The government has issued a new notification announcing changes in petroleum prices across the country. According to the notification, the price of high-speed diesel has been increased by Rs 6 per litre, taking the new rate to Rs 284.44 per litre. Meanwhile, the government has decided to keep the price of petrol unchanged for the next 15 days. The current …

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a follow-up meeting with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) in Islamabad today. This meeting was held a day after his detailed interaction with the SMEs Cluster of Rawalpindi and the President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), where pharmaceutical SMEs …

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan held an important meeting with the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Cluster of Rawalpindi today. The meeting was attended by the President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Usman Shoukat, the Acting CEO of SMEDA Nadia J. Seth, and representatives from the Ministry of Industries …

The federal government of Pakistan has awarded 23 new offshore oil and gas blocks to Mari Energies, officials confirmed. The Petroleum Division had earlier announced successful bids for offshore exploration, attracting submissions for 23 blocks in the sea. Out of these, Mari Energies will operate 18 blocks as the lead operator and hold five blocks as a joint venture partner. …

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has constituted a high-level, multi-agency committee to identify potential sites for the establishment of new deep-sea ports along Pakistan’s extensive coastline, a move aimed at preparing the country for the next century of maritime expansion and economic transformation. In a statement issued on Thursday, the minister said the initiative forms part …

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has authorized the transaction of Standpharm Pakistan (Private) Limited by Crest Garments International (Private) Limited. The transaction forms part of an internal corporate restructuring, as both entities are under the common ownership and management of the same group of individual shareholders. Standpharm Pakistan operates in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, offering a diverse product …

Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, chaired the 3rd Meeting of the Committee on Pakistan-Malaysia Cooperation on Meat Export from Pakistan, emphasizing the need to strengthen Pakistan’s meat export sector and ensure competitive pricing in the Malaysian market. He directed the authorities to form a working group and submit a final report within a week. He also stressed that …

The government reportedly collected an additional Rs110 billion from the petroleum levy between July and September, according to a document of the Ministry of Finance. The media reports told that the Ministry of Finance document shows that Rs371 billion was collected in petroleum levies in the first quarter of the 2025-26 fiscal year, up from Rs261 billion in the same …

Pakistan’s non-tax revenue reached Rs3,046 billion in the first quarter of the 2025-26 fiscal year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Finance. The ministry’s report shows a significant rise in collections from the petroleum levy, which generated Rs371.6 billion from July to September, up from Rs261.68 billion in the same period last year. Additionally, the carbon levy contributed …

Pakistan has received a second shipment of crude oil from the United States, marking a historic start to bilateral oil trade following a major trade agreement. According to media reports, the U.S. oil tanker MT Albani is scheduled to berth at Sanjrego Oil’s terminal on Monday evening. This follows the arrival of the first American tanker, MT Pegasus, on October …

Pakistan has approved two foreign loans worth a total of $100 million aimed at improving tax system performance, enhancing transparency in public spending, and ensuring compliance with laws by government institutions. According to official documents, the World Bank will provide $60 million under the Pakistan Public Resources for Inclusive Development Program, while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will extend $40 …

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has authorized the acquisition of Novartis Pharma (Pakistan) Limited (Novartis Pakistan) by International Investment II Limited (IIL) after completing its Phase-I competition assessment under Section 11 of the Competition Act, 2010 and the Competition (Merger Control) Regulations, 2016. IIL, an investment holding company incorporated in Hong Kong and part of the Getz Group, submitted …

Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, held a productive meeting with the UK’s Minister of State for Trade Policy, Chris Bryant, to advance Pakistan–UK economic cooperation under the recently signed Pakistan–UK Trade Dialogue Mechanism. According to official statement, Minister Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed that Pakistan and the United Kingdom share a deep, historic bond rooted in longstanding …

