News

Discos petition to refund Rs7.8bn

With a 1.6 per cent growth in electricity demand over last year, the public sector power distribution companies (Discos) have sought about Rs2 per unit negative fuel price adjustment (FCA) for electricity consumed in January as nuclear power emerged as the single largest source with 27pc contribution to the national grid. If approved, the ex-Wapda Distribution Companies (Disco) would have to re

SOE losses swell to Rs851bn in FY24

The Ministry of Fin­ance (MoF) on Wednesday reported the aggregate losses of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) at Rs851 billion during 2023-24 and their total loans at Rs9.2 trillion — almost equal to FBR revenues — posing serious financial and credit risks. In its Aggregate Annual Report of federal SOEs for FY24, as required under the IMF programme, the MoF said that after accounting for prof

PSX surges 1,345 points on robust earnings

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday closed on a highly bullish note as increased investor interest in lucrative stocks propelled the benchmark KSE-100 index higher by 1,345 points. Investor optimism was driven by several factors, including the approval of $40 billion in investment under the country partnership framework by the World Bank, rising global crude oil prices, robust textile expo

Pakistan to double exports in 3-5 years, targeting GCC market: FinMin

Pakistan plans to double its exports within the next three to five years, with a particular focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market, according to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Speaking to Asharq Business and Bloomberg during his visit to Saudi Arabia for the Alula Conference for Emerging Market Economies 2025, Aurangzeb outlined the country’s ambitions to significantly boost i

Textile exports rise 16% to $1.69b

Pakistan's exports in January 2025 stood at $2.95 billion, reflecting a 6% year-on-year (YoY) increase. However, imports rose at an almost double pace at 11% YoY and as a result, trade deficit widened 18% to $2.3 billion. Exports rose 1% month-on-month (MoM) while imports declined 2% compared to the previous month. Notably, petroleum imports increased 3% YoY but dropped 12% MoM. According to