TOP STORIES
- FBR resets property tax collection with flat-rate advance taxes
FBR reduces advance tax rates on property sales and purchases, replacing higher slab-based rates with lower flat rates under the Finance Act, 2026. - FBR tightens capital gains tax rules for foreign currency accounts
FBR revises capital gains tax provisions for securities held through foreign currency and non-resident accounts, strengthening tax collection requirements. - Pakistan fuel shock deepens as petrol rises Rs21.88 in three days
Petrol prices have surged by Rs21.88 per litre in three days, while high-speed diesel has risen by Rs14.62 amid renewed global oil market volatility. - Brent crude tops $100 for first time since July
Rising US-Iran tensions push Brent crude above $100 a barrel, raising concerns over Middle East supply disruptions and higher fuel costs in Pakistan.
FINANCE
- Finance Minister Aurangzeb, ACCA discuss SME growth and IT skills
Pakistan and ACCA explore cooperation in workforce development, digital transformation, IT services, and improved financing opportunities for SMEs. - Pakistan, Gates Foundation agree to deepen development cooperationTalks focus on health, human capital, financial inclusion, digital innovation and SME financing
- Pakistan expands affordable financing for SMEs, farmers and EV buyersFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reviews progress on SME, agriculture, housing and electric vehicle financing initiatives.
- Finance Division expands rules for civil servants taking special-pay posts
Finance Division brings contractual positions within the framework for federal civil servants appointed to Special Pay Scales and other senior roles in public-sector organisations.
NATIONAL
- Rabi-us-Sani crescent likely visible in Pakistan on September 12
SUPARCO says the Rabi-us-Sani 1448 AH crescent is expected to be visible to the naked eye in coastal areas, subject to clear weather. - Today’s fuel prices in Pakistan on September 11, 2026
Pakistan raises petrol and high-speed diesel prices from September 11 amid continued global oil market volatility and the new daily pricing mechanism. - Pakistan fuel shock deepens as petrol rises Rs21.88 in three daysPetrol prices have surged by Rs21.88 per litre in three days, while high-speed diesel has risen by Rs14.62 amid renewed global oil market volatility.
- Pakistan, New Zealand move to expand trade and investment ties
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and New Zealand’s High Commissioner-designate David Pine discuss business links, agri-tech, digital economy and investment opportunities.
TAXATION
- FBR streamlines Tax Year 2027 exemption certificates with new eligibility rules
FBR revises exemption certificate rules for Tax Year 2027, linking eligibility to a 90% income distribution requirement and formal approval status. - FBR resets property tax collection with flat-rate advance taxesFBR reduces advance tax rates on property sales and purchases, replacing higher slab-based rates with lower flat rates under the Finance Act, 2026.
- FBR opens door to taxpayer re-audits under new Tax Year 2027 rules
FBR gives tax officials new powers to order taxpayer re-audits under Section 177, subject to a hearing and prior approval from the Chief Commissioner. - Pakistan cuts smartphone import duties as premium handset charges fall
Pakistan reduces regulatory and additional customs duties on imported mobile phones for FY2026-27, with premium smartphones receiving the largest cut.
MONEY & BANKING
- Pakistan’s digital payment merchants cross 2 million mark
Active digital payment merchants have reached 2.03 million, surpassing the government’s June 2026 target amid efforts to expand Raast QR adoption and financial inclusion. - Private sector repays over Rs370bn in bank loans in first two months of FY27
Private-sector borrowers repay around Rs370 billion in bank loans during July-August 2026, signalling greater caution amid higher interest rates and economic uncertainty. - Pakistan workers’ remittances rise 15% to $7.29bn in 2MFY27
Workers’ remittances reached $7.29 billion in July-August 2026, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK and the US remaining major sources of inflows. - SBP launches women microfinance credit guarantee facility with 25% first-loss coverThe new facility provides banks and DFIs with first-loss guarantees of up to 25% to expand financing for women-led microenterprises and improve access to institutional funding.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- Private sector repays over Rs370bn in bank loans in first two months of FY27Private-sector borrowers repay around Rs370 billion in bank loans during July-August 2026, signalling greater caution amid higher interest rates and economic uncertainty.
- BOI minister says $18bn reserves cover three months of imports
Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh says Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have reached around $18 billion, providing import cover for approximately three months. - Pakistan expands export financing to boost global competitiveness
Government raises export finance limits and launches long-term funding facility to support SMEs, new exporters and industrial modernization. - Pakistan-Africa Economic Council to launch new trade platformPAEC will connect Pakistani businesses, investors and entrepreneurs with project-based opportunities across African markets.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Jetour Pakistan issues booking and payment advisory for customers
Jetour Pakistan has urged customers to make booking payments only through the company’s official bank account to ensure a safe and secure transaction process. - Chery Q third generation booking opens in Pakistan at Rs1.5 Million
Chery Master Pakistan has officially started pre-bookings for the upcoming Chery Q Third Generation, while full vehicle details remain undisclosed. - Sindh eases registration penalties for cars kept at showrooms
New amendment gives car dealers up to six months before registration-related fines apply to vehicles remaining at dealerships. - Mitsubishi defends Pajero price surge: New flagship SUV takes aim at PradoMitsubishi Australia says the fifth-generation Pajero’s higher price reflects its stronger positioning as a premium large off-road SUV.
IT & TELECOM
- Pakistan cuts smartphone import duties as premium handset charges fallPakistan reduces regulatory and additional customs duties on imported mobile phones for FY2026-27, with premium smartphones receiving the largest cut.
- Oppo Find X10 to feature dual 200MP cameras
Find X10 Pro Max will offer three 200MP cameras, OpenGate video and Blackmagic Camera integration - Samsung takes swipe at Apple as iPhone Duo enters foldable market
Samsung, Duolingo and Motorola turn Apple’s first foldable iPhone launch into a playful social-media showdown, highlighting the growing rivalry in the foldable smartphone market. - Apple raises prices of iPhone 17, 17e, Air and iPhone 16
Apple has increased the prices of several existing iPhone models by $100 following the launch of its latest Pro lineup and first foldable iPhone, citing pressure from the global memory supply crunch.