The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) concluded a turbulent week on a bearish note, as geopolitical tensions — particularly in the Middle East — dampened investor confidence and triggered widespread profit-taking. Despite a positive start following the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) Monetary Policy Statement (MPS), which met expectations by keeping the policy rate unchanged at 11pc, the KSE-100 ind
For import-dependent Pakistan, already grappling with its worst crisis in recent history, another conflict in the neighbourhood is deeply alarming. Outside the Middle East, Pakistan may be among the countries hardest hit by the ongoing Iran-Israel war, facing significant economic and social repercussions. Any widening of the conflict would multiply Pakistan’s economic and diplomatic challenges
In April 2025, Pakistan announced the launch of a new Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and named Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao as its strategic adviser. Finance Minister Aurangzeb hailed it as “a landmark moment” for Pakistan, saying the country was ‘open for innovation’. Mr Zhao himself spoke of the ‘limitless’ potential of a nation where 60 per cent of people are under 30. Yet beneath the optimism
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved technical assistance to help Pakistan modernise its power distribution companies (Discos) through the adoption of smart technologies aimed at improving operational efficiency and service reliability. According to the ADB project document, the initiative seeks to transform Discos into key drivers of the country’s energy transition by incorporating ad
As the government struggles to balance its revenue and expenses, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue has recommended a 50 per cent increase in government employees’ salaries, raise in pensions, removal of import duties on solar panels and a significant cut in levies on small vehicles. The committee, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, has put forward more than 200 recommenda