TOP STORIES
- Pakistan trims early-year external gap as current account deficit falls 36%
Stronger exports and rising workers’ remittances helped offset higher imports during the first two months of FY2026-27. - 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.
FINANCE
- Kiyani outlines reforms to boost exports, SMEs and Pakistan’s tax base
State Minister for Finance Azhar Bilal Kiyani highlights export growth, SME support, tax-base expansion and decentralised governance as key economic priorities. - Aurangzeb highlights fiscal reforms and investment opportunities at London roundtable
Pakistan’s finance minister says fiscal consolidation, tax reforms and privatisation are creating opportunities for international investors. - Foreign investment surges 80% in first two months of FY2026-27
Pakistan records $562 million in total foreign investment as stronger FDI and lower portfolio outflows improve the external investment position. - Pakistan trims early-year external gap as current account deficit falls 36%Stronger exports and rising workers’ remittances helped offset higher imports during the first two months of FY2026-27.
NATIONAL
- Petrol dealers reject government relief scheme over subsidy payments
Pakistan’s petroleum dealers say they will not sell subsidised petrol until the government agrees a clear reimbursement mechanism. - Pakistan raises petrol, HSD prices by Rs6.88 and Rs5.62 per litre
Petrol price will cost Rs391.22 and high-speed diesel Rs421.45 per litre from September 17, 2026 under the daily pricing mechanism. - 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.
TAXATION
- FBR retains employment generation tax credit for manufacturers in Tax Year 2027
Eligible manufacturing companies can claim a tax credit linked to registered employees, subject to conditions under Section 64B. - FBR allows tax credit on low-cost housing loan interest for Tax Year 2027
Individuals can claim a tax credit on qualifying housing-loan interest for eligible personal houses and flats under Section 63A. - FBR allows tax credit on approved pension fund contributions for Tax Year 2027
Eligible taxpayers can claim a tax credit on qualifying pension fund contributions under Section 63 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. - RTO Hyderabad seeks greater tax compliance from marriage halls
RTO Hyderabad and marriage hall operators have agreed to use reliable industry data to improve voluntary tax compliance under Section 236D.
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
- Ferozsons secures Gilead licence for generic lenacapavir
The royalty-free agreement allows Ferozsons to prepare for generic production and supply of once-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention in 120 countries. - 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.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Pak Suzuki teases new Suzuki Fronx variant with expected ADAS features
The latest teaser hints at a more advanced Fronx with driver-assistance and convenience features ahead of PAPS 2026. - Nora EV prepares to add two larger electric cars in Pakistan
Nora NEO and METRO will join the local EV lineup with 250–300 km claimed range, 70 km/h top speed and LFP batteries. - Jetour Pakistan resumes T2 i-DM bookings without price hike
Jetour Pakistan has reopened bookings and order intake for the T2 i-DM following strong customer demand and continued interest in the hybrid SUV. - 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.
IT & TELECOM
- iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders show lukewarm demand, analyst says
Jeff Pu says longer waits for Burgundy models contrast with immediate availability for some higher-storage Silver variants - Samsung releases stable One UI 9 for Galaxy S26 series
Android 17-based update begins rolling out with new AI-powered features and improvements across Samsung’s flagship smartphones - 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.