Pakistan economy
Rising Petroleum Levy Identified as Key Factor Behind Pakistan’s Inflation Surge
Pakistan’s recent return to double-digit inflation is increasingly being attributed to higher fuel taxation, with a new study suggesting that the government’s expanding use of the petroleum levy has played a significant role in driving up prices across the economy. A report published by the Policy Research and Advisory Council (PRAC) argues that the petroleum […]
Punjab Plans Rs. 39 Billion Expansion to Transform 485 Rural Areas into Modern Villages
The Punjab government is moving forward with plans to expand its rural development efforts by proposing an additional allocation of Rs. 39 billion for the next phase of the model villages program under the “Maryam Nawaz Ka Sohna Punjab” initiative. The proposal was reviewed during a high-level meeting held at the Civil Secretariat and chaired […]
Pakistan Cement Sales Fall Over 21% in May as Construction Demand Remains Weak
Pakistan’s cement industry experienced a significant setback in May 2026, as overall cement dispatches recorded a sharp year-on-year decline amid slowing construction activity and weaker market demand. The latest figures indicate that both domestic sales and exports came under pressure, highlighting ongoing challenges facing one of the country’s key industrial sectors. According to data released […]
Govt Forms Budget Committee to Review Rs. 72 Billion Recovery From Petrol Companies
The federal government has established a high-level budget committee to examine key fiscal matters ahead of the announcement of Pakistan’s FY2026-27 federal budget, including a proposal to recover Rs. 72 billion in windfall gains from oil marketing companies. According to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the committee has been formed under […]
Electricity Consumers May Get Only Minor Relief After Upcoming Tariff Adjustments
Pakistan’s electricity consumers could experience only limited relief in upcoming power tariff revisions as separate increases and decreases in electricity prices are expected to largely offset each other. According to official estimates shared by the Power Division, the quarterly adjustment for June 2026 may reduce electricity tariffs by Rs. 1.93 per unit. The proposed reduction […]
Government Delays Planned Tax Increase on Fertilizer and Pesticides
The federal government has decided to postpone the proposed increase in taxes on fertilizer and pesticides, providing temporary relief to Pakistan’s agriculture sector and farmers already facing rising production costs. According to recent developments, the government has formally informed the International Monetary Fund in writing that the planned tax hike will not be implemented for […]
Over 1,000 Government Houses in Islamabad Allegedly Under Illegal Occupation by CDA Officers
More than 1,000 government residences located in Islamabad’s prime sectors are reportedly under illegal or irregular occupation by officers linked to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), according to audit objections and official records. Documents reveal that 1,083 official houses belonging to the Estate Office pool were supposed to be vacated and returned for fresh allotment. […]
Finance Ministry Explains Recent Increase in Government Expenditure
The Finance Division has issued a clarification regarding recent reports on rising civil government expenditure, stating that the figures were presented without proper context and created a misleading perception about federal spending trends. In an official statement released on Thursday, the ministry explained that a significant portion of the increase in expenditure was linked to […]
NBP Gets Approval for Commercial Launch of Raast P2M Acquiring
National Bank of Pakistan has received official approval for the commercial launch of Raast Person-to-Merchant (P2M) Acquiring, marking a significant development in Pakistan’s rapidly growing digital payments sector. The approval represents an important milestone in the bank’s digital transformation strategy and supports Pakistan’s broader push toward a cashless and digitally connected economy. A meeting was […]
FIA Alleges Oil Companies Received Payments for Fuel Not Yet Imported
A major controversy has emerged in Pakistan’s petroleum sector after the Federal Investigation Agency alleged that several oil marketing companies (OMCs) received government compensation payments for fuel stocks that had not even been imported at the time of payment. The revelations surfaced during an interim inquiry conducted by FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle Karachi, which examined the […]