News

Goods transporters’ strike chokes trade as containers pile up at ports

The 10-day-long strike by goods transporters has brought import and export activities to a halt, leading to a buildup of imported containers at ports. However, spokesmen for Karachi Port and Port Qasim have stated that port operations are continuing as normal and there has been no disruption to the arrival and departure of ships. In contrast, All Pakistan Customs Agents Association Chairman

Pakistan’s real exchange rate strengthens to 104.8 as rupee holds firm

Pakistan's Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) index rose to 104.8 in November 2025, up from 103.9 in October, according to the latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Similarly, the Pakistani rupee edged up 0.01% against the US dollar, closing at 280.27 in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. Furthermore, the SBP held an auction for Pakistan Investment Bonds (Fixed Rate), with set

PM seeks post IMF exit strategy

The government has begun discussions to develop a credible strategy to permanently exit the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the expiry of the $7 billion bailout package, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated national efforts to build buffers and avoid any future programme. Government sources told The Express Tribune that a high-level meeting has recently taken place to determine

Remittances drive Pakistan\'s current account $100m surplus

Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of $100 million in November 2025, reversing a deficit of $291 million in October, but the modest improvement came despite a sharp decline in goods exports and was driven almost entirely by remittances sent by overseas Pakistani labourers who continue to receive little to no institutional support from the state. Rather than reflecting a strengthening o

Leghari shares power sector woes with ADB

The Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari has shared woes of the sector with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), top of which are constraints in financing, rupee cover and high upfront costs. In a meeting with a delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) led by Leah Gutierrez, Director General, Central and West Asia Department, the minister sought ADB’s support in addressing power se