Category: bussines

MICHIGAN/KARACHI: In August 2009, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) officially changed its monetary policy framework from targeting monetary aggregates to an interest rate-based monetary policy framework, known as the inflation-targeting-lite regime, by introducing the interest rate corridor (IRC). Within international systems, the adoption of IRC would be a transitional move for implementing a flexible or full-fledged inflation targeting monetary policy framework, where the policy rate is used as a primary tool for anchoring inflation expectations (Stone, 2003). Indeed, most inflation-targeting central banks place corridor systems not only to stabilise…

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KARACHI: Pakistan’s economic policy framework is increasingly being shaped by sector-specific reforms aimed at correcting long-standing structural distortions and reviving growth. Among the most significant developments are the gradual deregulation of the sugar sector, a renewed emphasis on an ambitious agriculture export strategy, and sustained efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). These initiatives are closely interlinked and reflect a broader shift away from heavy state intervention towards market-oriented, export-driven and investment-friendly policies. While challenges remain, official data and historical experience suggest that progress in these areas could strengthen Pakistan’s…

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken bold steps forward in modernising its regulatory landscape, delivering significant enhancements to anti-money laundering safeguards, corporate transparency, and the simplicity of starting a business, initiatives that have positioned the country as a more competitive and compliant player on the global stage. At the heart of these achievements is the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), which earned the title of national “Reforms Champion” from the prime minister in December 2025 during the launch of the National Regulatory Reforms initiative. The recognition highlights the regulator’s dedication…

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KARACHI: A sharp wave of selling swept through the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, triggering a steep corrective move as escalating geopolitical tensions drove investors into risk-off mode. Heightened concerns over the Iran-US standoff, developments in Venezuela, and widening instability across the Middle East and South Asia undermined market confidence, sending the benchmark KSE-100 index tumbling by over 2,000 points in line with volatility across global markets. The trading session started under heavy pressure, with aggressive selling pushing the index lower immediately after the opening bell. Although bargain hunting…

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken bold steps forward in modernising its regulatory landscape, delivering significant enhancements to anti-money laundering safeguards, corporate transparency, and the simplicity of starting a business, initiatives that have positioned the country as a more competitive and compliant player on the global stage. At the heart of these achievements is the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), which earned the title of national “Reforms Champion” from the prime minister in December 2025 during the launch of the National Regulatory Reforms initiative. The recognition highlights the regulator’s dedication…

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KARACHI: Pakistan’s total liquid foreign currency reserves stood at $21.19 billion as of January 2, 2026, reflecting a modest improvement in the country’s external liquidity position, according to official data. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) held $16.06 billion in foreign reserves, while commercial banks collectively maintained net foreign reserves of $5.14 billion, bringing the total liquid reserves to $21.19 billion. During the week ended January 2, the SBP’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $141 million, signalling a slight strengthening of the central bank’s buffer amid ongoing external pressures. Analysts…

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ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of IT and Telecom has acknowledged long-standing demands of the telecom sector by easing payment terms and fixing exchange and interest rates in its policy directive for the upcoming next-generation mobile spectrum auction, a move that clears the way for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to issue the Information Memorandum for existing operators and new entrants to participate in the process. Under the approved framework, the spectrum fee has been denominated in US dollars, but the exchange rate will be calculated at the National Bank of Pakistan’s TT…

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KARACHI: The benchmark KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended on a softer note on Thursday, shedding around 975 points to settle slightly above 185,500, as investors booked profits following a strong five-day rally. “During the session, investors opted for profit realisation after the recent robust gains,” said Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd (AHL). “Following a sharp rally of 12,464 points (+7.2%) in the initial five sessions of CY26, the PSX witnessed its first profit-taking session today (Thursday).” The KSE-100 index ended the…

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