Pakistan is projected to record its lowest budget deficit in 21 years during the outgoing fiscal year 2025–26. The improvement is significant because it signals stronger fiscal discipline under an International Monetary Fund programme. The development impacts government finances, public spending, and economic stability. According to local research house Topline Securities, the budget deficit is […]
Pakistan economy 2026
FinMin calls Panda Bond milestone step
Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Saturday called the country’s inaugural Panda Bond issuance a “transformational step” for the economy. He said the move opens access to China’s deep capital markets and strengthens financial cooperation with Beijing. The development is seen as important for Pakistan’s external financing strategy and investor confidence. Aurangzeb said the successful […]
Aurangzeb discusses IMF progress with China
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb appreciated China’s support in Pakistan’s engagements with the International Monetary Fund during talks in Washington. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings 2026. The discussions matter as Pakistan seeks continued financial stability and external support. Aurangzeb met Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo’an and other senior […]
Fitch affirms Pakistan rating at B-
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Pakistan’s long-term foreign currency issuer default rating at ‘B-’ with a stable outlook. The global rating agency said progress on fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stability supported the decision. It noted that reforms under the IMF programme have helped strengthen funding capacity. The outlook reflects cautious optimism about near-term stability. The agency […]
Finance minister highlights reforms, IT export issues
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government cannot provide jobs to all 240 million citizens, stressing private sector growth. He highlighted the need for reforms to create business opportunities and boost employment. His remarks came during the Pakistan Economic Growth Conference in Lahore. Aurangzeb expressed optimism about the country’s economic stability, noting rising foreign […]
SBP holds key policy rate at 10.5 percent
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) kept its key policy rate unchanged at 10.5 percent on Monday, following its Monetary Policy Committee meeting. Headline inflation stood at 5.6 percent in December 2025, while core inflation remained higher at 7.4 percent. The committee said this decision aims to ensure price stability and support sustainable economic growth. […]
Nestle to invest $60m, expand Pakistan operations
Nestle announced an additional $60 million investment in Pakistan and plans a major expansion of its operations in the country. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met Remy Ejel, Nestle’s Asia, Oceania, and Africa CEO, at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The announcement highlights Nestle’s long-term commitment to Pakistan and its growing regional role. During a […]
Economic growth drops to 3% in Pakistan
Islamabad: The World Bank has lowered Pakistan’s economic growth forecast for the current fiscal year. It now expects growth at 3%. Previously, the government aimed for 4.2%. This revision reflects challenges in agriculture, trade, and recovery from recent floods. The report predicts that Pakistan’s growth could rise to 3.4% in the 2026-27 fiscal year. Recovery […]
Tarar criticizes PTI over governance, dialogue failure
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is not serious about dialogue with the government. He made the remarks during a news conference in Islamabad. Tarar blamed PTI’s divided groups and negative stance against state institutions. He stressed that dialogue is necessary but PTI must first abandon hostility toward the state. Tarar criticized PTI […]