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 …

Tarik Ali Khan, the newly appointed High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division today. The Finance Minister welcomed the High Commissioner and congratulated him on assuming his responsibilities in Islamabad. The Minister shared an overview of Pakistan’s recent economic performance and reform agenda, noting that after …

Pakistan has announced a phased restoration of Afghan Transit Trade through the Chaman border crossing, nearly two weeks after the Bab-e-Dosti gate remained closed, affecting trade flow and perishable goods transport between the two countries. According to a notification issued by the Directorate of Transit Trade (Customs), the movement of returning cargo vehicles will be strictly monitored. Officials said the …

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, met with the Acting High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan, Nicole Guihot, at his office today. The meeting was also attended by Secretary Industries and Production, Saif Anjum, and representatives of the meat exporters’ community. During the meeting, the participants discussed measures to unlock the potential of …

Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has made a significant Rs. 1,102.04 billion (1.10 trillion) recovery in the third quarter of 2025 which is a 242% increase over the previous quarter. This achievement represents an increase of Rs. 645.74 billion from Rs. 456.3 billion recovered in the second quarter, underscoring NAB’s continued resolve …

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain held a meeting with the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Pakistan, H.E. Ali bin Mubarak Al Khater, in Islamabad today. The meeting focused on exploring avenues to deepen agricultural cooperation between Pakistan and Qatar and to transform the brotherly relations between the two nations into strong economic …

Pakistan has emerged as a major target for digital scammers, with citizens losing over $9.3 billion annually to various financial and online fraud schemes, according to a new international report. The Global State of Scams Report 2025, released jointly by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Feedzai, reveals that these losses account for nearly 2.5 percent of Pakistan’s GDP, surpassing one-third …

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has unveiled an ambitious plan to revive the dormant Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) through advanced technology and a new maritime-industrial partnership with the Ministry of Industries and Production. During a high-level meeting with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, who called on the maritime …

The salaried class in Pakistan has contributed Rs130 billion in taxes during the first quarter (July-September) of the current fiscal year 2025-26, twice as much as the combined payments made by traders, wholesalers, and exporters, according to official data from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The report reveals that while the salaried class deposited Rs130 billion into the national …

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held a meeting with the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Raimundas Karoblis, to discuss ongoing cooperation under the GSP Plus framework and explore avenues to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations between Pakistan and the European Union. Welcoming the Ambassador to Pakistan, the Minister appreciated the EU’s continued support and …

The Sindh government has urged the federal government to set the minimum wheat support price at Rs 4,200 per maund, opposing the rate of Rs 3,500 recently approved by the federal cabinet under the new wheat policy. Sindh Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar said that due to IMF conditions, provincial governments are not allowed to independently announce or implement …

Tomatoes have become more expensive than chicken meat in Karachi as prices of the essential kitchen item surged beyond Rs500 per kilogram, while chicken is being sold at Rs450 per kg across the city. According to market surveys, tomatoes are being sold between Rs450 and Rs550 per kg in various neighborhoods and local markets, far above the government’s official rate …

Pakistan’s large-scale manufacturing (LSM) sector maintained a slow but positive growth trend in August 2025, recording a 0.54 percent year-on-year increase in industrial output, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). However, on a month-on-month basis, the report noted a 2.7 percent decline in large-scale industrial production compared to July. During the first two months of the current fiscal …

Pakistan’s used clothing traders have expressed strong resentment over the government’s decision to impose a Rs200 per kilogram tax on the import of second-hand garments, warning that the move will make winter wear unaffordable for low-income families. According to traders, the new tax has significantly increased the cost of used winter clothing, with prices rising by Rs500 to Rs1,500 per …

Inflation in Pakistan continued its upward trend for the third consecutive week, with the prices of 24 essential commodities increasing, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). During the outgoing week, the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) recorded a 0.49% rise, pushing the year-on-year inflation rate to 4.57%. Officials said that the consistent surge reflects …

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to review progress on the Pakistan–Italy agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration in the marble and granite sector. During the meeting, discussions focused on expanding cooperation between Pakistan and Italy to strengthen Pakistan’s marble and granite industry. Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized that …