TOP STORIES
- SBP introduces new financing framework for small businesses and farmers
The central bank allows banks to partner with microfinance institutions and non-bank lenders to expand credit access, with financing limits of up to Rs5 million for small enterprises and Rs2 million for agricultural borrowers. - Pakistan brings cryptocurrency trading under anti-money laundering laws
The National Executive Committee approves the inclusion of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority in the Anti-Money Laundering Act framework to strengthen oversight of virtual assets. - PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir Black Day
The prime minister calls for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute under relevant UN Security Council resolutions and reaffirms Pakistan’s support for Kashmiri self-determination. - SBP raises policy rate to 12%, sees no immediate resolution to Middle East conflict
State Bank increases interest rate by 50 basis points as elevated energy prices and rising inflation worsen the economic outlook, while GDP growth is projected at 3.5–4.5% for FY2027.
FINANCE
- Pakistan brings cryptocurrency trading under anti-money laundering lawsThe National Executive Committee approves the inclusion of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority in the Anti-Money Laundering Act framework to strengthen oversight of virtual assets.
- Government approves key board appointments at PSO, digital wallet company
The Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises approves new independent directors for Pakistan State Oil and a sovereign virtual assets company while deferring the proposed pharmaceutical export council for further consultations. - Pakistan targets $5.5 billion IT exports and $44 billion remittancesFinance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says structural reforms, lower energy costs, tax improvements and private investment are central to achieving sustainable, export-led economic growth.
- Pakistan, Canada conclude third round of investment treaty talks
The negotiations aim to establish a transparent investment framework, boost investor confidence and expand Canadian investment in Pakistan’s renewable energy, mining, agriculture and IT sectors.
NATIONAL
- PM Shehbaz directs timely completion of housing projects
The prime minister calls for transparency and high construction standards in residential schemes, while also urging emergency measures to improve railway safety and services. - PM Shehbaz, Jamaat-e-Islami agree on petroleum relief committee
Government and JI will form a six-member committee to recommend expanding petrol relief for low-income households and gradually reducing the petroleum levy in the budget. - Pakistan cuts customs duty on petrol by Rs5.71 per litre
OGRA’s latest pricing notification reduces petrol’s customs duty to Rs20.56 per litre, lowering the ex-depot price to Rs376.06, while diesel becomes more expensive. - DISCOs’ losses decline to Rs325bn, Leghari informs Senate
Power Minister Awais Leghari says circular debt has fallen to around Rs1.6 trillion, while the government plans to introduce income-based electricity subsidies.
TAXATION
- FBR proposes mandatory e-filing of company financial statements
Under draft amendments to the Income Tax Rules, 2002, companies would be required to submit electronically readable financial statements through IRIS from tax year 2026, subject to specified technical requirements. - FBR opens tax collection windows on October 31 for return filers
Inland Revenue offices across Pakistan will remain open until 8pm on Saturday to facilitate tax payments ahead of the Tax Year 2026 income tax return deadline. - Pakistan cuts customs duty on petrol by Rs5.71 per litreOGRA’s latest pricing notification reduces petrol’s customs duty to Rs20.56 per litre, lowering the ex-depot price to Rs376.06, while diesel becomes more expensive.
- FBR notifies functions and procedure for faceless assessment
The new draft rules empower faceless assessment units to handle tax assessments, amendments, rectifications, hearings and related proceedings under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
MONEY & BANKING
- SBP allows Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sugar mills to export under 200,000-tonne quota
The State Bank of Pakistan has authorised banks to process eligible sugar export transactions from KP mills following the provincial government’s endorsement of their quotas. - SBP introduces new financing framework for small businesses and farmersThe central bank allows banks to partner with microfinance institutions and non-bank lenders to expand credit access, with financing limits of up to Rs5 million for small enterprises and Rs2 million for agricultural borrowers.
- SBP imposes Rs15.70 million penalty on Meezan Bank
Meezan Bank’s regulatory penalties decline from Rs59.19 million in the same period last year, while the Islamic lender reports a 10.9% increase in nine-month profit to Rs74.5 billion. - Rupee gains against US Dollar in interbank market: October 27, 2026
The rupee appreciates by one paisa to close at Rs276.80 against the US dollar, while the euro and British pound record declines.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- SBP allows Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sugar mills to export under 200,000-tonne quotaThe State Bank of Pakistan has authorised banks to process eligible sugar export transactions from KP mills following the provincial government’s endorsement of their quotas.
- Motiwala urges urgent review of China FTA amid rising imports
BMG chairman calls for better market access, value-added agricultural exports and a blue economy roadmap to strengthen Pakistan’s trade potential. - Pakistan sets 120-day roadmap for shrimp farming and exports
A prime minister-led initiative will develop a coordinated strategy to expand shrimp production, strengthen value addition and improve export competitiveness under a wider 24-month implementation and review process. - Pakistan moves to boost pharma exports with global quality standards initiativeNPO partners with pharmaceutical industry bodies to improve GMP compliance, strengthen FDA readiness and help local manufacturers access regulated international markets.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Indus Motor posts Rs7.4 billion quarterly profit, beats expectations
Toyota’s local partner in Pakistan reports a 10% year-on-year increase in quarterly earnings, supported by higher sales volumes, and announces a cash dividend of Rs56 per share. - BYD to unveil Yangwang Altior, luxury sedan ready to challenge Rolls-Royce
The upcoming flagship sedan will rival the Rolls-Royce Ghost with a 5.5-meter body, premium design, advanced technology and an expected price of around $300,000. - Air Link announces Air EV electric bike launch date in Pakistan, booking details revealed
Air Link Communications plans to launch its Air EV electric bike brand on November 4, 2026, with deliveries expected to begin within approximately one week and local manufacturing targeted to reach 95%. - Changan Pakistan announces price lock offer on Deepal S05 until October 31
Changan Pakistan is offering customers a price and tax lock on the Deepal S05 REEV for bookings made by October 31, 2026, with the offer applicable to full payments only.
IT & TELECOM
- Apple faces iPhone Duo durability backlash over display failures
Apple reportedly acknowledges inner-screen defects affecting a small number of foldable iPhones and directs affected customers to AppleCare for replacements. - DeepSeek AI model shows improved safety but shutdown risks remain
Independent Chinese researchers found stronger safeguards in DeepSeek’s latest model but identified shutdown interference, monitoring gaps and deceptive behaviour during extended tasks. - PM Shehbaz launches scheme to distribute 500,000 Chromebooks
The two-year initiative will provide merit-based devices with MiFi internet connectivity to deserving students, with an estimated 2.5 million family members also set to benefit. - FBR issues procedure for sales tax payment in instalment on imported mobile phones
The new procedure allows eligible individuals to pay sales tax on imported mobile phones in monthly instalments, but missed payments can result in device blocking and immediate recovery of the outstanding amount.