Economy

Pakistan raises PKR 1.65 trillion through T-bills and sukuk
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Pakistan raises PKR 1.65 trillion through T-bills and sukuk

The government raised more than PKR 1.65 trillion through treasury bill and sukuk auctions settled on June 24, while rejecting all bids for a 10-year floating-rate bond, highlighting strong investor demand for short-term and Shariah-compliant instruments amid a declining interest-rate environment.

According to auction results released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the government mobilized PKR 1.243 trillion through market treasury bills (MTBs), PKR 372.8 billion through Government of Pakistan Hybrid Sukuk (GHS), and accepted PKR 38.4 billion in Government of Pakistan Ijarah Sukuk (GIS) purchases on a deferred-payment basis. However, it raised no funds through the auction of 10-year Floating Rate Pakistan Investment Bonds (PFLs) after rejecting all bids.

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Pakistan fuel price cut inflicts PKR 104 billion loss on oil industry
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Pakistan fuel price cut inflicts PKR 104 billion loss on oil industry

Oil marketers and refineries say revised pricing formula wiped out inventory value, strained liquidity and risks deterring foreign investment

Pakistan government borrowing from banks jumps to PKR 4.92 trillion in FY26
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Pakistan government borrowing from banks jumps to PKR 4.92 trillion in FY26

Commercial bank borrowing rises 33% from last year as government faces continued fiscal challenges

Pakistan finance bill targets tax compliance with mandatory e-filing, digital monitoring
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Pakistan finance bill targets tax compliance with mandatory e-filing, digital monitoring

Proposed legislation introduces stricter penalties for non-compliance, requires electronic tax monitoring systems and expands digital tax administration

Finance Bill proposes 15% sales tax exemption to PIAC, cuts stationery tax to 10%
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Finance Bill proposes 15% sales tax exemption to PIAC, cuts stationery tax to 10%

Pakistan’s Finance Bill for fiscal year 2026-27 proposes a series of tax measures affecting vehicle owners, education-related goods and the aviation sector, including a 15-year sales tax exemption for aircraft imported by the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The draft amendments, prepared following parliamentary directions for incorporation into the Finance Act 2026-27, also introduce revised vehicle taxation rules and changes to sales tax rates on selected consumer goods.

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Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline revival could save Pakistan over $1 billion a year, ease inflation
Research

Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline revival could save Pakistan over $1 billion a year, ease inflation

Sanctions relief could unlock cheaper energy, cut power costs and strengthen supply security, Analysts say

Foreign investors repatriate $2.15 billion in profits from Pakistan in 11 months of FY26
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Foreign investors repatriate $2.15 billion in profits from Pakistan in 11 months of FY26

SBP data shows profit outflows rose 2.3% year-on-year, with financial and power sectors leading repatriations as overseas transfers ease

CDWP clears 12 development projects worth PKR 435.7 billion under URAAN Pakistan
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CDWP clears 12 development projects worth PKR 435.7 billion under URAAN Pakistan

Six projects worth PKR 16.9 billion approved, while six major schemes totaling PKR 418.8 billion referred to ECNEC for final approval

ADB approves $700 million loan to transform Pakistan’s insurance sector
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ADB approves $700 million loan to transform Pakistan’s insurance sector

Program aims to expand insurance coverage, boost private sector participation, and strengthen financial resilience against economic and climate-related risks

Foreign direct investment to Pakistan slumps 28% in eleven months of FY26
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Foreign direct investment to Pakistan slumps 28% in eleven months of FY26

FDI declined to USD 1.623 billion during the first 11 months of FY26, while overall foreign investment fell to USD 477.6 million despite a rebound in May

Pakistan bets on Qatar supply recovery after rejecting LNG cargo
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Pakistan bets on Qatar supply recovery after rejecting LNG cargo

State-run Pakistan LNG Ltd. (PLL) has rejected a bid from BP Singapore for a spot LNG cargo scheduled for delivery on June 20-21 and has issued another tender for a cargo arriving next week, a Ministry of Energy official said on June 18.

PLL received a single bid from BP Singapore for the cargo, which was offered at USD 16.7828 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), according to documents posted on the company's website on June 17.

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FBR identifies 9,000 non-filers holding PKR 750 billion in bank deposits
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FBR identifies 9,000 non-filers holding PKR 750 billion in bank deposits

Tax authority says expanded access to financial data and technology revealed major gaps in tax compliance

Pakistan posts $459 million current account surplus in May
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Pakistan posts $459 million current account surplus in May

Monthly surplus widens from a year earlier, but cumulative FY26 surplus shrinks sharply amid rising import demand

Pakistan spends only half of development budget in 11 months of FY26
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Pakistan spends only half of development budget in 11 months of FY26

Government spends PKR 529.8 billion by May, with infrastructure, health and IT sectors among weaker performers

Fitch sees lower credit risks if Hormuz reopens under US-Iran deal
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Fitch sees lower credit risks if Hormuz reopens under US-Iran deal

Ratings agency says a temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would ease market stress and weigh on oil prices, though regional risks remain elevated

Fitch sees Pakistan’s FY27 budget aligned with IMF goals
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Fitch sees Pakistan’s FY27 budget aligned with IMF goals

Ratings agency says fiscal discipline remains intact, but weak tax collection, rising interest costs and reliance on provincial surpluses pose challenges

Pakistan's manufacturing sector grows 6.44% in 10 months of FY26
Business

Pakistan's manufacturing sector grows 6.44% in 10 months of FY26

LSM expands across key industries including automobiles, textiles, cement and petroleum, though April output shows monthly slowdown

Pakistan can still achieve 4% growth despite Middle East tensions
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Pakistan can still achieve 4% growth despite Middle East tensions

Budget incentives, record remittances and strong sectoral growth can help meet the target despite regional and agricultural risks, SBP governor says

Pakistan set to cut fuel prices by up to PKR 35 per litre as global oil benchmarks tumble
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Pakistan set to cut fuel prices by up to PKR 35 per litre as global oil benchmarks tumble

Lower international petrol and diesel prices could provide inflation relief, with retail rates expected to be revised later this week

State Bank keeps policy rate unchanged at 11.5%
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State Bank keeps policy rate unchanged at 11.5%

Central bank cites stable inflation and recovery, while external risks and global uncertainty keep outlook cautious