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Pakistan’s headline inflation is projected to return to double digits in August, with analysts forecasting a year-on-year CPI reading of roughly 10.75% to 11.3%. Rising food prices, higher motor-fuel costs and external energy risks are expected to drive the increase after inflation stood at 9.2% in July.
United Bank Limited shareholders have approved an equity investment of up to Rs22 billion in Khushhali Microfinance Bank, potentially increasing UBL's stake in the lender. The capital support comes after KMBL reported negative equity of Rs16.15 billion at the end of 2025 and is intended to strengthen its financial position.
Pakistan has increased petrol by Re0.39 per litre to Rs341.98 and high-speed diesel by Rs2.40 to Rs370.69, effective August 25. The latest adjustment comes under a more frequent fuel-pricing framework designed to reflect changes in international energy markets more rapidly.
The ECC has approved a new framework allowing foreign fuel suppliers to store petroleum products in customs-bonded facilities in Pakistan for local sale or re-export. The policy is designed to improve energy security after recent supply disruptions and will proceed to the federal cabinet for formal ratification.
Moody's has upgraded Pakistan's sovereign credit rating to B3 from Caa1 while keeping the outlook stable, citing stronger governance, easing external vulnerabilities and improved debt affordability. The move follows S&P's recent upgrade and could strengthen investor confidence, although Moody's says Pakistan still faces fragile external finances, a narrow revenue base and growth constraints.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange rebounded in early Monday trading, with the KSE-100 Index gaining more than 600 points as buying returned across banks, energy companies, refineries and other major sectors. The recovery follows a 1.6% weekly decline and comes as investors monitor Iran-related geopolitical risks, oil prices and major global economic signals.
Pakistan is exploring regulated stablecoins as a way to reduce the cost of roughly $40 billion in annual remittance inflows, with PVARA Chairman Bilal bin Saqib estimating that a one-percentage-point reduction in transfer costs could save about $400 million a year. The initiative forms part of a wider push to regulate virtual assets and develop practical uses for blockchain-based payments, digital exports, trade finance and tokenisation.
Pakistan is exploring regulated stablecoins for overseas remittances, with PVARA Chairman Bilal bin Saqib estimating that a one-percentage-point reduction in transfer costs could save about $400 million annually. The proposal forms part of a broader virtual-assets strategy covering remittances, digital exports, SME finance and regulated blockchain-based financial services.
Gold prices in Pakistan surged by Rs5,700 on Saturday, taking the 24-karat rate to Rs482,936 per tola as international gold climbed to $4,604 an ounce. The increase extended gold's recent upward run, while silver prices remained unchanged in both local and international markets.
Pakistan International Airlines has opened applications for new cabin crew ahead of the planned induction of additional aircraft and expansion to new routes. Candidates aged 20 to 28 with at least a bachelor's degree can apply online, while relevant service-sector experience, additional languages and valid flying authorisation will provide an advantage.
The federal government has increased petrol by Rs3.81 per litre to Rs341.59 and high-speed diesel by Rs3.59 to Rs368.29, with the new rates effective from August 22 through August 24. The adjustment comes under Pakistan's more frequent fuel-pricing mechanism as authorities respond to volatility in international oil markets.
State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad has urged Pakistani banks to expand private-sector financing and strengthen retail deposit mobilisation after a long-term decline in the private credit-to-GDP ratio. He said the banking sector remains financially resilient but must play a larger role in converting economic stabilisation into sustainable growth.
