Pakistan on Friday reduced petrol and diesel prices for the second consecutive week as the government attempted to ease pressure on consumers following months of sharp increases linked to tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in global oil supplies. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, petrol prices fell by Rs6 per […]
IMF Ends Pakistan Visit With Major Fiscal Demands for FY2027
IMF has concluded its latest mission to Pakistan after securing commitments from Islamabad to maintain strict fiscal discipline and achieve a primary budget surplus target of 2% of gross domestic product in fiscal year 2027-28. The IMF delegation, led by advisor Iva Petrova, visited Islamabad from May 13 to May 20 for talks with officials […]
Why Pakistan Could Suffer Most if Middle East War Continues
S&P Global Market Intelligence has identified Pakistan as the Asia-Pacific economy most vulnerable to macro-financial stress if the Middle East conflict continues for a prolonged period. The assessment highlighted Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported energy, Gulf remittances and external financing as key factors increasing economic exposure to regional instability. According to the latest S&P Global […]
Why Pakistan’s Next Budget Could Decide the Country’s Economic Future
As Pakistan prepares its federal budget for year 2026-27, economists and policy experts say the government must move beyond traditional tax-heavy measures and present reforms capable of driving long-term economic growth. The upcoming budget arrives at a crucial moment for Pakistan’s economy as the country continues implementing reforms under the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund […]
IMF Imposes Rs1.73 Trillion Fuel Levy Target on Pakistan
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has set a petroleum levy target of Rs1.73 trillion for Pakistan in the next fiscal year, tightening revenue conditions and imposing stricter monitoring measures to ensure tax collection targets are met under the country’s bailout programme. According to the IMF staff-level report released on Friday, the levy target for fiscal year […]
Pakistan Raises $250 Million Through Historic Panda Bond Launch
Pakistan on Thursday launched its first-ever Panda Bond in China’s onshore capital market. The move marked a major milestone in Islamabad’s efforts to diversify foreign financing and deepen economic ties with China. Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad announced the development in a statement on X. “The inaugural Panda Bond is a 3-year fixed-rate […]
Pakistan, IMF Review Budget Strategy as Govt Signals Tax Relief
Muhammad Aurangzeb briefed a visiting International Monetary Fund mission on Pakistan’s economic outlook, reform agenda and preparations for the upcoming federal budget as Islamabad works to sustain macroeconomic stability under its IMF-backed programme. According to a Finance Ministry statement issued on Wednesday, discussions focused on fiscal strategy, structural reforms and measures aimed at strengthening long-term […]
Pakistan Gets $1.3 Billion IMF Boost as SBP Reserves Rise
Pakistan received around $1.3 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), giving the country’s foreign exchange reserves a major boost. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) confirmed the development on Wednesday. #SBP has received about US$1.3 billion under the IMF’s EFF and RSF programs The IMF Executive Board completed third review under the Extended Fund […]
Pakistan Sees World’s Second-Highest Fuel Price Surge Since Iran War
Pakistan has recorded the world’s second-highest increase in fuel prices since the start of the Iran war, with petrol and diesel prices surging 56 percent amid global energy market disruption and IMF-linked fiscal measures. Data shared by Pakistan’s energy ministry showed the increase trails only Myanmar, where fuel prices rose by 90 percent during the […]
Why Pakistan’s Salaried Class Could Finally Get Relief in Budget 2026
Pakistan’s government is considering income tax relief for salaried individuals in the upcoming federal budget while likely keeping salaries and pensions unchanged. The proposal aims to ease pressure on salaried workers without sharply increasing government spending. Officials familiar with the discussions said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb wants to lower income tax rates and possibly raise […]