Despite odd situation on both economic and political fronts, the inflow of foreign direct investment in February increased by 10 per cent but the overall eight months’ inflows fell by over 40 per cent. The data released by State Bank of Pakistan on Monday shows that the FDI during February was $100.9 million compared to $90.8m during the same month of last year. The FDI has been declining since
In an unending tariff increase streak, the ex-Wapda distribution companies (Discos) and K-Electric have demanded permission to charge about Rs8.5bn additional fuel cost to their consumers at the rate of about 86 paisa and Rs1.66 per unit, respectively, in April. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has accepted the respective tariff petitions and has called public hearings o
Current account deficit declined by 68 per cent to $3.8 billion during the first eight months of the current fiscal year (FY23) from $12bn during the same period last year. February showed a healthy sign as the CAD fell to just $74 million against $519m last year, the lowest monthly deficit recorded since February 2021. The deficit declined by 86 per cent on a year-on-year (YoY) basis. The d
The mid of February 2023 was upbeat for the government of Pakistan as they inched closer to the preconditions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the revival of the Extended Fund Facility worth $7 billion. However, the resumption of the programme remains in limbo to date, with the IMF demanding the incumbents to “do more”. As usual, the general public is bearing the brunt of years of f
Keeping the government’s well-worn assurances aside, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has yet not released the $1.2 billion tranche direly needed by Pakistan. While the country’s nuclear arsenal is not under threat, it is a testament to the fear of default that such questions are being raised. However, what would happen if the promised funds do not materialise? “Is Sri Lanka better afte