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The State Bank of Pakistan says 92 percent of retail payment transactions were carried out digitally during the January–March quarter of FY2025-26. Mobile banking and Raast continued to drive adoption, highlighting Pakistan’s accelerating shift toward a cash-light economy.
President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Finance Bill 2026-27, allowing the federal budget to take effect from July 1. The Rs18.771 trillion budget includes tax and duty changes along with a seven per cent increase in salaries and pensions for government employees.
The National Assembly has passed the Finance Bill 2026 after an opposition walkout, approving major changes to excise duties, aviation tax relief, electric vehicle levies and business taxation. The revised bill now moves Pakistan’s federal budget framework closer to full implementation.
Karachi Gateway Terminal Ltd plans up to $100 million in new investment after a cargo surge linked to the Iran war highlighted Pakistan’s potential as a regional transshipment hub. The expansion may improve port capacity, bulk handling, rail freight links and export competitiveness.
Pakistan has approved a 20 percent cut in regulatory duty on imported mobile phones from July 1, 2026. The move is expected to reduce prices of some devices by up to Rs14,000 and improve legal access to smartphones.
Punjab has decided to install surveillance cameras in marquees, marriage halls, farmhouses and major food chains to strengthen tax monitoring. The move is part of a wider revenue enforcement plan that includes digital payments, weekly reporting and action against fake receipts.
The government has proposed major Finance Bill amendments effective from July 1, including new vehicle taxes, electronic filing, stronger penalties and digital monitoring of businesses. The package aims to tighten tax compliance while offering selected concessions and rebates.
PIA is expected to be formally handed over to its new private owners by the end of this month after all required regulatory approvals were completed. The deal is part of a wider privatisation push covering airports, power distribution companies and other state assets.
Punjab’s proposed Finance Bill 2026 introduces major changes to property, vehicle and services taxation while expanding digital tax collection and enforcement powers. The reforms may improve documentation but could also raise costs for consumers, businesses and vehicle owners.
Pakistan Post employees have warned of a nationwide strike from July 1 against a proposed restructuring plan they say may lead to privatisation, downsizing and branch closures. The government’s reform plan aims to cut losses, digitise services and modernise operations, but workers argue it could weaken universal postal access.
Pakistan’s mango exporters expect sales to fall by at least 30 percent as Middle East instability pushes up freight costs and weakens demand in key markets. The decline could affect growers, exporters, seasonal workers and foreign exchange earnings.
Pakistan plans to train and deploy up to 400,000 workers for jobs linked to the FIFA World Cup 2034. The move is part of a wider manpower export strategy aimed at boosting overseas employment, skills development and remittance inflows.
