Markets
National Refinery boosts diesel, petrol output ahead of $1.2 billion upgrade
HSD production has risen about 42% and petrol output about 88% since FY22 as the company awaits approval of the refinery policy
Jul 18, 2026
Jul 18, 2026
HSD production has risen about 42% and petrol output about 88% since FY22 as the company awaits approval of the refinery policy
Government seeks to deepen the corporate debt market through faster bond issuance, digital integration and wider access to financing
Prices reach PKR 19,000 per maund in Punjab and PKR 18,800 in Sindh as extreme weather and Gulf conflict pressure Pakistan's cotton market
Equity funds lead growth with nearly 58% annual increase as improving market sentiment boosts long-term investments
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad on Wednesday welcomed the launch of a co-badged debit card by HBL, UnionPay International and PayPak, calling it a significant step toward building a modern, resilient and inclusive digital payments ecosystem aligned with the government’s vision of a cashless Pakistan.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ahmad said the co-badged card combines Pakistan’s domestic payment infrastructure with the international acceptance of a global payment network, enabling customers to make seamless transactions both within Pakistan and abroad.
He said the partnership reflects the central bank’s long-term vision for PayPak as a secure, cost-effective and locally governed payment scheme that can support Pakistan’s expanding digital economy.
The governor said the initiative is aligned with the SBP’s Vision 2028 and the prime minister’s Cashless Pakistan Initiative, both of which aim to make the country’s financial system more digital, inclusive and resilient.
“Our objective is not merely to digitize payments but to build an ecosystem where individuals and businesses can transact seamlessly, safely and efficiently,” Ahmad said.
Highlighting the rapid growth of digital payments, Ahmad said the volume of retail digital transactions increased from about 6.9 billion over the past year to nearly 12 billion, while the number of active merchants expanded from around 500,000 to more than 2 million.
He said the number of mobile banking application users reached nearly 137 million, while the share of workers’ remittances credited through digital channels increased from about 80% to 92%, reflecting growing public confidence in digital financial services.
Ahmad said domestic payment platforms, particularly PayPak and Raast, should remain at the center of Pakistan’s digital payments infrastructure as financial technology continues to evolve.
He said PayPak should become the preferred payment scheme for domestic debit card issuance, while co-badged cards can provide international payment functionality when needed.
The governor also urged banks, digital banks, payment service providers, fintech companies and merchants to strengthen collaboration by expanding digital payment acceptance, enhancing cybersecurity, improving customer awareness and delivering secure, reliable and customer-focused payment services.
Congratulating HBL, UnionPay International, PayPak and 1LINK on the partnership, Ahmad said cooperation between domestic and international payment networks would promote innovation, deepen financial inclusion and accelerate Pakistan’s transition to a digitally enabled, cash-lite economy.
Government launches national transformation strategy and high-level council to modernize livestock, improve disease control and expand access to global markets
Supernet Technologies Limited (STL) has approved a rights issue of approximately PKR 914.8 million to strengthen its capital base, support a growing pipeline of technology projects and position the company for its next phase of growth.
The company's board of directors approved the issuance of 91.48 million ordinary shares at PKR 10 each, equivalent to approximately 85 rights shares for every 100 ordinary shares held by eligible shareholders.
The rights issue, representing about 85% of the company's existing paid-up capital, remains subject to regulatory and legal approvals.
The capital raise comes after a period of strategic transformation for Supernet, including its merger with Supernet Limited, expansion into regional markets through its Supernet Global platform and continued growth in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud services, connectivity, managed services, enterprise networking and technology integration.
The merger created a larger and more diversified technology platform by combining complementary capabilities, allowing the company to provide integrated and secure technology solutions to governments, enterprises and critical infrastructure customers.
Supernet is also expanding its presence in the United Arab Emirates to pursue opportunities across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia while strengthening its position in Pakistan.
The company's strategic initiatives are beginning to translate into commercial gains. Supernet has secured several projects in cybersecurity, enterprise technology and communications infrastructure while expanding its regional footprint.
Most recently, the company announced a contract worth approximately PKR 1 billion to modernize critical communications infrastructure in Pakistan. The project, the largest contract in the company's history, is expected to contribute to revenue and profitability during fiscal year 2026-27.
Supernet said it continues to pursue opportunities in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, connectivity and enterprise technology solutions across Pakistan and regional markets.
The company said the rights issue will strengthen its balance sheet, optimize its capital structure and enhance its ability to meet growing customer demand and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.
Telecard Limited, Supernet's substantial shareholder, along with the company's directors, has confirmed its intention to subscribe to, or arrange subscriptions for, its respective rights entitlement. Any unsubscribed portion of the issue will be underwritten in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Supernet said increasing investments by governments and enterprises in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and mission-critical technology platforms are expected to create long-term growth opportunities, supported by the company's expanded capabilities, regional presence and stronger capital position.
Completion integrates insurance into a digital ecosystem serving over 100 million customers
IPO was 3.23 times oversubscribed, with shares priced at PKR 34 against a PKR 28 floor price
Production plan aims to reverse last season's weak harvest as extreme heat raises concerns over crop yields
Saad Hanif names Cherat Cement and DG Khan Cement among his top investment picks.
Pakistan's stock market investor base grew 48% in a year, driven largely by young investors, as the SECP rolls out new digital reforms
Shariah-compliant REIT aims to raise public ownership through a 44.06 million-unit offer as sponsor Javedan Corporation cuts its stake to meet listing requirements
Power utility posts PKR 1.05 billion profit after cutting transmission losses and improving bill recoveries over two years
Mobile platform will enroll small traders under the fixed tax scheme as government targets PKR 50 billion in revenue
Investor bids reach PKR 653 billion, more than four times the target, while cut-off rentals fall sharply across medium-term Sukuk
The new rules allow asset managers to launch ESG-focused mutual funds, aiming to attract responsible investment while strengthening transparency and climate-focused financing
Pakistan imported nearly 56,000 tonnes of Brazilian cotton in May as Brazil achieved a record export milestone
Ghani Chemical Industries Limited has secured a five-year contract from Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) to develop and process natural gas from the Sono Lashari Field, with commercial operations expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
The company disclosed in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange that it had been awarded Tender No. 308606791 by OGDCL for the development and processing of natural gas from the Sono Lashari Field.
Under the agreement, OGDCL will allocate a designated quota of raw natural gas from the field to Ghani Chemical for processing into value-added hydrocarbon products, including compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and hydrocarbon condensates, in accordance with agreed technical specifications and contractual terms.
The contract will remain in effect for five years.
The company said project implementation will begin after engineering, procurement, regulatory approvals, and site mobilization activities are completed.
Commercial operations are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2027, subject to the timely completion of all required formalities and regulatory approvals.
Ghani Chemical said the project may be executed either directly by the company or through an appropriate group entity, depending on operational, commercial, and regulatory considerations, without affecting its rights or obligations under the contract.
Based on the current technical configuration and prevailing market conditions, the project has the potential to generate indicative annual revenue of approximately PKR 1.5 billion to PKR 2 billion once commercial operations begin.
The company cautioned that the estimate is preliminary and subject to several factors, including actual gas allocation and availability, product mix, market prices, plant performance, and other operating conditions.
According to the exchange filing, the project is expected to provide the company with an additional recurring revenue stream over the five-year contract period, with its financial contribution beginning after commercial production starts in early 2027.
Topline Research expects the KSE-100 Index to reach 203,000 points, backed by IMF-led economic stability
