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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a high-level task force to prepare a national waste-to-energy policy. The body will propose reforms, investment facilitation and implementation mechanisms to improve waste management and support alternative energy generation.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange gained modest ground in early trading as the KSE-100 Index rose near 167,700 points. Selective buying in key sectors supported sentiment, though investors remained cautious amid geopolitical tensions and recent market volatility.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has departed for Beijing to attend Pakistan’s first $250 million Panda Bond launch. The move gives Pakistan access to China’s domestic capital market and forms part of a broader $1 billion financing programme.
Pakistan’s economy is now projected to grow by 3.70 per cent in FY2025-26, below the earlier 4 per cent target. Government estimates show modest gains in GDP and per capita income, but household welfare and real purchasing power remain under pressure.
Pakistan has received about $1.3 billion from the IMF after approval of the latest programme review, the State Bank of Pakistan said. The inflow is expected to appear in foreign exchange reserves for the week ending May 15 and may ease short-term external pressure.
The State Bank of Pakistan has warned that the Middle East conflict could threaten Pakistan’s economic outlook through inflation, supply-chain disruption and higher commodity prices. The bank said stability improved in H1-FY26 but structural reforms remain essential.
Pakistan is considering higher oil imports from Russia as the Strait of Hormuz crisis threatens energy supplies and raises fuel costs. The move reflects Islamabad’s search for alternative supply routes amid growing pressure on the economy and consumers.
Pakistan’s ambassador to China said the two countries have signed more than 300 MoUs and over 36 joint ventures worth above $13 billion in the last two years. Pakistani officials presented the agreements as evidence of stronger implementation, with fresh focus on industrial cooperation, battery technology and export expansion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended Pakistan’s austerity drive until June 13 as the government responds to fuel pressure caused by the Middle East war. The measures include cuts in official fuel allowances, restrictions on foreign travel and continued spending controls across government departments.
Pakistan has cut major Gwadar Port tariffs to attract international shipping, transit cargo and regional trade. The move comes as Gulf route tensions raise the importance of alternative corridors and could boost economic activity in Balochistan.
Pakistan’s upcoming budget may reduce income tax pressure on salaried citizens while keeping salaries and pensions unchanged. The proposal is being discussed before IMF budget talks and could reshape relief policy for fixed-income households.
Pakistan has raised petrol by Rs14.92 per litre and high-speed diesel by Rs15 per litre, pushing both fuels above Rs414 per litre. The latest hike is expected to intensify pressure on household budgets, transport costs and inflation-sensitive sectors.
