TOP STORIES
- Aurangzeb pitches Pakistan’s economic turnaround to global investors in London
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb outlines Pakistan’s reform agenda, investment opportunities and shift towards exports and private-sector-led growth. - Pakistan trims early-year external gap as current account deficit falls 36%
Stronger exports and rising workers’ remittances helped offset higher imports during the first two months of FY2026-27. - PM Shehbaz condemns attempted drone attack on Makkah
Prime Minister reaffirms Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and calls for restraint and diplomacy amid regional tensions. - FBR exempts duties and taxes on imported bulletproof vehicles
The tax exemption will facilitate the import of specialised vehicles for SCO Summit security, state guests and counter-terrorism operations.
FINANCE
- SBP forex reserves reach $21.4bn as PM Shehbaz hails economic milestone
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomes the rise in SBP-held foreign exchange reserves to $21.4 billion, citing stronger remittances, services exports and external stability. - Aurangzeb pitches Pakistan’s economic turnaround to global investors in LondonFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb outlines Pakistan’s reform agenda, investment opportunities and shift towards exports and private-sector-led growth.
- Kiyani outlines reforms to boost exports, SMEs and Pakistan’s tax base
State Minister for Finance Azhar Bilal Kiyani highlights export growth, SME support, tax-base expansion and decentralised governance as key economic priorities. - Aurangzeb highlights fiscal reforms and investment opportunities at London roundtablePakistan’s finance minister says fiscal consolidation, tax reforms and privatisation are creating opportunities for international investors.
NATIONAL
- Pakistan enhances death-in-service compensation package
Revised rules increase financial grants and provide housing, education, employment and healthcare support for families of deceased federal employees. - Pakistan cuts petrol price by 43 paisas, raises HSD by Rs3.47
Petrol now costs Rs390.79 per litre while high-speed diesel rises to Rs424.92 under the daily petroleum pricing mechanism. - Pakistan tightens austerity measures as fuel prices surge
Islamabad shops will close by 9pm, while the government has cut official vehicle fuel allocations by 50% and restricted non-essential spending. - Government, petroleum dealers end deadlock over fuel relief package
Agreement reached to transfer payments to petroleum dealers’ bank accounts within 48 hours as the government moves to implement the package.
TAXATION
- KTBA flags critical IRIS computation glitches in Tax Year 2026 returns
The Karachi Tax Bar Association has urged the FBR to correct alleged IRIS calculation errors affecting minimum tax liabilities before the September 30 deadline. - FBR retains employment generation tax credit for manufacturers in Tax Year 2027
Eligible manufacturing companies can claim a tax credit linked to registered employees, subject to conditions under Section 64B. - FBR allows tax credit on low-cost housing loan interest for Tax Year 2027
Individuals can claim a tax credit on qualifying housing-loan interest for eligible personal houses and flats under Section 63A. - FBR allows tax credit on approved pension fund contributions for Tax Year 2027
Eligible taxpayers can claim a tax credit on qualifying pension fund contributions under Section 63 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
MONEY & BANKING
- FCC dismisses NBP appeal, pensioners entitled to government pension increases
The Federal Constitutional Court’s decision could have financial implications for NBP, although the final impact will depend on the detailed judgment. - SBP clarifies Rs10 banknote discontinuation reportsState Bank of Pakistan says social media reports about the withdrawal and exchange deadline of the Rs10 note are baseless.
- Pakistan’s foreign reserves jump to $26.79 billion as Eurobond funds arrive
SBP reserves climb by $3.06 billion in one week, while commercial banks also report a modest increase in their foreign currency holdings. - SBP set to launch new remittance incentive scheme next month
New bank-funded initiative aims to encourage overseas Pakistanis and remittance centres to use formal channels as SBP targets more than $44 billion in inflows.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- Pakistan’s textile exports climb 5.55% to $3.38bn in 2MFY27
Pakistan’s textile exports rise to $3.38 billion in July-August FY2026-27, supported by stronger knitwear, garments, towels and cotton yarn shipments. - Karachi industrial park nears launch as government finalises export incentives
Ahad Cheema reviews performance-based land lease plan aimed at attracting export-oriented industries and accelerating industrial investment. - Ferozsons secures Gilead licence for generic lenacapavirThe royalty-free agreement allows Ferozsons to prepare for generic production and supply of once-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention in 120 countries.
- Customs Agents Alliance wins APCAA elections in clean sweep
The Customs Agents Alliance-backed panel won all contested seats in the APCAA elections, defeating the Businessmen Group-backed candidates.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Loads Limited proposes Rs902.56m loans for Multiple Autoparts IndustriesLoads Limited has proposed converting a Rs652.56 million trade receivable into a long-term loan and extending a fresh Rs250 million facility to MAIL.
- Ghandhara Automobiles plans Rs2.3bn upgrade to boost production efficiency
The truck manufacturer will modernise its point shop facilities and install a Robotics Top Coat Line to improve productivity and paint quality. - Auto policy 2026-31 moves closer to finalization after key government review
Committee examines ministry concerns, policy clauses and implementation framework as consultations continue on Pakistan’s new auto sector policy. - Nishat Motors teases new Jaecoo electric SUV for PAPS 2026
The company is set to showcase its upcoming electric Jaecoo model at the Pakistan Auto Show in Lahore from September 18 to 20.
IT & TELECOM
- Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max sets new charging speed record
Apple’s latest flagship reportedly reaches 50% charge in just 15 minutes, making it the fastest-charging iPhone to date. - iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders show lukewarm demand, analyst saysJeff Pu says longer waits for Burgundy models contrast with immediate availability for some higher-storage Silver variants
- Samsung releases stable One UI 9 for Galaxy S26 series
Android 17-based update begins rolling out with new AI-powered features and improvements across Samsung’s flagship smartphones - PS5 becomes the top console choice ahead of GTA 6 launch
With GTA 6 approaching its November release, Sony and Rockstar Games are putting the PlayStation 5 at the centre of the highly anticipated launch.