News

Govt eyes new gas levy amid paradox of glut and rationing

As the Lahore-based Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) continues, even in summers, with unannounced rationing of natural gas amid ongoing infighting over pipeline capacity allocation to a third party, the government is expected to impose a captive gas levy on gas distribution by the power sector to ensure a level playing field for public and private sector gas suppliers. This is despite

Flour, roti prices rise

Following a surge in sugar prices, consumers are now facing higher costs for flour and roti across various parts of Pakistan as wheat and flour prices continue to rise. In Karachi, tandoor operators have raised the price of various roti varieties by an average of Rs2 per piece, which will mainly impact low- and middle-income groups, particularly daily wage earners and the labour class, who typi

Govt urged to avoid spectrum auctions for sake of revenues

The telecom industry, along with the GSMA, has urged the government not to use spectrum auctions as a revenue-generation tool. During a meeting on Monday, the Spectrum Advisory Committee, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, discussed the challenges faced by the telecom sector. Key stakeholders, including the Chairman and CEO of the Telecom Operators Association (TOA), Amir Ibrahim,

Trade deficit with Middle East soars 22pc

Pakistan’s trade deficit with the Middle East surged by 22.38 per cent in the first month of FY26, largely driven by the rising influx of petroleum products from the region. According to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan, the trade deficit with the Middle East reached $1.323 billion in July FY26, up from $1.081bn during the same month last year. In FY25, the deficit with the region

SECP registers 3,278 firms in August

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 3,278 new companies in August, raising the total number of registered companies in the country to 265,587. Private limited companies dominated the new registrations, accounting for 59pc, followed by single-member companies at 39pc. The remaining 4pc comprised public unlisted companies, not-for-profit organisations, and limited