TOP STORIES
- PM Shehbaz condemns attempted drone attack on Makkah
Prime Minister reaffirms Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and calls for restraint and diplomacy amid regional tensions. - FBR exempts duties and taxes on imported bulletproof vehicles
The tax exemption will facilitate the import of specialised vehicles for SCO Summit security, state guests and counter-terrorism operations. - SBP set to launch new remittance incentive scheme next month
New bank-funded initiative aims to encourage overseas Pakistanis and remittance centres to use formal channels as SBP targets more than $44 billion in inflows. - SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 11.5% amid rising inflation
The State Bank of Pakistan has maintained its policy rate at 11.5%, with the MPC citing rising geopolitical risks, higher commodity prices and persistent supply-side pressures.
FINANCE
- PM Shehbaz makes export growth central to Pakistan’s economic strategyPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for export diversification, higher product quality, greater value addition and wider access to international markets to drive Pakistan’s economic growth.
- Pakistan to spend Rs25bn monthly on petrol relief scheme
Petroleum minister says support will target vulnerable motorcycle and rickshaw users as government seeks to contain fuel costs - Finance Minister Aurangzeb, ACCA discuss SME growth and IT skills
Pakistan and ACCA explore cooperation in workforce development, digital transformation, IT services, and improved financing opportunities for SMEs. - Pakistan, Gates Foundation agree to deepen development cooperationTalks focus on health, human capital, financial inclusion, digital innovation and SME financing
NATIONAL
- Finance Division extends Rs2,500 MPhil allowance to HEC-equivalent degrees
Government employees holding degrees declared equivalent to MPhil by the HEC can now claim the Rs2,500 monthly allowance, subject to an equivalence certificate and prescribed conditions. - JI delegation briefed on fuel pricing and supply mechanism
Government officials briefed a Jamaat-e-Islami delegation on Pakistan’s seven-day rolling average fuel pricing system, supply management and targeted subsidies. - Domestic fuel use keeps August FCA near Rs1.73 per unit: Leghari
Energy Minister Awais Leghari says greater use of domestic energy resources and additional local gas helped contain August’s fuel cost adjustment. - Dar directs 24-hour payment settlement for fuel stations under PM petrol relief scheme
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has ordered fuel station payments to be settled within 24 hours as Pakistan prepares to roll out the petrol relief scheme nationwide.
TAXATION
- FBR allows tax credit on charitable donations in Tax Year 2027
Eligible taxpayers can claim tax credits on qualifying donations, voluntary contributions and subscriptions subject to prescribed limits and conditions. - Education expenses deduction available in Tax Year 2027
Eligible individuals can claim a tuition fee deduction subject to income, payment and statutory limits under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. - FBR allows deduction for Zakat payments in Tax Year 2027
The FBR has retained the provision allowing taxpayers to claim a deductible allowance for Zakat paid during Tax Year 2027, subject to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. - FBR, traders to visit markets nationwide for Asaan Tax Scheme registrations
FBR officials and trader representatives will jointly visit markets across Pakistan to facilitate on-the-spot registration of shopkeepers under the Asaan Tax Scheme.
MONEY & BANKING
- SBP set to launch new remittance incentive scheme next monthNew bank-funded initiative aims to encourage overseas Pakistanis and remittance centres to use formal channels as SBP targets more than $44 billion in inflows.
- Pakistan banking sector remains resilient despite market volatility: SBP
SBP says banks maintained strong capital buffers, improved asset quality and growing deposits during the first half of 2026 despite heightened global risks. - SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 11.5% amid rising inflationThe State Bank of Pakistan has maintained its policy rate at 11.5%, with the MPC citing rising geopolitical risks, higher commodity prices and persistent supply-side pressures.
- PVARA chief urges UN members to shape the future of digital finance
Bilal Bin Saqib calls for stronger international regulation as digital assets and blockchain reshape global financial systems.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- Customs Agents Alliance wins APCAA elections in clean sweep
The Customs Agents Alliance-backed panel won all contested seats in the APCAA elections, defeating the Businessmen Group-backed candidates. - Industry cries foul as SBP leaves interest rate stuck at 11.5%
FPCCI warns that high borrowing costs, energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty are squeezing manufacturers and undermining exports and investment. - KCCI, LCCI join hands to address business community’s key challenges
Karachi and Lahore chambers agree to strengthen coordination, promote investment, reduce business costs and support export growth. - Khurram Ijaz urges SBP to keep interest rate affordable for businesses
Business leader Khurram Ijaz calls for affordable financing as rising energy costs and a widening trade deficit pressure Pakistan’s businesses.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Jaecoo J5 Hybrid price protected as company absorbs 100% GST increase
Nishat Group has announced full absorption of the revised GST impact on hybrid vehicles, keeping Jaecoo J5 SHS-H prices unchanged until September 30, 2026. - MG Pakistan offers Rs200,000 saving on ZS SUV after GST price revision
MG Motors Pakistan has announced a special offer on both ZS variants, providing Rs200,000 savings before revised prices take effect from October 1, 2026. - Hyundai Palisade hybrid buyers get temporary price relief in Pakistan
Hyundai Nishat Motors has introduced special ex-factory prices for the Palisade Hybrid, offering customers savings despite the higher applicable sales tax. - Hyundai hybrid cars get major price cuts after sales tax revision
Hyundai Nishat Motor has reduced the prices of selected locally assembled hybrid vehicles, offering relief to Pakistani buyers following the revised sales tax rate.
IT & TELECOM
- PS5 becomes the top console choice ahead of GTA 6 launch
With GTA 6 approaching its November release, Sony and Rockstar Games are putting the PlayStation 5 at the centre of the highly anticipated launch. - iOS 27 rolls out to iPhones with new features and Siri AI
Apple has begun rolling out iOS 27 worldwide, bringing performance improvements, a redesigned Spotlight experience, enhanced search tools and its next-generation Siri AI. - Senate panel defers Starlink licence issue, seeks clarity on telecom disputes
Senate committee seeks detailed records on Starlink, Jazz tariffs, connectivity, LDI/FLL cases and other telecom-sector issues. - JazzWorld cuts SMS rates by 66% to support Pakistan’s fuel subsidy scheme
JazzWorld reduces corporate SMS charges and provides digital integration support for the government’s targeted fuel relief programme.