Economy

World Context is turning skilled factory labor into the scarce resource AI companies need most

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

Funds are expected later this month as Islamabad seeks to replenish reserves after USD 2.2 billion in external debt repayments in July

First single-digit reading since March masks persistent food and core price pressures, with geopolitical and supply risks clouding the outlook

Payments to generators fell 4.9% to PKR 1.81 trillion in FY2024-25, but fixed charges continued to outweigh energy payments amid low plant utilization

Punjab prices reach PKR 19,300 per maund as slower fresh arrivals and disrupted imports offset a 32% increase in season-to-date cotton arrivals

Tomatoes, chicken and electricity led the weekly decline, while onions, wheat flour and fuel recorded sharp annual increases

Finance Ministry expects inflation to remain elevated despite continued economic recovery and stronger external buffers

Digital lender will offer about 14% of its shares to strengthen capital and fund expansion after turning profitable under new ownership

Al Areesh is the first QatarEnergy-controlled LNG vessel tracked through the strait since early July, with arrival at Port Qasim expected July 31

Agreement with Bangladesh’s RANCON Motors marks a new push to expand Pakistan’s auto exports and value-added manufacturing