cent growth in goods exports, which reached $8.5 billion. The widening trade gap contributed to a current account deficit of $874 million, compared with $755 million during the same period last year,…
Smartphone prices have risen sharply in Karachi, making new mobile phones increasingly difficult to afford for budget-conscious consumers. According to a report by Dawn, major mobile phone brands have increased handset prices by Rs15,000 to Rs30,000, placing additional pressure on buyers, particularly those from low- and middle-income households. A budget smartphone with 4GB of RAM…
The deaths of 10 people, including five children, in two separate incidents in Karachi within 25 days have renewed concerns about the support available to families facing severe financial and personal difficulties. The cases have drawn attention to the reach of social welfare programmes and whether vulnerable households receive timely assistance before their circumstances deteriorate….
Flour prices in Karachi have increased by an average of Rs14 per kilogram over the past three days, adding to the pressure on consumers already facing higher food and household expenses. Millers had reduced prices of different flour varieties by Rs3 per kg during the last week of September, but retailers did not pass the…
The government has announced a reduction in the prices of petroleum products, providing some relief to consumers, transporters and businesses across Pakistan. Under the latest adjustment, the price of petrol has been reduced by 84 paisas per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) has become cheaper by Rs2.63 per litre. Petroleum prices are reviewed periodically based…
Goods transport operators in Pakistan have announced a 7 per cent increase in freight charges following a sharp rise in diesel and petrol prices. The decision was announced in Islamabad as transport operators cited the higher cost of fuel as a major factor behind the increase. All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan…
The federal government is considering a monthly financial relief package of around Rs2,000 for motorcycle owners as rising petrol prices continue to put pressure on household budgets. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given the go-ahead for the proposed relief scheme, which is expected to initially run for three months. Officials said the programme could be…
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has ended its sit-in in Rawalpindi against the petroleum levy and rising inflation, while protests by the party in Karachi and Lahore continue. A JI delegation is scheduled to meet the government’s negotiating team to discuss the party’s demands, with a reduction in petrol prices and relief from rising living costs among the…
QUETTA: Onion prices have surged in Quetta, with the vegetable becoming Rs40 per kilogram more expensive in the city’s markets amid pressure on available supplies. Market sources said onions that were previously selling for around Rs160 per kilogram are now being sold for as much as Rs200 per kilogram in several parts of Quetta. In…
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided to maintain its benchmark policy interest rate at 11.50% following the latest meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), signaling a cautious approach as the central bank balances inflation risks with improving economic indicators. The decision reflects the SBP’s strategy of closely monitoring domestic inflation, global commodity…
