TOP STORIES
- Pakistan condemns Houthi attack on Madinah power station
Pakistan condemns the September 29 Houthi attack on Madinah’s Taibah power station and reaffirms solidarity with Saudi Arabia. - 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.
FINANCE
- Finance Minister, World Bank review Pakistan economic reform agenda
Talks focus on growth, jobs, revenue mobilisation, capital markets, trade, investment and institutional reforms - 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.
NATIONAL
- Pakistan Customs seizes Rs5.41bn narcotics consignment near M-2
Intelligence-led operation near the M-2 Motorway recovers 1,200kg of charas, poppy seeds and a non-customs-paid vehicle - Finance Minister, World Bank review Pakistan economic reform agendaTalks focus on growth, jobs, revenue mobilisation, capital markets, trade, investment and institutional reforms
- PM Shehbaz orders major overhaul of Railways infrastructure
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directs urgent railway track repairs, improved passenger facilities and reforms to modernise freight services. - 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
TAXATION
- Will FBR enforce restrictions on non-filers’ economic transactions in 2027?Section 114C allows restrictions on major purchases, investments and cash withdrawals, but its enforcement requires a separate government notification.
- How FBR can force you to file an income tax return
Section 114B gives FBR powers to restrict mobile, utility and foreign travel facilities for eligible non-filers after required notices and deadlines. - FBR explains alternative corporate tax rules for Tax Year 2027
FBR clarifies the 17% Alternative Corporate Tax regime, carry-forward of excess tax and exclusions applicable to companies for tax year 2027. - PRA launches Punjab-wide crackdown on E-IMS violations
PRA steps up enforcement against businesses violating electronic invoicing rules, issuing notices and fines across Punjab.
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
- PM Shehbaz orders regulatory reforms to boost investmentGovernment to establish regulatory registry and harmonise business facilitation rules across provinces
- 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.
AUTOMOTIVE
- BYD Pakistan launches limited edition Shark 6 pickup in outback orange
The BYD Shark 6 PHEV is now available in an exclusive Outback Orange exterior shade as a limited-edition offering in Pakistan. - Sazgar to reveal Arcfox brand in Pakistan with 2 new cars: Launch date revealed
Sazgar Engineering Works is preparing to introduce Arcfox in Pakistan with the T1 EV and T5 REEV on October 4, 2026. - Changan Oshan X7 Black Edition launched in Pakistan: Price and booking details revealed
Blacked-out styling, premium interior upgrades and a Sony sound system headline the new Oshan X7 Black Edition. - BYD Shark 6 hacking probe uncovers software defectBYD Australia is preparing a software update for the Shark 6 after a cybersecurity investigation identified an infotainment vulnerability exploited during a televised hacking demonstration.
IT & TELECOM
- Huawei Mate 90 Pro Max supports three active SIMs
Huawei’s latest flagship supports two physical SIMs and one eSIM simultaneously, with a carrier restriction in China. - Apple will replace iPhone Duo’s foldable screen cover for $19.99
AppleCare customers can replace the matte top layer of the foldable display for $19.99, while inner screen repairs cost $99 - 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 cameraHuawei’s new flagship features a 12,000-nit OLED display, 6,800mAh battery and a detachable camera module with 10x continuous optical zoom.