Karachi, April 27, 2026 – Khurram Ijaz, General Secretary of the Businessmen Panel Progressive (BMPP) and former Vice President of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, has strongly criticized the recent increase in the policy rate by the State Bank of Pakistan, calling it counterproductive for economic growth.
(more…)Author: Shahnawaz Akhter
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SBP hikes policy rate to 11.5% as Middle East crisis fuels inflation shock
KARACHI, April 27 – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised its key policy rate by 100 basis points to 11.50% on Monday, warning that intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have significantly heightened risks to inflation, external stability and overall macroeconomic conditions.
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FPCCI pushes SBP for stability, opposes tight monetary policy
Karachi, April 26, 2026 – The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has urged the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to refrain from tightening monetary policy at its upcoming Monetary Policy Committee meeting scheduled for April 27, warning that higher interest rates could undermine fragile economic recovery.
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Petrol price shock: Karachi traders warn of economic fallout as fuel costs surge
KARACHI – Business leaders in Karachi have strongly condemned the government’s sharp increase in petroleum prices, warning it could derail economic recovery and intensify inflationary pressures across Pakistan.
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KTBA raises voice for high earners amid FBR super tax surcharge action
Karachi, April 24, 2026 – The Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) has strongly defended high-income taxpayers against default surcharge proceedings initiated by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), raising concerns over legality, fairness, and economic impact.
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SBP eases import financing rules for oil and LNG amid geopolitical crisis
KARACHI, April 23, 2026 – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has revised key foreign exchange instructions to facilitate the import of crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as Pakistan navigates rising geopolitical tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.
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FBR slashes property valuation rates in five cities to boost real estate activity
ISLAMABAD, April 22, 2026 – Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reduced the valuation of immovable properties by 10% to 30% in five major cities, aiming to align official rates with market values and stimulate real estate transactions.
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Budget 2026–27: Khurram Ijaz calls for bold steps to boost exports
Karachi, April 22, 2026 — Khurram Ijaz, General Secretary of Businessmen Panel Progressive (BMPP) and former Vice President of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, has called on policymakers to present a production-friendly federal budget for 2026–27, emphasizing the need to revive industrial growth and enhance exports.
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FBR capital gains tax surges over Rs100 billion in 9MFY26 on PSX rally
KARACHI, April 21, 2026 — The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has recorded a sharp increase in revenue from capital gains tax during the first nine months of fiscal year 2025–26, driven by strong trading activity at the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
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FBR reports 22% drop in profit-on-debt tax collection amid rate cuts
ISLAMABAD, April 21, 2026 — The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reported a sharp decline in revenue from profit-on-debt, reflecting the impact of sustained monetary easing over the past two years.
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