One year after the violent uprising that forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power, Bangladesh’s youth are still struggling to find jobs. The protests erupted over unfair job quotas in civil service exams and left nearly 1,400 people dead, triggering a nationwide demand for reform. On Saturday, August 2, 2025, the situation remains largely […]
Finance
Government borrowing increases by 16.31% to reach Rs31.1 trillion
The government’s net borrowing for budget support has surged by 16.31% over the past year. As of March 28, 2025, borrowing reached Rs31.133 trillion, up from Rs26.766 trillion in April 2024. This increase reveals the government’s growing financial pressures, attributed to low tax revenues and high debt servicing needs. The government secured Rs4.355 trillion from […]
Negotiations for Rs1.34 trillion loan near completion: Energy minister
Minister for Power Sardar Awais Khan Leghari announced that negotiations are nearly complete for loans amounting to Rs1.34 trillion. These funds aim to address the power sector’s circular debt, which currently totals Rs2.4 trillion. Leghari stated that once banks submit their term sheets, the agreements will be finalized. This deal is expected to reduce the […]
Pakistan’s GDP growth shows positive momentum, reaching 1.73% in Q2
The government announced on Wednesday that Pakistan’s GDP growth rate for the second quarter of FY2024-25 reached 1.73%. This positive growth came despite ongoing challenges. The National Accounts Committee also revised the first quarter GDP estimate up to 1.34%, from 0.92%, due to stronger-than-expected growth in the services sector. The update was released just hours […]
Pakistan’s inflation to stay low in March 2025, but expected to rise in April
Pakistan’s inflation is projected to remain between 1.0% and 1.5% in March 2025, with a slight increase expected in April. The Finance Division’s monthly report indicates inflation could rise to 2.0% to 3.0% in April. This shift follows a downward trend in recent months, largely due to deflation in food, housing, and transport costs. Brokerage […]
Pakistan’s inflation falls below 1% as economic stability improves
Pakistan’s headline inflation is projected to drop to 0.5-1% in March 2025, marking the lowest year-on-year (YoY) rate in over three decades, according to Topline Securities. Inflation has steadily declined since hitting a record 38% in May 2023. In February 2025, CPI-based inflation stood at 1.5% YoY, the lowest in over nine years, per the […]
Pakistan secures $12 billion in foreign loans amid economic challenges
Pakistan has secured nearly $12 billion in foreign loans during the first eight months of FY25, aiming to exceed its $19.2 billion target by June. A significant portion—$6 billion—came from rollovers by China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, while fresh loans fell 25% to $5.95 billion compared to last year. The Economic Affairs Division (EAD) […]
Pakistan turns to banks for Rs6.75 trillion to cover deficit, repay loans
The government has announced plans to borrow Rs6.75 trillion from commercial banks between March and May to cover its budget deficit and repay maturing debts. According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Rs3.65 trillion will be raised through short-term Treasury Bills (T-bills), while Rs3.1 trillion will come from long-term Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs). These […]
Pakistan secures $20 billion world bank support for economic growth
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with the World Bank team to discuss Pakistan’s 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF), backed by a $20 billion commitment. The meeting, held at the Finance Division, focused on investment financing for economic reforms and was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Board of Revenue […]
Pakistan and Finland strengthen ties in green finance and technology
Pakistan and Finland are expanding economic cooperation in investment, IT, renewables, and green finance. Experts believe Finland’s expertise in smart technologies and sustainable energy can help Pakistan address its energy deficit. Joint ventures in solar panels, lithium batteries, and artificial intelligence could boost bilateral trade and industrial collaboration. Finland’s strong background in energy efficiency and […]