Power Minister unveils six-year elimination plan, praises IMF-backed reforms and landmark bank deal Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Division Awais Leghari announced that Pakistan’s entrenched issue of circular debt in the power sector will be entirely resolved within six years, under a structured reform plan already yielding results. …
Read More »Pakistan’s trade deficit widens amidst global headwinds
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: While a recent government report heralds a period of remarkable economic recovery for Pakistan, a closer look at the data reveals some underlying challenges that could temper the celebratory mood. The July 2025 “Economic Update” from the Finance Division, while celebrating a historic current account surplus and …
Read More »Govt urged to exit sugar trade as IMF questions tax exemptions
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance convened today, reiterating its firm stance against government intervention in the sugar trade and urging a hands-off approach to pricing and imports. The committee meeting also highlighted ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding controversial tax exemptions on …
Read More »OGRA hikes fixed gas charges for domestic consumers
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has announced an increase in fixed gas charges for domestic consumers, effective July 1, 2025. This move comes as part of a broader gas tariff revision in Pakistan 2025, aimed at adjusting cost recovery in the energy sector, said an …
Read More »SBP holds policy rate at 11% amid rising oil prices & geopolitical risks
Staff Report KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has opted to maintain its key policy rate at 11 percent, signaling a cautious monetary stance in response to escalating global oil prices, significant geopolitical tensions, and an ongoing domestic economic recovery. The decision was announced today following a meeting of …
Read More »Capital gains, bigger pains: property market faces tax shake-up
Pakistan’s real estate sector is bracing for a major shift as the federal government considers a sharp increase in the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on property sales. Sources say the government is weighing a proposal to raise the current 15% CGT rate to as high as 40% in the upcoming …
Read More »No major changes expected in auto sector duties in Budget 2025-26
Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: There is a strong possibility that the federal government will maintain the current slabs of tax and duty on vehicles in the upcoming Budget 2025-26. Despite several proposals under consideration, the current import duties on automobiles are likely to stay unchanged, sources familiar with the development told …
Read More »FBR seeks enhanced powers to curb tax evasion
National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance on Friday deliberated on the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) request for expanded powers aimed at addressing significant tax evasion in major sectors. FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial briefed the committee, pointing out that while the FBR holds monitoring authority under sales tax regulations, it …
Read More »FM showcases reform gains to investors & global raters
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to macroeconomic stability, structural reforms, and investor confidence. The finance minister said this during the two high-level Zoom meetings held on Friday — one with the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI) and the other …
Read More »Circular Debt drops by Rs 283 Bn in 13 months
In the first 13 months of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government’s tenure, the circular debt in the power sector has decreased by Rs 283 billion. According to documents of the Power Division, the circular debt in the power sector was reduced by this amount, reaching Rs 2,396 billion between …
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