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Pakistan's economy is projected to grow by 3.7% in FY27, below the government's 4% target, while average inflation is expected to reach 8.3%. Higher energy and logistics costs, Middle East tensions, financing conditions and delays in structural reforms remain key risks to the outlook.
An IMF staff mission has reportedly arrived in Pakistan for the fourth Extended Fund Facility review and the third Resilience and Sustainability Facility review, with negotiations expected to run for about two weeks. A successful staff-level agreement and subsequent Executive Board approval could unlock roughly $1 billion under the EFF and around $200 million through the climate resilience programme.
Pakistan has reduced petrol by Rs1.70 per litre to Rs392.05 and high-speed diesel by Rs3.12 to Rs418.96, with the revised rates taking effect on September 23. The adjustment follows the federal petroleum pricing mechanism and reflects changes in international market benchmarks, premiums and related costs.
More than 2.2 million people have registered for the Prime Minister’s Special Fuel Scheme, with around 1.9 million relief tokens issued nationwide. The programme provides targeted fuel assistance mainly to motorcycle, rickshaw and Qingqi users, as well as eligible owners of cars with engines of up to 800cc.
Pakistan's benchmark KSE-100 Index gained more than 400 points in early Tuesday trading, reaching 171,562.37 at around 10:10am as buying spread across major sectors. The advance came alongside stronger Asian markets and improving global sentiment, although the session remained in progress.
Petrol has increased by Rs4.61 per litre to Rs393.75, while high-speed diesel has been reduced by Rs1.96 to Rs422.08 under the latest petroleum price revision. The new rates take effect on September 22 amid continued volatility in international energy markets.
Pakistan's net foreign direct investment climbed 80 percent year on year to $316 million in August, its highest monthly level in two years and 77 percent above the previous month. Stronger inflows from China, Canada and the UAE, combined with lower outflows, supported the improvement.
Pakistan is exploring alternative crude oil suppliers and shipping routes as Middle East disruptions increase risks to its petroleum supply chain. Officials say stocks currently exceed 20 days, but securing November cargoes is expected to become more difficult and costly.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says planned marches, protests and sit-ins could cause an estimated Rs120 billion in economic losses per day, with services and industry among the sectors potentially affected. The warning comes as separate political groups prepare protest campaigns, while the government is urging dialogue to avoid disruption to trade, investment and economic activity.
The government has removed the five-litre petrol limit per relief token for eligible motorcycles, rickshaws and Qingqi vehicles while extending eligibility to motorcycles registered from January 1, 2006. SMS charges have also been abolished as authorities expand access to the fuel subsidy programme.
Authorities have been directed to add every operational petrol station to the prime minister's fuel relief system while removing permanently closed and diesel-only outlets. The programme is also being expanded with SMS-based token redemption in areas without reliable internet connectivity as the government works to resolve rollout problems.
Pakistan has reduced petrol by Rs1.65 per litre to Rs389.14 and high-speed diesel by 88 paise to Rs424.04, with the revised rates effective from September 19 through September 21. The short-term adjustment follows easing international oil prices but comes amid continued volatility in global energy markets.
