TOP STORIES
- 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 process
The new system will automate case selection, officer assignment and tax proceedings while reducing direct interaction between taxpayers and officials. - Energy shock sends Pakistan’s weekly inflation YoY near 12%
Weekly inflation rises 11.92 percent year on year as electricity, LPG and petroleum prices add to household cost pressures. - 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.
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 Environmente
Discussions 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
- 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. - Islamabad Safe City damage may attract Rs2 million fine per cameraPresident Zardari approves an ordinance allowing fines and compensation for damage to Islamabad’s Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure.
- Pakistan raises petrol price by Rs2.02 for next three days
Petrol rises to Rs391.30 per litre while high-speed diesel falls to Rs408.53 under Pakistan’s daily fuel pricing mechanism. - Energy shock sends Pakistan’s weekly inflation YoY near 12%Weekly inflation rises 11.92 percent year on year as electricity, LPG and petroleum prices add to household cost pressures.
TAXATION
- FBR proposes sweeping faceless tax regime with algorithm-based audit and assessment
Draft rules propose a National Faceless Centre, algorithm-based case allocation and separate audit, assessment and quality-control functions. - FBR sets rules for taxation of non-resident permanent establishments in Pakistan for tax year 2027
FBR outlines how taxable business income and deductible expenses of Pakistani permanent establishments of non-resident persons will be determined. - FBR explains adjustment of foreign losses for Tax Year 2027
FBR outlines how foreign-source losses are calculated, carried forward and adjusted against income under Section 104 of the Income Tax Ordinance. - FBR says foreign source salary is tax exempted in tax year 2027
FBR says foreign-source salary received by a resident individual is exempt from tax if foreign income tax has been paid on the salary.
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 potentialPrime 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
- iCAUR V23 vs V27 in Pakistan: Key differences in price, power and range
iCAUR’s V23 focuses on electric driving, while the larger V27 offers a range-extended powertrain and more cabin space. - Haval H6 GT PHEV vs H6 PHEV: Key differences for Pakistan buyers
GWM Pakistan’s two plug-in hybrid SUVs offer different strengths, with the H6 GT prioritising performance while the H6 PHEV focuses on efficiency and practicality. - Geely EX5 and EX2 electric cars expected to launch in Pakistan
Geely Auto Pakistan is reportedly preparing to introduce an electric SUV and hatchback as demand for EVs continues to grow. - Asan Tax Scheme draws 9,806 shopkeepers within first month
FBR reviews implementation as thousands of traders enter the tax system and officials address concerns over registration, returns and penalties.
IT & TELECOM
- PTA-approved iPhone 18 Pro Max price in Pakistan
Mercantile has officially announced prices for all iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max storage variants in Pakistan, with PTA approval, a two-year warranty and a Protection Plan included. - Apple HomePod Mini 2 colours revealed ahead of expected launch
The second-generation smart speaker is expected to feature new colours, a faster chip and support for Siri AI. - September Pixel drop triggers lock screen issues on Google Pixel Phones
Google’s September Pixel Drop appears to have introduced a lock screen bug affecting users across several Pixel smartphone models. - Huawei opens national telecom repair center in Islamabad
New facility is designed to expand local technical expertise, speed up equipment repairs and strengthen Pakistan’s telecom network resilience.