The formation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) — a ‘hybrid’ civil-military forum created to attract investment from the Gulf countries — anticipates the civilian leadership’s failure to ensure policy predictability, continuity, or execution. At the same time, the initiative has “institutionalised” the army’s increasing role in the country’s economic decision-making. The gov
Electricity prices have gone up — once again. And petrol prices are up by about Rs20 per litre. There are chances of a rise in gas tariffs as well. And petrol and electricity prices, too, will continue to rise for some time. The reason is international oil prices are on the rise — and Pakistan has promised the International Monetary Fund to keep increasing petroleum development levy, end remaining
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Saturday approved a series of development projects worth over Rs110 billion aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s infrastructure and enhancing resilience against climate change, just days before the government’s constitutional term is about to end. An official announcement said the committee considered and approved the Punjab Governme
The chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has formed a six-member committee to expedite deferred cases of sales tax refund claims. The committee will have three representatives of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and three chief commissioners and would also discuss other taxation issues and review policy changes wherever required every month. In a visit to the Kar
The country’s population has crossed 240 million and the growth rate stands at 2.55 per cent, according to the 2023 national census, whose results were approved by the Council of Common Interests (CCI) on Saturday. And as the government has reiterated that the general election, due to take place later this year will be held using the new census findings, it indicates polls could be delayed by s