Nikkei Asia Sheds Lights On Pakistan’s Unease of Doing Business
Nikkei Asia reports that Pakistan’s cost of doing business is 34% higher than regional peers due to elevated energy prices, taxes, interest rates, and regulatory hurdles, discouraging entrepreneurship and pushing more workers toward salaried employment.
Pakistan and Kazakhstan Sign Over 30 MoUs, Target $1 Billion Trade Volume
Pakistan and Kazakhstan have signed more than 30 agreements to strengthen cooperation across trade, energy, technology and connectivity, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calls for boosting bilateral trade to $1 billion.
MCB Bank Profit Falls 7% in 2025 but Dividend Maintained at Rs9 Per Share
MCB Bank reports a 7.4% decline in net profit for 2025 due to margin compression and higher costs, while maintaining a dividend of Rs9 per share on the back of stable asset quality.
Soneri Bank Reports Rs4.56bn Profit After Tax for 2025, Strengthens Deposits and Branch Expansion
Soneri Bank Limited announces its 2025 financial results, reporting stable profitability, strong deposit growth, higher non-interest income, and the largest branch expansion in its history despite a challenging interest rate environment.
Pakistan Seeks Climate-Focused Budget Proposals for FY2026-27 as EU Carbon Rules Threaten Exports
Pakistan’s government has asked all federal ministries to submit climate-focused budget proposals for FY2026-27, as EU carbon emission thresholds pose risks to key export sectors including textiles, cement, and steel.
SBP Clears HBL Zarai as Agricultural Services Provider Under Digital Farm Loan Programme
State Bank of Pakistan approves HBL Zarai Services as an agricultural services provider under the Zarkhez-e Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme, enabling in-kind digital farm financing and improved credit utilisation.
Pakistan Banking Sector Anticipates Slight Profit Drop in Fourth Quarter 2025
Pakistan’s banking sector is projected to post a marginal 1% decline in 4QCY25 profits due to lower investment returns, while strong balance sheets, healthy deposits, and fee-based income support overall stability.
JPMorgan to Launch Frontier Market Local Currency Bond Index Targeting High-Yield Debt
JPMorgan is developing a new index tracking frontier market local currency bonds, including Egypt, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Nigeria, aiming to meet rising investor demand for diversified high-yield debt.
Iman Mustafa Takes Leadership Role at UBL as Senior Vice President of BI and Self-Service Analytics
UBL appoints Iman Mustafa as Senior Vice President and Head of BI and Self-Service Analytics, strengthening the bank’s data strategy, business intelligence, and analytics-driven initiatives.
PITB and Bank of Punjab Strengthen PayZen Digital Payments for Instant and Secure Transactions
Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) signs MoU with Bank of Punjab to enhance PayZen digital payment platform, offering instant payments, QR code services, IPG integration, and improved financial inclusion.