News

SBP allows Naya Pakistan Certificates in SAR & AED

The government has expanded the scope of Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs) scheme by introducing investment options in Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) and UAE Dirham (AED), aiming to attract more investment in the bonds from overseas Pakistanis residing in the Gulf region. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday revealed that the Finance Division’s External Finance Wing, through Gazette Notificati

Next budget may create more difficulties for traders

Former Vice President of FPCCI, Tariq Haleem has said that the upcoming federal budget, being formulated under the stringent conditions of the IMF, may create further difficulties for the business community, industries, and the general public. He urged the government to avoid measures that could slow down economic activity and negatively affect the investment climate. Tariq Haleem stated tha

PTC for competitive budget steps to revive exports & industries

Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) Chairman Fawad Anwar has urged the government to adopt the textile and apparel industry’s budget recommendations for FY2026-27, warning that these proposals represent the minimum requirements necessary to preserve the viability of Pakistan’s largest export sector. Speaking on behalf of the country’s leading textile and apparel associations, Fawad Anwar said that t

CPI inflation surges to 23-month high

The Consumer Price Index-based inflation surged to 11.7 percent year-on-year (YoY) in May 2026, the highest in 23 months, amid worsening Middle East tensions that have intensified energy-related pressures. According to the Monthly Review on Price Indices released here on Monday by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), this marks a steady escalation from the 10.9 percent reported in April 202

OPEC+ likely to raise July oil output target

OPEC+ oil-producing countries will likely agree a further hike in their output target for July when they meet on Sunday, three sources said, though the Iran war has so far prevented several from delivering previous increases. Another quota increase would show the group is approaching business as usual despite the disruption caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure and the unexpected exit in May o