Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Pakistan’s trade gap with neighboring countries widens by 39% to $6.22 billion in 5MFY26 as exports nosedive

Pakistan’s exports to China fall 6.84% to $982.98 million, Afghanistan drop 94.72% to $210.56 million; exports to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also decline; imports from neighboring countries surge by 22% to $7.856 billion 

PM directs FBR, Power Division to distribute solar panels seized by Customs for designated cities

Shehbaz Sharif pushes for 40 MW Gwadar power plant to be recognized as strategic, urging Cabinet approval within two weeks

Foreign assistance to Pakistan surpasses $3 billion in first five months of FY2025-26

Total foreign assistance includes bilateral and multilateral loans, grants, and Naya Pakistan Certificates investment

Religious leaders allege SBP granted immunity to banks from 2027 constitutional deadline to end riba

Over 60 religio-political leaders, including Mufti Taqi Usmani, Mufti Muneeb and Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, call for full implementation to fulfil the constitutional commitment to make the financial system interest-free by the end of 2027, emphasising that granting immunity to banks goes against the Constitution

PSX remains range-bound as cautious sentiment persists; PIA stake bids in focus

KSE-100 Index dips slightly by 0.08%, with investor attention on PIA’s 75% stake auction

ECC approves largest-ever spectrum auction, paves way for 5G rollout in Pakistan

ECC’s decision follows consultations with stakeholders; PTA to initiate telecom operator negotiations post-cabinet approval

Sindh raises concerns over NFC terms, urges constitutional alignment in financial allocations

CM Murad Ali Shah objects to inclusion of certain financial terms in National Finance Commission's terms of reference, stressing constitutional limits and provincial rights

Pakistan strikes $4 billion deal to sell weapons to Libyan force, officials say

Deal, one of Pakistan's largest-ever weapons sales, spread over 2-1/2 years, includes JF-17 jets; UN arms embargo complicates Libya's military procurement

Withholding tax from salaried individuals increases by 54.7% to Rs214.2 billion in H1 FY25

Withholding tax from contracts up 39%, imports rise 10.9%, and telephone services increase 24.1%, reflecting better enforcement and compliance

Millat Tractors secures Africa export territory under new agreement

Company to export tractors under own brand alongside MF-branded exports via AGCO

IMF expects Pakistan’s federal tax revenue to stagnate for next five years

FBR collections rose to 10.3% of GDP in FY25 but missed target, while provinces expected to lift tax share from 0.9% to 1.6% by FY28

Fauji Foundation opts out of PIA bidding so that it may join winning consortium later

If two participating consortia join hands after the bidding is done, that is considered a collusive practice. But since Fauji has now withdrawn from the bidding process, they may or may not choose to join the winning bidder later", says privatisation advisor

Nepra proposes shift from net to gross metering for new rooftop solar consumers

Draft regulations set Rs11.30 per unit buyback for new systems, existing users retain Rs22 rate for contract period

Pakistan’s kinno exports fall short of potential as costs and border curbs bite

Industry warns of billions in losses and mass unemployment despite strong 2025–26 citrus crop

Islamabad court awards Rs5.4 billion to families of Airblue crash victims

Airline held liable in 2010 Margalla Hills tragedy as court rejects appeal, fines Airblue for delaying case