Business
Pakistan restarts offshore oil and gas exploration after nearly two decades
Government has signed 23 agreements with up to $1 billion in potential investment across two phases
May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
Government has signed 23 agreements with up to $1 billion in potential investment across two phases
Think tank report says distributed solar reached 51 GW by March 2026, reshaping demand and reducing reliance on the national grid
Banking and power sectors led outflows as easing forex restrictions allowed multinational firms to transfer earnings abroad, adding pressure on Pakistan’s external account
The inflows raised Pakistan’s external financing to USD 11.07 billion in July-April
High-speed diesel could climb PKR 4.16 as global crude rebounds,
The association cited the Israel-US war on Iran and regional instability as evidence that industrial self-sufficiency is critical of national defense
The cabinet body also approved PKR 3.9 billion for youth skill development, new gemstone policy
Deposits could reach PKR 14.5 trillion and branches expand to 7,800 by year-end
Auto sales doubled to 22,015 units in April as easing financing costs and new variant fuel demand
Pakistan has invited investors to bid for 51–100% stakes in FESCO, GEPCO and IESCO, marking a major step in its power sector privatization drive
Officials expect current fiscal year growth to miss target at 3.7%, despite gains in manufacturing, construction and agriculture
Idrees Textile Mills Limited says “unfavourable market conditions” have disrupted its operations
Finance minister says Pakistan is exploring new technologies to support economic modernization
Domestic cotton production is projected at 6.94 million bales against the consumption of 14.15 million
Government pledges PKR 860 billion in new taxes as it ends fuel subsidies, raises power tariffs and speeds up privatization under IMF conditions
The 10-month number almost matches the exports recorded in the entire FY25
Goods imports jumped to $5.97 billion in April while remittances fell from March's high
Business body calls for exporter incentives, lower corporate taxes and higher income thresholds to boost growth and investment
MF report says Islamabad commits to debt reduction, market-based reforms and tighter oversight of foreign exchange and financial sectors
Corporate registrations rise 21% in February-April 2026 as regulator expands digitization, compliance and business facilitation measures
