ISLAMABAD: Pakistan plans to import 350,000 tonnes of sugar in two phases via its state-owned Trading Corporation to stabilise domestic prices, the National Food Security Ministry said Wednesday, as retail rates climb to nearly Rs200 per kilogram in some regions.
Macro
Nepra slashes fuel costs for KE, ex-Discos power consumers in July
ISLAMABAD: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has rolled out substantial fuel cost reductions for electricity consumers, delivering a financial breather in the July billing cycle for customers of K-Electric (KE) and ex-Wapda distribution companies (Discos).
Pakistan, Turkiye to set up special economic zone, target $5 billion trade
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye are planning to establish a Special Economic Zone in Karachi for Turkish entrepreneurs and aim to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion, as part of a broader push to deepen cooperation in energy, defense, and strategic infrastructure amid growing regional instability, officials said.
Dubai Islamic Bank seals $1 billion Islamic finance deal with Pakistan
KARACHI: Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC (DIB), the largest lender in the United Arab Emirates, has finalized a $1 billion syndicated term finance facility with the Government of Pakistan, a deal signaling fresh confidence in the country’s economic rebound and boosting the global reach of Shariah-compliant funding.
Pakistan’s remittance inflows hit record $38.3 billion in FY25
KARACHI: Pakistan’s inflow of overseas workers’ remittances surged to a record $38.3 billion in fiscal year 2024-25, a 27% jump from the previous year, offering a lifeline to the nation’s economy as it navigates persistent challenges, data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) showed on Wednesday.
Pakistan approves four bidders for stake in debt-laden PIA
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has cleared four parties, including prominent business groups and a military-backed conglomerate, to bid for a controlling stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), advancing a high-stakes privatization tied to a $7 billion International Monetary Fund bailout.
Pakistan accelerates debt retirements, cuts debt‑to‑GDP to 69 percent in FY25
KARACHI: The government has retired Rs1.5 trillion in public debt ahead of schedule in fiscal year 2025, a move that slashed the debt-to-GDP ratio to 69% from 75% in FY23 and saved Rs 830 billion in interest costs.
SBP says current policies to deliver sustained growth
KARACHI: Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmad said the country’s current economic policies are poised to deliver lasting growth, a sharp departure from the boom-bust cycles of the past, while spotlighting women entrepreneurs as a cornerstone of inclusive development.
Competition watchdog launches 24 new probes into cartels, deceptive marketing in FY25
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s competition watchdog ramped up its fight against unfair business practices in the fiscal year 2024–25, launching 24 fresh probes into cartelization, abuse of dominance, and deceptive marketing across a broad swath of industries.
Pakistan’s central government debt jumps 12 percent to Rs76 trillion in May
KARACHI: Pakistan’s central government debt surged 12% to Rs76.05 trillion in May from a year earlier, intensifying fiscal strains on South Asia’s second-largest economy.