ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reported a rare fiscal surplus of 1.6% of GDP in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, driven by record interest income from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), a 30% increase in petroleum levy collection, and strong provincial cash surpluses. The surplus amounted to Rs2.12 trillion, up 10% from Rs1.896 trillion […]
Pakistan economy
Govt moves ahead with PIA, airport privatisation plans
ISLAMABAD: The Board of Privatisation Commission on Friday made significant decisions concerning the ongoing privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Ltd (PIACL) and the future management of the country’s three major airports — Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Chaired by the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, the meeting approved the inclusion of AKD Group […]
Government revises profit rates on National Savings Schemes
The federal government has announced revised profit rates for National Savings Schemes (NSS) effective from November 4, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance. The updated rates include both upward and downward adjustments across several saving instruments, reflecting recent shifts in the financial market. Under the revised structure, Defence Saving Certificates (DSCs) […]
SBP launches InvestPak portal for digital investment in government securities
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday launched InvestPak, a new digital platform that enables individuals and corporates to invest in government securities through a fully online process. According to the central bank, the web-based portal has been developed to digitise investment in government papers for customers maintaining rupee accounts with banks, primary […]
Gold prices rebound sharply after two-day decline
KARACHI – After two consecutive days of decline, gold prices rebounded on Thursday in both international and local markets. In the global bullion market, the price of gold surged by $37 per ounce, reaching $4,007 per ounce. The upward movement in international prices drove a similar increase in Pakistan’s local market. According to the All […]
Pakistan’s power sector circular debt rises to Rs1.69 trillion
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s circular debt in the power sector surged by Rs79 billion during the first quarter of the fiscal year, reaching Rs1.693 trillion by the end of September 2025, according to a report issued by the Power Division. The report highlighted that the debt had stood at Rs1.614 trillion in June 2025, marking a […]
Power sector circular debt rises by Rs79bn
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s power sector circular debt rose by Rs79 billion in the first quarter (July–September) of the current fiscal year, reaching Rs1.693 trillion, according to a quarterly report by the Power Division. The increase comes despite government efforts to curb debt accumulation through capital injections and improved recovery mechanisms. The report showed that payables […]
SECP unveils new book-building system to modernize capital markets
KARACHI– The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) announced on Tuesday that it has approved a new book-building mechanism to modernize the country’s capital markets, promote fair pricing, and enhance transparency in public offerings. Under the revised framework, securities brokers, banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), and mutual funds will be able to participate directly […]
Pakistan’s trade deficit widens 38% to $12.58 billion in four months
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s trade deficit widened by more than 38 percent during the first four months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, highlighting growing economic pressures as exports continue to decline. According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the trade deficit between July and October 2025 stood at $12.58 billion, compared to […]
Gold prices fall by Rs1,000 per tola in Pakistan amid global decline
KARACHI– Gold prices in Pakistan continued their downward trend on Wednesday, mirroring declines in the global bullion market. In the international market, gold prices dropped by $10 per ounce, settling at $3,970. The impact was immediately reflected in the domestic market, where the price of gold per tola decreased by Rs1,000, reaching Rs419,362, while the […]