TOP STORIES
- SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 11.5% amid rising inflation
The State Bank of Pakistan has maintained its policy rate at 11.5%, with the MPC citing rising geopolitical risks, higher commodity prices and persistent supply-side pressures. - Brent crude crosses $108 as Pakistan rolls out Rs100 petrol relief
Global oil prices surge amid Middle East supply concerns as Pakistan launches targeted Rs100-per-litre petrol relief for small-vehicle users. - Pakistan reaffirms full support for Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks
PM Shehbaz Sharif condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia and pledges continued efforts to promote regional peace and stability. - FBR permits instalment payments of sales tax on imported mobile phones
FBR introduces an instalment facility for sales tax on imported mobile phones under the revised Ninth Schedule.
FINANCE
- Pakistan to spend Rs25bn monthly on petrol relief scheme
Petroleum minister says support will target vulnerable motorcycle and rickshaw users as government seeks to contain fuel costs - Finance Minister Aurangzeb, ACCA discuss SME growth and IT skills
Pakistan and ACCA explore cooperation in workforce development, digital transformation, IT services, and improved financing opportunities for SMEs. - Pakistan, Gates Foundation agree to deepen development cooperationTalks focus on health, human capital, financial inclusion, digital innovation and SME financing
- Pakistan expands affordable financing for SMEs, farmers and EV buyersFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reviews progress on SME, agriculture, housing and electric vehicle financing initiatives.
NATIONAL
- Petrol relief scheme extended to rented motorcycles, rickshaws
Shaza Fatima Khawaja says eligible users of rented motorcycles and rickshaws can benefit from the government’s Rs100-per-litre petrol relief scheme. - Brent crude crosses $108 as Pakistan rolls out Rs100 petrol reliefGlobal oil prices surge amid Middle East supply concerns as Pakistan launches targeted Rs100-per-litre petrol relief for small-vehicle users.
- Karachi airport extends NADRA vaccination certificate deadline for Umrah pilgrims
Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport extends the deadline for NADRA-integrated vaccination certificates for Umrah pilgrims until September 25. - JazzWorld cuts SMS rates by 66% to support Pakistan’s fuel subsidy scheme
JazzWorld reduces corporate SMS charges and provides digital integration support for the government’s targeted fuel relief programme.
TAXATION
- FBR imposes special excise duty on imported SUVs and cars for TY2027
Imported SUVs, cars and other specified motor vehicles will face an additional federal excise duty from Tax Year 2027. - FBR announces minimum VAT for imported coal used for electricity generation
FBR cuts minimum value addition tax on imported coal to 1% for direct supplies to IPPs while tightening tax waiver rules for manufacturers. - FBR brings toll manufacturers into sales tax withholding regime
Finance Act 2026 expands sales tax withholding rules to toll manufacturers and brings AoPs and individuals into the wider regime. - FBR permits instalment payments of sales tax on imported mobile phonesFBR introduces an instalment facility for sales tax on imported mobile phones under the revised Ninth Schedule.
MONEY & BANKING
- SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 11.5% amid rising inflationThe State Bank of Pakistan has maintained its policy rate at 11.5%, with the MPC citing rising geopolitical risks, higher commodity prices and persistent supply-side pressures.
- PVARA chief urges UN members to shape the future of digital finance
Bilal Bin Saqib calls for stronger international regulation as digital assets and blockchain reshape global financial systems. - Pakistan’s digital payment merchants cross 2 million mark
Active digital payment merchants have reached 2.03 million, surpassing the government’s June 2026 target amid efforts to expand Raast QR adoption and financial inclusion. - Private sector repays over Rs370bn in bank loans in first two months of FY27
Private-sector borrowers repay around Rs370 billion in bank loans during July-August 2026, signalling greater caution amid higher interest rates and economic uncertainty.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- Khurram Ijaz urges SBP to keep interest rate affordable for businesses
Business leader Khurram Ijaz calls for affordable financing as rising energy costs and a widening trade deficit pressure Pakistan’s businesses. - Private sector repays over Rs370bn in bank loans in first two months of FY27Private-sector borrowers repay around Rs370 billion in bank loans during July-August 2026, signalling greater caution amid higher interest rates and economic uncertainty.
- BOI minister says $18bn reserves cover three months of imports
Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh says Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have reached around $18 billion, providing import cover for approximately three months. - Pakistan expands export financing to boost global competitiveness
Government raises export finance limits and launches long-term funding facility to support SMEs, new exporters and industrial modernization.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Pakistan cuts sales tax on locally made hybrid cars up to 2000ccThe government has reduced the sales tax rate on locally manufactured hybrid electric vehicles to support the automotive sector and make hybrid cars more affordable.
- KIA Stonic facelift set to launch: Expected updates for Pakistani drivers
Kia Pakistan’s September 18 unveiling at PAPS 2026 has fueled speculation that the upgraded Stonic could enter the local market with refreshed styling, improved technology and advanced safety features. - FBR imposes special excise duty on imported SUVs and cars for TY2027Imported SUVs, cars and other specified motor vehicles will face an additional federal excise duty from Tax Year 2027.
- Freelander 8 sets world record after reaching 6,002 meters
Chery-JLR’s hybrid SUV surpasses BYD’s previous altitude benchmark, highlighting its turbocharged range extender and advanced all-wheel-drive system.
IT & TELECOM
- JazzWorld cuts SMS rates by 66% to support Pakistan’s fuel subsidy schemeJazzWorld reduces corporate SMS charges and provides digital integration support for the government’s targeted fuel relief programme.
- FBR permits instalment payments of sales tax on imported mobile phonesFBR introduces an instalment facility for sales tax on imported mobile phones under the revised Ninth Schedule.
- iPhone 18 Pro battery capacities revealed by EU energy labels
Apple’s newly published EU Energy Labels reveal the battery capacities of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, including a significant increase for the larger model. - KSE-100 gains 1,646 points as oil prices ease
Pakistan’s benchmark index recovered from early losses after a retreat in crude oil prices improved investor sentiment amid easing concerns over regional energy disruptions.