Modest Growth in SBP Reserves: A Critical Juncture for Pakistan’s Digital Economy
The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves saw a marginal increase of $46 million, reaching $11.721 billion for the week ending June 13. This modest rise leaves a significant gap against the central bank’s $14 billion target for June 30, raising questions about immediate economic stability and potential implications for the burgeoning digital finance sector.
Pakistan’s KSE-100 Rebounds with Significant Gains Amidst Global Volatility
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a strong resurgence today, with its benchmark KSE-100 Index climbing over 600 points, signaling renewed investor confidence despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This positive momentum highlights the resilience of key sectors, including those with significant digital and technological integration, amidst a fluctuating global economic climate.
Fiscal Rebalance: FBR Moves to Align Bank Taxation with Digital Economy Needs
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan is pushing to remove the special tax privileges extended to banks under the Seventh Schedule of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001. This proposed shift aims to bring banks under the normal corporate tax regime, potentially impacting their digital finance strategies and operational models as the nation seeks to broaden its tax base.
Pakistan Launches First-Ever 15-Year Zero Coupon Bond, Raises Rs. 1.2 Trillion in Landmark Auction
Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance successfully raised Rs. 1.2 trillion in a landmark government bond auction, including the launch of the country’s first 15-year zero coupon bond, signaling strong investor confidence and financial sector maturity.
Karandaaz Survey Shows Fourfold Growth in Financial Inclusion, but Gender and Regional Divides Persist
Karandaaz Pakistan’s 2024 Financial Inclusion Survey reveals a fourfold rise in account ownership over a decade, driven by mobile money, but highlights persistent gender and regional inequities. The RAAST system shows early promise amid enduring trust and usage barriers.
Geopolitical Turmoil Drives PSX to 1,505-Point Loss, Market Dips Below 121,000 Threshold
The Pakistan Stock Exchange experienced a sharp 1,505-point decline on Tuesday, with the KSE-100 index closing below the 121,000 mark amid worsening geopolitical tensions and concerns over Pakistan’s current account deficit.
KSE-100 Index Slides 463 Points Amid Global Geopolitical Tensions and Profit-Taking
The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s KSE-100 index fell by 463 points on Thursday, closing at 120,003 amid global market unease and regional tensions. Analysts cited intraday profit-taking and investor caution driven by geopolitical uncertainty as key factors.
Day 2 of IBPD-19 at NIBAF Lahore Highlights Core Principles of Islamic Banking with Mufti Rafey Ashraf Usmani
NIBAF Pakistan conducted the second day of its Islamic Banking Professional Development Program (IBPD-19) on June 17, 2025, at its Lahore campus, featuring an insightful session led by Mufti Rafey Ashraf Usmani. Over 60 professionals are participating in the week-long training.
NIBAF Hosts AI Chatbot and No-Code Excel Automation Masterclass for Banking Professionals
NIBAF successfully held a two-day AI chatbot and Excel no-code automation masterclass for officers from the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks, led by AI expert Sumaira Ghouri.
Optimizing Global Commerce: NIBAF Elevates Bank Officer Skills in Trade Risk Profiling
NIBAF Pakistan recently hosted a specialized training program on Trade Risk Profiling at its Karachi Campus. Led by seasoned expert Mr. Salim Thobani, the session equipped commercial bank officers with advanced techniques to navigate the complexities and inherent risks of international trade, crucial for enhancing digital trade finance frameworks.