Pakistan’s First Economic Census Maps 7.2 Million Businesses for Evidence-Based Growth
Pakistan has launched its first-ever Economic Census, mapping 7.2 million businesses and nearly 10 million household enterprises. The exercise provides a detailed dataset on economic, social, and educational infrastructure, aiming to drive evidence-based policymaking, expand the tax base, and promote inclusive growth.
Banking and Fertiliser Sectors Drive Gains as PSX Closes Higher Amid Volatile Session
The Pakistan Stock Exchange closed higher with the KSE-100 index gaining 258 points, led by strength in banking and fertiliser sectors. Despite the positive finish, trading volumes declined as investor sentiment remained cautious amid sectoral divergence and macroeconomic uncertainties.
SECP Launches Capital Market Development Fund to Boost Investor Literacy and Market Growth
SECP has operationalized the Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF) with contributions from PSX, NCCPL, CDC, and PMEX to enhance financial literacy, expand outreach, and strengthen Pakistan’s capital markets through investor education and capacity building.
Pakistan Updates Public Finance Management Act 2019 to Strengthen Fiscal Transparency
The federal government has updated the Public Finance Management Act, 2019 with amendments up to June 2024, expanding fiscal responsibility, enhancing oversight of public funds, and strengthening transparency to align Pakistan’s financial framework with global best practices.
KSE-100 Crosses 150,000 Milestone in Intraday Trade as Market Sentiment Improves
The KSE-100 Index at the Pakistan Stock Exchange crossed 150,000 points in intraday trade for the first time, driven by investor optimism, government reform measures, and strong sectoral performance across banking, cement, and pharmaceuticals.
Breaking Barriers: Why Pakistan’s SMEs Struggle Despite Driving the Economy
Pakistan’s SMEs contribute nearly 40% to GDP and employ the majority of the non-agricultural workforce, yet remain stuck due to poor access to credit and weak legal enforcement. Outdated collateral-driven lending and slow recovery frameworks are holding back growth, highlighting the urgent need for financing reforms and targeted legal changes.
Pakistan’s Foreign Reserves Triple Without New Debt as SBP Charts Stability Path
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have tripled to $14.5 billion without new debt, inflation has dropped to record lows, and the current account shows a surplus after 14 years, according to SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, who also announced new digital finance initiatives to strengthen long-term stability.
State Bank of Pakistan’s Forex Reserves Edge Higher, Surpass IMF Targets
The State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $11 million to $14.243 billion in the week ending August 8, crossing IMF targets and lifting total liquid reserves to $19.496 billion, with commercial banks holding $5.253 billion.
PBA Hosts Senior Bankers’ Session on Global Macroeconomic Trends and Digital Asset Impact
The Pakistan Banking Association convened senior banking leaders to discuss global market shifts, digital asset developments, and their implications for emerging economies, with insights from J.P. Morgan’s Saad Siddiqui.
Agricultural Credit and Inputs Drive Sector Growth Amid Climate Challenges
Pakistan’s agricultural sector witnessed a 16.3% rise in credit disbursement and a sharp increase in machinery imports during FY2025, reflecting government efforts to improve inputs. However, climate risks continue to pose challenges to sustained growth.