Sunday , March 8 2026

Tag Archives: SBP

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 …

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Innovation drive links skills, farming, & energy efficiency

BeNewz ISLAMABAD: The government has accelerated work on three landmark social impact initiatives aimed at boosting skills development, providing affordable credit to small farmers, and promoting household energy efficiency, with launches targeted in the coming weeks. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, chaired back-to-back meetings on Thursday …

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NBP’S double-edged sword: Growth amidst governance gaps and lending lag

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD:  Despite a year marked by significant financial resilience and growth in its Islamic banking arm, the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) is facing increasing scrutiny over its strategic direction, particularly its reduced focus on private sector credit and persistent governance shortcomings. While the bank’s 2024 business plan …

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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 …

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Govt unveils Rs17.6 trillion budget for FY2025-26

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Tuesday unveiled a Rs17.6 trillion balanced budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, with total projected revenues and expenditures both standing at Rs17,573 billion. According to official budget figures, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is tasked with collecting Rs14,131 billion in tax revenue, …

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Govt moves toward regulating Crypto

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The federal government has taken a major step towards regulating digital assets and blockchain technologies in Pakistan, as Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, chaired a high-level meeting of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) at the Finance Division on Monday. The meeting focused on …

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Pakistan reaffirms cryptocurrency ban amid heated debate on regulation and risks

Aftab Maken Islamabad The Pakistani government has reiterated its stance that cryptocurrency remains banned in the country, telling the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance that comprehensive regulations are essential before any legalization can be considered. The announcement came during a tense committee session where lawmakers voiced urgent concerns over …

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IMF & Pakistan continue budget talks amid push for fiscal discipline & reform

Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have not yet reached a complete consensus on the budget targets for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the IMF has announced that negotiations on the new fiscal year’s budget will continue. An IMF mission, led by Mr. Nathan Porter, concluded its staff visit …

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PM approves FED removal on property deals: FBR

In a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, held under the chairmanship of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla of the Pakistan Peoples Party, a significant development unfolded regarding the ongoing investigation into money laundering through the import of solar panels. The sub-committee, established to probe the matter, requested additional time …

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SBP allowed to acquire stake in ZTBL

A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs) was held today at the Finance Division under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Governor …

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