News

Repatriation of profit remains flat in FY25

The outflow of profits and dividends on foreign investment remained tightly controlled in FY25, totalling $2.219 billion — only slightly higher than the $2.15bn recorded in FY24, despite notable improvements in Pakistan’s external account and broader economic indicators. According to data released by the State Bank on Monday, the restrained profit repatriation came as a surprise to many in the

Australia eyes comeback in mining sector

After more than a decade, Australia is considering returning to Pakistan’s mining and mineral sector through direct investments, joint ventures, and institutional collaboration for the research and development of natural resources. Australia has been operating in Pakistan’s mineral and natural resources sector, primarily in all resource-rich regions, including Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and

Rising fuel imports widen ME trade gap

Pakistan’s trade deficit with the Middle East widened by 7.37 per cent to $13.974 billion in FY25 from $13.014bn a year ago, primarily due to a sharp increase in petroleum imports. According to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan, the growing deficit reflects the country’s heavy reliance on energy imports from the region, while exports have shown only marginal gains to a limited number

Railways ministry grilled over data irregularities

The Senate Standing Committee on Railways on Monday slammed the Ministry of Railways for its lack of seriousness and failure to provide accurate data on corruption and financial losses, demanding accountability for officials responsible for misleading parliament. Chairman of the committee, Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, criticised the ministry for repeatedly submitting inconsistent information, de

Banking complaints surge with digitisation

Amid rapid digitisation and modernisation of banking in Pakistan, the number of complaints lodged by customers has surged, reflecting growing concerns over service quality and fraud. The Banking Mohtasib Pakistan provided monetary relief of Rs882.25 million to customers by resolving 16,006 complaints during the first half of 2025 (January to June). This marks a notable rise from the same period