The government is working to evolve new policies aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost industrial output, reduce the trade deficit and generate employment, officials said on Monday. Read More: SAPM assures SMEs of support to unlock growth, jobs Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan said […]
economy
Subsidised users offset relief from power tariff cut
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s power sector is facing a fresh set of challenges as the number of subsidised electricity consumers has more than doubled in three years, effectively neutralising the impact of a 62-paisa per unit reduction in average tariff that was due from January 1. Read More: Electricity prices may drop by up to 72 paisa […]
Parties demand halt to ‘illegal’ raids on Balochistan traders
QUETTA — A multiparty conference (MPC) on Monday condemned what it described as illegal night raids on markets and warehouses in Balochistan, warning the measures amounted to the economic strangulation of traders and communities across the province. Read More: PTA conducts raids against illegal SIM activities, grey traffic operations The conference, organised by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and chaired […]
Afghanistan’s Mines Fuel the War Economy
Recent accounts of Afghanistan’s war driven economy point to an alarming reality. Control over mineral resources has become a means of coercion and financing for violent groups, creating anxiety across neighbouring states and posing a serious threat to regional stability. Rather than serving reconstruction or public welfare, the mining sector under Taliban authority reflects a […]
Panel proposes urgent reforms to boost exports and avoid future IMF loans
A panel appointed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recommended urgent reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and sharply increasing exports, in a bid to avert another International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme once the current arrangement ends in 2027. The committee, led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, warned that Pakistan’s current economic […]
PM praises overseas Pakistanis for record remittances
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday hailed overseas Pakistanis for sending record remittances during December 2025. He said the inflow stood at $3.6 billion, surpassing last year’s figures and reflecting a 16.5 per cent year-on-year increase. Read More: PM Shehbaz strengthens support for overseas Pakistanis In a statement, the prime minister said the rise signaled expatriates’ […]
SOE financial losses surge threefold despite reforms
ISLAMABAD: The financial performance of Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises (SOE) continued to weaken in 2024-25 despite government claims of reforms and economic stabilisation. According to the Ministry of Finance (MoF), consolidated sector-wide financial losses surged by 302 per cent, largely driven by persistent setbacks in the power sector. Read More: SOE losses hit Rs1.9 billion daily, govt […]
Economy, parliament must move together, says Gillani
Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, while sharing his views, said that he began writing his book “Chahay Yousuf Say Sada” during his time in jail. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the book launching ceremony of “Maeeshat Aur Parliament”, a compilation of economic columns by MNA Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig. The Chairman […]
Iran warns suppliers amid subsidy reform rollout
TEHRAN: Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday warned domestic suppliers against hoarding or overpricing goods as his government implements a major subsidy reform aimed at easing pressure on consumers, state media reported. Read More: Fallacious Iran and Pakistan Nuclear Comparison “People should not feel any shortage in terms of goods’ supply and distribution,” Pezeshkian said, urging ministries […]
Government secures Rs1.08tr from treasury bills and bond auctions
The government raised more than Rs1 trillion through fresh auctions of treasury bills and long-term Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) on Wednesday, amid strong liquidity in the banking sector and expectations of further monetary easing. According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan, the government borrowed Rs979.3 billion through T-bills and another Rs108bn via […]