TOP STORIES
- FBR orders banks to digitally share data on high-value accounts
FBR makes electronic reporting mandatory for banks and financial institutions handling accounts with deposits or withdrawals exceeding Rs100 million, enabling automated tax cross-matching. - Pakistan workers’ remittances rise 15% to $7.29bn in 2MFY27
Workers’ remittances reached $7.29 billion in July-August 2026, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK and the US remaining major sources of inflows. - PM says Rs800bn recovered through enforcement without new taxes
Business-led reforms, stronger tax enforcement and export-focused growth remain central to Pakistan’s economic strategy - FBR sets conditions for super tax exemption for exportersExporters earning more than Rs500 million can qualify for full super tax relief if export proceeds exceed 80% of annual turnover from Tax Year 2027.
FINANCE
- Govt reviews progress on PASSCO, Utility Stores closure
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stresses timely completion, transparency and protection of public resources - PM Shehbaz says Pakistan completes difficult economic turnaround
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says fiscal, structural and governance reforms have restored macroeconomic stability and strengthened investor confidence. - FBR tax-to-GDP ratio rises to 10.3%, Aurangzeb targets 12%Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says Pakistan must raise the FBR tax-to-GDP ratio to 11%-12% in the short term while advancing structural reforms and private-sector investment.
- Pakistan’s forex reserves decline by $59m in one week
Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves fell to $22.528bn by August 28, despite a $20m increase in reserves held by the State Bank.
NATIONAL
- PM Shehbaz orders property survey for Apna Ghar housing loans
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directs provincial administrations to survey properties eligible for loans under the Apna Ghar Scheme as the government targets greater access to housing finance. - Pakistan unveils 10-Year national plan to protect sharks
The government will target illegal shark finning, bycatch and habitat loss while promoting sustainable fisheries and supporting coastal communities through 2035. - Petrol price jumps Rs12.90 per litre in Pakistan
Petrol rises to Rs358.77 per litre while HSD increases to Rs381.77 amid global oil market volatility - SSGC plans Rs5.73bn gas expansion to 261 villages in Sindh
Four-phase project will establish 684.91km pipeline network and provide gas connections to 8,914 prospective consumers by FY2028-29
TAXATION
- FBR orders banks to digitally share data on high-value accountsFBR makes electronic reporting mandatory for banks and financial institutions handling accounts with deposits or withdrawals exceeding Rs100 million, enabling automated tax cross-matching.
- FBR tightens online business integration rules for Tax Year 2027
FBR strengthens business integration requirements for Tax Year 2027, introducing penalties for non-compliance, a 10% tax credit for eligible digital investment and expanded powers to mandate electronic systems. - FBR withdraws 9% surcharge on salaried persons
FBR removes the 9% surcharge on salaried individuals earning over Rs10 million from July 1, 2026, while the 10% rate remains for other taxpayers. - FBR sets tax rate on social media income for Tax Year 2027
FBR has introduced a 5% withholding tax on social media revenues received through banking and non-banking financial institutions under the Finance Act, 2026.
MONEY & BANKING
- Pakistan workers’ remittances rise 15% to $7.29bn in 2MFY27Workers’ remittances reached $7.29 billion in July-August 2026, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK and the US remaining major sources of inflows.
- SBP launches women microfinance credit guarantee facility with 25% first-loss coverThe new facility provides banks and DFIs with first-loss guarantees of up to 25% to expand financing for women-led microenterprises and improve access to institutional funding.
- Imran Sarwar appointed NBP president and CEO for three years
The Federal Government has appointed Imran Sarwar as National Bank of Pakistan President and CEO for a three-year term with immediate effect. - Pakistan accelerates cashless drive with new digital targets
Finance Division reviews digital payment progress, merchant adoption and government transactions ahead of the Prime Minister’s Cashless Initiative review.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- 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. - Pakistan-Africa Economic Council to launch new trade platform
PAEC will connect Pakistani businesses, investors and entrepreneurs with project-based opportunities across African markets. - Pak EXIM expands export financing to support Pakistan’s exportersEFS allocation rises to PKR 1.5 trillion while PKR 350 billion is earmarked for long-term export investment
- Fuel price hikes put Karachi industries at risk of closure
Karachi industrialists warn that rising fuel, energy and tax costs are threatening factory operations, exports, investment and employment.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Royal Power launches new 70cc motorcycle in Pakistan priced above Honda 70cc
Royal Power XOOM 70cc arrives with clutch-less operation, modern styling and claimed fuel average of up to 60 km/l. - Indus Motor faces over Rs73bn customs duty liability
Indus Motor has disputed FBR’s export conditions linked to concessionary customs duties, with potential additional liabilities exceeding Rs73 billion if its case fails. - ECC approves Rs6.6bn for bulletproof vehicles ahead of SCO Summit
Cabinet body clears funds for 30 bulletproof vehicles, reviews tobacco prices and approves Danish Schools Fund - GWM Pakistan announces booking amount for Haval H6 PHEV GT: Price to reveal soon
GWM Pakistan has opened bookings for the Haval H6 PHEV GT, with the official price expected to be announced shortly.
IT & TELECOM
- JazzWorld brings 100 young professionals into AI leadership programme
JazzWorld has inducted 100 young professionals into its AI Associate Programme 2026 as the company accelerates its transition towards becoming an AI-native organisation. - Google app prepares background song search feature
Upcoming upgrade could identify songs while users switch to other apps and deliver results through notifications - Huawei Mate XT 2 launches with redesigned tri-fold display
Huawei’s latest tri-fold smartphone features a Kirin 9050 Pro chip, privacy display and 5,600mAh battery - VEON, JazzWorld discuss capital markets and digital investment with SECPSenior leaders from VEON and JazzWorld met SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu to explore financial inclusion, digital infrastructure and technology-led innovation in Pakistan.