Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: Lack of clarity on the Governance and Corruption Diagnostic (GCD) report and pending confirmation of external financing have delayed Pakistan’s staff-level agreement (SLA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), though officials remain hopeful the deal will be concluded during Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s upcoming visit to Washington. …
Read More »IMF ends talks without staff-level deal, Pakistan awaits next round
IMF concludes $8.4bn review discussions with Pakistan without a staff-level agreement; further talks expected in Washington as Islamabad faces fiscal and governance reform demands. Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has concluded its review mission with Pakistan without announcing a staff-level agreement (SLA) under the $8.4 billion combined …
Read More »Tomato prices surge 46% as weekly SPI up 0.56%
Pakistan’s weekly inflation rose 0.56% for the week ending October 2, 2025, driven by sharp increases in key food and fuel items, led by tomatoes. Aftab Maken Pakistan’s Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), a key measure of short-term inflation, registered a 0.56% increase for the week ending October 2, 2025, reflecting …
Read More »Trade deficit narrows sharply in Sept 2025
Exports rise over 12% as imports decline, improving the monthly trade balance significantly. BeNewz Report Pakistan’s trade deficit witnessed a notable contraction in September 2025, driven by a rise in exports and a significant reduction in imports, according to the latest figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The …
Read More »Petrol, Diesel prices hiked by Over Rs 4 per litre
Government raises POL prices from Oct 1 following OGRA’s recommendations BeNewz Report The Government has increased petroleum prices for the first half of October 2025, with petrol and diesel rates going up by more than Rs 4 per litre. The revised rates, effective from October 1, follow recommendations by the …
Read More »Pakistan, IMF begin policy-level talks in Islamabad for second review
Talks focus on tax shortfalls, energy sector reforms, and flood impacts as Pakistan seeks $1bn loan tranche. Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have commenced policy-level talks in Islamabad as part of the second review under the $7 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), aiming to unlock the …
Read More »ECC seeks full rail plan for Reko Diq by March 2026
Rail link vital for Reko Diq copper-gold exports; $390m bridge financing secured under government guarantee. BeNewz Report The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Railways and the Finance Division to present a comprehensive execution and implementation plan for rail agreements related to the Reko …
Read More »MoF restructures Rs 1,225bn circular debt
The government resolves chronic circular debt via coordinated financial and policy efforts, freeing liquidity for key sectors without additional electricity charges. Aftab Maken The Govt has successfully restructured Rs1,225 billion in circular debt from the power sector, marking a decisive move towards fiscal consolidation and investor confidence. The historic agreement, …
Read More »Diesel price hiked, Petrol unchanged
High Speed Diesel price revised to Rs272.77 per litre for September 16–30; petrol holds steady at Rs264.61. Aftab Maken The Government has announced a revision in petroleum prices, increasing the rate of High Speed Diesel (HSD) by Rs2.78 per litre while leaving the price of petrol unchanged. The new prices, …
Read More »Pakistan trade deficit narrows in August 2025
BeNewz Report Pakistan’s trade deficit narrowed in August 2025 compared with July, though year-on-year data showed a sharp widening as exports declined and imports increased. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics–PBS–reported that exports fell to Rs 683.5 billion ($2.42 billion) in August from Rs 762.6 billion ($2.69 billion) in July, representing …
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