State Bank of Pakistan Deputy Governor Saleem Ullah emphasised the need to address real market demands through targeted mechanisms that support merchants. He was speaking at the launch of the report Merchant Payments on Raast: Responsibly Pricing for Impact and Inclusion. The report, released under the United Nations-backed Better Than Cash Alliance, focuses on building an ecosystem that encour
The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves rose by $21 million to $14.4bn during the week ended Sept 26, continuing a gradual upward trend. However, the total remains below the level recorded at the close of FY25. Despite the slow buildup, the steady rise in reserves has helped support the exchange rate, with the rupee appreciating by a few paise daily against the US dollar
The cement sector posted a 16.25 per cent increase in total despatches during the first quarter of FY26, reaching 12.161 million tonnes, up from 10.461m tonnes in the same period last year. All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) reported domestic sales rose by 15pc to 9.573m tonnes, compared to 8.319m tonnes last year. Export volumes grew by 21pc to 2.589m tonnes. Total cemen
Pakistan’s merchandise exports fell by 3.83 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, raising concerns among policymakers about weakening international demand and the potential slowdown in external orders. The decline in exports has continued for the second consecutive month of FY26, with September marking the fifth month of contraction in the last six. While July saw a brief re
The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) has expressed strong concerns over the IMF’s recent push for trade liberalisation, particularly proposals to reduce tariff protections and allow commercial imports of used vehicles. While supporting Pakistan’s goals of economic efficiency and environmental sustainability, PAAPAM cautioned that these measures could