TOP STORIES
- UN Chief Guterres heads to Pakistan as Islamabad pushes US-Iran dialogue
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is visiting Pakistan for four days as Islamabad seeks to support dialogue between Washington and Tehran and strengthen diplomatic efforts. - Pakistan exports rise 11% to $8.42 billion in 1QFY27
Pakistan’s exports increased by 11% in the first quarter of FY27, but faster import growth pushed the trade deficit to $10.79 billion. - Pakistan condemns Houthi attack on Madinah power station
Pakistan condemns the September 29 Houthi attack on Madinah’s Taibah power station and reaffirms solidarity with Saudi Arabia. - PM Shehbaz calls for sustainable growth, jobs and export-led economy
Prime Minister says Pakistan must move beyond stabilisation towards technology, productivity, employment and export-driven growth.
FINANCE
- Finance Division amends SOE policy to align with IFRS standards
Finance Division has revised the SOEs Ownership and Management Policy 2023 to strengthen IFRS-based financial reporting, oversight and internal controls. - Finance Minister, World Bank review Pakistan economic reform agenda
Talks focus on growth, jobs, revenue mobilisation, capital markets, trade, investment and institutional reforms - Pakistan forex reserves edge down $39m to $26.77bn
SBP reserves rise by $39 million, while commercial banks’ holdings fall by $78 million - Aurangzeb says foreign investor interest in Pakistan is growing
Finance minister says economic stability is encouraging local investment, paving the way for greater foreign participation.
NATIONAL
- National housing policy 2025 unveiled after 25 years
New policy targets affordable housing, easier financing, land security and sustainable urban development across Pakistan. - Pakistan plans rice planter feasibility study to raise yield
Minister Ahad Cheema directs officials to assess the technology’s economic viability, export potential and cost-sharing model with provinces and farmers. - Ballot win cannot guarantee housing allotment: FCCPCourt rules ineligible applicants cannot claim housing rights merely because they were selected through a computerized ballot.
- FCCP says doctors need drug sale licence for medical stores
The Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan (FCCP) has ruled that registered medical practitioners who prescribe or supply medicines to their patients are not automatically exempt from obtaining a licence to sell drugs under the Drugs Act, 1976.
TAXATION
- FBR sets October 9 deadline for officers to declare foreign nationality
FBR directs non-compliant officers to submit foreign nationality and travel document declarations by October 9, warning of disciplinary action. - FBR sets assessment rules for tax returns in TY2027
FBR outlines automated assessments, correction of apparent errors and procedures for incomplete income tax returns for Tax Year 2027. - FBR allows taxpayers to seek extension for return filing
Taxpayers can request additional time under Section 119, but an extension does not change the statutory tax payment deadline. - FBR sets rules for tax return and document filing in TY2027
Taxpayers must meet prescribed deadlines and filing requirements for income tax returns, wealth statements and foreign assets declarations.
MONEY & BANKING
- SBP launches Pakistan Express Clearing System to speed up cheque processing
The new system will initially operate on a pilot basis from October 15, with nationwide coverage targeted by April 30, 2027. - SBP clears export of 200,000 tonnes of sugar under new quota
Central bank sets payment, shipping and reporting conditions for sugar exports approved by the ECC and Federal Cabinet. - Banks to extend working hours on September 30, 2026 to facilitate tax collectionCommercial bank branches will remain open late to help taxpayers complete government duty and tax payments before the deadline.
- SBP governor launches Rs16bn Pasban remittance reward scheme
The Pasban scheme will distribute Rs4 billion in cash prizes every quarter to eligible home-remittance beneficiaries using formal banking channels.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- SBP clears export of 200,000 tonnes of sugar under new quotaCentral bank sets payment, shipping and reporting conditions for sugar exports approved by the ECC and Federal Cabinet.
- Pakistan secures additional 70,000-tonne rice export deal with MalaysiaAdditional rice exports to Malaysia are expected to boost foreign exchange earnings, support farmers and strengthen Pakistan’s export-led growth strategy.
- Pakistan exports rise 11% to $8.42 billion in 1QFY27Pakistan’s exports increased by 11% in the first quarter of FY27, but faster import growth pushed the trade deficit to $10.79 billion.
- PM Shehbaz orders regulatory reforms to boost investmentGovernment to establish regulatory registry and harmonise business facilitation rules across provinces
AUTOMOTIVE
- Deepal S07 PHEV makes debut with 100 km electric range
Changan’s Deepal S07 Ultra PHEV has arrived in Greece with 254 hp, nearly 1,000 km combined range and a starting price of EUR 36,000. - Toyota Corolla current model discontinued in Pakistan as facelift nears
Indus Motor Company removes the existing Corolla from its online lineup as the facelifted Altis is expected to arrive with updated exterior styling. - Sazgar launches ARCFOX T5 in Pakistan: Prices and booking details revealed
Sazgar Engineering Works Limited has introduced the ARCFOX T5 REEV in Pakistan, offering two variants with an extended electric driving range and deliveries expected within three to four months. - Toyota Pakistan expected to launch facelift of Toyota Corolla after long timeImages circulating on social media suggest that Toyota Corolla could receive exterior updates, while a new-generation model is not expected at this stage.
IT & TELECOM
- Oppo F35 Series debuts With 8,000mAh batteries, 50MP selfie cameras
The F35 Pro adds a 144Hz OLED display, Dimensity 7360 MAX chipset and 8MP ultra-wide camera, while both models feature 8,000mAh batteries. - Apple’s touchscreen MacBook Pro could launch next month
Apple is reportedly preparing 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with OLED touchscreens, lighter designs and M6 chips. - Trump creates ‘super intelligence force’ to lead US AI push
Donald Trump has announced a new federal task force to co-ordinate US artificial intelligence efforts and strengthen the country’s position in the global AI race. - Honor Wide foldable smartphone reportedly launching in January
Honor’s upcoming foldable is expected to feature a large 7.6-inch inner display, a 200MP camera and a battery exceeding 7,000mAh.