Pakistan’s ambitious push to promote electric mobility has hit a major roadblock after commercial banks approved only a fraction of applications under the subsidised electric bike scheme, forcing the government to overhaul its strategy. Officials told the Economic Coordination Committee that banks approved just 4,075 applications out of 44,689 received, roughly 9%, raising concerns about […]
Pakistan Trade Deficit Hits 46-Month High as Imports Surge
Pakistan’s trade deficit crossed $4 billion in April 2026, marking the highest monthly gap in 46 months, as rising imports outpaced export growth, official data showed. Figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showed the deficit stood at $4.07 billion in April. This reflects a nearly 4% increase from $3.92 billion recorded in April […]
Pakistan’s Tax Shortfall Hits Rs683 Billion as Fuel Prices Rise
Pakistan’s tax shortfall has widened to Rs683 billion in the current fiscal year, increasing pressure on authorities to raise fuel levies to meet fiscal targets agreed with the International Monetary Fund. The Federal Board of Revenue collected Rs10.26 trillion during the July to April period of fiscal year 2025-26. However, the amount fell significantly short […]
PM Shehbaz Steps In to Stop Fare Hikes, Extends Relief Package
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved a one-month extension of the fuel subsidy extension Pakistan scheme for motorcyclists, public transport operators, and goods transporters, aiming to sustain relief amid ongoing economic pressures linked to instability in the Middle East. The decision comes at a time when global oil markets remain volatile, driven by regional […]
Pakistan Could Hit $50 Billion Remittances With Crypto Legalisation
Pakistan’s annual remittance inflows could rise to $50 billion if cryptocurrencies are legalised and properly regulated, according to Malik Bostan, chairman of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan. Speaking at a meeting of exchange company stakeholders on April 28, Bostan said remittances currently stand at around $38 billion. He argued that integrating digital assets into […]
Big Relief or Bigger Pressure? Pakistan Repays $2 Billion to UAE
Pakistan has completed a major external debt repayment of approximately Rs345 billion to the United Arab Emirates, the State Bank of Pakistan confirmed, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to meet its international financial obligations and stabilize its economy. A spokesperson for the central bank said the government had repaid $2 billion […]
IMF Imposes New Conditions on Pakistan for $1.2bn Loan
Pakistan has agreed to meet 11 new conditions set by the International Monetary Fund as it seeks approval for the next $1.2 billion tranche under its ongoing bailout programme, adding fresh pressure on the government to push through key economic reforms. The new conditions were introduced during the latest review of the $7 billion Extended […]
IMF Sets Tough Budget Priorities for Pakistan Ahead of FY26 Plan
An International Monetary Fund official has outlined key priorities for Pakistan’s upcoming federal budget, stressing the need for stronger revenue mobilisation, tighter expenditure control and continued structural reforms to stabilise the economy under the ongoing bailout programme. The guidance comes as Islamabad prepares its next fiscal plan amid negotiations with the IMF, with authorities under […]
$3Bn Lifeline: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Sign Key Financial Agreement
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to extend a $3 billion deposit placed with the State Bank of Pakistan, providing crucial support to the country’s foreign exchange reserves at a time of mounting external financing pressures. The development was confirmed by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who announced the agreement during his engagements in […]
Islamabad to Host First-Ever EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Major Investment Push
Islamabad is set to host the first-ever high-level European Union–Pakistan Business Forum later this month, bringing together policymakers, investors and business leaders from both sides in a major push to deepen economic cooperation and unlock new investment opportunities. The two-day forum, scheduled for April 28 and 29 in Islamabad, is being organised with the support […]