TOP STORIES
- Pakistan farmers achieve record 70 maunds per acre wheat yield
Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain praises farmers for boosting productivity, highlighting the government’s Rs4,500 wheat support price proposal and six-million-tonne strategic reserve plan. - PM Shehbaz sets Rs1,500 billion loan target for agriculture and SMEs by 2027
The prime minister directs banks, the State Bank and FBR to improve access to financing for farmers, small businesses, exporters and homebuyers, while Rs511 billion in housing loans has been approved under the Apna Ghar Programme. - FBR releases ATL 2026 with record 8 million income tax filers
Pakistan’s tax authority publishes the latest ATL after receiving a record number of income tax returns by the extended October 31 deadline. - Pakistan assumes G-24 chairmanship, Aurangzeb sets three key priorities
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb pledges to promote development-led growth, strengthen the representation of developing economies and reform the international financial system.
FINANCE
- Pakistan, Bangladesh seek stronger economic ties, trade and investment cooperationFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and a high-level Bangladeshi delegation discuss economic reforms, debt management, textile cooperation and opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment.
- Pakistan assumes G-24 chairmanship, Aurangzeb sets three key prioritiesFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb pledges to promote development-led growth, strengthen the representation of developing economies and reform the international financial system.
- Pakistan inflation set to hit 10.5% in October, finance ministry warns
The Finance Ministry projects inflation between 9.5% and 10.5% as rising global energy prices, food supplies and geopolitical tensions pose risks to economic stability. - Pakistan, Saudi Arabia discuss trade, investment and economic cooperation
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Saudi Ambassador Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy explore investment opportunities in agriculture, minerals, mining and other key sectors.
NATIONAL
- Government, Jamaat-e-Islami discuss relief measures amid high petroleum prices
Ishaq Dar reiterates the government’s commitment to public welfare as both sides agree to continue consultations on energy pricing and relief for low-income households. - Fuel relief scheme: 15 million Pakistanis benefit as government disburses Rs27 billion
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says the government has absorbed pressure on petrol prices, while oil refineries will bear an estimated Rs15 billion monthly burden to protect consumers. - Rawalpindi court sentences man to 10 years in Rs108 million hawala case
The FIA secured the conviction after uncovering suspicious bank transactions exceeding Rs108 million that allegedly had no connection with the convict’s declared income or business activities. - Oil refineries to bear Rs15 billion monthly burden to keep petrol prices low
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik says refineries will absorb additional costs to keep petrol Rs15 per litre below international prices, while the government prepares measures to ensure winter gas supplies.
TAXATION
- Pakistan Customs agrees to facilitate commercial importers on key issues
Customs authorities assure PCDMA of relief on costly ICIS price verification, full implementation of the DPL waiver and restoration of NTN-based self-clearance facilities. - FBR to collect advance tax on property auctions in Tax Year 2027
Buyers of goods and properties sold through public auctions or tenders will be required to pay advance tax under Section 236A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. - Check advance tax on telephone and internet users in Pakistan during tax year 2027
Section 236 of the Income Tax Ordinance requires advance tax collection on mobile phone bills, prepaid cards, internet bills and electronically purchased units, with exemptions for specified categories. - FBR explains advance income tax on electricity bills for Tax Year 2027
Under Section 235 of the Income Tax Ordinance, domestic consumers on the Active Taxpayer List are exempt, while tax collected from commercial and industrial consumers is subject to specified adjustment rules.
MONEY & BANKING
- SECP bans Ponzi and Pyramid schemes under new regulations 2026
New rules prohibit deceptive MLM and unlawful referral marketing schemes across physical and digital platforms, with penalties for companies, directors and officers. - SBP, AFI launch green finance programme with 24 countries in Islamabad
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad inaugurates a four-day international programme, bringing together 38 participants from 24 countries to strengthen inclusive and climate-resilient financial systems. - Australia raises interest rate to 18-year high of 4.85% in fifth hike of 2026
Reserve Bank of Australia increases cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.85%, citing persistent inflationary pressure from higher fuel and commodity prices linked to the Middle East conflict. - PM Shehbaz sets Rs1,500 billion loan target for agriculture and SMEs by 2027The prime minister directs banks, the State Bank and FBR to improve access to financing for farmers, small businesses, exporters and homebuyers, while Rs511 billion in housing loans has been approved under the Apna Ghar Programme.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- PM Shehbaz sets Rs1,500 billion loan target for agriculture and SMEs by 2027The prime minister directs banks, the State Bank and FBR to improve access to financing for farmers, small businesses, exporters and homebuyers, while Rs511 billion in housing loans has been approved under the Apna Ghar Programme.
- 38 Pakistani companies showcase products at 140th Canton Fair in China
Pakistan’s participation in the Guangzhou trade exhibition aims to secure export orders, diversify the country’s export basket and strengthen business ties with China. - SECP declares 39,704 companies inactive over four years of non-filingThe corporate regulator has taken action against thousands of companies for failing to submit mandatory annual returns and financial statements, restricting their access to banking and corporate services until compliance is restored.
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia discuss boosting bilateral trade and investmentCommerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and newly appointed Saudi Ambassador Dr Rajeh Albugamy discuss investment, agricultural cooperation and early implementation of the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Hubco to begin local assembly of BYD Sealion 6 in December 2026
Hubco’s electric mobility business has crossed 10,000 cumulative BYD sales, while local CKD production is expected to strengthen growth and expand Pakistan’s electric vehicle market. - Sazgar confirms Philippines assembly plant for three-wheelers
The Pakistani automaker says its Philippine distributor has established the facility with technical support from Sazgar, while clarifying that it has made no equity investment. - Buraq Automobile announces delivery time and key details for Moto Morini Alltrhike 450
The locally assembled adventure motorcycle will come with a 2-year/25,000 km warranty, while the company confirms specifications and quality remain identical to imported units. - Sazgar takes Pakistani three-wheeler manufacturing overseas with new Philippines plantThe Pakistani automaker has inaugurated its first international three-wheeler assembly facility in the Philippines, marking a major step in its overseas expansion strategy.
IT & TELECOM
- Pakistan’s mobile phone production falls 20% in September 2026
Local manufacturers and assemblers produced 2.42 million mobile phones in September, while domestic production met 96% of the country’s demand. - Check advance tax on telephone and internet users in Pakistan during tax year 2027Section 236 of the Income Tax Ordinance requires advance tax collection on mobile phone bills, prepaid cards, internet bills and electronically purchased units, with exemptions for specified categories.
- Spotify plans paid AI music package for Premium subscribers
The proposed add-on could cost $4 to $5 per month and introduce AI-powered song remixes and cover versions as early as 2027. - GTA 6 could offer staggered midnight launch, allowing early access in New ZealandRegional release timings may give some players access before others, while console workarounds could let Xbox and PS5 users play earlier.