TOP STORIES
- PTCL loses Rs1 billion revenue due to network closures in AJK, KP
PTCL management says group revenue remained broadly stagnant quarter-on-quarter despite nearly 2% subscriber growth, as network disruptions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa affected business performance. - SBP doubles minimum capital requirement for local banks to Rs20 billion
Arif Habib Limited analysts expect listed banks to maintain sufficient capital buffers under the revised framework, with no material impact on dividend payouts. - SBP introduces new financing framework for small businesses and farmers
The central bank allows banks to partner with microfinance institutions and non-bank lenders to expand credit access, with financing limits of up to Rs5 million for small enterprises and Rs2 million for agricultural borrowers. - Pakistan brings cryptocurrency trading under anti-money laundering laws
The National Executive Committee approves the inclusion of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority in the Anti-Money Laundering Act framework to strengthen oversight of virtual assets.
FINANCE
- 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. - Aurangzeb urges faster SME and farm loans as financing reaches Rs1.15 trillion for SMEs
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb urges banks and implementing agencies to accelerate loan disbursements as financing expands across small businesses, farmers, housing and electric vehicles. - Pakistan brings cryptocurrency trading under anti-money laundering lawsThe National Executive Committee approves the inclusion of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority in the Anti-Money Laundering Act framework to strengthen oversight of virtual assets.
NATIONAL
- Pakistan’s annual SPI inflation hits 11.32% as food and energy costs surge
Weekly inflation declines 0.35%, but LPG, electricity, petrol and diesel record sharp year-on-year increases, according to PBS. - Pakistan raises diesel price by 85 paisas per litre, keeps petrol unchanged
High-speed diesel rises to Rs400.67 per litre under the daily fuel pricing mechanism, while petrol remains at Rs377.91. - Pakistan petrol price rises to Rs377.91, diesel hits Rs399.82
Petrol rises to Rs377.91 per litre and high-speed diesel to Rs399.82 from October 29, as global oil market volatility continues to influence domestic fuel prices. - Pakistan poverty rate rises to 28.9% in 2024-25, says Ahsan Iqbal
Planning Minister calls for higher development investment, stronger local governments and a new National Multidimensional Poverty Index to reverse rising poverty and address regional inequalities.
TAXATION
- FBR revises customs values for imported artificial flowers and decorations
New Valuation Ruling 2123/2026 sets revised import benchmarks, including C&F values of up to US$7.5 per kilogram for artificial flowers and fruits. - SBP extends bank hours until 8pm on October 31 for tax payments
Designated branches of commercial banks will remain open late on Saturday to facilitate over-the-counter tax payments, while digital banking channels will continue operating. - KPRA warns wedding halls of legal action over sales tax violations
The revenue authority identifies discrepancies in sales tax payments during a meeting with 14 wedding halls in Mardan and Malakand and urges compliance with tax laws. - FBR rules out reversal of FCA unit relocation, cites faster customs clearance
FBR says customs clearance time has fallen to 20.57 hours, with 83% of consignments cleared within 48 hours, as it pledges targeted measures to address traders’ concerns.
MONEY & BANKING
- UBL pays Rs35.71 million in SBP penalties during 9M 2026
United Bank Limited’s total regulatory penalties fell to Rs36.53 million in the first nine months of 2026, while its profit after tax rose to Rs115.2 billion. - SBP makes SMEConnect mandatory for business financing from November 1
Small and medium enterprises will have to submit financing applications through the centralised digital platform, which also enables real-time tracking. - SBP foreign exchange reserves rise by $33 million to $21.52 billionPakistan’s total liquid foreign reserves stood at $26.75 billion as of October 23, 2026, while commercial banks held $5.233 billion in net foreign reserves.
- SBP doubles minimum capital requirement for local banks to Rs20 billionArif Habib Limited analysts expect listed banks to maintain sufficient capital buffers under the revised framework, with no material impact on dividend payouts.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- Pakistan plans fast-track cotton seed approval to revive production
The government is considering reducing approval time for imported cotton seed from seven years to 12–18 months as it targets higher yields, lower costs and improved farmer profitability. - Pakistan moves to improve export finance for SMEs
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani calls for faster loan processing, improved export credit support and reduced business costs to help small exporters access international markets. - PM Shehbaz sets November deadline for Alibaba AI projects
Pakistan accelerates cooperation with Alibaba Group on artificial intelligence, agricultural exports, cancer detection, petroleum supply monitoring and digital access for small businesses. - SBP allows Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sugar mills to export under 200,000-tonne quota
The State Bank of Pakistan has authorised banks to process eligible sugar export transactions from KP mills following the provincial government’s endorsement of their quotas.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Buraq Automobiles to locally assemble Benelli premium bikes in Pakistan
Buraq Automobile has announced local assembly of Benelli motorcycles in Pakistan, but the company has yet to reveal which models will be assembled first. - Jaecoo J5 BEV price reveal set for November 6 in Pakistan
Omoda and Jaecoo Pakistan has teased the upcoming all-electric SUV, confirming the date for its price announcement as anticipation builds around its local launch. - Indus Motors may update Revo, Yaris and Corolla Cross after auto policy finalization
Indus Motor Company says potential changes to its vehicle lineup remain pending as the government works to finalize the new auto policy, while rising vehicle imports and policy uncertainty pose challenges for the local automobile industry. - FAW Bestune Pony goes bigger with five-door design and 328 km range
The updated electric hatchback arrives in China with improved rear-seat space, a larger boot, two battery options, and a starting price of 44,900 yuan.
IT & TELECOM
- PTCL loses Rs1 billion revenue due to network closures in AJK, KPPTCL management says group revenue remained broadly stagnant quarter-on-quarter despite nearly 2% subscriber growth, as network disruptions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa affected business performance.
- GTA 6 map could be bigger than GTA 4, GTA 5 and RDR 2 combinedA new Edge Magazine interview suggests Leonida could offer an enormous open world, with more interiors, explorable locations and access to distant areas from launch.
- Samsung Galaxy S27 charging speed revealed ahead of launch
The Samsung Galaxy S27 has reportedly received UL Solutions certification confirming 25W wired charging, while wireless charging and battery capacity details remain unconfirmed. - Apple reportedly lowered iPhone Duo quality checks amid screen cracking reports
A report from China claims Apple prioritised holiday-season shipments of its foldable iPhone Duo, while users continue to report inner display damage linked to a potential hinge defect.