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Thursday that Pakistan’s seas, long under-utilized, are now central to the nation’s economic vision and climate-resilient maritime growth strategy. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Pakistan International Maritime Exhibition and Conference 2025 (PIMEC), the flagship event of Pakistan Maritime Week, Junaid Chaudhry reaffirmed the government’s resolve to turn …

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, has called for a fundamental shift from reactive policymaking to a forward-looking, reform-driven approach aimed at stabilizing Pakistan’s economy, restoring investor confidence, and setting a sustainable course for growth. Addressing the inaugural session of The Future Summit’ s 9th Edition in Karachi, he outlined the government’s commitment to structural reforms, fiscal …

The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), under its RASTA Competitive Grants Programme, organized a seminar on “Automotive Value Chains in Pakistan” featuring Dr. Muhammad Shafaat Nawaz, RASTA Fellow and Fulbright Scholar, moderated by Dr. Usman Qadir, Senior Research Economist and Director (CITDE), PIDE. Dr. Nawaz presented findings from his doctoral research on OEM-mediated Global Production Networks (GPNs) in Pakistan’s …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s headline inflation, measured by Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 6.2 percent in October, up from 5.6 percent in September, official data showed. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), urban inflation reached 6 percent in October, up from 5.5 percent in September, while rural inflation rose to 6.6 percent compared with 5.8 percent in the previous …

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a high-level meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on Meat Export to Malaysia. During the meeting, four working groups established earlier under the committee presented their reports. Senior officials from the Ministries of Commerce, Industries, and Food, along with representatives from both public and private sectors, …

Bread makers across Rawalpindi launched a citywide strike on Wednesday to protest the sharp rise in wheat flour and fine flour (maida) prices, forcing the closure of tandoors and disrupting routine life in the city. According to reports, all small and large tandoors across the district remained shut, severely affecting small hotels, tea stalls, and restaurants. At several locations, tea …

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Romanian Ambassador Dr. Dan Stoenescu discussed closer cooperation between Karachi Port and Romania’s Port of Constanța, focusing on logistics integration, trade facilitation, and regional connectivity. Rear Admiral Atiq-ur-Rehman, Acting Chairman of the Karachi Port Trust, also attended the meeting. The minister said Pakistan wants to play a bigger role in …

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has described the blue economy as a game changer for Pakistan’s future growth, underscoring its potential to reach USD 100 billion by 2047 and reaffirming the government’s commitment to policy continuity, investment facilitation, and sustainable maritime development. He made this statement while delivering a virtual address today as the Chief Guest …

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan represented Pakistan at the 41st Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), being held in Istanbul from 1–4 November 2025. In his opening remarks, Jam Kamal Khan underscored the urgent need for enhanced economic cooperation, digital integration, and sustainable development among OIC …

Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan held a meeting with Türkiye’s Minister of Trade, Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, in Istanbul on the sidelines of the 41st Session of the Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC). During the meeting, both ministers discussed avenues to further strengthen trade and economic cooperation between the two brotherly nations. The Turkish Trade Minister, …

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Monday said that Port Qasim will undergo major modernization to help generate at least half of Pakistan’s $100 billion revenue target, highlighting its expanding role as a key industrial and trade hub. Speaking as chief guest at a ceremony marking Port Qasim’s recognition as the world’s ninth most improved container …

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has released a report titled “Competition Assessment Study of the Steel Sector in Pakistan,” highlighting key competition-related challenges faced by the industry. The study underscores the absence of a national steel policy and recommends the establishment of a dedicated Steel Ministry, citing successful models from China and India. Pakistan’s manufacturing sector has remained a …

Sugar prices reportedly have surged to as high as Rs210 per kilogram in several cities across Pakistan, with Sargodha witnessing a sharp increase of Rs23 per kg within a week, according to official and market reports. Government documents earlier recorded a slight decline, stating that the average national retail price of sugar fell by Rs0.12 per kg last week, bringing …

