TOP STORIES
- SBP set to launch new remittance incentive scheme next month
New bank-funded initiative aims to encourage overseas Pakistanis and remittance centres to use formal channels as SBP targets more than $44 billion in inflows. - SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 11.5% amid rising inflation
The State Bank of Pakistan has maintained its policy rate at 11.5%, with the MPC citing rising geopolitical risks, higher commodity prices and persistent supply-side pressures. - Brent crude crosses $108 as Pakistan rolls out Rs100 petrol relief
Global oil prices surge amid Middle East supply concerns as Pakistan launches targeted Rs100-per-litre petrol relief for small-vehicle users. - Pakistan reaffirms full support for Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks
PM Shehbaz Sharif condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia and pledges continued efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
FINANCE
- Pakistan to spend Rs25bn monthly on petrol relief scheme
Petroleum minister says support will target vulnerable motorcycle and rickshaw users as government seeks to contain fuel costs - Finance Minister Aurangzeb, ACCA discuss SME growth and IT skills
Pakistan and ACCA explore cooperation in workforce development, digital transformation, IT services, and improved financing opportunities for SMEs. - Pakistan, Gates Foundation agree to deepen development cooperationTalks focus on health, human capital, financial inclusion, digital innovation and SME financing
- Pakistan expands affordable financing for SMEs, farmers and EV buyersFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reviews progress on SME, agriculture, housing and electric vehicle financing initiatives.
NATIONAL
- Senate panel flags delays in Dasu-Islamabad transmission line, orders urgent action
Senate committee demands faster action on technical issues, forest NOCs and payments as concerns grow over project delays and rising costs. - Pakistan hikes petrol price by Rs38.22, HSD by Rs37.98 in first fortnight of September 2026
Petrol rises to Rs380.24 and HSD to Rs409.42 per litre as international oil prices push Pakistan’s fuel costs sharply higher. - Petrol relief scheme extended to rented motorcycles, rickshaws
Shaza Fatima Khawaja says eligible users of rented motorcycles and rickshaws can benefit from the government’s Rs100-per-litre petrol relief scheme. - Brent crude crosses $108 as Pakistan rolls out Rs100 petrol reliefGlobal oil prices surge amid Middle East supply concerns as Pakistan launches targeted Rs100-per-litre petrol relief for small-vehicle users.
TAXATION
- FBR digital invoicing training held to support business community
Hyderabad Chamber and Cystence Private Limited organize an awareness session to guide traders and industrialists on digital invoicing requirements and software implementation. - FBR imposes special excise duty on imported SUVs and cars for TY2027
Imported SUVs, cars and other specified motor vehicles will face an additional federal excise duty from Tax Year 2027. - FBR announces minimum VAT for imported coal used for electricity generation
FBR cuts minimum value addition tax on imported coal to 1% for direct supplies to IPPs while tightening tax waiver rules for manufacturers. - FBR brings toll manufacturers into sales tax withholding regime
Finance Act 2026 expands sales tax withholding rules to toll manufacturers and brings AoPs and individuals into the wider regime.
MONEY & BANKING
- SBP set to launch new remittance incentive scheme next monthNew bank-funded initiative aims to encourage overseas Pakistanis and remittance centres to use formal channels as SBP targets more than $44 billion in inflows.
- Pakistan banking sector remains resilient despite market volatility: SBP
SBP says banks maintained strong capital buffers, improved asset quality and growing deposits during the first half of 2026 despite heightened global risks. - SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 11.5% amid rising inflationThe State Bank of Pakistan has maintained its policy rate at 11.5%, with the MPC citing rising geopolitical risks, higher commodity prices and persistent supply-side pressures.
- PVARA chief urges UN members to shape the future of digital finance
Bilal Bin Saqib calls for stronger international regulation as digital assets and blockchain reshape global financial systems.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- Industry cries foul as SBP leaves interest rate stuck at 11.5%
FPCCI warns that high borrowing costs, energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty are squeezing manufacturers and undermining exports and investment. - KCCI, LCCI join hands to address business community’s key challenges
Karachi and Lahore chambers agree to strengthen coordination, promote investment, reduce business costs and support export growth. - Khurram Ijaz urges SBP to keep interest rate affordable for businesses
Business leader Khurram Ijaz calls for affordable financing as rising energy costs and a widening trade deficit pressure Pakistan’s businesses. - Private sector repays over Rs370bn in bank loans in first two months of FY27Private-sector borrowers repay around Rs370 billion in bank loans during July-August 2026, signalling greater caution amid higher interest rates and economic uncertainty.
AUTOMOTIVE
- High fuel prices drive below-1,000cc car sales up 89% in 2MFY27
Pakistan’s small-car segment records sharp growth as consumers turn towards fuel-efficient vehicles amid elevated petrol prices and economic uncertainty. - Pakistan cuts sales tax on locally made hybrid cars up to 2000ccThe government has reduced the sales tax rate on locally manufactured hybrid electric vehicles to support the automotive sector and make hybrid cars more affordable.
- KIA Stonic facelift set to launch: Expected updates for Pakistani drivers
Kia Pakistan’s September 18 unveiling at PAPS 2026 has fueled speculation that the upgraded Stonic could enter the local market with refreshed styling, improved technology and advanced safety features. - FBR imposes special excise duty on imported SUVs and cars for TY2027Imported SUVs, cars and other specified motor vehicles will face an additional federal excise duty from Tax Year 2027.
IT & TELECOM
- Senate panel defers Starlink licence issue, seeks clarity on telecom disputes
Senate committee seeks detailed records on Starlink, Jazz tariffs, connectivity, LDI/FLL cases and other telecom-sector issues. - JazzWorld cuts SMS rates by 66% to support Pakistan’s fuel subsidy scheme
JazzWorld reduces corporate SMS charges and provides digital integration support for the government’s targeted fuel relief programme. - FBR permits instalment payments of sales tax on imported mobile phones
FBR introduces an instalment facility for sales tax on imported mobile phones under the revised Ninth Schedule. - iPhone 18 Pro battery capacities revealed by EU energy labels
Apple’s newly published EU Energy Labels reveal the battery capacities of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, including a significant increase for the larger model.