In the national budget for fiscal year 2025-26, real estate and construction have got some incentives, and key agricultural inputs, including fertilisers and pesticides, have been kept untaxed. Though appreciable under an ideal situation, pampering these sectors without taking enough care of small industrialists and the urban middle class could widen the divide between the ruling elite — with t
While the government may tout improved economic stewardship, for ordinary Pakistanis, life remains extremely difficult. Besides the challenge of making ends meet, basic public services — such as dependable water supply, affordable gas and electricity, and decent job opportunities — are either inadequate or out of reach. The situation has been harsh, and the budget presented last week offers lit
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman has clarified that one-time sellers and women selling goods from their homes would be exempt from mandatory registration for online businesses. According to an official statement, the clarification by FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial was given during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, which discussed the federal bud
A committee formed In response to the evolving geopolitical situation following Israel’s recent attack on Iran and the resulting volatility in the international oil markets held its first meeting on Monday, wherein it expressed satisfaction that Pakistan currently holds adequate stocks of petroleum products. According to a Finance Division statement, the committee chaired by Finance Minister Mu
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) maintained its policy rate on Monday at 11 per cent, after many analysts cited inflation risks from rising global commodity prices amid Iran-Israel tensions. The central bank’s policy rate, after being slashed by 1,000bps from 22pc since June 2024 in seven intervals, was cut to 11pc last month. “The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the policy r