TOP STORIES
- 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. - Discovery of hidden money to be treated under faceless audit: FBRThe FBR has introduced a National Faceless Centre to handle audits, assessments and cases involving undisclosed income and assets under a digital framework.
- Middle East conflict wipes out over Rs140bn in Pakistan tax revenue
FBR estimates Rs144bn revenue loss in July-September as energy disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz weigh on economic activity and tax collection.
FINANCE
- 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. - High global oil prices remain key risk to Pakistan’s economic outlook
Finance Ministry warns higher oil costs could fuel inflation, weaken purchasing power and widen the import bill despite improving economic activity. - Pakistan unveils strategic plan to deepen local currency bond market
Government sets out reforms to improve government securities trading, broaden the investor base, strengthen repo markets and modernise financial infrastructure. - Pakistan needs Rs28.65 trillion financing in FY27: Finance MinistryAnnual Borrowing Plan projects Rs7.02 trillion fiscal deficit and outlines greater reliance on long-term bonds, Sukuk and market-based external financing.
NATIONAL
- Government cuts petrol price by 14 paisas for October 1
Petrol will now cost Rs387.40 per litre, while high-speed diesel is reduced by Rs1.89 to Rs400.35 under the revised daily pricing mechanism. - Pakistan increases petrol by Rs45.52 and HSD by Rs30.80 in September 2026
Petrol climbs Rs45.52 per litre and HSD rises Rs30.80 as higher import costs push domestic fuel prices upwards. - 21 new rescue and firefighting vehicles arrive in Pakistan after 17 years
New fleet from China will strengthen emergency response services in Islamabad with advanced firefighting and rescue capabilities. - Karachi to get Pakistan’s largest Interior Ministry facilitation centreThe new Grand Facilitation Centre will bring passport, CNIC, arms licence and NOC services under one roof.
TAXATION
- 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.
- FBR extends sales tax return filing deadline to October 2
The extension covers DISCOs, K-Electric and specified taxpayers, but sales tax liabilities must still be paid within the original due date. - RTO Hyderabad records 18% growth in first quarter revenue
Regional Tax Office Hyderabad collects Rs28.788 billion during the first quarter of FY2026-27, with strong gains in Sales Tax and Federal Excise Duty. - FBR extends Income Tax Return filing deadline to October 15Taxpayers who were required to submit their Tax Year 2026 returns by September 30 will now have additional time to file.
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 $21.4bn
Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves reached $26.81 billion during the week ended September 18, according to the central bank.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- 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. - Pakistan, European Parliament delegation discuss human rights, GSP+
Azam Nazeer Tarar briefs MEPs on Pakistan’s legal framework and cyber laws as both sides call for greater dialogue and parliamentary engagement.
AUTOMOTIVE
- 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. - Indus Motor says competitors are misclassifying REEVs to avail lower GST rates
Toyota Indus Motor Company raises concerns over the classification of range-extended electric vehicles, while expecting the FBR to resolve the issue and ensure a level playing field for automakers.
IT & TELECOM
- Jazz offers 1TB free data with Apple iPhone 18 Pro
Customers buying the iPhone 18 Pro from Rs565,000 can receive 1TB of Jazz 5G data valid for one year. - Latest prices of iPhone 18 Pro Max from October 1, 2026
PTA-approved iPhone 18 Pro Max prices range from Rs605,000 to Rs1.115 million across four storage variants - Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and S12+ debut with Dimensity 9500
Samsung’s latest flagship tablets bring AMOLED displays, Android 17, Galaxy AI and up to 1TB of storage - Xiaomi 18 tipped with dual 200MP cameras and 7,200mAh battery
The standard Xiaomi 18 is reportedly set to launch in China in December with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset and 6.4-inch display.