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 […]
Pakistan Announces Three-Day Eidul Azha Holidays
Pakistan will observe three public holidays for Eidul Azha from May 26 to May 28 after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a nationwide holiday schedule ahead of the religious festival. According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division of Pakistan, all public offices, educational institutions and businesses observing official holidays will remain closed during […]
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 […]
Petrol Crosses Rs414 as Pakistan Announces Massive Fuel Hike
Pakistan’s federal government on Friday increased petrol and high-speed diesel prices by nearly Rs15 per litre each, extending a series of sharp fuel hikes that have intensified inflation concerns across the country. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the new prices took effect from May 9. Petrol prices rose from Rs399.86 to […]
No Impact Yet: Pakistan’s Remittances Hold Firm Amid Middle East War
Pakistan’s overseas remittances remained resilient in March despite the escalating conflict in the Middle East, offering a measure of stability to an economy already under pressure from rising fuel costs and external financing challenges. Data released by the State Bank of Pakistan showed that workers’ remittances stood at around $3.8 billion in March, reflecting continued […]
Government Decides Not to Increase Pakistan Railway Fares Despite Fuel Price Surge
The federal government has decided to keep train fares unchanged despite a sharp rise in fuel prices, in a move aimed at protecting passengers from further financial pressure. The decision comes at a time when petrol and diesel prices have surged significantly, increasing the cost of transportation across the country. Officials confirmed that passenger train […]
Ramadan Retail Boom in Pakistan: Why Markets Explode Every Year
Ramadan is not just a spiritual month in Pakistan. It is also the country’s biggest retail season, stretching from pre-Ramadan stocking to the Eid shopping rush. Ramazan is the busiest month for markets, with household spending rising over 40% above routine levels across social classes. This demand surge shows up everywhere: packed bazaars, longer traffic […]