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…
The Sindh government has announced the recovery of 150,000 tonnes of hoarded wheat during a province-wide crackdown, claiming the operation has helped reduce wheat prices by 13% after the recovered grain was released into the market. Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon said both…
The federal government has announced a substantial reduction in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel, offering significant relief to consumers, transporters, and businesses across Pakistan. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the price of petrol has been reduced by Rs74.28 per litre, bringing the new price to Rs299.50 per litre. Meanwhile,…
Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas strongly criticised the government’s economic policies during a Senate session, questioning official poverty benchmarks and the broader direction of the federal budget. Referring to commonly cited poverty estimates, Raja Nasir Abbas remarked that it remained unclear “which Aristotle” had determined that a person earning Rs280 per day could not…
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially finalized the designs for new currency notes and submitted them to the federal cabinet for approval. According to SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, this initiative aims to modernize Pakistan’s currency system while introducing advanced security features to prevent counterfeit activities. The announcement was made during a meeting with…
Punjab’s wheat procurement policy is facing serious challenges as delays in implementing a new private-sector-led system have exposed farmers to financial risks during the peak harvest season. At the same time, rising wheat prices have made it increasingly difficult for the government to achieve its procurement target. The provincial government had earlier decided to move…
Pakistan’s financial markets are closely watching the upcoming decision by the State Bank of Pakistan as its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) prepares to announce the third policy rate of 2026. Analysts and economists widely expect a rate hike amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty. Market expectations suggest a possible increase of 50 to 100 basis…
Pakistan has witnessed a significant increase in fuel prices as the government raised petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) rates by Rs26.77 per litre, effective from April 25, 2026. The revised petrol price now stands at Rs393.35 per litre, while diesel has reached Rs380.19 per litre, reflecting a sharp rise driven by global oil market volatility….
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced the establishment of a dedicated economic think tank aimed at developing research-based policy solutions for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The initiative will be led by former provincial finance minister Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra. According to the party, the think tank will focus on preparing practical proposals for economic stabilisation, growth, and structural…
Hundreds of government employees under the banner of the All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA) staged a protest outside the Civil Secretariat in Lahore, demanding the restoration of key financial benefits and a significant increase in salaries. The protesters called for the reinstatement of pension, gratuity and leave encashment, which they said had been withdrawn…
