News

Reserves hit $16.6b on ADB inflows

Pakistan's total liquid foreign reserves reached $16.6 billion as of November 29, 2024, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). These reserves include $12 billion held by the SBP and $4.6 billion held by commercial banks. The SBP reserves increased by $620 million during the week, primarily due to an official inflow of $500 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Additionally, the

3,100-point rally propels PSX past 108,000 as macroeconomic stability boosts investor mood

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) crossed yet another high on Thursday, surging past 108,000 after gaining more than 3,100 points as analysts attributed the rally to positive macroeconomic indicators. The benchmark KSE-100 index rose 3,134.63 points, or 2.98 per cent, to settle at 108,238.96 points from the previous close of 105,104.33 points at the end of today’s session. The rally continue

PM Shehbaz orders FBR digitalisation by 31st

Soon after his return from Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting on tax reforms and finally gave a deadline of Dec 31 for the much-awaited digitalisation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). A source in the Prime Minister’s Office told Dawn that the PM also directed the relevant authorities during the meeting to take stern measures to increase collection of taxes. He h

IT-driven export of services rises 14pc

Services exports rose 13.43 per cent to $688.95 million in October against $607.37m in the corresponding month last year. The growth has returned since February this year mainly due to increased information technology exports, except in August, which saw a 6.5pc decrease. In rupee terms, the exports improved by 12.34pc to Rs191.3 billion in October against Rs170.281bn in the same month last

Finance Minister dissatisfied with slow pace of agri tax legislation

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed dissatisfaction with three provinces’ delay in passing new agriculture income tax laws. This new legislation is one of the conditions agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund as part of the 37-month $7 billion Extended Fund Facility. The finance minister reviewed several tax initiatives during the National Tax Council (NTC) meeting on We