Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday outlined an improving economic outlook and ongoing reform agenda, saying recent policy measures have helped restore investor confidence and reopen access to international capital markets.
(more…)Author: Mrs. Anjum Shahnawaz
-
Kayani urges traders to register, file taxes to widen tax base
ISLAMABAD, April 17, 2026 — Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani on Friday urged traders across Pakistan to ensure tax registration and timely filing, calling it essential for broadening the country’s narrow tax base and strengthening fiscal stability.
(more…) -
Pakistan cuts diesel prices soon after Hormuz reopening
ISLAMABAD, April 17, 2026 — Pakistan reduced diesel prices on Friday following a sharp drop in global oil markets after Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route, officials said.
(more…) -
Weekly inflation falls 0.69% but remains elevated at 12.16% YoY
ISLAMABAD, April 17, 2026 — Pakistan’s weekly inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), declined 0.69% in the week ending April 16, helped by a sharp cut in petroleum prices, but remained elevated at 12.16% year-on-year, official data showed on Friday.
(more…) -
Pakistan urges safe passage in Hormuz, backs diplomacy to end conflict
UNITED NATIONS, April 17, 2026 — Pakistan called on the international community to ensure the security of ships and crew in the Strait of Hormuz and restore normal maritime traffic, warning that ongoing disruptions are inflicting widespread economic damage beyond the Middle East.
(more…) -
Aurangzeb seeks faster Panda bond approval in talks with China central bank
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2026 — Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held talks with the governor of China’s central bank on Thursday, seeking expedited approval for Islamabad’s planned Panda bond issuance and reaffirming economic cooperation between the two countries, the finance ministry said.
(more…) -
Pakistan receives $2bn Saudi inflow ahead of UAE repayment
Pakistan has received a $2 billion deposit from Saudi Arabia, providing crucial support to its foreign exchange reserves ahead of a $3.5 billion repayment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later this month, officials said on Thursday.
(more…) -
Heavy rain batters Islamabad as storm system persists
ISLAMABAD, April 17, 2026 — Heavy rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and strong winds continued to lash Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Friday, as a powerful weather system moved across northern and north-eastern parts of Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said.
(more…) -
Pakistan March fuel imports surge despite Hormuz disruption
ISLAMABAD, April 16, 2026 — Pakistan recorded a sharp increase in petroleum imports in March 2026 despite global supply disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, official data showed on Thursday.
(more…) -
Pakistan textile exports fall 7% in March amid Hormuz disruption
ISLAMABAD, April 16, 2026 — Pakistan’s textile exports declined 7% year-on-year in March 2026, hit by shipping disruptions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, official data showed on Thursday.
(more…)