TOP STORIES
- Government to impose tax penalties on non-filer retailers under Tajir Dost Scheme
Retailers who missed the October 31 tax return deadline face enforcement action and penalties as the government moves to strengthen tax compliance and broaden Pakistan’s tax base. - Pakistan farmers achieve record 70 maunds per acre wheat yield
Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain praises farmers for boosting productivity, highlighting the government’s Rs4,500 wheat support price proposal and six-million-tonne strategic reserve plan. - PM Shehbaz sets Rs1,500 billion loan target for agriculture and SMEs by 2027
The prime minister directs banks, the State Bank and FBR to improve access to financing for farmers, small businesses, exporters and homebuyers, while Rs511 billion in housing loans has been approved under the Apna Ghar Programme. - FBR releases ATL 2026 with record 8 million income tax filers
Pakistan’s tax authority publishes the latest ATL after receiving a record number of income tax returns by the extended October 31 deadline.
FINANCE
- Pakistan, Bangladesh seek stronger economic ties, trade and investment cooperation
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and a high-level Bangladeshi delegation discuss economic reforms, debt management, textile cooperation and opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment. - Pakistan assumes G-24 chairmanship, Aurangzeb sets three key prioritiesFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb pledges to promote development-led growth, strengthen the representation of developing economies and reform the international financial system.
- Pakistan inflation set to hit 10.5% in October, finance ministry warns
The Finance Ministry projects inflation between 9.5% and 10.5% as rising global energy prices, food supplies and geopolitical tensions pose risks to economic stability. - Pakistan, Saudi Arabia discuss trade, investment and economic cooperation
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Saudi Ambassador Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy explore investment opportunities in agriculture, minerals, mining and other key sectors.
NATIONAL
- SBP announces bank holiday on November 9 for Allama Iqbal Day
Banks, financial institutions and government offices will remain closed on Monday as Pakistan observes the birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. - PTA issues five show-cause notices to telecom operators over poor internet services
National Assembly committee expresses concern over persistent connectivity problems in Karachi, Islamabad and smaller cities as PTA cites power outages and network deficiencies. - DRAP confirms ‘formula milk’ is not milk, Senate seeks advertising crackdown
Senate health committee urges strict enforcement of breastfeeding protection laws, while DRAP confirms infant formula falls under the category of alternative medicines. - National Assembly panel demands automatic minimum wage increase across Pakistan
The NA committee urges ministry-linked organisations to ensure workers receive revised minimum wages immediately after federal government announcements and proposes raising compensation for workplace incidents to Rs3 million.
TAXATION
- Government to impose tax penalties on non-filer retailers under Tajir Dost SchemeRetailers who missed the October 31 tax return deadline face enforcement action and penalties as the government moves to strengthen tax compliance and broaden Pakistan’s tax base.
- Pakistan Customs agrees to facilitate commercial importers on key issues
Customs authorities assure PCDMA of relief on costly ICIS price verification, full implementation of the DPL waiver and restoration of NTN-based self-clearance facilities. - FBR to collect advance tax on property auctions in Tax Year 2027
Buyers of goods and properties sold through public auctions or tenders will be required to pay advance tax under Section 236A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. - Check advance tax on telephone and internet users in Pakistan during tax year 2027
Section 236 of the Income Tax Ordinance requires advance tax collection on mobile phone bills, prepaid cards, internet bills and electronically purchased units, with exemptions for specified categories.
MONEY & BANKING
- SBP announces bank holiday on November 9 for Allama Iqbal DayBanks, financial institutions and government offices will remain closed on Monday as Pakistan observes the birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
- SBP launches Mojaloop programme to boost Pakistan’s digital payments
The 16-week accelerator programme, running from November 2026 to February 2027, aims to strengthen local technical expertise and expand access to digital financial services. - SBP launches Mojaloop Accelerator to boost Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystemThe 16-week initiative will connect Pakistani fintech professionals with international expertise to develop digital payment infrastructure and strengthen financial inclusion.
- SECP bans Ponzi and Pyramid schemes under new regulations 2026
New rules prohibit deceptive MLM and unlawful referral marketing schemes across physical and digital platforms, with penalties for companies, directors and officers.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- PM Shehbaz sets Rs1,500 billion loan target for agriculture and SMEs by 2027The prime minister directs banks, the State Bank and FBR to improve access to financing for farmers, small businesses, exporters and homebuyers, while Rs511 billion in housing loans has been approved under the Apna Ghar Programme.
- 38 Pakistani companies showcase products at 140th Canton Fair in China
Pakistan’s participation in the Guangzhou trade exhibition aims to secure export orders, diversify the country’s export basket and strengthen business ties with China. - SECP declares 39,704 companies inactive over four years of non-filingThe corporate regulator has taken action against thousands of companies for failing to submit mandatory annual returns and financial statements, restricting their access to banking and corporate services until compliance is restored.
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia discuss boosting bilateral trade and investmentCommerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and newly appointed Saudi Ambassador Dr Rajeh Albugamy discuss investment, agricultural cooperation and early implementation of the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Honda ALPHA electric SUV set for global debut in India on December 2
Honda Cars India unveils the name of its upcoming all-electric SUV, marking a new chapter in its electrification strategy and introducing the brand’s redesigned global H mark. - Kia Pakistan slashes Sportage prices by up to Rs800,000 under promotional offer
Lucky Motor Corporation announces limited-time price reductions on Sportage L FWD and AWD Hybrid variants, effective November 3, 2026. - Hubco to begin local assembly of BYD Sealion 6 in December 2026
Hubco’s electric mobility business has crossed 10,000 cumulative BYD sales, while local CKD production is expected to strengthen growth and expand Pakistan’s electric vehicle market. - Sazgar confirms Philippines assembly plant for three-wheelers
The Pakistani automaker says its Philippine distributor has established the facility with technical support from Sazgar, while clarifying that it has made no equity investment.
IT & TELECOM
- PTA issues five show-cause notices to telecom operators over poor internet servicesNational Assembly committee expresses concern over persistent connectivity problems in Karachi, Islamabad and smaller cities as PTA cites power outages and network deficiencies.
- Pakistan’s mobile phone production falls 20% in September 2026
Local manufacturers and assemblers produced 2.42 million mobile phones in September, while domestic production met 96% of the country’s demand. - Check advance tax on telephone and internet users in Pakistan during tax year 2027Section 236 of the Income Tax Ordinance requires advance tax collection on mobile phone bills, prepaid cards, internet bills and electronically purchased units, with exemptions for specified categories.
- Spotify plans paid AI music package for Premium subscribers
The proposed add-on could cost $4 to $5 per month and introduce AI-powered song remixes and cover versions as early as 2027.