ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs approved its first international ferry service license on Monday, tapping Sea Keepers to connect the country’s ports with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Economy
Sweet chaos
Pakistan’s sugar market is spiralling out of control, and the tremors are rattling global soft-commodity markets. What began as a domestic shortfall has morphed into a high-stakes drama of geopolitical brinkmanship, price manipulation, and supply-chain upheaval. A 2.1 million-metric-ton demand gap has forced Islamabad into emergency imports—three tenders in one month. Yes, two of them failed. The third tender for 200,000 metric tons is now in motion, the first shipment due in early September 2025, according to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
Pakistan issues new 100,000 tons sugar import tender to ease soaring prices after failed bids
ISLAMABAD: The government has opened a new international tender to import 100,000 metric tons of white refined sugar, a fresh bid to tame soaring domestic prices that have strained households.
Pakistan arrests eight in raids on illegal forex trade, rupee gains ground
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested at least eight suspects in a series of raids targeting illegal foreign exchange businesses across the country’s southern and southwestern regions, delivering a temporary lift to the beleaguered rupee.
Pakistan orders 200,000 tonnes of sugar to curb price surge
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has placed an order for 200,000 metric tonnes of sugar from the international market to stabilize domestic prices and ease a deepening crisis fueled by shortages and soaring costs, government said on Saturday.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receives the President of Iran H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Pezeshkian and his delegation upon their arrival to Islamabad on their two days official visit to Pakistan. ISLAMABAD: August 2, 2025.
Iranian President Pezeshkian in Pakistan to boost ties
ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries, state media said.
Pakistan inflation jumps to 4.1 percent in July, outpacing forecasts
KARACHI: Pakistan’s consumer inflation surged to 4.1% in July 2025 from a year earlier, accelerating from 3.2% in June and topping expectations, as rising costs for food, fuel, and medicines added pressure on households, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Friday.
Pakistan’s Cnergyico to import first US crude cargo in October
KARACHI: Pakistan’s largest refiner, Cnergyico, will import 1 million barrels of US crude from Vitol in October, marking the country’s first such purchase after a trade deal with the US, its top export market.
Pakistan exempts digital imports from 5 percent tax in deal with US
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has exempted digitally imported goods and services from a 5% tax, following an agreement with the United States aimed at fostering trade relations and attracting foreign digital businesses.
FBR July revenue hits Rs748.6 billion, beats target on 14 percent YoY gain
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected Rs748.6 billion in July, surpassing its monthly target and posting a 14% year-on-year increase, signaling renewed economic momentum in the country.