News

Business leaders seek rate cut, power relief to spur exports

Business leaders on Saturday called on the government to create a pro-business environment by cutting interest rates, lowering power tariffs, and supporting export-led growth. Speaking at a joint press conference on the economic roadmap, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh and United Business Group Patron-in-Chief S.M. Tanveer said reduci

Investments in T-bills dip as sentiment weakens

Foreign investors dumped government treasury bills (T-bills) worth $49 million in July, the first month of FY26, while fresh inflows shrank to just $13 million, exposing the continued weakness in investor appetite despite signs of macroeconomic stability. Latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan shows that almost the entire inflow during the month came from the United Kingdom ($13.07m), whil

Faceless clearance lifts vehicle imports, not revenues

The import of used vehicles jumped by nearly 41 per cent in the second half of FY25 following the introduction of faceless customs clearance, though revenue growth remained marginal, indicating limited fiscal gains despite higher volumes. Between Dec 16, 2024 and June 30, 2025, a total of 25,347 vehicles were imported under the new system compared to 17,958 units cleared during June 1 to Dec 15

PSX closes above record 147,000 points

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its record-breaking run on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index closing above the 147,000 mark for the first time in history, despite a volatile trading session. According to data from Topline Securities Ltd, the KSE-100 index finished at 147,005.32 points, posting a modest gain of 75.48 points, or 0.05 per cent. The session was marked by sharp in

New US trade deal to help exporters expand footprint

Pakistan’s exporters are poised to gain a significant competitive advantage in the US market after the government successfully negotiated a reduction in reciprocal tariffs — from 29pc to 19pc — the lowest rate in the region. An official statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday noted that the reduced tariff will create new opportunities for Pakistani exporters to expand their foot