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Agriculture sector records robust growth

The agriculture sector in Pakistan witnessed robust growth in 2023-24, with an overall increase of 6.25%, contributing significantly to the economy, according to the finance minister. The sector, which contributes 24% to the national GDP, emerged as a saviour for the outgoing fiscal year. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2022-23, released on Tuesday, the crops sub-sector saw a remar

IT sectors soar with China-Pakistan digital corridor

The Economic Survey of Pakistan 2024 has highlighted significant growth prospects in the IT and telecommunication sectors, driven by the China-Pakistan digital corridor. The Information Technology (IT) Industry Joint Working Group (JWP) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is dedicated to enhancing and developing China and Pakistan’s information and communication technology infrastruc

Annual tax exemptions hit record Rs3.9tr

The annual cost of tax losses due to various exemptions has surged to a record Rs3.9 trillion in the current fiscal year, a 73% increase from last year, becoming a contentious issue in ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Economic Survey of Pakistan 2024, released by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday, revealed that despite multiple ro

Stocks extend losses ahead of policy rate cut

The stock market on Monday continued its losing streak for the sixth straight day ahead of the monetary policy announcement later in the evening and persisting gloomy investor sentiments associated with challenging budgetary proposals in line with IMF conditions to secure another bailout. Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corporation said stocks closed under pressure amid pre-budget uncertainty and c

Budget 2024-25: How the budget is being tailored to appease IMF

With the International Monetary Fund (IMF) seeking visible improvements in revenue generation from Pakistan, the government has been forced to contemplate the potential impact of proposed measures on salaried individuals and crucial economic sectors, amid a dearth of fresh ideas about how to boost income. Discussions with Pakistani and IMF officials, as well as US-based economists, indicate tha