TOP STORIES
- Shehbaz, Pezeshkian reaffirm close Pakistan-Iran ties
Pakistan and Iran agree to strengthen bilateral cooperation and maintain close coordination on regional peace and security. - PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to IMF reform programme
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to implement IMF-backed reforms as the country moves from macroeconomic stabilisation towards recovery. - ADB maintains Pakistan’s FY2027 growth forecast at 3.7%
The Asian Development Bank expects Pakistan’s economy to grow 3.7% in FY2027, while inflation is projected to rise to 8.3% amid higher energy costs and external risks. - Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia on National Day
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security, while condemning recent attacks against the Kingdom.
FINANCE
- Pakistan seeks US EXIM financing for PIA Aircraft and Reko Diq
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb discusses aircraft procurement, refinery upgrades and Reko Diq financing with US EXIM Bank chief. - SIFC, World Bank discuss reforms to improve Pakistan’s business Environmente
Discussions focus on regulatory simplification, the Asaan Karobar Framework and digital facilitation for businesses. - Aurangzeb highlights digital transformation at DCO dialoguePakistan’s finance minister stresses digital infrastructure, skills development, cashless payments and regulated virtual assets to support sustainable growth.
- ADB maintains Pakistan’s FY2027 growth forecast at 3.7%The Asian Development Bank expects Pakistan’s economy to grow 3.7% in FY2027, while inflation is projected to rise to 8.3% amid higher energy costs and external risks.
NATIONAL
- Government moves to secure uninterrupted fuel supplies amid possible disruptions
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik directs advance stockpiling, rail transportation and crisis coordination as authorities prepare for possible road closures. - Pakistan reduces petrol and diesel prices for September 25, 2026
Petrol price falls by Re0.84 per litre while high-speed diesel becomes Rs2.63 cheaper under the daily petroleum pricing mechanism. - Islamabad enforces Section 144 ahead of PTI September 27 rally
Islamabad has banned public gatherings, rallies and demonstrations for two months as authorities step up security ahead of the PTI’s planned September 27 protest. - Pakistan slashes petrol by Rs1.93 and HSD by Rs4.21 under daily pricing system
Petrol will cost Rs390.12 per litre and high-speed diesel Rs414.75 from September 24 under the government’s new daily fuel pricing mechanism.
TAXATION
- FBR opens tax collection offices on Saturday
FBR directs LTOs, CTOs and RTOs to observe September 26 as a normal working day ahead of the Tax Year 2026 filing deadline. - Pakistan Customs sets new values for imported empty glass bottles
New customs values aim to ensure uniform assessment of duties and taxes and protect government revenue. - Income tax treatment of deceased individual in Tax Year 2027
FBR explains how tax liabilities, estate income and pending proceedings are handled after the death of an individual under Section 87. - How many days’ stay makes you a tax resident in Tax Year 2027?
FBR explains the residency rules for individuals, companies and associations of persons under Sections 81 to 84 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
MONEY & BANKING
- 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. - SECP approves Shaamilkar app for Shariah-compliant SME financing
The digital platform will provide eligible small businesses with Shariah-compliant financing of up to Rs3 million. - FCC dismisses NBP appeal, pensioners entitled to government pension increases
The Federal Constitutional Court’s decision could have financial implications for NBP, although the final impact will depend on the detailed judgment. - SBP clarifies Rs10 banknote discontinuation reports
State Bank of Pakistan says social media reports about the withdrawal and exchange deadline of the Rs10 note are baseless.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- 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. - OICCI Urges Investment and Export Reforms as IMF Team Visits Karachi
Business leaders call for stronger investor confidence, energy security, export growth and structural reforms to support Pakistan’s economy. - SECP highlights corporatisation and REIT opportunities for ABAD membersThe SECP has briefed ABAD members on corporate reforms, digital incorporation and opportunities to establish Real Estate Investment Trusts.
- Senate panel orders Pakistan Steel Mills to submit 2025-26 audit report within one week
A Senate sub-committee has ordered Pakistan Steel Mills to submit its 2025-26 audit report within one week amid security and theft concerns.
AUTOMOTIVE
- GAC Yue 7 launches in China as BYD Ti 7 rival before global debut
GAC’s new plug-in hybrid SUV combines high ground clearance, up to 261 km of electric range and advanced driver-assistance technology. - Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid prices slashed by up to Rs 570,000
Toyota has reduced prices of its Corolla Cross HEV variants after the government lowered sales tax on qualifying locally manufactured hybrid vehicles. - Stonic Turbo S vs Turbo X: Key differences for Pakistani buyers
Kia’s new Stonic facelift brings two turbo variants with identical engines but notable differences in equipment, styling and practicality. - UAF, Nestlé Pakistan sign LoI to upgrade food learning centre
The upgraded facility at NIFSAT will promote industry-focused learning, research, internships and training in food safety, sustainability and emerging technologies.
IT & TELECOM
- Huawei opens national telecom repair center in Islamabad
New facility is designed to expand local technical expertise, speed up equipment repairs and strengthen Pakistan’s telecom network resilience. - PTA begins checks of telecom tower backup systems
Teams are inspecting batteries, generators and solar systems at telecom towers to help maintain mobile services during power outages. - FBR introduces special tax regime for social media income
The FBR has introduced dedicated tax procedures for resident and certain non-resident persons earning income from remunerative social media content. - JazzWorld’s Teknosys secures five honours at P@SHA ICT Awards 2026
Teknosys wins two Gold and three Merit Awards for solutions spanning artificial intelligence, data analytics, finance, marketing and digital entertainment.