TOP STORIES
- FBR warns of false statements in 2026 tax returns as deadline nears
Taxpayers could face a penalty of Rs500,000 or 100% of the tax shortfall for false or misleading declarations under the Income Tax Ordinance. - Dera Ismail Khan checkpoint bombing kills 12 as TTP claims attack; rescue workers targeted
Twelve people were killed and 35 injured in the Aman Mela checkpoint bombing, while two Rescue 1122 workers died when an ambulance carrying victims came under fire. - Shehbaz warns India water diversion would be treated as act of war at UNGA
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calls for diplomacy to resolve regional conflicts and warns India against stopping or diverting Pakistan’s share of river waters. - FBR launches national faceless centre to reform tax audit processThe new system will automate case selection, officer assignment and tax proceedings while reducing direct interaction between taxpayers and officials.
FINANCE
- Pakistan seeks US EXIM financing for PIA Aircraft and Reko Diq
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb discusses aircraft procurement, refinery upgrades and Reko Diq financing with US EXIM Bank chief. - SIFC, World Bank discuss reforms to improve Pakistan’s business EnvironmenteDiscussions focus on regulatory simplification, the Asaan Karobar Framework and digital facilitation for businesses.
- Aurangzeb highlights digital transformation at DCO dialoguePakistan’s finance minister stresses digital infrastructure, skills development, cashless payments and regulated virtual assets to support sustainable growth.
- ADB maintains Pakistan’s FY2027 growth forecast at 3.7%
The Asian Development Bank expects Pakistan’s economy to grow 3.7% in FY2027, while inflation is projected to rise to 8.3% amid higher energy costs and external risks.
NATIONAL
- Pakistan reduces petrol, HSD prices as international oil costs ease
Petrol falls by Rs2.27 per litre and HSD by Rs3.56 as lower international oil and import-related costs reduce fuel prices from September 29. - Pakistan pushes national digital masterplan for AI and E-governanceGovernment plans unified digital systems, AI skills and stronger data coordination across education, healthcare and public services.
- Dera Ismail Khan checkpoint bombing kills 12 as TTP claims attack; rescue workers targetedTwelve people were killed and 35 injured in the Aman Mela checkpoint bombing, while two Rescue 1122 workers died when an ambulance carrying victims came under fire.
- NEPRA proposes grid sharing charges for buildings needing transformers above 500 kVA
Proposed Consumer Service Manual amendments would revise rules for grid sharing, industrial connections, steel furnaces, temporary disconnections and detection bills.
TAXATION
- FPCCI seeks one-month extension for Income Tax Return filing
Atif Ikram Sheikh cites IRIS system issues, tax-law complexities and pressure on businesses as reasons for extending the deadline to October 31. - Tax filing deadline nears as Karachi Chamber flags FBR password issues
Karachi Chamber president urges FBR to restore previous passwords as taxpayers face difficulties accessing IRIS system - PTBA urges Punjab to extend agricultural income tax return deadline
Tax body seeks a one-month extension to October 31, citing difficulties with Punjab’s newly introduced online filing system. - Salary income tax slabs for Tax Year 2026 return filing
Salaried taxpayers can use the applicable Tax Year 2026 slabs to calculate their income tax liability before the September 30 filing deadline.
MONEY & BANKING
- 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. - Insurance claims worth Rs548 billion settled in 2025: SECP
Pakistan’s insurers settled more than one million claims in 2025 as the industry recorded strong growth in premiums, assets and digital insurance. - SBP foreign exchange reserves rise $11 million to $21.4bn
Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves reached $26.81 billion during the week ended September 18, according to the central bank. - SECP approves Shaamilkar app for Shariah-compliant SME financing
The digital platform will provide eligible small businesses with Shariah-compliant financing of up to Rs3 million.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- PM Shehbaz invites US businesses to explore Pakistan’s investment potential
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlights investment opportunities in agriculture, minerals, IT, energy, ports and privatisation during a meeting with US business leaders in New York. - Pakistan, European Parliament delegation discuss human rights, GSP+
Azam Nazeer Tarar briefs MEPs on Pakistan’s legal framework and cyber laws as both sides call for greater dialogue and parliamentary engagement. - OICCI Urges Investment and Export Reforms as IMF Team Visits Karachi
Business leaders call for stronger investor confidence, energy security, export growth and structural reforms to support Pakistan’s economy. - SECP highlights corporatisation and REIT opportunities for ABAD membersThe SECP has briefed ABAD members on corporate reforms, digital incorporation and opportunities to establish Real Estate Investment Trusts.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Chery says Boxy Defender-Like SUVs will remain popular
Chery’s global design chief believes upright, square-shaped SUVs have become an enduring design trend rather than a temporary styling fad. - BYD reveals second-gen Seal 07 with bigger dimensions and new design
The upgraded BYD Seal 07 will be offered in PHEV and BEV versions, with up to 718 km of WLTP driving range. - KIA Sorento PHEV AWD vs 1.6 Hybrid AWD: Price and specs compared
The latest Sorento PHEV brings a larger battery and EV-only driving, while the hybrid offers a lower purchase price for everyday use. - Indus Motor reports Toyota Hilux sales decline amid lower government buying
Indus Motor says lower government procurement affected Hilux sales, while the company plans Rs4–5bn in capital expenditure for FY27.
IT & TELECOM
- Xiaomi 18 leak reveals 6.4-inch display and 200MP cameras
Xiaomi’s standard flagship is reportedly set to arrive in China with a compact OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and a 7,200mAh battery. - Honor Magic9 Pro Max launches with dual 200MP cameras
Honor’s new flagship pairs ARRI camera technology with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, an 8,800mAh battery and a 120Hz LTPO OLED display. - iPhone 18 Pro Series sales surge in China with 1.3 million units sold
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max reportedly sold 15% more units in their first week than their predecessors, with the Pro Max accounting for 55.5% of sales. - Gemini becomes AI wedding planner for Pakistani shaadis
Google Gemini offers AI-powered tools for styling, menus, social media, scheduling and vendor management for Pakistani weddings