Pakistan’s economy is expected to maintain positive momentum in coming months, the Finance Ministry said Wednesday. The outlook is driven by industrial growth, improved governance, and digitalisation. The assessment was shared in the Monthly Economic Update for December 2025. According to the report, sustained growth continues across major industrial sectors nationwide. These include textiles, automobiles, […]
Pakistan economy
Pakistan economy grows 3.71pc in Q1 FY26
Pakistan economy expanded by 3.71 per cent in the first quarter (July–September) of FY26, marking a notable improvement from the 1.56pc growth recorded in the same period last year, according to data released by the National Accounts Committee (NAC). Despite the year-on-year improvement, the pace of growth slowed compared with the previous quarter’s strong 6.17pc […]
SBP buys $9.7bn from interbank market in 16 months
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has purchased $9.7 billion from the interbank foreign exchange market over the past 16 months, highlighting continued pressure on dollar availability despite the rollover of most external loans and improved inflows. Read More: SBP Board, management saddened over demise of first governor Data shows that between June 2024 and September […]
Petrol prices likely to drop by over Rs10 per litre from January 1
Petrol prices in Pakistan are expected to decline significantly on New Year’s Eve, offering some relief to consumers as the country enters 2026, according to media reports citing official sources. Sources told that the price of petrol is likely to be reduced by Rs10.60 per litre for the next fortnight, effective from January 1, 2026. […]
PIA privatisation to create jobs, not cut staff, says Arif Habib
Arif Habib, chairman of the investment firm that acquired a controlling stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has said the airline’s privatisation will lead to job creation rather than layoffs, as the new owners plan to expand its operations. Read More: Arif Habib says no final decision yet on buying PIA’s remaining 25 shares Speaking on DawnNewsTV’s […]
FBR suspends six officials over absence at sugar mills
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has suspended six officials for being unauthorisedly absent from their assigned duties at sugar mills, reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and dereliction of duty. Read More: FBR rolls out AI monitoring to curb sugar mill tax evasion According to an official news release issued on Monday, the officials had been deployed […]
Dollar shortages push crypto demand higher
As dollar shortages persist in Pakistan’s open market, demand for digital dollar alternatives has accelerated, pushing many users towards crypto rails even as formal regulation remains a work in progress. While the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) continues deliberations on detailed rules, market activity has surged outside the regulatory perimeter, often facilitated by illegal […]
Rupee seen drifting, not crashing, in 2026
As Pakistan heads into 2026, the outlook for the rupee appears markedly different from past years marked by sudden devaluations and currency crises. Analysts note that while risks remain, the policy framework governing the foreign exchange market has shifted in ways that reduce the likelihood of disorderly shocks. Read More: The 250-Rupee Truth Historically, Pakistan’s major […]
PIA deal highlights risks in SOE strategy of Pakistan
The recent privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reignited debate over the future of state-owned enterprises (SOE) strategy, raising questions about valuation, fiscal relief and the broader direction of economic reform. While the national carrier was sold for Rs135 billion to the Arif Habib Consortium, the government is set to receive only Rs10.2bn, prompting […]
Pakistan secures $730m financing from Asian Development Bank
Pakistan has signed two financing agreements worth a combined $730 million with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aimed at strengthening the country’s power transmission network and accelerating reforms in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Read More: Pakistan, ADB sign $730m deals for power infrastructure, SOE transformation A spokesperson for the ministry […]