Pakistan’s overall petroleum imports declined by 1.63 percent during the first five months of the current fiscal year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The figures cover the period from July to November 2025–26 and show a marginal reduction compared to the same period last year. Read More: Pakistan’s oil […]
Pakistan economy
KP aide calls federal funds figures misleading
PESHAWAR: Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, on Sunday claimed that federal government figures on transfers to provinces were misleading, as major financial dues of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remain unpaid. He said the federal government owes KP nearly Rs4 trillion, including delayed royalties on hydropower and unaccounted windfall […]
Why Pakistan cannot depend on IMF support indefinitely
Pakistan repeated reliance on the International Monetary Fund has reignited debate over the country’s long-term economic direction, with analysts warning that stabilisation programmes alone cannot deliver sustainable growth. While IMF support has helped avert financial crises, critics argue that continued dependence reflects deeper structural and policy failures. Economists note that IMF programmes are designed to […]
IMF warns tax-to-GDP ratio likely to stagnate
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio will remain largely stagnant over the next five years, despite a notable increase recorded in the previous fiscal year. While federal tax collections improved due to additional revenue measures, the Fund expects only marginal gains going forward, mainly driven by provincial taxes. Read More: […]
Three bidders remain as PIA privatisation enters final stage
Pakistan’s Privatisation Commission is set to receive bids for a 75 per cent stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Corporation Ltd on December 23, with three bidders remaining after the withdrawal of Fauji Fertiliser Company Ltd. The bidding and opening process will be conducted under a publicly announced schedule and broadcast live to ensure transparency. […]
IMF blocks immediate removal of GST on contraceptives
ISLAMABAD: Despite Pakistan facing one of the highest population growth rates in the world, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has refused to allow the immediate abolition of the 18% General Sales Tax (GST) on contraceptives, a move that has stalled government efforts to make birth control products affordable. As a result, condoms and other contraceptives […]
PM claims Pakistan taught India an unforgettable lesson
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday stated that Pakistan delivered an unforgettable lesson to the Modi government during the Pakistan-India conflict. Speaking at a ceremony at the University of Haripur to inaugurate the PM’s Laptop Scheme 2025 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), he praised the resilience of the Pakistani armed forces and the nation’s […]
Pakistan sees sharp drop in foreign investment
Pakistan’s foreign investment fell to $104.4 million in November, marking a significant decline from October’s $274 million, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Wednesday. The month-on-month drop highlights growing investor caution amid economic challenges. Year-on-year comparison also showed a decrease, as $195 million was recorded in November last year. The […]
Gold and silver prices surge amid global market volatility
Gold prices surged sharply in both international and domestic markets on Wednesday, reflecting heightened uncertainty across global financial systems. Silver also posted a historic rise, reaching record levels locally and internationally as investor demand strengthened. Read More: Gold gains Rs500, silver hits record high In the international bullion market, gold prices increased by $27 per ounce, settling at […]
SBP cuts policy rate by 50 basis points to 10.5%
ISLAMABAD – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday announced a 50 basis point reduction in its policy rate, bringing it down to 10.5 per cent. This marks the first rate cut since May, when the benchmark rate was last reduced and subsequently held at 11 per cent. Read More: SBP likely to hold interest rate at […]