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’s Tech Exports Jump 33% to $423 Million
Pakistan’s tech exports rose 33% year-on-year in April 2026, reaching $423 million as the country’s IT sector continued showing strong growth despite economic pressures and global uncertainty. New data released by the State Bank of Pakistan showed technology exports increased from $317 million in April last year. The latest figure also marked a 2.42% rise […]
SBP Expands Cashless Drive to 96 Cattle Markets Across Pakistan
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a nationwide “Go Cashless” campaign for Eid-ul-Azha 2026 to promote digital payments in cattle markets and reduce dependence on cash transactions during one of Pakistan’s busiest seasonal trading periods. The central bank said the campaign forms part of its broader strategy to accelerate digitisation of Pakistan’s payment ecosystem […]
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 […]
NBP Expands Digital Payment Push With Raast P2M Launch
National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has received approval to launch Raast Person-to-Merchant acquiring services commercially. The move marks another step in Pakistan’s shift toward digital payments and a cashless economy. The approval allows NBP to begin full commercial operations under the Raast framework developed by the State Bank of Pakistan. NBP announced the development in […]
Pakistan Rejects Claims of Targeted Deportations From UAE
Pakistan’s government on Friday dismissed reports claiming that the United Arab Emirates was carrying out targeted deportations of Pakistani nationals, calling the allegations “vicious propaganda” spread through social media by vested interests. The clarification came after online reports and posts alleged that Pakistani workers had recently faced selective deportations from the Gulf state, raising concerns […]
easypaisa Profit Jumps 4.4 Times in Record Q1 2026 Results
Pakistan’s easypaisa Digital Bank reported record quarterly earnings for the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong growth in digital transactions, customer deposits and lending activity, as the country’s financial sector continues to shift toward mobile-first banking services. The bank announced that profit before tax (PBT) surged to PKR 3.66 billion for the quarter ended […]
Pakistan Plans to Ease Home Loans for Low-Income Families
Pakistan’s National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue on Thursday urged the federal government and the State Bank of Pakistan to simplify financing procedures and expand subsidy support under the Prime Minister Apna Ghar Programme (PM-AGP), as concerns grow over the country’s weak mortgage finance sector and limited access for low-income families. The recommendations […]