News

Banking complaints surge with digitisation

Amid rapid digitisation and modernisation of banking in Pakistan, the number of complaints lodged by customers has surged, reflecting growing concerns over service quality and fraud. The Banking Mohtasib Pakistan provided monetary relief of Rs882.25 million to customers by resolving 16,006 complaints during the first half of 2025 (January to June). This marks a notable rise from the same period

WB outlines energy efficiency path for Pakistan’s key industries

The World Bank, in a new report, has designed strategies for five key industrial sectors in Pakistan, highlighting significant opportunities for energy efficiency and decarbonisation to help the country manage soaring energy costs and meet its climate goals. The report ‘Pakistan Energy Efficiency: Industrial Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation (EE&D)’, outlines strategies, targeting the cemen

Falling behind on meaningful social development

After a strong start in 2015, progress on the 2030 Agenda has slowed since the pandemic. Conflicts, climate shocks, inequalities, and mounting debt are derailing global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) efforts. In Pakistan, already lagging, the focus now seems more on revenue generation than pursuing real human development. It is, therefore, unsurprising that Pakistan’s ranking on SDG index

Finance: Between costs and credit

In just over two weeks, Pakistan has endured a dual economic shock — sharply rising fuel prices and sweeping tax enforcement measures — deepening stress for citizens and businesses alike. On July 1, petrol prices rose by Rs8.36 to Rs266.79 per litre, while diesel jumped Rs10.39 to Rs272.98. Quietly embedded in the hike was a Rs2.5 per litre “climate support levy” layered atop existing petroleum

Economic resilience — the Chinese way

Pakistan’s most significant ally China has sprung another surprise on those who thought that US President Donald Trump’s tariff wars, leading to global trade tensions between Beijing and Washington, could slow down its economic rise. The 5.3 per cent year-on-year expansion in China’s economy during the first half of 2025 defies expectations and reinforces Beijing’s recovery momentum amid a volatil