TOP STORIES
- Pakistan’s imports from Saudi Arabia fall 18.55% in 1QFY27
Pakistan’s import payments to Saudi Arabia decline to $720 million in July–September FY27 amid Middle East tensions and shipping disruptions. - PM Shehbaz launches scheme to distribute 500,000 Chromebooks
The two-year initiative will provide merit-based devices with MiFi internet connectivity to deserving students, with an estimated 2.5 million family members also set to benefit. - SBP revises equity investment limits for banks and DFIs
The central bank updates Prudential Regulation R-6, setting investment caps for individual companies, startups, mutual funds, REITs and private equity funds. - BOA approves Karachi Industrial Park as federal special economic zone
The Board of Approvals also endorses criteria for government-funded utilities in privately established zones and a long-term land lease policy for public-sector industrial estates in Punjab.
FINANCE
- Pakistan targets $5.5 billion IT exports and $44 billion remittancesFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says structural reforms, lower energy costs, tax improvements and private investment are central to achieving sustainable, export-led economic growth.
- Pakistan, Canada conclude third round of investment treaty talks
The negotiations aim to establish a transparent investment framework, boost investor confidence and expand Canadian investment in Pakistan’s renewable energy, mining, agriculture and IT sectors. - BOA approves Karachi Industrial Park as federal special economic zoneThe Board of Approvals also endorses criteria for government-funded utilities in privately established zones and a long-term land lease policy for public-sector industrial estates in Punjab.
- Shehbaz Sharif seeks global expertise to accelerate economic reforms
Prime Minister tells Alvarez & Marsal executive that Pakistan is pursuing export-led growth, stronger manufacturing, foreign investment and privatisation to boost economic performance.
NATIONAL
- Pakistan discontinues machine-readable passports, switches to e-passports
Passport offices nationwide and Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad will issue only e-passports from October 23, 2026, while existing machine-readable passports remain valid until expiry. - Pakistan inflation surges to 11.85% Year-on-Year, PBS weekly data shows
Weekly inflation rises 0.65% as LPG, chicken and onions become more expensive, while tomato and fuel prices decline. - PM Shehbaz approves restructuring of livestock board
The prime minister orders merit-based appointments, a nationwide foot-and-mouth disease eradication plan and the establishment of a livestock vaccine production plant in Islamabad. - Pakistan raises diesel price by Rs1.91 per litre
Petrol remains unchanged at Rs377.71 per litre, while high-speed diesel rises to Rs393.66 until October 26 under the government’s daily fuel pricing mechanism.
TAXATION
- FBR says only timely filers will be included in ATL
Taxpayers who missed the October 31, 2026, deadline for Tax Year 2026 may face surcharges to enter the Active Taxpayers List, alongside restrictions on refunds and loss adjustments. - Income tax penalties require written orders: FBR
Section 181 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 requires a written order from the relevant tax authority or appellate forum and an opportunity for taxpayers to be heard before penalties are imposed. - FBR prescribes penalties on withholding agents in Tax Year 2027
FBR sets a Rs50,000 penalty for certain late withholding statements, while other defaults may attract fines of Rs2,500 per day, subject to a minimum of Rs10,000. - FBR sets penalties for return filing failure in Tax Year 2027
FBR rules prescribe daily fines for late income tax returns, with minimum penalties of Rs10,000 for eligible salaried individuals and Rs50,000 for other cases.
MONEY & BANKING
- SBP revises capital rules for banks’ mutual fund investments
The revised framework introduces three approaches for calculating capital requirements on fund investments, with banks and development finance institutions required to comply from December 31, 2026. - SBP revises equity investment limits for banks and DFIsThe central bank updates Prudential Regulation R-6, setting investment caps for individual companies, startups, mutual funds, REITs and private equity funds.
- MCB Bank reports Rs16.1bn profit in third quarter of 2026
MCB Bank posts 7% year-on-year earnings growth to Rs13.65 per share, announces Rs9 interim dividend and records deposits of Rs3.1 trillion. - Meezan Bank profit rises 27% to Rs25.6 billion in Q3
Meezan Bank reports higher quarterly earnings on deposit growth and improved spreads, while announcing a cash dividend of Rs8 per share.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- Pakistan, Qatar explore new trade and investment opportunities
The two countries review cooperation in agriculture, electric vehicles, IT, maritime transport and infrastructure, while seeking progress on the GCC free trade agreement. - PM Shehbaz Calls for Stronger Role of Export-Based IndustriesPrime Minister forms committee to review LCCI proposals aimed at resolving industrial challenges, boosting production and creating jobs.
- Haroon Akhtar chairs task force meeting to boost Pakistan’s exports
The government seeks actionable proposals from leather, sports goods, cutlery and carpet industries to improve competitiveness, revive industrial activity and expand international markets. - Khurram Ijaz warns policy rate hike will further increase cost of production
Calls on SBP to carefully assess inflationary pressures ahead of October 26 monetary policy announcement
AUTOMOTIVE
- Isuzu D-Max facelift unveiled with powerful new Bi-Turbo engine
Isuzu introduces subtle exterior changes to its D-Max pickup and MU-X SUV in Thailand, alongside a new 2.2-litre bi-turbo diesel engine producing 150kW and 500Nm of torque. - Royal Power RPX 70cc specifications revealed ahead of launch in Pakistan
The upcoming motorcycle features a Euro 2 engine, a reinforced frame, Japanese-standard parts and multiple quality-control checks across key components. - Geely Pakistan launches three new models, prices yet to be announced
The newly introduced lineup includes the Geely EX5 EV, EX2 EV, and Starray EM-R REEV, with specifications highlighting electric performance, driving range, and advanced safety features. - BYD’s ultra-luxury sedan spotted ahead of launch
The upcoming flagship, reportedly priced above 2 million yuan, features an upright front design, coach doors and roof-mounted LiDAR, while its powertrain and battery details remain undisclosed.
IT & TELECOM
- PM Shehbaz launches scheme to distribute 500,000 ChromebooksThe two-year initiative will provide merit-based devices with MiFi internet connectivity to deserving students, with an estimated 2.5 million family members also set to benefit.
- FBR issues procedure for sales tax payment in instalment on imported mobile phones
The new procedure allows eligible individuals to pay sales tax on imported mobile phones in monthly instalments, but missed payments can result in device blocking and immediate recovery of the outstanding amount. - WhatsApp tests dedicated Instagram reels sharing shortcut
The new feature in WhatsApp’s Android beta introduces a dedicated chat attachment shortcut, allowing users to share recently viewed, saved and liked Instagram Reels. - OpenAI partners with Google Cloud to expand AI model access
The partnership will allow enterprise customers to access OpenAI’s latest models through Google Cloud Marketplace and use existing cloud spending commitments to pay for them.