Pakistan is seeking major tax relief as high taxes continue to hurt investment and slow economic growth. Officials argue that strict IMF rules restrict policy changes and block recovery. They say growth cannot return unless tax pressure eases. Business leaders also warn that excessive taxes punish compliant sectors while large areas stay untaxed. This growing […]
Investment
Kyrgyz president visits Pakistan to boost bilateral ties
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov on Thursday, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with the Central Asian country, the Foreign Office said. Read More: Kyrgyzstan president visits Islamabad to boost ties with Pakistan Zhaparov arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for a two-day maiden visit to Pakistan, the first by a […]
Behbood Savings Certificates profit rate remains 12.72% in December
The National Savings Centre, also known as Qaumi Bachat Bank, has announced that the monthly profit rate on Behbood Savings Certificates (BSCs) will remain unchanged for December 2025 at 12.72 percent. The rate was last revised in November 2025 and continues to offer attractive returns to investors. Read More: CDNS cuts profit rates on national […]
Shehbaz orders urgent measures to strengthen industry and ease trade
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government is taking urgent steps to reduce industrial production costs. He stressed that cheaper production will support local industry, trade, and consumers. He added that the National Tariff Policy is central to boosting competitiveness at home and abroad. The prime minister noted that the tariff policy aims to support […]
Rs1.2tr credit boom masks weak investment and slow GDP growth
KARACHI: Credit to Pakistan’s private sector surged to a three-year high during the first five months of the current fiscal year, crossing Rs1.2 trillion, according to State Bank data released on Monday. While the increase signals higher economic activity, bankers warn that most of the funds are being used for short-term working capital rather than […]
PM Shehbaz to visit Bahrain to boost trade and strategic ties
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Bahrain from November 26 to 27 to enhance bilateral relations. The visit aims to boost trade, investment, and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain. The Foreign Office said high-level discussions will identify new avenues for mutually beneficial partnership. During the visit, PM Shehbaz will meet Bahrain’s leadership to reinforce […]
Pakistan, EU pledge to deepen trade, investment via GSP plus
Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have underlined the importance of further deepening trade and investment ties, including through the EU’s GSP+ scheme, as a driver for sustainable growth, export diversification, job creation and mutually beneficial economic opportunity, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Saturday. The development came as 7th Strategic Dialogue between Pakistan and […]
Gold hits record highs as 2026 outlook turns bullish
LONDON: Gold surged to record levels in 2025, reaching a peak of $4,381 per ounce in mid-October, as investors increasingly viewed the metal as a strategic reserve asset rather than a traditional inflation hedge. The rally was driven by unprecedented central bank purchases, robust ETF inflows, and a heightened geopolitical risk premium. Read More: Global gold demand […]
ADB to invest $10bn in CAREC projects
ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced plans to invest over $10 billion by 2030 to support projects under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) programme, aiming to foster a digitally connected and resilient region. The announcement was made during a ministerial conference in Bishkek, where CAREC ministers endorsed the ‘Bishkek Declaration’ to […]
Pakistan Apni Party Chairman OPF head to aid overseas Pakistanis
Pakistan Apni Party Chairman Makhdoom Muhammad Ehsan Qureshi met OPF Managing Director Muhammad Afzal Bhatti in Brussels. The meeting focused on key issues faced by overseas Pakistanis. It also discussed solutions and future cooperation for their welfare. Qureshi praised Bhatti for his dedication to overseas Pakistanis and highlighted his compassionate approach. He said Bhatti played […]