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has barred the Peshawar Cantonment Board from issuing property tax notices to the Evacuee Trust Property (ETP) Board, suspending a ruling of the Peshawar High Court (PHC). A five-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan heard the case. During the proceedings, the apex court suspended the PHC decision and also issued a notice to …

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, held a meeting with Barneby Plowright, a leading gemstones exporter, in Islamabad on Friday to discuss the formulation of the upcoming National Gemstones Policy. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to strengthen Pakistan’s gemstone sector through policy reforms, formalisation, and international collaboration. The Special Assistant also …

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) held an awareness session on Competition Law at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), to educate students on the principles of fair market competition and consumer protection. The session began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by welcome remarks from Dr. Aziz-ur-Rehman, Director, School of Law, QAU, who highlighted the importance of Competition Law in …

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries Haroon Akhtar Khan co-chaired a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Commerce to review policy measures for the automotive sector, regulation of used car imports, and facilitation for local manufacturers and genuine overseas Pakistanis. The meeting was attended by delegations from the Pakistan Automotive …

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved Petroleum Exploration Limited (PEL) to acquire additional shareholding in three oil and gas companies. According to the CCP PEL has been granted approval to purchase shares in PKP Kirthar, PKP Exploration II and PKP Kandhkot Limited. According to the CCP, the transaction does not pose any risk of creating a monopoly in …

Pakistan imported mobile phones worth $500 million during the first three months of the current fiscal year, reflecting a sharp rise in demand and import activity. According to official documents, mobile phone imports increased by 103% in the first quarter of FY2025-26 compared to the same period last year. On a monthly basis, imports rose 28.58% in September 2025. Data …

Pakistan has received its first-ever shipment of US crude oil under a new trade agreement between Islamabad and Washington, marking a significant milestone in bilateral energy cooperation. According to a statement issued by refinery officials, a fully loaded US crude oil tanker arrived at the Cinergico Oil Terminal in Hub carrying 1 million barrels of crude oil. The shipment is …

The Punjab government has moved to overhaul its mining and minerals regulatory system by introducing a new comprehensive legal framework aimed at boosting domestic and foreign investment in the sector. The Punjab Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 was tabled in the Punjab Assembly, proposing a modern licensing regime for mining operations across the province. According to the draft bill, a …

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has so far received 5.5 million income tax returns for the current fiscal year, out of which around 33% show zero or nominal income, according to FBR officials. Officials describe as an alarming trend, nearly 1 million taxpayers have reported lower incomes compared to the previous year, triggering serious concerns over potential tax evasion. …

German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel, along with Arno Kirchof, Deputy Head of Mission, and Janine Rohwer, Economic Counselor, called on Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani at the Ministry of Finance to discuss further strengthening bilateral ties and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Germany. Minister of State Bilal Kayani said that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif …

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a meeting with the Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC) in Islamabad today. The meeting focused on discussions regarding the quality and export potential of marble produced in Pakistan, with comparisons drawn to international standards, including those of Italy. Haroon Akhtar Khan highlighted that Pakistan’s marble industry …

The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), in collaboration with Islamic Relief Pakistan, hosted a Talanoa Dialogue titled “Collaborative Climate Action for a Resilient Pakistan,” bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss climate resilience, adaptation, and sustainable development. Moderated by Dr. Khurram Ellahi, Assistant Professor at PIDE, the dialogue introduced the Talanoa framework, which promotes a participatory, story-based approach …

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi met Türkiye’s Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu on the sidelines of the Regional Transport Ministers Conference 2025 in Islamabad. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in railway development, logistics connectivity, and establishing a modern transport network. Abbasi stated that Pakistan and Türkiye have shared decades-long brotherly ties, which are now expanding …

The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) hosted a delegation from the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) for an interactive session aimed at fostering collaboration in research, policy dialogue, and institutional development. The session was led by Dr. Shujaat Farooq, Dean of Research at PIDE, who welcomed the participants and highlighted PIDE’s legacy as Pakistan’s premier economic think tank and the …