TOP STORIES
- PM Shehbaz calls for sustainable growth, jobs and export-led economy
Prime Minister says Pakistan must move beyond stabilisation towards technology, productivity, employment and export-driven growth. - Headline inflation surpasses 10% in September 2026: PBS
Pakistan’s CPI inflation rises 10.3% year-on-year in September, while wholesale inflation accelerates to 13.3%. - FBR sets to intensify enforcement against retailers after tax scheme setback
Only 2,195 retailers registered under the 1 per cent fixed tax scheme in its first two months, prompting plans for stepped-up enforcement. - FBR extends Income Tax Return filing deadline to October 15
Taxpayers who were required to submit their Tax Year 2026 returns by September 30 will now have additional time to file.
FINANCE
- Pakistan forex reserves edge down $39m to $26.77bn
SBP reserves rise by $39 million, while commercial banks’ holdings fall by $78 million - Aurangzeb says foreign investor interest in Pakistan is growing
Finance minister says economic stability is encouraging local investment, paving the way for greater foreign participation. - PM Shehbaz calls for sustainable growth, jobs and export-led economyPrime Minister says Pakistan must move beyond stabilisation towards technology, productivity, employment and export-driven growth.
- Pakistan’s public debt sees lowest growth in 20 years in FY26
Public debt rose 7.7 percent to Rs86.715 trillion, while a primary surplus, lower interest costs and debt management measures helped improve key debt indicators.
NATIONAL
- Petrol price rises by Rs3.26, HSD falls Rs1.01 for October 2
Petrol reaches Rs390.66 per litre as HSD price falls to Rs399.34 amid changing global oil prices - NA panel seeks Rs5,000 wheat support price, uniform farmer subsidy
National Assembly committee urges early wheat policy, lower input costs and stronger storage and export arrangements for farmers. - PM Shehbaz orders nationwide expansion of Aasaan Khidmat Centres
Government moves to widen one-stop public services as Islamabad centre processes over 171,000 applications in nine months. - Pakistan moves to expand pension cover to informal workers
Cabinet committee explores voluntary pension scheme for domestic, agricultural, self-employed and other workers outside the formal sector.
TAXATION
- FBR visits shops nationwide from Oct 2 for easy tax scheme
Officials to visit markets with traders’ representatives from October 2 and brief shopkeepers on tax filing - FTO orders FBR to clear pending tax application in 20 days
Ombudsman directs Commissioner to decide Section 221 application without further delay - FBR issues fresh customs values of raisins under Valuation Ruling No. 2109/2026
FBR sets new customs values for imported raisins from Iran, Afghanistan and China to ensure uniform valuation and protect revenue. - FBR sets to intensify enforcement against retailers after tax scheme setbackOnly 2,195 retailers registered under the 1 per cent fixed tax scheme in its first two months, prompting plans for stepped-up enforcement.
MONEY & BANKING
- Banks to extend working hours on September 30, 2026 to facilitate tax collection
Commercial bank branches will remain open late to help taxpayers complete government duty and tax payments before the deadline. - SBP governor launches Rs16bn Pasban remittance reward scheme
The Pasban scheme will distribute Rs4 billion in cash prizes every quarter to eligible home-remittance beneficiaries using formal banking channels. - Insurance claims worth Rs548 billion settled in 2025: SECP
Pakistan’s insurers settled more than one million claims in 2025 as the industry recorded strong growth in premiums, assets and digital insurance. - SBP foreign exchange reserves rise $11 million to $21.4bnPakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves reached $26.81 billion during the week ended September 18, according to the central bank.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- PNSC may consider leasing container vessel to boost export connectivity
Maritime Affairs Ministry forms working group to assess dedicated shipping options and reduce transportation costs for exporters. - KCCI, FoP USA sign MoU to strengthen Pakistan-US trade and investment
Three-year agreement aims to connect Pakistani businesses with US markets, investors and joint-venture partners across key sectors. - KCCI hails FBR STGO No. 25 to facilitate manufacturers
KCCI says the FBR’s latest sales tax order clarifies stock transfers between factories and own warehouses and removes unnecessary compliance hurdles. - PM Shehbaz invites US businesses to explore Pakistan’s investment potential
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlights investment opportunities in agriculture, minerals, IT, energy, ports and privatisation during a meeting with US business leaders in New York.
AUTOMOTIVE
- KIA Pakistan reveals prices of new Stonic Turbo variants at lower prices than previous model
Lucky Motor Corporation has officially launched the new Kia Stonic 1.0L Turbo in Pakistan, with two variants priced below the previous top-spec Stonic EX+. - BYD Pakistan introduces early delivery offer with free service for BYD Shark 6
Customers can book the BYD Shark 6 for delivery within 30 days and receive one year of free service under the latest offer. - Dewan Motors set to bring Hongqi to Pakistan with new luxury car push
China’s iconic Hongqi brand is preparing to enter Pakistan as Dewan Motors expands its portfolio into the premium automotive segment. - Honda BR-V discontinued in Pakistan after years of declining demand
Honda Atlas Cars removes the BR-V from its official lineup as the seven-seater crossover faces declining demand and growing competition.
IT & TELECOM
- PTA tells IHC it cannot ban social media for under-16s
Authority cites legal and technical limits, says new framework needed for age verification - Huawei Mate 90 Pro Max launches with 1-inch modular camera
Huawei’s new flagship features a 12,000-nit OLED display, 6,800mAh battery and a detachable camera module with 10x continuous optical zoom. - iPhone 18 Pro users report strange speaker crackling issue
Owners of Apple’s latest Pro models say their phones produce unexplained crackling, clicking and popping sounds. - GTA 6 to feature more than 170 animal species in Leonida
Rockstar’s upcoming open-world game will include diverse wildlife, rare creatures and activities involving protagonists Jason and Lucia.