SBP Allows Exchange Companies to Lock PKR Rates in Advance to Boost Remittances
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced a new facility to encourage more overseas Pakistanis to send money home through official channels. Exchange companies can now book PKR rates in advance for up to five working days after receiving home remittances. Under this revised framework, exchange companies can enter into short-term forward sale agreements […]
Saudi Arabia to Invest $10 Billion in Massive Gwadar Oil Refinery
Saudi Arabia is moving forward with a huge $10 billion investment to build one of Pakistan’s largest oil refineries in Gwadar, Balochistan. This major project is expected to greatly improve Pakistan’s energy security and reduce its heavy dependence on imported refined petroleum products. The refinery will be a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Pakistani […]
Tomatoes Hit Rs 200 per Kg in Lahore as Vegetable Prices Soar Across Pakistan
Vegetable prices have shot up sharply in Lahore and other major cities, putting extra pressure on families already struggling with high inflation. In Lahore markets, the price of tomatoes has climbed to Rs 200 per kilogram. This is much higher than the official rates fixed by the authorities. In some other cities of Pakistan, tomato […]
Pakistan’s Debt Burden Reaches Rs 79.8 Trillion: Latest SBP Data
Pakistan’s central government debt has risen to nearly Rs 80 trillion, reaching Rs 79.8 trillion in February 2026, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This marks a 0.7% increase from the previous month and a significant 9.4% rise compared to February 2025, when the debt stood at Rs 73.036 trillion. […]
Punjab Launches Rs 80,000 Monthly Subsidy for Heavy Vehicles
The Punjab government has announced a targeted monthly subsidy of Rs 80,000 for owners of large transport vehicles to provide relief from rising fuel prices. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced as part of a broader relief package for the transport sector. Under the scheme, registered large trucks will receive Rs 80,000 per month, while small […]
IRSA Announces 15% Water Shortfall for Early Kharif 2026
Pakistan is likely to face a 15% water shortfall during the early part of the Kharif 2026 (summer) crop season, according to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA). The IRSA Advisory Committee, in its meeting on April 7, 2026, approved the 15% shortfall for the period from April to June 10. For the later Kharif […]
SBP Cuts Freelancer Payment Processing Time to Just One Day
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced new measures to make life easier for freelancers and IT exporters. Now, banks must process inward export receipts and outward remittances from Exporters’ Special Foreign Currency Accounts (ESFCAs) within one working day at the maximum. Previously, the process took longer and involved heavy paperwork. Under the new […]
PTA Receives Over 166,000 Internet and Telecom Complaints in 2024-25
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) received a total of 166,046 complaints against telecom and internet services during the fiscal year 2024-25. Most complaints were submitted through online portals, the PTA mobile app, and toll-free helplines. Out of these, 159,325 complaints were against mobile operators. People mainly reported issues with call quality, poor network coverage, and […]