TOP STORIES
- Pakistan’s net FDI rises 20% to $720 million in 1QFY27
Stronger foreign investment in financial services, power and trade offsets sharp declines in mining, communications and oil and gas exploration. - September fuel adjustment to burden electricity consumers by Rs32.7 billion
Pakistan’s September fuel price adjustment is projected to reach Rs2.56 per unit, adding an estimated Rs32.7 billion to electricity bills in November 2026 despite government measures to contain the increase. - 34 children and teacher Killed as school roof collapses in Peshawar
More than 50 people were injured in the tragedy at a private school in Dir Colony as authorities launched a rescue operation and ordered an investigation into suspected construction and safety violations. - National Assembly endorses KP emergency amid heated political debate
The National Assembly approves President Asif Ali Zardari’s emergency proclamation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, as opposition leaders demand its reversal and ministers defend the move on security grounds.
FINANCE
- Pakistan’s net FDI rises 20% to $720 million in 1QFY27Stronger foreign investment in financial services, power and trade offsets sharp declines in mining, communications and oil and gas exploration.
- Pakistan’s current account deficit widens to $874 million in 1QFY27: SBP
Pakistan’s external account deficit rises from $755 million a year earlier as the goods trade gap expands to $10.16 billion, despite stronger workers’ remittances. - Aurangzeb seeks Fitch’s roadmap for Pakistan’s BB credit rating
Muhammad Aurangzeb highlights fiscal consolidation, stronger external buffers and IMF commitments as Pakistan discusses its sovereign credit outlook with Fitch Ratings in Bangkok. - Pakistan slashes petrol price by Rs3.63 per litre for October 16
Petrol falls to Rs390.23 per litre, while high-speed diesel rises by 31 paisa to Rs396.96 amid volatility in international oil markets.
NATIONAL
- Pakistan reduces petrol price by Rs3.93 per litre for next three days
Petrol falls to Rs386.30 per litre from October 17 to 19, while high-speed diesel remains unchanged at Rs396.96 amid volatility in global oil markets. - NA approves parliamentary committee for electoral reformsThe proposed committee will include members from both Houses of Parliament and recommend legal and technological changes to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.
- Pakistan’s weekly inflation rises 11.38% year-on-year
The Sensitive Price Indicator declined slightly in the week ended October 15, as lower tomato, onion and banana prices offset increases in flour, chicken and pulses. - Ishaq Dar orders crackdown on hoarding, overpricing of essential commodities
A Cabinet Committee meeting reviews commodity stocks, supply arrangements and prices, with officials reporting adequate supplies and no anticipated shortages.
TAXATION
- FBR defines tax deduction rules for payments to non-residents in Tax Year 2027
Section 152 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 covers withholding tax on foreign payments, including royalties, technical services, contracts, digital services and securities transactions. - FBR officers slam repeated tax restructuring, warn of administrative chaos
IRSOA urges the government to abandon disruptive structural experimentation, warning that repeated reorganisations could undermine revenue collection and derail ongoing tax reforms. - FBR enforces faceless audit and assessment for all taxpayers
The Federal Board of Revenue has enforced Chapter XX of the Income Tax Rules, 2006, from October 15, 2026, setting out procedures for faceless audits, assessments and electronic communications with taxpayers. - FBR notifies fresh rules for alternative tax dispute resolution
SRO 1827(I)/2026 revises Rule 231C of the Income Tax Rules, 2002, setting nominee requirements, committee remuneration and refund conditions for tax disputes.
MONEY & BANKING
- Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves rise to $26.86 billion
Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves increased by $65.9 million week-on-week to $26.86 billion as of October 9, 2026, supported by higher holdings at both the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks. - SBP revises sugar export rules for 200,000 tonnes, clears Punjab and Sindh mills
Banks can process exports under revised quotas for eligible sugar mills in Punjab and Sindh, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s approval remains pending. - SBP launches Banking on Equality Policy 2026 to narrow gender gap
The new policy targets greater women’s access to digital banking, financing and entrepreneurship, building on a reduction in Pakistan’s financial inclusion gender gap from 39% in 2021 to 29% in 2025. - Government retires Rs2.31 trillion in bank borrowing in first quarter of FY2027The federal government significantly reduced its reliance on bank financing during July–September, while private-sector credit demand remained subdued, according to State Bank of Pakistan data.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- Pakistan’s textile exports rise by 5.26% in 1QFY27
Pakistan’s textile exports reach $5.03 billion in July–September FY2027, driven by strong growth in ready-made garments, cotton yarn and towels. - PM Shehbaz orders action plan to revive Pakistan’s gemstones sectorGovernment earmarks Rs1 billion for sector development as eight new exploration blocks are identified and Centres of Excellence are planned.
- KCCI lambasts K-Electric over prolonged power outages in Karachi
KCCI President Talat Mahmood warns that prolonged outages, reportedly reaching 14 hours in some areas, are threatening industrial output, exports and livelihoods. - SBP revises sugar export rules for 200,000 tonnes, clears Punjab and Sindh millsBanks can process exports under revised quotas for eligible sugar mills in Punjab and Sindh, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s approval remains pending.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Geely plans to bring Google Gemini and Maps to global cars in 2027
The automaker’s partnership with Google will introduce AI-powered voice assistance, navigation and app downloads to selected overseas models from the second half of 2027. - BYD Racco makes global debut outside Japan with $34,615 price
The compact electric kei car expands beyond Japan with a 320km driving range, two LFP battery options and seating for four passengers. - Tesla Roadster stuns with flying stunts and 0.81-second acceleration claim
Tesla showcases its next-generation electric sports car with SpaceX-inspired thrusters, advanced aerodynamics and a planned 2028 production timeline. - GUGO Motors plans local electric bus production with Chinese partnerThe proposed joint venture with Shengtang Group aims to bring EV technology to Pakistan, strengthen local manufacturing and potentially develop buses for export markets.
IT & TELECOM
- Apple iPhone Duo foldable smartphone opens for pre-orders worldwide
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is available to pre-order from 70-plus countries, with prices starting at $1,999 in the US. - PTA steps up nationwide monitoring to improve telecom services
The regulator inspected areas across six locations from October 8 to 14, directing operators to address mobile coverage and voice and internet service issues. - Pakistan spends Rs116 billion on mobile phone imports in 1QFY27
Mobile phone imports fall 16.55% to $417.24 million in dollar terms, while telecom equipment and accessories imports surge 41.46% year-on-year. - YouTube Music introduces labels for AI-generated songs
YouTube is rolling out “Made with AI” labels to help listeners identify tracks featuring AI-generated compositions or vocals.