Saudi Arabia Injects $2 Billion as Pakistan Faces External Financing Pressure
Pakistan has received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia to help manage a growing external financing gap linked to an upcoming debt repayment to the United Arab Emirates, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The funds were credited on April 15, 2026. The inflow comes as Pakistan prepares to repay $3.5 billion to the […]
Pakistan Posts Strong March Surplus but Faces Ongoing External Pressure
Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of $1.07 billion in March 2026, according to data compiled by Arif Habib Limited based on figures from the State Bank of Pakistan. This is lower than the $1.27 billion surplus in March 2025 but much higher than the $231 million recorded in February 2026. Exports of goods stood […]
Pakistan’s Consumer Sector Sees Strong Profit Growth in 2025
Listed consumer sector companies in Pakistan recorded a total profit of Rs. 244 billion in 2025, showing a strong 28% increase compared to the previous year. This data comes from an analysis conducted by Topline Securities. The study included companies from consumer staples, pharmaceuticals, and discretionary sectors, each with a market value of more than […]
Pakistan Opens Doors to Crypto with New Banking Framework
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has taken a major step by removing its 2018 ban on virtual currencies. Under a new regulated system, licensed crypto companies are now allowed to access banking services. This move is part of the newly introduced Virtual Assets Act 2026, which aims to bring more transparency and control to […]
Pakistan Strengthens Digital Future with Google and Mastercard Talks at Global Summit
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb held important meetings with global companies during the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026. He met with Mastercard and Google to discuss digital growth, financial inclusion, and the use of artificial intelligence in Pakistan. In his meeting with Mastercard, both sides talked about improving digital payment systems in […]
Salaried Class Bears Heavy Tax Burden as Real Estate Lags Behind
Pakistan’s salaried class paid Rs. 420 billion in income tax during the first nine months of FY2025–26, which is more than double the Rs. 197 billion collected from the real estate sector. The data was shared by the Federal Board of Revenue. Tax payments from salaried individuals increased by Rs. 29 billion, or 7.5%, compared […]
PSX Crashes Nearly 4% as Iran–US Tensions and Oil Price Surge Shake Global Markets
Pakistan’s stock market fell sharply on Monday as rising global tensions and higher oil prices triggered heavy selling across major sectors. The benchmark KSE-100 Index dropped nearly 4%, closing at 160,591.33, down by 6,600.04 points from the previous session. The market came under pressure after talks between the United States and Iran ended on Sunday […]
Pakistan Puts $36 Billion Power Debt Plan on Hold Amid Funding Challenges
Pakistan has decided to pause its $36 billion plan to refinance circular debt in the power sector after facing difficulties in securing funds from international lenders and Saudi Arabia. According to officials, the proposal was shared with institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, but both showed limited capacity to provide financing […]