Money and banking drive economic activity by facilitating transactions, savings, and investments. Banks manage financial resources, offer credit, and regulate money supply, ensuring stability and growth in Pakistan’s financial sector.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) significantly expanded its “Go Cashless” campaign during Eid-ul-Azha 2026, accelerating the shift toward digital payments in traditionally cash-heavy cattle markets.
The initiative was rolled out across 123 cattle markets nationwide, compared to 54 markets in 2025, reflecting a major push to promote financial inclusion and reduce reliance on physical currency during high-volume seasonal trade.
(more…)State Bank introduces SAR and AED-denominated certificates to attract more investment from overseas Pakistanis in Gulf countries
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has expanded the Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs) scheme by introducing investment certificates denominated in Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) and UAE Dirham (AED), aiming to attract greater participation from overseas Pakistanis residing in Gulf countries.
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Pakistani currency strengthens 1.25% year-on-year as remittances and policy support offset external sector challenges.
The Pakistani rupee recorded a 1.25% year-on-year gain against the US dollar in May 2026 despite continued external sector pressures and global economic uncertainty.
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Government revises returns on select savings instruments effective May 26 amid changing financial conditions
The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has increased profit rates on several National Savings Schemes and Sarwa Islamic investment products, effective May 26, 2026.
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IMF seeks extensive daily and monthly exchange market data from SBP to strengthen transparency and monitor currency operations
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has intensified oversight of Pakistan’s foreign exchange market under the country’s ongoing bailout programme, requiring the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to provide extensive daily and monthly data on currency market operations.
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New rules allow local intermediaries to process payments for global tech firms under regulated cross-border remittance system
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced a new regulatory framework enabling Pakistani companies to act as intermediaries and aggregators for global digital service providers, including Google LLC, Meta Platforms Inc., Microsoft Corporation and Oracle Corporation.
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New NSRS platform aims to improve transparency and streamline reporting of foreign investment, dividends and disinvestment flows
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a new digital reporting system to streamline the registration and monitoring of foreign shareholding in locally incorporated companies.
(more…)Higher interest rates and cautious investment trends push Pakistan’s banking deposits to historic levels
Bank deposits in Pakistan climbed to a record Rs37.88 trillion by the end of April 2026, according to fresh data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday.
(more…)SBP asks commercial banks to remain open over weekend to facilitate taxpayers in payment of government duties and taxes
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday directed commercial banks to keep designated branches open on May 23 and 24 to facilitate taxpayers in the payment of government duties and taxes.
(more…)State Bank of Pakistan to remain closed from May 26 to May 28 for Eid-ul-Adha holidays
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday announced bank holidays from May 26 to May 28, 2026, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.
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