Khawaja Asif has expressed optimism about a potential agreement between the United States and Iran, stating that Pakistan stands to benefit significantly from any peace settlement in the region. Speaking amid rising tensions in the Gulf, the defence minister highlighted that improved relations between Washington and Tehran could lead to enhanced regional stability and stronger…
The Punjab government has officially begun preparations for its fiscal year 2026-27 budget, introducing strict financial controls as part of the process. Authorities have immediately suspended the release of funds for all new development schemes, signaling a shift toward tighter fiscal management. According to official directives issued in Lahore, payments for pending dues to contractors…
The Ministry of Commerce Pakistan has introduced a significant policy shift by banning the import of goods produced through forced labour, marking a major step toward ethical trade practices and stronger supply chain regulation. The new directive, issued through a statutory regulatory order (SRO), amends the existing Import Policy Order 2022 under the Imports and…
A new study by the Competition Commission of Pakistan has highlighted the need for major reforms in Pakistan’s cement industry, focusing on tax structure, logistics, energy pricing, and mineral sector development. The report aims to improve competition, reduce market distortions, and support long-term industrial growth. According to the study, the cement sector plays a vital…
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’s economy is facing fresh pressure as profit and dividend outflows on foreign investments surged to $1.828 billion during July–March FY26, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan. This marks an increase from $1.718 billion in the same period last year, reflecting growing repatriation by foreign investors. The rise in outflows comes…
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…
Pakistan’s tax justice system is facing a deep structural crisis, with more than Rs5.457 trillion tied up in pending litigation across various judicial forums. The issue was strongly highlighted in a landmark case, Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Lahore v Bank of Punjab (2022), where the Supreme Court of Pakistan criticised tax authorities for unnecessarily prolonging…
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 2,993 new companies in March 2026, marking an impressive 11% increase compared to the same period last year. This steady rise highlights growing business confidence and economic activity across Pakistan. A significant milestone in this growth is the shift towards digital transformation, with 99.9% of company…
