KARACHI: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) remained firm at Rs74.84 against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in today’s open market, matching yesterday’s rate, currency dealers reported. The selling rate stood at Rs75.41, comfortably below the July 28 high of Rs76.03. Analysts say stable remittance inflows and calm market sentiment are keeping the currency steady. Remittances from Pakistanis […]
Pakistan economy
PM Shehbaz moves toward industrial policy overhaul
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signaled a major shift in Pakistan’s industrial policy after business leaders presented new proposals. He welcomed the recommendations during the first meeting of the Working Group on Industrialisation. He also ordered a detailed review to prepare them for inclusion in the national framework. The meeting brought together key ministers, advisors and […]
Sugar prices may drop as Punjab mills start new crushing season
LAHORE: Sugar prices in Punjab are expected to decrease as all sugar mills across the province have commenced crushing for the new season, sources from the Cane Commissioner’s office said. The improved market supply could lead to a reduction of up to Rs10 per kilogram in retail sugar prices. Read More: Sugar prices spike well above […]
FBR targets tile sector for Rs30bn tax evasion with camera monitoring
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s tile industry has been flagged for evading nearly Rs30 billion in annual Sales Tax, prompting the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to tighten monitoring across 17 industrial sectors. FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial announced that camera-based production tracking will be implemented to curb widespread tax manipulation, following successful interventions in the sugar and cement […]
Govt pushes banking support to empower women entrepreneurs
ISLAMABAD: The government is seeking supportive banking policies to empower women entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Pakistan, said Haroon Akhtar Khan, special assistant to the prime minister on industry, on Wednesday. He spoke at the International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day ceremony, organised by FPCCI and Smeda, where representatives from 16 women’s chambers of […]
IMF reported deep-rooted corruption risks in Pakistan’s governance system
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s long-standing governance and corruption vulnerabilities, urging the government to immediately launch a 15-point reform agenda aimed at restoring transparency and accountability. The findings were released in the IMF’s long-awaited Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment (GCDA), a report whose publication is a prerequisite for […]
Pakistan’s current account deficit widens over 250%
KARACHI: Pakistan’s current account deficit (CAD) surged by more than 255 per cent year-on-year during the first four months of FY26, driven largely by rising imports and stagnant exports, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Monday. The country recorded a CAD of $733 million in July-October, compared with $206 million […]
US emerges as top recipient of China’s global lending, report finds
A new study has revealed that the United States is the largest recipient of China’s official lending worldwide, marking a significant shift in Beijing’s global financial strategy. According to a report released on Tuesday by AidData — a research lab at William & Mary University — China disbursed $2.2 trillion in loans and grants to […]
Rs100 prize bond draw announces major winners in Hyderabad
The much-awaited results of the Rs100 Prize Bond Draw No. 52, held on Monday (17 November 2025) in Hyderabad, have now been officially revealed, generating excitement among bondholders across Pakistan. The draw, conducted by the National Savings Centre, attracted widespread anticipation as thousands awaited the chance to win life-changing rewards. The first prize of Rs700,000 […]
NFC meeting delayed again as growth outlook dips
ISLAMABAD: The first session of the newly formed National Finance Commission (NFC) remains nowhere on the horizon, with the latest proposed date of November 18 quietly pushed back. The delay comes as the government revises the economic growth forecast downward by up to 0.7 percentage points, setting the new estimate at 3.5 per cent for […]