The costs of doing business in Pakistan is around 34 per cent higher than in comparable regional economies, creating a serious competitiveness challenge for local industry, the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) said on Thursday. Read More: Pakistan’s weak tax system costs Rs3.4tr: IMF In a statement, the forum warned that elevated operating costs had significantly weakened the ability […]
Pakistan economy
World Bank warns of Pakistan’s economic crisis
The World Bank has warned that Pakistan faces growing economic risks due to climate shocks, regional conflicts, and global financial pressures. Repeated floods, extreme weather, and fragile security conditions make the country highly vulnerable. The Bank said these challenges could derail recovery and worsen fiscal and inflationary pressures. The Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report for […]
Pakistan maintains B- debt grade, Fitch says
Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-term debt rating at ‘B-’ and assigned a Recovery Rating of ‘RR4’. The move follows the removal of the country from Under Criteria Observation. Fitch said the action reflects its revised Sovereign Rating Criteria, effective September 2025. The RR4 recovery rating indicates an average recovery expectation in case of default, […]
SECP eases rules for rights issues
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has amended the Companies (Further Issue of Shares) Regulations 2020, easing procedural requirements for listed firms seeking to raise capital through rights issues. The move aims to streamline capital mobilisation and reduce regulatory bottlenecks for companies tapping existing shareholders for funds. Read More: SECP notifies tweaks to regulations […]
FDI drops sharply on regional tensions
Foreign direct investment (FDI) plunged 43 per cent during the first half of the current fiscal year, deepening challenges for the government as it seeks to revive overseas capital inflows amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. The sharp decline underscores the fragile sentiment of foreign investors, exacerbated by tensions in the broader region. Read More: Pakistan receives […]
PSX surges to new peak on rate-cut hopes
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) climbed to a fresh all-time closing high on Monday, as investors brushed aside signs of economic weakness and continued accumulating equities in anticipation of another policy rate cut later this month. Read More: PSX reverses loss to gain over 1,500 points The benchmark index rallied as much as 2,783 points […]
Trade deficit widens as current account turns negative
Pakistan’s external accounts came under renewed pressure in December 2025 as rising imports and persistent income outflows pushed the current account back into deficit, reversing gains made in earlier months. Read More: Trade deficit surges 24% YoY to $3.7 billion in December 2025 Fresh data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) showed a current […]
Pakistan’s currency stability seen as economic illusion
Economic analysts say Pakistan’s chronic reliance on an artificially managed exchange rate has repeatedly undermined export competitiveness and contributed to recurring balance-of-payments crises, despite short-term gains in political optics and price stability. Read More: Economic growth drops to 3% in Pakistan In a commentary published on Sunday, former corporate executive and economic observer Ehsan Malik argued that […]
OGRA cuts LNG import prices for January
ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has announced a reduction in imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices for January, issuing a fresh notification that provides limited relief to consumers and industries dependent on the fuel. Read More: OGRA raises LNG prices for august According to the notification, imported LNG prices for January have been lowered by […]
Sugar deregulation plan stalls amid IMF pressure
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s efforts to carry out full deregulation of the sugar sector under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) condition have seen little progress, with key provincial legislation yet to move forward despite looming deadlines. Read More: Sugar mills push for deregulation to boost farmers’ profits Officials say the federal government had committed to removing all state intervention in […]