Business

A major illegal cigarette network operating under the cover of tax exemptions granted to Export Processing Zones (EPZs) has been uncovered, according to official sources. Authorities allege that expired and near-expiry foreign cigarette brands were being illegally repackaged and distributed in the domestic market and exported to less developed countries.…

The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet has approved low-cost housing scheme and key infrastructure grants. The ECC, which met in Islamabad today with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in the chair, approved revised features of the “Mera Ghar Mera Aashiana,” Mortgage Financing for Low-Cost Housing scheme. The Committee was informed…

Pakistan is attracting substantial foreign investment across a wide range of sectors, particularly energy, logistics, information technology, and agriculture, largely through partnerships with Pakistani companies. Foreign investors are entering the market through new business establishments, joint ventures, acquisitions, and the expansion of existing operations, reflecting growing economic activity and investor…

Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are touching new heights due to the support of Special Investment Facilitation Council. Following a landmark defense agreement, the two nations are now moving toward a strategic pact intended to add a new dimension to their economic cooperation. Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed…

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has reiterated the government’s commitment to advance structural reforms and improve governance frameworks. He was talking to the Country Director of the World Bank for Pakistan, Bolormaa Amgaabazar in Islamabad today. During the meeting, strengthening cooperation under the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) and advancing…

Pakistan is rapidly entering an electric mobility era as electric vehicles (EVs) become an increasingly visible part of the country’s transportation landscape. With tens of thousands of EVs already on the road and national targets aiming for a substantial share of EVs in total vehicle sales by 2030, the demand…

Pakistan is effectively moving forward in strengthening its regional financial connections with the support of Special Investment Facilitation Council. Meezan Bank and Kazakhstan’s prominent Bank Center-Credit have signed an agreement for correspondent banking cooperation. The objective of this agreement is to enhance financial facilitation for the growing bilateral trade between…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited Qatari businessmen to explore opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, energy, agriculture, technology and export-oriented manufacturing in Pakistan. He was talking to a delegation of the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA), led by its chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, in Doha today. Welcoming the delegation,…

Qatar’s Minister of State on Foreign Trade and Chairman of Pak-Qatar Joint business taskforce, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Doha today. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral trade and economic cooperation and expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in Pakistan–Qatar…

Faysal Bank Limited (FBL) has been honored with eight prestigious awards at the National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH) CSR Awards, recognizing the Bank’s leadership in sustainability, inclusive development, and measurable social impact across Pakistan. The awards span key areas including CSR reporting, partnerships, climate resilience, education, innovation, impact…

Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik says economic relations between Pakistan and China are expanding into new sectors, including petroleum and minerals. He was addressing a special ceremony held in connection with the Chinese New Year at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad. The Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to the Chinese…

The Ministry of Finance has clarified certain assertions made in a recent press commentary regarding the country’s external debt position and associated interest payments. In a statement, the Ministry said the figures presented in the commentary require contextual explanation to ensure an accurate and comprehensive understanding of Pakistan’s external debt…

Green Corporate Livestock Initiative (GCLI) has established Pakistan’s first gender-sorted straw laboratory in Okara. Through this lab, farmers are being provided with high-quality gender-sorted straws at affordable prices. With gender-sorted straw technology, farmers can select the sex of animals at the time of artificial insemination. In dairy farming, where female…

Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain has said the federal government is working on a comprehensive long-term wheat policy for the period 2026-2030, aimed at strengthening national food security through modern reforms. He stated this while presiding over the sixth meeting of the National Wheat Oversight Committee…

Pakistan and United States have expressed their desire to enhance economic cooperation especially in the fields of trade and investment. The understanding was reached during a meeting between a Pakistani delegation, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and U.S. Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick at the Department of Commerce in Washington…

CEO of United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Benjamin Black called on the Prime Minister in Washington D.C. today. He was accompanied by DFC’s Head of Investments Conor Coleman and the senior leadership of the agency. The Prime Minister appreciated the expanding economic partnership between Pakistan and the United…

The Economic Coordination Committee has approved the immediate release of 19 billion rupees for the Prime Minister’s Ramazan Relief Package. The ECC, which met in Islamabad today, also agreed that any additional funds would be considered in line with evolving requirements and available fiscal space. The committee reaffirmed the government’s…

Pakistan and the United States have formally launched a strategic economic initiative, including collaboration with the U.S. General Services Administration regarding the operation, maintenance, renovation, and redevelopment of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York. This engagement was negotiated and stewarded by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff under the leadership of…

During the ensuing month of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak 1447 A.H., the following office hours will be observed in the State Bank of Pakistan, which will also be followed by all banks, development finance institutions and microfinance banks: Monday to Thursday from 09:00 am to 03:00 pm without break whereas on Friday office…

Global digital operator VEON Ltd. and Nutshell Group have announced a strategic partnership for THE GLOBAL CONNECT, a new international platform designed to bring together policymakers, global investors, corporate leaders, and academia to advance cross-border investment, digital transformation, and long-term economic cooperation across emerging and frontier economies. The partnership was…

Export Expo Pakistan 2026, the first dedicated B2B Exhibition and Summit exclusively designed for Pakistani exporters across multiple industries, will take place from April 25 to 27, 2026, at the prestigious Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. The landmark event aims to provide a focused international platform for Pakistani…