ISLAMABAD – Sugar prices have skyrocketed in violation of the government’s agreement with mill owners, raising concerns over regulatory enforcement and consumer protection. The surge comes despite an official cap on pricing set earlier this year. According to documents, the government and sugar mill owners had agreed to a maximum sugar price of Rs 171 […]
Pakistan economy
Gold prices tumble sharply in global and local markets
KARACHI – Gold prices recorded a substantial decline on Saturday, following a major drop in the international bullion market. The global price per ounce plunged by $91, settling at $4,083 and triggering an immediate impact on local rates. In Pakistan’s domestic market, the price of gold per tola fell by Rs9,100, bringing it down to […]
Gold prices reach record Rs443,062 per tola in Pakistan
KARACHI: After a two-day pause, gold prices in both international and local markets witnessed a sharp surge on Thursday. In the international bullion market, the price of gold per ounce rose dramatically by $83, bringing the new global rate to $4,207 per ounce. Following the global trend, gold prices in Pakistan’s local bullion markets also […]
PSDP spending lags as government prioritises fiscal discipline
ISLAMABAD: Spending under Pakistan’s Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) is moving slowly, with the government keeping disbursements tight to meet fiscal targets set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In the first four months (July–October) of FY26, total PSDP expenditure reached only Rs76 billion — just 7.6pc of the Rs1 trillion annual allocation — falling […]
IMF to disburse $1.2bn to Pakistan after board approval
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has scheduled a meeting of its executive board on December 8 to approve the immediate disbursement of $1.2 billion to Pakistan under two concurrent programmes. The funds include $1 billion under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and $200 million under the $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Fund […]
Govt drafting new auto policy to align with IMF-backed tariff reforms
KARACHI: As Pakistan’s existing auto policy approaches its expiry in June 2026, the government is finalising the Auto Industry Policy 2026–31, aimed at creating a more open and competitive automotive market. The Engineering Development Board (EDB) is leading consultations with vehicle assemblers, parts manufacturers, and importers of used vehicles to shape the new framework. Officials […]
Govt unveils first National Industrial Policy
ISLAMABAD: The government has presented Pakistan’s first-ever National Industrial Policy (NIP) to the federal cabinet for approval, detailing key constraints to industrial growth and proposing reforms aimed at revitalising the country’s manufacturing sector. However, the Ministry of Finance has asked the Ministry of Industries and Production to first obtain the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) clearance […]
Govt moves to ease Port Qasim congestion
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has initiated urgent measures to resolve congestion at Port Qasim, where sluggish sugar unloading has disrupted overall port operations and delayed cement and clinker exports. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation and its impact on export activities. Officials […]
KCCI, LCCI join hands to push for economic revival
KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have agreed to strengthen cooperation to support Pakistan’s economic recovery. The move follows similar initiatives by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) aimed at uniting the business community to address ongoing economic challenges. During […]
Weekly inflation drops 0.59% as SPI records slight decline
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s weekly inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), fell by 0.59 percent for the combined consumption group during the week ending November 6, 2025, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The SPI dropped to 333.55 points from 335.53 points the previous week, while showing a year-on-year increase of 4.18 […]