Category: bussines

KARACHI: Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves increased to $21.09 billion as of December 12, 2025, lifting the country’s import cover to 2.62 months, supported primarily by fresh inflows from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), foreign currency reserves held by the central bank rose by $1.30 billion week-on-week to $15.89 billion, while net foreign reserves with commercial banks stood at $5.20 billion, taking total liquid reserves to $21.09 billion. The SBP said the weekly increase in its reserves was…

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KARACHI: Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of $100 million in November 2025, reversing a deficit of $291 million in October, but the modest improvement came despite a sharp decline in goods exports and was driven almost entirely by remittances sent by overseas Pakistani labourers who continue to receive little to no institutional support from the state. Rather than reflecting a strengthening of export competitiveness or productive capacity, the surplus underscores Pakistan’s growing dependence on remittance inflows generated by migrant workers, many of whom face systemic hurdles, harassment, and mistreatment…

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ISLAMABAD: The government has begun discussions to develop a credible strategy to permanently exit the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the expiry of the $7 billion bailout package, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated national efforts to build buffers and avoid any future programme. Government sources told The Express Tribune that a high-level meeting has recently taken place to determine whether Pakistan can sustain its economy in the absence of the IMF umbrella after September 2027, when the bailout package would come to an end. In the absence of urgent…

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LAHORE: Despite relative calm on the policy front, Pakistan’s economy continues to face serious risks stemming from both global and domestic challenges, industry leaders warned on Wednesday, urging the government to act with realism, transparency and urgency to protect the fragile recovery achieved so far. Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) Patron-in-Chief Mian Sohail Nisar said that economic vulnerabilities remain elevated due to geopolitical tensions and unresolved local issues, while delays in reforms are increasing pressure on the system. “Many risks linked to the economy are still at a…

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LAHORE: The High Commissioner of Mauritius, Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, has said Pakistan’s global image does not reflect the reality he observed during his visit, noting that the country is far more beautiful than portrayed and that he will work to present its positive image internationally. According to a statement issued on Wednesday, he made these remarks during a visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Sehgal said Pakistan and Mauritius enjoy long-standing relations, but bilateral trade remains far below potential. He said both sides…

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KARACHI: Trading remained choppy on Wednesday at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) as the market struggled to find clear direction amid a mix of positive economic developments and sector-specific concerns. The benchmark KSE-100 index ended slightly in the red, reflecting investor caution and a consolidation phase following the recent upside. The index oscillated between the intra-day high of 171,393 and low of 169,230, before closing at 170,314, down 133 points, or 0.08%. On the external front, Pakistan’s current account recorded a surplus of $100 million in November 2025, a notable…

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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has sought the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) support in addressing power sector debt repayment challenges and in building confidence among private investors. According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, Leghari met with a delegation of the ADB led by Leah Gutierrez, Director General, Central and West Asia Department. Leghari briefed the delegation on key challenges facing the power sector. He highlighted constraints in financing, issues related to rupee cover and high upfront costs. He added that the government…

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KARACHI: Pakistan’s Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) index rose to 104.8 in November 2025, up from 103.9 in October, according to the latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Similarly, the Pakistani rupee edged up 0.01% against the US dollar, closing at 280.27 in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. Furthermore, the SBP held an auction for Pakistan Investment Bonds (Fixed Rate), with settlement scheduled for December 18, 2025, covering two-year (zero coupon), three-year, five-year, 10-year, and 15-year (zero coupon) tenors. Total bids stood at Rs2.488 trillion in face…

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Consumer confidence in Pakistan fell sharply in the first quarter of FY2025–26, reflecting caution among households even as overall sentiment remains stronger than last year. The Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 86.4 from 96.2 in the previous quarter, a decline of 10.2%. Compared to the same period last year when it stood at 72.9, the index is up 18.5%, indicating that broader stabilization is holding despite short-term fluctuations. The Pakistan Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for Q1 FY2025-26, released in December 2025, provides a comprehensive assessment of household sentiment across the country. Prepared by D&B Pakistan in collaboration…

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ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to sell its 100% stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), but one-fourth of the shares will only be offered to the winning bidder at a 12% premium on the bid price, with an option to make the payment one year later. The government has also decided to take only 7.5% of the bid money in cash, while the bidder will invest the remaining 92.5% amount in the PIA company instead of depositing it in the exchequer, government officials told The Express Tribune. During the last…

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