Foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $19 million to $17.12 billion during the week ended August 28, 2026. In its weekly reserves statement, the SBP said the country’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at $22.53 billion as of August 28, 2026. Of these, commercial banks held $5.41 billion in net foreign exchange reserves. “During the week e
Pakistan’s trade deficit increased by 18.11 percent during the first two months (July to August) of the current fiscal year 2026-27, rising from around USD6.025 billion in the same period of last fiscal year to USD7.116 billion, according to a summary of merchandise trade statistics released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Thursday. The country’s total imports reached USD12.575 bi
Pakistan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry has expressed concern over a federal minister’s directives to amend the existing drug pricing mechanism, warning that sudden changes could cripple the industry, disrupt medicine supplies and undermine efforts to ensure the availability of affordable medicines. Industry officials said the existing Drug Pricing Policy, 2018 was endorsed by the Supr
Gold held steady on Friday and was poised for a small weekly gain, as attention turned to highly awaited US payrolls data for clues on the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision. Spot gold held its ground at $4,477.10 per ounce, as of 0211 GMT. Prices jumped 2% on Thursday as traders scaled back expectations for a September rate hike after Fed Governor Christopher Waller said he w
Oil prices rose on Friday, heading for their steepest weekly gain since mid-July, as rising tension and renewed US-Iran hostilities heightened concerns over Middle East supply risks. Brent crude futures rose 54 cents, or 0.6%, to $96.06 a barrel by 0100 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 80 cents, or 0.9%, to $92.10. On a weekly basis, Brent rose 7.6% and WTI was 10.