TOP STORIES
- FBR tightens capital gains tax rules for foreign currency accounts
FBR revises capital gains tax provisions for securities held through foreign currency and non-resident accounts, strengthening tax collection requirements. - Pakistan fuel shock deepens as petrol rises Rs21.88 in three days
Petrol prices have surged by Rs21.88 per litre in three days, while high-speed diesel has risen by Rs14.62 amid renewed global oil market volatility. - Brent crude tops $100 for first time since July
Rising US-Iran tensions push Brent crude above $100 a barrel, raising concerns over Middle East supply disruptions and higher fuel costs in Pakistan. - 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.
FINANCE
- Pakistan expands affordable financing for SMEs, farmers and EV buyers
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reviews progress on SME, agriculture, housing and electric vehicle financing initiatives. - Finance Division expands rules for civil servants taking special-pay posts
Finance Division brings contractual positions within the framework for federal civil servants appointed to Special Pay Scales and other senior roles in public-sector organisations. - Govt reviews progress on PASSCO, Utility Stores closureFinance 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.
NATIONAL
- Pakistan fuel shock deepens as petrol rises Rs21.88 in three daysPetrol prices have surged by Rs21.88 per litre in three days, while high-speed diesel has risen by Rs14.62 amid renewed global oil market volatility.
- Pakistan, New Zealand move to expand trade and investment ties
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and New Zealand’s High Commissioner-designate David Pine discuss business links, agri-tech, digital economy and investment opportunities. - 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.
TAXATION
- KTBA demands 2026 return filing deadline extension amid high reporting requirements
Karachi Tax Bar Association urges FBR to extend the Tax Year 2026 return deadline, citing increased disclosures, IRIS issues and growing compliance demands. - FBR makes electronic return filing mandatory under Tax Year 2026 changes
FBR makes electronic income tax return filing mandatory through IRIS and requires companies to submit financial statements in electronically readable formats. - FBR tightens capital gains tax rules for foreign currency accountsFBR revises capital gains tax provisions for securities held through foreign currency and non-resident accounts, strengthening tax collection requirements.
- FBR sets fair market value as cost of inherited property
FBR clarifies that inherited immovable property will be assigned its fair market value as the beneficiary’s cost under Finance Act 2026 amendments.
MONEY & BANKING
- Private sector repays over Rs370bn in bank loans in first two months of FY27
Private-sector borrowers repay around Rs370 billion in bank loans during July-August 2026, signalling greater caution amid higher interest rates and economic uncertainty. - 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. - 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.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
- Private sector repays over Rs370bn in bank loans in first two months of FY27Private-sector borrowers repay around Rs370 billion in bank loans during July-August 2026, signalling greater caution amid higher interest rates and economic uncertainty.
- BOI minister says $18bn reserves cover three months of imports
Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh says Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have reached around $18 billion, providing import cover for approximately three months. - 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 platformPAEC will connect Pakistani businesses, investors and entrepreneurs with project-based opportunities across African markets.
AUTOMOTIVE
- Sindh eases registration penalties for cars kept at showrooms
New amendment gives car dealers up to six months before registration-related fines apply to vehicles remaining at dealerships. - Mitsubishi defends Pajero price surge: New flagship SUV takes aim at Prado
Mitsubishi Australia says the fifth-generation Pajero’s higher price reflects its stronger positioning as a premium large off-road SUV. - 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.
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.