Refineries Sound Alarm Over OGRA Policies, Warn of Disruptions in Pakistan’s Fuel Supply
Pakistan’s leading oil refineries have expressed serious concern over regulatory uncertainty and import-friendly practices by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), warning that the situation is discouraging local fuel production and disrupting the national supply chain. In a joint letter addressed to the Chairman of OGRA after the Product Review Meeting (PRM) held on […]
Pakistan’s Rice Exports Struggle as Global Competition Intensifies
Pakistan’s rice exports have faced a major setback in the first five months of the ongoing fiscal year, as tougher global competition and rising local costs continue to hurt the sector. Official data shows that both basmati and non-basmati rice shipments have dropped sharply, raising concerns among growers and exporters about the country’s position in […]
Trade Gap Widens as Pakistan’s Regional Exports Lose Momentum
Pakistan’s trade imbalance with its neighbouring countries has expanded sharply in the early months of the current fiscal year, reflecting weakening regional exports and rising import dependence. New figures from the State Bank of Pakistan show that the trade deficit with nine nearby countries climbed to over $6.2 billion during the first five months of […]
IMF Says Pakistan’s Federal Tax Growth to Stay Flat; Provinces to Drive Future Revenues
Pakistan’s federal tax revenue is expected to show little improvement over the next five years, according to a new assessment by IMF. The Fund said that despite a noticeable jump in the tax-to-GDP ratio in FY25, most future revenue growth will come from provincial taxes not federal collections. The IMF noted that FBR receipts increased […]
Engro Secures Major $475m Islamic Financing Deal to Expand Telecom Tower Network
Engro has strengthened its position in Pakistan’s telecom sector with a landmark $475 million transaction, fully financed through Islamic banking. The funding has supported the inclusion of Deodar and its network of over 10,000 telecom towers into Engro’s infrastructure portfolio. Industry observers say this development marks one of the biggest Shariah-compliant financing deals ever completed […]
World Bank Approves $700m Program to Support Pakistan’s Fiscal Reforms and Public Services
The World Bank has approved $700 million in financing to help Pakistan strengthen its economic system and improve public services through a new long-term reform program. The initiative, known as the Pakistan Public Resources for Inclusive Development, Multiphase Programmatic Approach (PRID-MPA) is designed to support both federal and provincial governments as they work to improve […]
Industry Rejects Government’s Growth Claims as Factories Shut Down Across Pakistan
Pakistan’s major industrial and export sectors have dismissed government claims of a recovery in large-scale manufacturing (LSM), saying real industrial activity is shrinking due to high energy costs, weak demand and heavy taxation. Industry associations estimate that over 150 factories have closed in the last 18 months, while most remaining units are operating at only […]
Pakistan’s Cotton Output Falls Far Below Targets, Sector Raises Alarm
Pakistan’s cotton industry is deeply concerned after production numbers for the 2025-26 season fell far short of official targets. Figures released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) up to December 15 show a major gap between goals and actual output, raising questions over planning and productivity. The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) had set […]