TOP STORIES
- Brent crude oil surges above $105 as Middle East tensions escalate
International oil prices jump more than 5% as escalating Middle East tensions raise fears of further supply disruptions. - Govt raises electricity tariff by Rs1.11 per unit for August FCA
NEPRA approves a Rs1.1086 per-unit positive fuel charges adjustment for August 2026, to be recovered from eligible consumers in October bills. - Pakistan likely to receive $1.21 billion after successful IMF talks
IMF staff-level agreement covers the fourth EFF review and third RSF review, subject to Executive Board approval, unlocking about $1 billion and $210 million respectively. - Pakistan E&P earnings surge as super tax reversals boost FY26 profitsOGDC, PPL, Mari Petroleum and POL reverse Rs77.8 billion in prior-year super tax provisions, lifting combined reported profit growth to 30.9%
FINANCE
- ECC approves investment of export development fund in government securities
The committee also approved several financial allocations and reforms covering SMEs, railways, elections, sports, agriculture and revenue automation. - Finance Ministry clarifies Rs10.1 trillion SOE debt figure
Ministry says the figure reflects total interest-bearing obligations of federal SOEs, not fresh bank borrowing - Pakistan, Bahrain agree to finalise FTA with GCC
The two countries also target doubling bilateral trade within three years while expanding cooperation in investment, energy, agriculture, IT and logistics. - Pakistan likely to receive $1.21 billion after successful IMF talksIMF staff-level agreement covers the fourth EFF review and third RSF review, subject to Executive Board approval, unlocking about $1 billion and $210 million respectively.
NATIONAL
- Govt raises electricity tariff by Rs1.11 per unit for August FCANEPRA approves a Rs1.1086 per-unit positive fuel charges adjustment for August 2026, to be recovered from eligible consumers in October bills.
- PM Shehbaz directs ministries to accelerate digital data integration
Prime minister orders federal ministries to digitise relevant data and ensure its timely transfer to the central data centre under the Digital Nation Pakistan initiative. - Pakistan raises petrol price by Rs1.82, cuts HSD by 91 paisas
Petrol rises to Rs396.65 per litre while high-speed diesel falls to Rs394.94 under the new daily fuel pricing mechanism. - Senate panel pushes faster gasification of villages near gas fields
Committee seeks early ECC funding, cost review and province-wise report on delayed gasification projects.
TAXATION
- FBR sets up media coordination unit to strengthen media engagement
The Federal Board of Revenue has constituted a dedicated Media Coordination Unit to improve interaction with the media, strengthen public communication and ensure timely dissemination of information about tax policies, reforms and taxpayer facilitation measures. - FBR issues guidelines for suspension of Customs officials
Customs field formations must establish a strong prima facie case and valid grounds before forwarding suspension cases to the FBR Board. - FBR allows electricity units declaration for steel sector sales tax
The new IRIS facility will allow steel melters and re-rollers to declare verified electricity consumption when DISCOs fail to report supplies or file returns late. - PRA records 31% revenue growth in first quarter of FY27
Punjab Revenue Authority collects Rs87 billion in Q1 of FY27, up from Rs66.3 billion a year earlier, setting a new quarterly tax collection record.
MONEY & BANKING
- SBP reserves rise $15 million to $21.45 billion
Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves reached $26.80 billion in the week ended October 2, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. - Pakistani rupee ends slightly stronger against US dollar on October 8
The rupee gains one paisa to close at Rs277.01 per US dollar in the interbank market amid steady foreign exchange inflows. - SBP financial inclusion index rises to 59.5 in 2025
Pakistan’s Financial Inclusion Index improves from 58.1 in 2024, driven by stronger digital payments, account access and financial literacy. - SBP introduces SOPs to invest in Naya Pakistan certificates
The central bank has issued procedures for agent banks to remit the face value of UAE dirham-denominated Naya Pakistan Certificates through a designated SBP account in Dubai.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- PM Shehbaz orders measures to expand finance for housing, agriculture and SMEs
Prime minister directs authorities to remove lending bottlenecks and make the SME Portal operational by November to improve access to credit. - SBP clears export of 200,000 tonnes of sugar under new quota
Central bank sets payment, shipping and reporting conditions for sugar exports approved by the ECC and Federal Cabinet. - Pakistan secures additional 70,000-tonne rice export deal with Malaysia
Additional rice exports to Malaysia are expected to boost foreign exchange earnings, support farmers and strengthen Pakistan’s export-led growth strategy. - Pakistan exports rise 11% to $8.42 billion in 1QFY27
Pakistan’s exports increased by 11% in the first quarter of FY27, but faster import growth pushed the trade deficit to $10.79 billion.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Suzuki e-Sky uses BYD battery to cut electric vehicle costs
Suzuki’s newly launched e-Sky relies on BYD’s LFP battery technology while targeting the most affordable position in Japan’s Kei EV market. - New updates in Toyota Corolla facelift explained as enthusiasts await price announcement
The facelift brings exterior, interior, lighting, connectivity and convenience upgrades while Toyota Corolla prices remain awaited. - Kia Sorento enters new price bracket as LMC unveils limited-time hybrid deal
Revised pricing gives Sorento hybrid buyers savings of up to Rs2.5 million - BYD Racco EV set for wider RHD market expansion
BYD is preparing to take its compact Racco electric car beyond its original market, with launches planned for two new destinations.
IT & TELECOM
- Updated price of Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max from October 8, 2026
PTA-approved iPhone 18 Pro Max is available in four storage options, with prices ranging from Rs605,000 to Rs1.115 million. - Samsung may cut smartphone production by up to 30%
Samsung is reportedly asking suppliers to reduce production volumes as rising memory chip costs put pressure on its smartphone business. - WhatsApp tests dedicated Contacts tab on Android
WhatsApp is testing a new Contacts tab that brings online status, birthdays and contact search into one dedicated section. - Xbox confirms GTA 6 will not stream to PC at launch
Xbox has clarified that PC players will not be able to access GTA 6 through Xbox Cloud Gaming when the game launches in November 2026.