Gold Rally Sends SBP Reserves Soaring 20% to Rs2.33 Trillion
SBP gold reserves surged 20% to Rs2.334 trillion in FY26 as soaring international bullion prices generated an unrealised appreciation of Rs389.074 billion.
Articles by Faraz Ali Ansari
KP Government Buys 50 New Buses for Peshawar BRT Worth Rs 2.14 Billion
Peshawar BRT is set for a major expansion as KP purchases 50 additional buses, taking the fleet from 244 to 296, while five pink buses will be reserved exclusively for women commuters.
Gold Prices Crash in Pakistan, Plunge Rs15,100 Per Tola in One Day
Gold prices in Pakistan plunged Rs15,100 per tola to Rs467,936 as a sharp international bullion sell-off hammered local rates. Ten-gram gold dropped Rs12,946, while silver also suffered a steep decline.
Pakistan Eyes Scholarship Gateway to 250+ US Universities for Deserving Students
Pakistan is pursuing a landmark partnership with APLU to create scholarship pathways across 250+ US public universities, potentially offering talented Pakistani students tuition waivers and PAK-EEF support of up to $29,000 annually.
$3.5 Billion Falcon Oils Refinery Clears CPEC Hurdle, Enters Crucial Phase
The $3.5 billion Falcon Oils refinery has secured CPEC Secretariat endorsement, moving the proposed 100,000-barrel-per-day Dhabeji complex toward Joint Working Group consideration.
Pak-Korea Technical Textile Center Nears Landmark Launch
Ten NTU doctoral scholars have completed advanced training at KITECH as preparations continue for the Pak-Korea Technical Textile Center, scheduled for completion in 2027.
KP Seeks World Bank Support for Provincial Data Centre Plans
The KP government and World Bank have opened discussions over the proposed KP Data Center as the province seeks stronger digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence capabilities and renewable energy support. A joint working group will examine technical requirements and future cooperation.
Pakistan Listed Banks Profitability down 4% QoQ in 2Q2026; Net Interest Income (NII) down by 2%
Pakistan’s listed banks reported a combined profit of Rs168 billion in 2Q2026, unchanged from last year but down 4% quarter-on-quarter. Rising operating expenses and a 2% decline in net interest income pressured earnings, while UBL led the sector with Rs37.5 billion in profit.
Maple Leaf-Pioneer Merger Buzz Intensifies Over Potential 2.1–2.6 Share Swap
MLCF PIOC merger speculation is intensifying as both companies schedule September 2 board meetings, with analysts estimating 2.1–2.6 MLCF shares for every PIOC share.
PIA Holding’s Accumulated Losses Cross Rs733 Billion as Debt Crisis Deepens
PIAHCL financial results reveal a Rs25.39 billion consolidated loss for 2025 as Rs53.65 billion in finance costs erase a major operating turnaround.
Pakistan Turns to Hong Kong to Unlock Tokenised Bonds, Sukuk and New Digital Investment
Pakistan is studying Hong Kong’s tokenisation model as PVARA pursues digital bonds, tokenised sukuk, regulatory cooperation and stronger investor connections.
Saudi Investor Asyad Group Eyes Pakistan Airport Privatization Stake
Asyad Group has reaffirmed its confidence in Pakistan while exploring new investments in airport operations, energy infrastructure and the financial sector.
ISGS Takes Charge of Pakistan’s $6 Billion Refinery Overhaul as Capacity Questions Mount
Pakistan has placed ISGS at the centre of its $6 billion refinery upgrade programme, handing it responsibility for agreements, monitoring and incentive payments.
Systems Limited Revenue Soars 35% to Rs49.72 Billion in Six Months
Systems Limited revenue climbed 35.3% to Rs49.72 billion during H1CY2026, driven by overseas growth and acquisitions. Net profit rose at a slower pace to Rs6.05 billion as the company recorded a Rs158 million exchange loss.
PSW and PAA sign mou to Digitalize Cargo Throughput Charge Collection for Air Imports
Pakistan Single Window and the Pakistan Airports Authority are launching digital Cargo Throughput Charge payments at Jinnah International Airport on August 27, 2026.
Pakistan Eyes One-Stop Passport and ID Services at NADRA Centres
Pakistan is considering passport application and processing facilities at selected NADRA centres, alongside possible integration with the Pak ID mobile application.
Port Qasim Targets Global Giants for Massive 16-Million-Tonne Cargo Terminal
The Port Qasim multipurpose terminal could handle 16 million tonnes annually as PQA seeks financially strong local and international developers.
Pakistan Escapes Moody’s ‘Very High Risk’ Zone as Rating Jumps to B3
Moody’s upgraded Pakistan’s sovereign rating from Caa1 to B3 after foreign exchange reserves increased, domestic financing costs declined and fiscal indicators improved. However, Pakistan remains in speculative-grade territory with substantial debt and external financing risks.
Pakistan’s Mobile Phone Assembly Explodes 102% in July as Local Plants Capture 97% of Market
Pakistan mobile phone manufacturing surged 102% month-on-month in July as local companies assembled 3.90 million phones and supplied 97% of the country’s handset requirements.
Fast Cables Joins AKD-Led Consortium to Overtake GEPCO
Fast Cables has joined AKD Securities, AJCL and Mughal Steel in a consortium seeking management control of GEPCO through Pakistan’s power privatisation programme.