TOP STORIES
- Pakistan calls for greater SCO connectivity and economic cooperation
Ishaq Dar urges investment in energy, transport, agriculture and technology, while proposing an SCO development bank and greater use of national currencies in trade settlements. - Pakistan, US discuss accelerating bilateral trade negotiations
High-level dialogue focuses on expanding market access, agricultural exports, mining investments, and regional commercial connectivity. - PM Shehbaz orders faster FBR reforms, zero tolerance for corruption
Prime minister demands nationwide faceless tax collection as officials report a reduction in the estimated tax gap from 6% to 5% of GDP. - Pakistan plans gas sector restructuring to curb circular debt and attract investment
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reviews a phased deregulation roadmap aimed at improving efficiency, addressing gas-sector liabilities and protecting consumers.
FINANCE
- Aurangzeb says Pakistan’s twin deficit falls to 2.6% of GDP
Finance minister highlights fiscal consolidation, rising tax revenues and stronger foreign exchange reserves, while the IMF urges fair and predictable tax reforms to support sustainable economic growth. - Foreign investors repatriate $864m as profit, dividends from Pakistan during 1QFY27
Latest central bank data reveals significant outflows in foreign direct and portfolio investments during the first quarter of the fiscal year. - Pakistan’s economy grows 3.65% in FY26, highest in four years
National Accounts Committee reports four-year-high annual GDP growth, but a sharp industrial contraction drags fourth-quarter expansion to a six-quarter low of 2%. - Pakistan explores new Sukuk and financing options
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb discusses debt management, economic stability and diversified funding opportunities with Ajman Bank during the World Bank-IMF meetings in Bangkok.
NATIONAL
- Pakistan sets petroleum prices using seven-day average: minister
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik says the pricing mechanism aims to reflect international oil market trends, prevent hoarding and ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies. - Pakistan cuts petrol price by Rs5.16, diesel by Rs7.69 per litre
Petrol falls to Rs381.14 per litre and high-speed diesel to Rs389.27 as geopolitical tensions continue to affect global oil markets. - NEPRA to hear Rs2.56 per unit electricity price hike for September FCA
NEPRA will hold a public hearing on October 29 to consider CPPA-G’s request for a Rs2.5624 per unit fuel charges adjustment, which would also apply to K-Electric consumers. - Pakistan reduces petrol price by Rs3.93 per litre for next three daysPetrol falls to Rs386.30 per litre from October 17 to 19, while high-speed diesel remains unchanged at Rs396.96 amid volatility in global oil markets.
TAXATION
- FBR launches electronic monitoring of production in steel sector
Steel manufacturers must install digital monitoring systems by December 30, 2026, to track production, verify product sizes and reconcile dispatch weights under a new FBR order. - FBR sets up committees for hiring of officials up to BS-16
The Federal Board of Revenue has notified departmental selection committees for recruitment to posts in BS-11 to BS-16 and BS-10 and below at its Islamabad headquarters. - FBR suspends senior IRS officers Naib Ali Pathan and Ali Saleh Hayat Kalyar over strike call
The tax authority takes strict disciplinary action against officials for violating civil servant conduct rules and calling for a halt to official work. - IMF and Ministry of Finance host high-level tax reform workshop in Islamabad
Joint initiative aims to modernise Pakistan’s tax framework to drive sustainable economic growth.
MONEY & BANKING
- SBP adopts AAOIFI Shariah standard for Tawarruq transactions
The State Bank of Pakistan adopts AAOIFI Shariah Standard No. 30 with immediate effect to strengthen Shariah compliance and harmonise Islamic banking practices. - SBP may increase policy rate by up to 100 basis points: Survey
Topline Securities’ poll shows 61% of market participants expect an interest rate hike on October 26, with rising oil and food prices fuelling inflation concerns. - UBL reports 13% fall in third-quarter profit to Rs30.7 billion
United Bank Limited’s third-quarter profit declines from Rs35.4 billion a year earlier as rising operating expenses weigh on earnings, despite stronger non-interest income and an unchanged Rs8 per-share dividend. - Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves rise to $26.86 billion
Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves increased by $65.9 million week-on-week to $26.86 billion as of October 9, 2026, supported by higher holdings at both the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- Motiwala says used vehicle imports will improve consumer access to better-quality cars
Business leaders urge the government to ensure fair competition in Pakistan’s automobile market, citing consumer choice, investment opportunities and the potential for a $400 million automotive trading hub. - EU envoy urges Pakistan to diversify exports beyond textiles
EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis calls for export diversification, stronger labour compliance and greater European investment as Pakistan prepares for the next GSP+ cycle. - Pakistan’s textile exports rise by 5.26% in 1QFY27
Pakistan’s textile exports reach $5.03 billion in July–September FY2027, driven by strong growth in ready-made garments, cotton yarn and towels. - PM Shehbaz orders action plan to revive Pakistan’s gemstones sectorGovernment earmarks Rs1 billion for sector development as eight new exploration blocks are identified and Centres of Excellence are planned.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Subaru unveils independent EV platform ahead of 2029 launch
The new electric vehicle architecture features a 380kW all-wheel-drive setup, a next-generation battery and advanced electronic systems as Subaru prepares to reduce its reliance on Toyota. - NORA EV reveals prices and booking details of Neo and Metro electric cars
NORA EV has announced revised ex-Karachi warehouse prices for its electric vehicle lineup, including the Neo and Metro, with bookings starting at Rs500,000. - Motiwala says used vehicle imports will improve consumer access to better-quality carsBusiness leaders urge the government to ensure fair competition in Pakistan’s automobile market, citing consumer choice, investment opportunities and the potential for a $400 million automotive trading hub.
- StarCharge to establish EV charging stations across Pakistan
Chinese charging solutions company partners with McDonald’s Pakistan as the government targets a 30% electric vehicle share.
IT & TELECOM
- Jazz, Samsung partner to expand AI smartphone access in Pakistan
Strategic partnership introduces flexible payment options, Galaxy AI experiences and 5G-ready devices to support Pakistan’s digital inclusion. - JazzCash wins silver award for InsurTech innovation at Money20/20 USA 2026
Pakistan’s digital financial services platform secures its second consecutive Silver Award, with its Sehat+ health-protection service recognised for expanding affordable insurance access. - Honor Win2 series teased with 2K 185Hz displays
Honor’s upcoming gaming-focused smartphones will feature ultra-high refresh-rate screens, active cooling and batteries of up to 12,070mAh. - Verizon to charge $10 monthly for Apple’s iPhone Handoff feature
The service will let users share one phone number between two iPhones, but Verizon’s fee is twice T-Mobile’s monthly charge.