After the Fire: Pakistan’s Markets in the Summer of Wars
In the summer of 2025, wars in South Asia and the Middle East battered Pakistan’s markets. From a currency slump to oil price shocks, the economy endured turbulence but managed to stabilize. The story of survival, not prosperity, defined these months.
The Mirage of Moderation: Pakistan’s Inflation Story
Pakistan’s official inflation data shows a sharp slowdown, but for households struggling with food, fuel, and utility costs, the relief feels like an illusion. Disinflation hides a deeper crisis in measurement, policy, and lived experience.
Revenue Without Return: The Taxpayer’s Alibi in Pakistan’s Fiscal Crisis
Pakistan’s tax crisis is less about unwilling taxpayers and more about state inefficiency, debt-driven governance, and misuse of resources. Despite record collections, citizens see little return for their contributions, leaving the fiscal system strained and trust eroded.
Counting What Counts: Pakistan’s First Digital Economic Census
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced new requirements for Digital Asset Management Companies (Digital AMCs) to offer Digital Asset Management Services (DAMS), setting conditions for licensing, digital platforms, and operational standards.
Understanding Pakistan’s Federal Budget: The Role of IMF Borrowing in Economic Strategy
Pakistan’s federal budget reflects a deep reliance on IMF programs, shaping fiscal priorities, debt management, and future growth strategies. Understanding the role of IMF borrowing is crucial to assessing the country’s economic path.
Raast at the Crossroads: Paving Pakistan’s Path to a Cashless Future
Raast, Pakistan’s real-time digital payment system launched by the State Bank, stands at a defining moment as it pushes the nation toward a cashless economy. With new leadership, growing adoption, and integration across fintechs, the platform is set to reshape financial inclusion, remittances, and economic transparency.
Pakistan Banking Perspective 2025: Resilience, Transformation, and the Road Ahead
KPMG’s Pakistan Banking Perspective 2025 report highlights sector resilience, digital banking expansion, and the transition toward a fully Islamic banking system by 2028 amid global and domestic challenges.
Pakistan’s Crypto Turning Point: From Skepticism to Strategic Embrace
Pakistan has shifted from banning cryptocurrency in 2018 to embracing digital assets in 2025, with new mining plans, regulatory bodies, and frameworks shaping its role in the global financial system.
The Future of Digital Banking in Pakistan: Transformative Shifts
Pakistan’s digital banking ecosystem is evolving rapidly with initiatives like Raast, Roshan Digital Accounts, and the SBP’s regulatory push. These shifts are driving financial inclusion, innovation, and a move toward a cashless economy.
Why the State Bank Must Resist Pressure to Tinker with Currency and Rates
The State Bank of Pakistan faces pressure to cut rates and appreciate the rupee, but experts warn these conflicting goals could trigger another economic crisis. Analysts say the SBP must maintain independence, keep real rates high, and avoid policy missteps that risk undermining stability.