The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) is grappling with a deep financial crisis after the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) withdrew a total of Rs2.307 billion from its bank accounts in recent weeks under the head of income tax. The deductions have stalled ongoing development projects and disrupted salary payments for staff across the country. According to media reports, ETPB’s …

Pakistan’s trade deficit has widened significantly in the first five months of the current fiscal year 2025-26, driven by rising imports and declining exports, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). From July to November 2025, the trade deficit increased by 37.17 percent, reaching $15.47 billion. On a year-on-year basis, November alone saw the trade deficit rise 32.79 percent, …

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held a productive meeting today with Eng. Ahmed Elsewedy, President and CEO of Elsewedy Electric, one of Egypt’s leading multinational industrial groups. According to an official statement, Eng. Ahmed Elsewedy expressed satisfaction with the company’s current investment in Pakistan. The Minister apprised the Elsewedy leadership of the significant growth potential in Pakistan’s mining …

The Ministry of Finance has released its monthly economic outlook report, projecting inflation in Pakistan to remain between 5 and 6 percent during November, while signaling a cautiously positive economic scenario. The report noted pressure on food prices and agricultural output, though industrial activity is gradually improving. It highlighted that ongoing economic reforms are bringing stability to economic activities, and …

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) fell short of its tax collection target in November, collecting Rs878 billion against a target of Rs1,034 billion, resulting in a shortfall of Rs156 billion, sources said. Officials indicated that daily collections could reduce the deficit by about Rs5 billion. For December, the FBR has set a tax collection target of Rs1,406 billion. Sources …

Inflation in Pakistan is accelerating again, with the weekly inflation rate rising by 0.73 percent and the annual inflation reaching 4.32 percent, according to the latest report from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The weekly price review shows that 14 essential items became more expensive, while prices of 12 items fell, and 25 items remained stable. Notably, tomatoes fell …

Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, met with Türkiye’s Minister of Trade, Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, on the sidelines of the 5th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Commerce and Foreign Trade, held in Istanbul. During the meeting, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye and expressed satisfaction over the growing, multifaceted cooperation between …

Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI), Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, held a landmark meeting today with the Chairperson of NAVTCC, Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Executive Director of PODA, Sameena Nazir, and renowned artist Asmaa Zia. The meeting highlighted the pivotal role of women in Pakistan’s socio-economic development, explored avenues for woman-led entrepreneurship and skill-based investment, and marked the purchase of an …

Pakistan and Nigeria held a high-level meeting at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja today to strengthen economic cooperation, deepen trade and investment ties, and foster closer bilateral relations. The discussions were hosted by His Excellency Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, and attended by Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime …

A high-level meeting finalized Pakistan’s comprehensive meat export plan to Malaysia, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The session was jointly chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan. Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry …

Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, representing Pakistan on the special nomination of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, delivered Pakistan’s statement at the 5th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Commerce and Foreign Trade, convened in Istanbul after a fourteen-year interval. The meeting gathered senior officials and ministers from ECO member states to advance regional trade, connectivity, and economic integration. In his …

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has announced that the government has abolished 54,000 vacant posts across various departments, a move that he said will save the national exchequer Rs56 billion annually. He added that the process of merging and restructuring several ministries and divisions is also under way as part of broader fiscal reforms. Speaking at an event organised by the …

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced that all major tax offices across the country will remain open on Saturday, November 29, 2025, to facilitate taxpayers and ensure smooth collection of duties and taxes. According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the decision applies to all Large Taxpayer Offices (LTOs), Medium Taxpayer Offices (MTOs), Corporate Tax Offices (CTOs) …

Pakistan has launched its first-ever public-private genomics joint venture, a major step toward building the country’s scientific and technological capacity. The initiative aims to boost agricultural innovation, strengthen national research institutions and support healthcare through locally developed genomic research and diagnostics. The venture is a collaboration between the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), PARC–Agro Tech Company (PATCO) …

The Dubai Airshow 2025 has set a new global aviation record by securing deals worth more than US $202 billion, nearly double the volume recorded in 2023. According to the UAE news agency, the Airshow regarded as one of the world’s largest aviation events that drew around 248,000 attendees, including aviation professionals, industry experts and tourists. More than 1,500 exhibitors …

The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has attributed the recent rise in sugar prices to the closure of FBR portals, government-imposed dealer controls, and restrictions on inter-provincial movement of sugar. In an official statement issued on Monday, the association said the industry had repeatedly warned that shutting down the FBR monitoring portals would reduce supply in the market. According to …

Pakistan’s cabinet committee on Monday approved a series of key appointments and the reconstitution of boards in major state-owned enterprises, officials said. The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, was attended by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi, secretaries of relevant …

Imports of vehicle assembly kits in Pakistan have surged 123% compared to last year, driving increased activity in the local auto market, official data shows. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), local car manufacturers imported $62.8 million worth of assembly kits (SKD/CKD) during the first four months of the current fiscal year, up from the previous year. Meanwhile, …

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, today met a 13-member delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) of Nigeria, led by Barrister Imo Effiong Akpan, Federal Commissioner. Senior officials of the Finance and Revenue Division were also present during the meeting. The Finance Minister welcomed the delegation and expressed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding institutional …

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a total loan of $330 million for Pakistan’s second Power Transmission Strengthening Project. According to ADB, the project is part of the Government of Pakistan’s priority investments, aimed at expanding the national transmission network and efficiently delivering low-cost hydro and renewable energy to major load centers across the country. Under the project, a …

Pakistan has successfully produced and delivered large-scale, environmentally friendly Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) for the first time, meeting the standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), officials said. According to a government statement, 8,722 metric tons of VLSFO were shipped from Karachi Port to a bunker barge in Singapore operated by Vitol, marking a significant milestone for the …

Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, inaugurated the Pakistan Energy & Exhibition Conference 2025 (PEEC-2025) today in Islamabad, formally opening the exhibition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. During the event, the Minister addressed the media and emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s energy sector and promoting investment. In his address, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh highlighted that modern technology …

Pakistan has witnessed the registration of 14,802 new companies in the first four months of the current fiscal year, reflecting a notable expansion in business activity and investment opportunities, officials said. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the country now has a total of 272,918 registered companies. The IT and e-commerce sector led the growth, contributing …

Pakistan has issued its first-ever bunkering license, marking the official launch of international-standard bunkering services at Karachi Port, Maritime Affairs Minister Mohammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Tuesday. The minister said multiple international companies have expressed strong interest in acquiring bunkering licenses, signaling potential billions in revenue for Pakistan’s ports in the future. Under the new service, ships calling at …

After a surge in sugar prices across Pakistan, the federal government reportedly has decided to fully deregulate the sugar sector, allowing market forces to determine imports and exports, officials said. According to media reports, sugar prices have reached Rs 230 per kilogram in Quetta, while in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar, rates range between Rs 190 and Rs 200 per kilogram. …

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 …