Economy

PVARA begins accepting VASP license applications under the new Virtual Assets Act, 2026

The two-month mechanism aims to shield consumers while keeping refiners profitable enough to fund upgrades.

Islamic banks' share of sector financing nearly doubled in just over a year, but sukuk and takaful lag behind

Pakistan's fiscal deficit fell to 2.6% of GDP in FY26 while the primary surplus hit a 26-year high, marking the country's best fiscal performance in decades

Lower inflation, gradual economic recovery and stronger reserves improve the outlook, but Middle East conflict, climate shocks, global tariffs and slow reforms remain key risks

State Bank of Pakistan sees growth at 3.5%-4.5% as higher energy costs and Middle East supply disruptions weigh on economic activity

Al Areesh berths at Pakistan GasPort as Strait of Hormuz disruption continues to disrupt normal LNG flows

Indefinite goods transport strike has halted movement of export containers, imported cotton and locally produced cotton to mills, industry warns

Bank has disbursed PKR 3.05 billion to 490 families and approved more than 3,000 applications worth over PKR 22.557 billion

Strong start to FY27 follows record USD 41.6 billion in remittances during FY26

Provincial surplus jumps to PKR 1.64 trillion as own-source revenues rise 28.3% in July-March FY26

Only 31 of more than 200 steel manufacturers meet documentation, scrap-import and FBR integration requirements for the lower rate

IT sector leads registrations with 1,008 new firms as Punjab accounts for 51% of total incorporations

Government borrowing for budgetary support rises to PKR 35.80 trillion as currency in circulation drops 2% to PKR 11.91 trillion

Fitch warns tighter visa rules could pressure enrollment and revenue, with lower-rated institutions and universities heavily dependent on international tuition facing the greatest risk

Japan’s development agency also signals support for skills training, rural internet infrastructure and feasibility studies as Islamabad seeks to deepen development cooperation

Karachi Port to offer up to 80% wharfage discounts and 14 days of free storage, while Port Qasim waives wharfage entirely for transshipment cargo

Panel to review ratings, regulations, taxation and Sukuk framework to expand long-term financing options

Imports rise 16.8% to USD 6.89 billion, while exports grow 10% to USD 2.97 billion

ICMA says incentives for agriculture, industry and IT could support investment, but higher levies and stricter compliance may weigh on farmers, exporters and digital businesses