Tax fraud as a service
The FBR has alleges Rs11 billion worth of sales tax fraud through fake invoices for coal imported by cement manufacturers, but can only account for part of it with Power Cement; the companies in the tax fraud business appear to have many clients in the same industry
Cocomo has a big chunk in Pakistan’s biscuit market despite not quite being a biscuit. What happens now that it is also becoming a...
In a classic case of consumer driven innovation, Bisconni has responded to demands and launched its new Cocomo cereal. What could this mean for Ismail Industries?
Under Najam Sethi’s watch, Mitchell’s has turned profitable again. How much of the turnaround is his doing?
After 9 years of consistent losses, the company has posted its first profit. How did Najam Sethi steer his in-laws out of the storm?
The State Bank’s Treasury Bill buyback: smart move, or money printing by another name?
The house is divided on the repurchase transactions as some call it a confidence boosting measure while it is business as usual for others
The changing investment thesis for National Foods
A New York-based hedge fund has taken a 12% stake in the consumer foods company, long a darling of foreign investors, but its thesis may be different from those that came before it
Has PKIC’s interest rate arbitrage finally ended?
Pakistan’s largest DFI has had an underwhelming 2024 so far as its investment strategy backfires
The death of Pakistani Basmati
Pakistan has a competitive advantage in premium Basmati Rice. The advantage, along with Pakistan's unique kind of premium rice, is set to die. How did we get here?
The PTA is at odds with long distance operators. What does it mean for your connectivity?
A regulatory battle between the PTA and the LDI operators may not yield good results for the public, but what is the battle all about?
Cigarette Manufacturers Turn to Exports Amid Mounting Challenges
As illicit trade rises and local taxes increase, Pakistan’s tobacco giants are being pushed to look beyond borders.
In Burj’s Clean Energy Modaraba, Pakistan gets its first solar energy-focused consumer lender
The newest entrant on the GEM board has its eyes sets on the ultimate prize: capitalising on the gap in the market for financing of solar-power homes
Fauji’s bid for Agha Steel: is it the right move?
Not the most attractive asset in the industry, but that may represent an opportunity for the conglomerate best known for its stewardship of industrial assets
Can fintech help finally unlock financing for small businesses?
Despite all the State Bank and SECP’s attempts to help small businesses attract more financing, SME lending remains in the doldrums. Fintech could be part of the solution, but first everyone needs to admit that the problem is the FBR.
Despite a thriving pharma industry, Pakistan does not manufacture any condoms
The market for contraceptives is massive in Pakistan. Despite this, nearly all of the options available to people are imported.
Citi Pharma gets FDA nod to start exporting nutraceuticals to the United States
The pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturer enters the consumer-facing market in the US with a product the US regulator classifies as food, and not drugs
Lahore Gymkhana pays Rs 417 every month in rent. Does the Punjab Govt have what it takes to make them pay their fair share?
Over the past 111 years, Gymkhana has paid a meagre Rs 2.68 lakh in total to the Punjab government as rent. The Punjab Assembly has taken offence to this.