Consumer confidence in Pakistan fell sharply in the first quarter of FY2025–26, reflecting caution among households even as overall sentiment remains stronger than last year. The Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 86.4 from 96.2 in the previous quarter, a decline of 10.2%. Compared to the same period last year when it stood at 72.9, the index is up 18.5%, indicating that broader stabilization is
The 10-day-long strike by goods transporters has brought import and export activities to a halt, leading to a buildup of imported containers at ports. However, spokesmen for Karachi Port and Port Qasim have stated that port operations are continuing as normal and there has been no disruption to the arrival and departure of ships. In contrast, All Pakistan Customs Agents Association Chairman
Pakistan's Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) index rose to 104.8 in November 2025, up from 103.9 in October, according to the latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Similarly, the Pakistani rupee edged up 0.01% against the US dollar, closing at 280.27 in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. Furthermore, the SBP held an auction for Pakistan Investment Bonds (Fixed Rate), with set
The government has begun discussions to develop a credible strategy to permanently exit the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the expiry of the $7 billion bailout package, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated national efforts to build buffers and avoid any future programme. Government sources told The Express Tribune that a high-level meeting has recently taken place to determine
Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of $100 million in November 2025, reversing a deficit of $291 million in October, but the modest improvement came despite a sharp decline in goods exports and was driven almost entirely by remittances sent by overseas Pakistani labourers who continue to receive little to no institutional support from the state. Rather than reflecting a strengthening o