News

FBR spells out tax specifics for real estate

The Federal Board of Revenue has released specifics on Monday for the collection of tax on the earnings of builders and real estate developers, as well as details for collecting income tax from other sources as legislated in the 2024-25 budget. Income tax circular No.1 of 2024-25 was published to explain the implementation of important amendments in the Income Tax Ordinance 2001. Section 7F has

Dollar outflow surges seven times to record $2.2bn in FY24

The country witnessed the highest-ever outflow of profit and dividends by foreign investors in FY24 since FY18 as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had to clear the backlog under pressure from the International Monetary Fund, China and others. Profits and dividends outflows recorded an almost seven times increase to $2.215 billion in FY24 from just $331 million in the preceding fiscal year. This

The paradox of PSX

How does the stock market grow when participants exit and defy fundamental economic principles? In essence, the stock market operates similarly to a casino — individuals cannot guarantee a win but continue to place their hopes on it, holding out for that one elusive jackpot. News headlines frequently announce that the KSE 100 index has crossed thresholds with significant increases. While, over

China’s role in the global economy

Battered by the last four years of pandemic, record inflation, long-drawn-out wars and high interest rates, the global economic outlook continues to be lacklustre. In its latest World Economic Outlook update, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts that the global economy will grow 3.2 per cent this year, down a tick from 3.3pc growth last year. From 2000 through 2019, before the pandem

Exports to Europe dip in FY24 despite GSP+

In what appears to be a big concern for policymakers, Pakistan’s exports to European countries fell 3.12 per cent in FY24 despite its GSP+ status, which allows duty-free entry into most European markets. In absolute terms, Pakistan’s exports to the EU dipped to $8.240bn in FY24 from $8.505bn in the preceding year, according to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan. The decline was mainly