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The IMF Executive Board has approved Pakistan’s latest programme review, unlocking nearly $1.2 billion in new financing. The decision gives Islamabad fresh external support as it works to rebuild reserves, meet reform targets and prepare for the next budget cycle.
Investigators have uncovered an alleged Islamabad housing society scam involving around 36,000 illegal plot files and financial irregularities exceeding Rs16 billion. NAB has arrested seven suspects as the inquiry expands into missing records, fake allotments and possible wider facilitation.
The government has told the Senate that a proposal to abolish or ease mobile phone taxes is under review, with overseas Pakistanis likely to be the main beneficiaries. The move could reduce registration costs for imported handsets but will require balance with revenue and local manufacturing concerns.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange staged a strong recovery as the KSE-100 index gained nearly 7,000 points on easing geopolitical concerns and falling global oil prices. Analysts say sentiment improved sharply, though the market remains sensitive to regional developments.
The federal government has authorised FBR to collect Petroleum Development Levy and Climate Support Levy on petroleum products. The move introduces a revised reporting and invoice mechanism aimed at improving documentation and revenue collection in the fuel sector.
Gold prices in Pakistan surged by Rs11,100 per tola, taking 24-karat gold to Rs488,962 after a sharp rise in international bullion rates. The increase has renewed market attention as investors and households respond to volatility in precious metal prices.
The State Bank of Pakistan has warned that prolonged Middle East tensions could create downside risks for Pakistan’s financial stability through higher oil prices, renewed inflation and external account pressure. However, the central bank said the banking sector remains resilient with strong capital buffers and improved asset quality.
The federal government has allowed EV charging station owners to set their own recharging fees instead of following a fixed retail price. The move aims to promote competition, speed up charging-station investment and support Pakistan’s early-stage electric vehicle market.
Pakistan’s two major gas utilities have sought tariff increases of about 21pc and 121pc for the next fiscal year. Ogra will hold public hearings in Lahore and Karachi before issuing a determination that could affect consumer gas prices from July 1.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange rebounded strongly as the KSE-100 Index gained more than 4,000 points intraday, supported by easing oil prices and renewed hopes of a Middle East diplomatic breakthrough. Investors returned to high-dividend shares after last week’s sharp correction.
Altern Energy Limited has ended key agreements with the Government of Pakistan, CPPA-G and SNGPL, closing major contractual links tied to its gas-fired power project. The development comes amid wider efforts to manage Pakistan’s power-sector liabilities and address long-running energy-market pressures.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to prepare a strategy to stabilise electricity tariffs and reform Pakistan’s power sector. The plan focuses on consumer relief, reduced line losses, renewable energy promotion, digital billing facilities and strict action against electricity theft.
