TOP STORIES
- 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. - Shehbaz Sharif says failed dialogue left government with no option on KP governor’s rule
The prime minister says restoring peace, strengthening counterterrorism institutions and accelerating development are the government’s priorities following the decision on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
FINANCE
- 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. - Aurangzeb holds key talks with global investors and financial institutions
Pakistan’s finance minister discusses economic reforms, export growth, climate financing, infrastructure projects and digital trade during the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings. - Pakistan, Alibaba discuss e-commerce taxation, digital payments and export growth
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb meets Alibaba International Digital Commerce leadership in Bangkok to explore cooperation on Pakistan’s digital economy, SME development and agricultural exports. - Pakistan cuts fiscal deficit to 2.6% of GDP, tax revenue rises 40%: AurangzebFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb credits fiscal discipline and structural reforms for Pakistan’s economic recovery, while stressing the need to broaden the tax base, manage debt and sustain growth.
NATIONAL
- September fuel adjustment to burden electricity consumers by Rs32.7 billionPakistan’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 PeshawarMore 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.
- Pakistan, Russia sign MoU to strengthen cooperation against organised crime
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev discuss expanding bilateral ties, with trade, investment, energy and economic development among the key priorities. - Pakistan, Oman sign visa exemption agreement and five other MoUs
Pakistan and Oman exchange six agreements covering visa exemptions for official passport holders, information technology, media cooperation, records and archives during the 8th Joint Ministerial Commission meeting.
TAXATION
- 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. - FBR extends tax year 2026 return filing deadline to October 31
Tax authorities grant taxpayers an additional 15 days following requests from trade bodies and tax bar associations. - KTBA urges FBR to expedite tax refunds, address filing issues
The Karachi Tax Bar Association has urged the Federal Board of Revenue to speed up tax refunds, resolve IRIS portal problems and simplify compliance requirements for non-resident taxpayers following a meeting with FBR Chairman Rashid Mehmood Langrial. - FBR chairman directs chief commissioners to resolve business community issues
Rashid Mahmood Langrial instructs FBR officials to hold regular one-on-one meetings with trade bodies in Karachi and expedite pending tasks under the tax authority’s reform agenda.
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 FY2027
The 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
- 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.
- PM Shehbaz sets Rs2.2 trillion SME financing target by 2028
The prime minister directs SMEDA to expand business loan awareness, provide feasibility studies in local languages and train 10,000 SMEs under an agreement with Alibaba.
AUTOMOTIVE
- GUGO Motors plans local electric bus production with Chinese partner
The proposed joint venture with Shengtang Group aims to bring EV technology to Pakistan, strengthen local manufacturing and potentially develop buses for export markets. - Dongfeng Pakistan introduces new Vigo E2 Premium variant with more features
The new Dongfeng Vigo E2 Premium is priced at Rs 6.999 million and offers a 430-kilometre claimed electric range, enhanced comfort features, and advanced technology. - Pakistan auto sector profits expected to fall 35% QoQ in 1QFY27
Topline Auto Universe earnings are projected at Rs12.6 billion as quarterly vehicle sales volumes decline 16%, while higher taxes and lower other income weigh on profitability. - Indus Motor reveals prices of facelifted Toyota Corolla variants
Indus Motor Company has announced introductory prices for the facelifted Toyota Corolla in Pakistan, with the 1.6 Altis MT and 1.6 Altis CVTi receiving Rs103,000 price reductions, while other variants retain their previous prices or receive interior-related changes.
IT & TELECOM
- 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. - iPhone 18 production may begin in November ahead of March launch
A new leak suggests Apple could begin manufacturing the standard iPhone 18 in late November, with a possible March release alongside the iPhone 18e. - PTA urges mobile users to enable VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling for better connectivity
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has advised consumers to check their mobile network settings and activate compatible calling technologies to improve voice quality, reduce call connection delays and stay connected in areas with weak signals. - JazzWorld, PTA hold cybersecurity seminar on 5G, e-SIMs and AI threats
The seminar brings together government and industry stakeholders to discuss emerging cyber risks, strengthen network security and improve consumer protection as Pakistan expands its digital infrastructure.