Pakistan Extends Rs61 Billion in Tax Exemptions Under Trade Agreements to Boost Regional Commerce
Pakistan granted Rs61 billion in tax exemptions during FY2023–24 under various Free Trade and Preferential Trade Agreements, primarily benefiting imports from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. The move aims to enhance trade competitiveness and regional integration, though experts caution that growing exemptions warrant stronger fiscal oversight.
SBP Launches Inflation Expectation Survey to Strengthen Economic Insights for October 2025
SBP invites the public to participate in its October 2025 Inflation Expectation Survey to gather real-time insights on economic perceptions and inflation trends, supporting more informed policy decisions.
Pakistan’s Domestic Debt Surges to Rs54 Trillion in August Amid Fiscal Pressures
Pakistan’s total government domestic debt and liabilities surged to Rs54.28 trillion in August 2025, reflecting an 11.57% year-on-year increase, according to new data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). While long-term borrowing expanded sharply, short-term obligations declined, highlighting the government’s strategy to manage debt maturity risks amid tightening fiscal conditions.
Workers’ Remittances Climb 8.41% to $9.5 Billion in First Quarter of FY26
Workers’ remittances to Pakistan grew 8.41% year-on-year to $9.5 billion in the first quarter of FY26, with Saudi Arabia and UAE leading inflows, boosting foreign exchange reserves and external account stability.
World Bank Forecasts Pakistan’s GDP Growth at 2.6% for FY2025-26 Amid Agricultural Setbacks
The World Bank projects Pakistan’s GDP to grow by 2.6% in FY2025-26, citing agricultural losses from floods and moderate recovery trends. The report outlines gradual improvements in inflation, investment, and trade reforms through 2027.
Unified Leadership to Drive Investment Reforms: Secretary SIFC Also Appointed Secretary BOI
The Government of Pakistan strengthens its investment framework by appointing the Secretary of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Division as Secretary of the Board of Investment (BOI), aligning both institutions to accelerate investment promotion and national economic growth.
Iran Envoy Highlights Pakistan’s Strategic Role in Regional and Continental Economic Integration
Iranian Ambassador Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam emphasized the growing role of Pakistan and Iran in shaping regional and continental economic integration through connectivity corridors, trade partnerships, and shared infrastructure. Speaking in Islamabad, he underscored the importance of transforming security borders into trade gateways to promote stability and prosperity across South and Central Asia.
Pakistan and Malaysia Ink Six Key Agreements to Strengthen Strategic and Economic Partnership
Pakistan and Malaysia have signed six new agreements to boost collaboration across education, tourism, Halal certification, SME development, and anti-corruption initiatives. The accords, finalized during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Kuala Lumpur, mark a renewed effort to deepen bilateral and economic ties between the two nations.
Federal Government Urges Provinces to Accelerate IMF Reforms Ahead of Key Review Deadline
The federal government has pressed Pakistan’s provincial administrations to urgently resolve pending IMF-related commitments and fiscal targets to ensure smooth progress in the second review of the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), as well as the $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), with key reforms hanging in the balance.
Pakistan to Host Inaugural Maritime Investment Conference to Boost Blue Economy
Pakistan is set to host its first-ever Maritime Investment Conference in 2025, aiming to attract sustainable investments in port development, fisheries, marine transport, and coastal tourism to strengthen its blue economy.