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Pakistan’s trade with five Central Asian states has weakened as the Afghanistan land route disruption hits regional commerce. Exports fell 8.62% in July-April FY26, while imports from the region plunged nearly 88%.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange closed lower as US-Iran tensions weakened investor confidence and triggered broad-based selling. The KSE-100 fell 903.12 points, while market capitalisation declined by nearly Rs59.8 billion.
The National Economic Council approved a Rs3.669 trillion development outlay for FY2026-27 and set Pakistan’s GDP growth target at 4%. The plan includes major federal, provincial and SOE allocations as the government prepares for a challenging budget year.
Pakistan received a record $4.3 billion in remittances during May 2026, giving the economy a major foreign exchange boost. The State Bank figures show strong inflows from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with annual remittances now expected to cross historic levels.
The federal government has extended austerity and fuel-conservation measures until June 30 while revising nationwide business timings. Shops and malls will close at 9pm, restaurants at 11pm, and grocery stores at 10pm, with essential services exempt.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange gained more than 1,700 points as lower oil prices and optimism over the federal budget boosted investor sentiment. Analysts linked the rally to easing Middle East tensions and expectations that the budget process is nearing finalisation.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi has warned that Pakistan’s GSP+ access to European markets could be at risk unless the government addresses EU concerns over rights, labour and governance commitments. He said the facility is vital for exports and must be protected before the current cycle ends in 2027.
Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah says more than Rs2 trillion worth of development projects are under way in Karachi, including road, water, waste and industrial infrastructure schemes. Business leaders welcomed the focus but urged faster action on Korangi’s water, sewage and connectivity problems.
Pakistan’s weekly inflation rose 14.75 percent year-on-year, driven by higher food, fuel and electricity costs. Although the SPI slipped slightly on a weekly basis, essential items remain far more expensive than last year, keeping pressure on household budgets.
Digital transactions under the SBP’s Go Cashless campaign jumped more than sevenfold during Eidul Azha 2026, reaching over 480,000 transactions worth Rs34 billion. The campaign expanded to 123 cattle markets and highlighted Pakistan’s growing shift toward digital payments.
Pakistan and Tajikistan have agreed to hold a Joint Working Group meeting in Istanbul to finalise pending CASA-1000 power project terms. The two sides also discussed trade expansion, investment cooperation, agriculture, direct flights and a roadmap to lift bilateral trade to 200 million dollars.
Nepra has approved temporary electricity bill relief for consumers through a net reduction in June and a Rs1.99 per unit cut for July and August. The combined impact of fuel cost and quarterly tariff adjustments is expected to benefit consumers by around Rs56 billion over three months.
