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Pakistan has warned against any attack on an empty oil tanker stranded near Saudi Arabia's east-west pipeline as officials consider alternative routes and crude suppliers. The situation has raised concern over diesel availability, with authorities indicating existing stocks cover only the current and following month.
The government has raised petrol by Rs4.42 to Rs380.24 per litre and high-speed diesel by Rs6.10 to Rs409.42 per litre, effective September 15. The sixth consecutive increase comes as international oil prices remain above $100 a barrel amid renewed concerns over Middle East energy infrastructure and shipping routes.
The Economic Coordination Committee has approved Rs75 billion in supplementary funding for the government's targeted petrol relief programme for motorcycles, three-wheelers and cars up to 800cc. The digitally administered scheme offers a Rs100-per-litre benefit within defined limits and is moving into phased implementation across the country.
Gold prices in Pakistan fell sharply on Monday, with 24-karat gold dropping Rs3,800 to Rs453,336 per tola and the 10-gram rate also moving lower. Silver declined by Rs122 per tola as precious-metal markets remained volatile amid changing international bullion and interest-rate expectations.
Roshan Digital Accounts held by overseas Pakistanis have reached 966,144, with cumulative deposits exceeding $13.9 billion by August 2026. More than $2.2 billion has been invested through the programme over six years, while around $3 billion remained deposited at the end of August.
Pakistan’s goods transporters have raised freight charges by five per cent after diesel climbed to Rs403.32 per litre and petrol to Rs375.82. The transport alliance has also warned that a nationwide strike could resume if commitments reached with authorities after the August protest are not implemented.
An IMF mission is expected to visit Pakistan in the coming weeks for the fourth review of the Extended Fund Facility, the third review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility and Article IV consultations. Successful completion of the reviews and subsequent Executive Board approval could unlock about $1.2 billion in additional financing.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the initial draft of Pakistan’s Auto Policy 2026–31 and ordered further changes, with proposed incentives for electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and local manufacturing. The draft also restructures hybrid-vehicle duties and is expected to be discussed with the IMF in October before further approval steps.
Pakistan and the Gates Foundation have agreed to expand cooperation in health, human capital, financial inclusion, digital innovation and private-sector development. The talks included maternal and child health, AI-based healthcare solutions, women’s economic participation and improved financing options for SMEs and agriculture.
Ahsan Iqbal has called for wider tax reforms, digitalisation and stronger resource mobilisation to support Pakistan’s plan for a $1 trillion economy by 2035. The government is also seeking to broaden the tax base, increase exports and create more fiscal space for development spending.
Pakistan is expanding automated scrutiny of high-value financial activity through a central banking-data framework linked with tax records. Transactions crossing the prescribed Rs100 million threshold will undergo algorithmic cross-matching, with significant discrepancies potentially referred for further compliance proceedings.
Pakistan has raised petrol by Rs3.40 per litre to Rs367.75 and high-speed diesel by Rs6.72 to Rs392.67, marking the third consecutive day of fuel-price increases. The new rates take effect on September 10 after cumulative three-day increases of Rs21.88 for petrol and Rs14.62 for diesel.
