Pakistan trade deficit widened to $39.47 billion in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026 (FY26), up by 21.57% compared to preceding fiscal year 2024-25, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Thursday. The country’s trade deficit hit “four-year high” in FY26, said Topline Securities. In June 2026, the trade deficit was recorded at $4.53 billion. This was over 57% higher compared to t
A record 43,559 new companies were registered in Pakistan during fiscal year 2025–26. The new number takes the country’s total number of registered companies to 301,615, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The SECP said company registrations increased by 24 percent compared to the previous fiscal year, reflecting strong growth in Pakistan’s corporate secto
Seeking to capitalise on the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, one of the world’s biggest sporting events, Pakistan has begun using the football tournament as a platform to market its export-oriented football industry, with officials planning a series of promotional campaigns in Uzbekistan to generate new business opportunities. According to a statement released on Thursday, Pakistan’s world-class f
Gold rose on Friday and was headed for its first weekly gain in five, as investors dialled back expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate hikes following softer-than-expected US jobs data. Spot gold was up 0.5% to $4,144.83 per ounce, as of 0052 GMT, rising to its highest level since June 23. US gold futures for August delivery gained 0.8% to $4,157.50. Bullion was on track for a weekl
Oil prices rose slightly on Friday before a long holiday weekend in the US as wary optimism held over efforts to make peace in the Middle East between the United States and Iran. Brent futures were up 17 cents, or 0.24%, to $72.10 a barrel as of 0155 GMT. West Texas Intermediate was up 14 cents, or 0.20%, to $68.83 a barrel. US markets will close on Friday ahead of the US Independence