Government Urges Banks and Forex Firms to Slash PKR/USD Exchange Rate Amid Currency Stabilization Push
Pakistan’s government has directed banks and foreign exchange companies to urgently reduce the PKR/USD rate amid efforts to stabilize the currency. Authorities are tightening oversight of the forex market to curb speculative activity and support economic confidence.
Pakistan’s Capital Market Embraces T+1 Settlement Cycle in Major Reform for Faster Trade Execution
Pakistan’s capital market will move to a T+1 settlement cycle from February 2026, marking a key regulatory milestone. The shift, driven by SECP, PSX, NCCPL, and CDC, aims to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and align with global financial systems.
SBP’s Interbank Dollar Purchases Surpass $7.2 Billion Over 11 Months Amid Reserve-Building Drive
The State Bank of Pakistan has bought over $7.2 billion from the interbank market in 11 months as part of its reserve-building strategy. In April 2025 alone, it purchased $473 million, signaling continued efforts to stabilize the rupee and strengthen external buffers amid favorable market conditions.
State Bank of Pakistan Likely to Cut Interest Rate by 50bps Amid Cooling Inflation and Improved External Metrics
Pakistan’s central bank is expected to cut its interest rate by 50 basis points to 10.5% as inflation continues to cool and external reserves strengthen. Analysts predict a gradual easing cycle as the SBP balances macroeconomic stability with growth revival.
Meezan Bank Projects Rs448.3/Share Target by 2026 Amid Robust Deposit Growth and Regulatory Resilience
Meezan Bank is projected to hit Rs448.3/share by June 2026, backed by strong deposit growth, cost efficiency, and regulatory resilience. Arif Habib Limited reaffirms a ‘Buy’ rating, citing robust fundamentals and sector-leading performance.
Leah Gutierrez Appointed ADB Director General for Central and West Asia, Including Pakistan
The Asian Development Bank has appointed Leah Gutierrez as Director General for Central and West Asia, overseeing operations in 11 countries including Pakistan. With over 40 years of experience, Gutierrez is set to lead ADB’s regional strategy in development, finance, and policy implementation.
SBP’s April Foreign Exchange Intervention Totals $473 Million, Bringing FY25 Cumulative to $6.66 Billion
The State Bank of Pakistan made a net FX purchase of $473 million in April 2025, bringing FY25’s total interventions to $6.66 billion. Since data publication began in June 2024, SBP’s cumulative FX operations now stand at $7.23 billion, reflecting its ongoing role in stabilizing the currency market.
Naveed Sultan Urges National Digital Policy for Pakistan to Unlock Fintech Growth and Global Competitiveness
Naveed Sultan, Professor at Imperial Business School and former Citigroup executive, calls for a national digital policy to drive fintech growth, e-governance, and financial inclusion in Pakistan, highlighting the need for an integrated and strategic approach to digital transformation.
SBOTS-27 Trainees Explore History and Nature with NIBAF’s Excursion to Taxila Museum and Khanpur Dam
NIBAF organized an educational excursion for SBOTS-27 trainees to Taxila Museum and Khanpur Dam on July 26, 2025. The trip combined cultural learning, team-building, and recreational experiences to support the holistic development of future State Bank of Pakistan officers.
NIBAF Launches Islamic Banking Certificate Course IBCC-73 to Strengthen Shariah-Compliant Finance in Pakistan
NIBAF Pakistan conducted Module 1 of its Islamic Banking Certificate Course (IBCC-73) from July 21–26, 2025, at its Karachi campus. The training welcomed participants from the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks, focusing on Islamic financial principles, regulatory frameworks, and product structures.