Pakistan’s trade deficit narrows 23% MoM in May, but widens on annual basis
Rising imports and faltering exports push cumulative FY25 deficit to $24bn
Central government debt hits Rs 74.94 tr in April as domestic borrowing surges
External liabilities stay pressured; Permanent debt, PIBs drive double-digit growth in domestic borrowing amid fiscal pressures
Govt shifts 155 railway stations to solar power amid broad railways revamp
Railways reforms gain traction with solar transition, revived routes, and outsourcing
KSE-100 hits historic high of 121,799 amid ADB loan boost and budget optimism
PSX rallies for second straight session as investor sentiment lifted by IMF talks, upcoming federal budget
Planning Commission warns of higher food imports next year due to 13.5% contraction in key crops
Cotton production falls by 30.7%, maize by 15.4%, sugarcane by 3.9%, rice by 1.4%, and wheat by 8.9% this fiscal year; agriculture sector struggles lead to lower GDP growth
Seven-member committee to finalize digital payment mechanism for fuel ahead of budget
Under the proposed plan, petrol stations to offer digital payment options; cash payments to incur additional Rs2-3 charge per liter
IMF rejects proposed taxes on moveable assets, one-day-old chicks; backs digital services tax for Rs10bn revenue
Fund raises concerns over wealth tax, industry-specific targets; proposal to raise tax on dividend income from mutual funds to 20%, withholding tax on interest income also under review
Ministry of Commerce expresses doubts over $60 billion export target by 2029: report
Citing domestic and international challenges, the ministry outlines key policy reforms and interventions to boost export potential, but warns of hurdles ahead
Punjab cabinet clears launch of ‘Air Punjab’ airline in major policy push
Electric buses, wheat support, school upgrades, and major hospital project also approved during 26th cabinet meeting
Senate body urges swift development of electric vehicle infrastructure
Senate panel urges swift rollout of EV charging stations, reviews industrial development history and highlights policy gaps delaying electric mobility push.
CCP slaps Rs375m in fines on fertilizer firms, trade body over price fixing
Fertilizer cartel fined for collusion over urea prices
KSE-100 hits record 120,450 as bullish sentiment returns to PSX
Stocks rally after PM’s IMF budget assurance
Asian Development Bank approves $800 million program to boost Pakistan’s public finance
Program supports reforms to improve tax policy, administration, and compliance, enhances public expenditure and cash management, promotes digitalization, investment facilitation, and aims to reduce Pakistan’s fiscal deficit and public debt
Govt earmarks Rs288 billion investment to boost productivity of state-owned enterprises
Initiative marks shift from traditional budget allocations, with high-performing state entities in energy, telecoms, defence, and water sectors funding their own development projects
Provinces to seek cabinet approval for GST on services, set up agri income tax collection mechanism
All four provinces to implement transition from positive to negative list for GST on services by July 2025, aligning with IMF fiscal targets