ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s combined circular debt in the power and gas sectors has surged to Rs5.1 trillion, according to disclosures made during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance. Officials informed the committee that the total circular debt has significantly increased from Rs3.5 trillion recorded last year, highlighting growing financial pressures on the […]
Pakistan economy
Pakistan, UK review economic cooperation agenda
Muhammad Aurangzeb met Jane Marriott on Monday to discuss economic cooperation, reforms, and regional developments. The meeting focused on Pakistan’s efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability and strengthen investor confidence. Both sides also reviewed ongoing collaboration on economic and development priorities. According to an official statement, Aurangzeb briefed the British envoy on the government’s response to […]
Pakistan record mobile phone imports surge past Rs455bn
Pakistan recorded a significant rise in mobile phone imports during the current fiscal year, with import spending exceeding Rs455 billion in the first 10 months, according to official documents. Read More: Mobile phone imports soar 40% in early FY26 The data showed that the country imported mobile phones worth more than Rs455.73 billion between July 2025 […]
Petroleum levy collections surpass IMF loan amount
The federal government has collected more than Rs2.7 trillion in petroleum levy from citizens over the past two years, according to official documents, with the amount reportedly exceeding the combined value of Pakistan’s two ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programmes. Read More: IMF seeks higher petroleum levy target Documents revealed that from April 2024 to March 2026, […]
Government raises diesel levy amid inflation pressure
Pakistan’s inflation-hit consumers faced another financial setback after the government increased the petroleum levy on diesel instead of passing on the expected relief from lower international fuel pricing trends. Officials revised the diesel levy upward despite calculations showing room for a significant reduction in retail fuel prices for consumers and transporters across the country. Read […]
Field Marshal’s Iran visit sparks hopes: Khawaja Asif
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said recent visits by Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Iran indicate that regional tensions may be nearing a resolution. He described the diplomatic engagements as a positive sign amid ongoing efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States. The remarks came during a conversation with […]
Weekly SPI declines as annual inflation remains sharply elevated
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported that weekly inflation measured through the Sensitive Price Indicator declined by 0.33% for the week ending May 21, 2026, mainly due to falling prices of chicken, electricity charges, petrol and diesel. However, despite the weekly relief, annual inflation recorded through the SPI remained elevated at 14.47%, reflecting continued pressure on […]
IMF backs Pakistan’s fiscal stability efforts
The International Monetary Fund has reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s fiscal stability efforts and agreed to continue discussions with authorities on the upcoming federal budget and economic reforms. An IMF mission led by Eva Petrova visited Islamabad from May 13 to 20 to review recent economic developments, reform progress and budget planning for fiscal year 2027. […]
MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool joins Economic Coordination Committee
The federal government has appointed Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui as a member of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. Read More: Khalid Maqbool reiterates MQM–P’s post-2016 stance The announcement said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved an expansion of the committee’s membership, adding the education minister […]
Gold prices drop sharply in Pakistan
Gold prices in Pakistan recorded a sharp decline on Wednesday as both local and international bullion markets witnessed downward pressure amid changing global economic conditions and geopolitical uncertainty. Read More: Gold prices dip slightly while silver records increase in market According to the rates released by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association, the price […]