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.