Finance ministry says with concurrence of the IMF, it has updated revised figures on its website, showing a surplus for Pakistan's most populous province
Remarks come as Pakistan delegation meets Middle East and Central Asia Department (MCD) Director Jihad Azour on sidelines of IMF, World Bank annual meetings in Washington
In staff report, lender says risks, notably from high public debt and gross financing needs, low gross reserves and sociopolitical factors, could jeopardise policy implementation and erode repayment capacity and debt sustainability
Eager to start number of mining initiatives but hope to close Reko Diq project with Pakistan's SOEs and Barrick Gold in the coming weeks, says Saudi Arabia Minister for Investment
National Accounts Committee says growth in agriculture, industry and services stands at 6.76%, -3.59% and 3.69%, respectively, in fourth quarter of 2023-24
In its press release issued after Executive Board approval, IMF says difficult business environment, weak governance, and outsized role of the state hinder investment
Finance Division says ambassador has indicated that a Saudi business delegation could visit Pakistan in coming months to explore areas for joint ventures, collaborative investments
P@SHA says government's lack of transparency around firewall has "ignited a firestorm of distrust" among internet users and Pakistan's global IT clients who fear their proprietary data and privacy will be compromised
Former finance minister says the reduction in revenue collection from eliminating taxes can be offset by reducing funds allocated to the Public Sector Development Programme
Says project is key part of its multifaceted response to Pakistan’s flood crisis and forms part of the bank's commitment to provide $1.5bn in total assistance from 2023 to 2025
Finance Minister informs ratings agency officials that Pakistan aims to increase revenues by 1.5% of GDP in FY 2025 and by 3% over the next three years
Credit rating agency, however, warns govt’s ability to sustain reform implementation will be key to continually unlock financing over three-year duration
Islamabad will be required to complete a number of conditions as it moves ahead with $7-billion EFF; reforms will include bringing retail, export, and agriculture sectors properly into taxation system
Lender says additional financing will build on on-going efforts to equip Pakistan’s social protection system with policy and delivery system foundations necessary for more effective and rapid responses to future crises
Says government spends more than half its revenue on interest payments, indicating very weak debt affordability which drives high debt sustainability risks
The countries will promote investment by Chinese firms in Pakistan's mining industry, and strengthen the planning of mining industry parks, including deep processing of ores
Announcement comes following talks between UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Abu Dhabi
Interest expressed by Chairman of MCC Tongsin Resources Wang Jicheng during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to information ministry
Everything will be done through competitive bidding and we will participate and if we win, the stakes will be offset against PSO’s receivables, says CEO Syed Muhammad Taha
Trade delegation will comprise officials from 30 companies representing a range of sectors, including technology, energy, aviation, mining, and human resources
Jameel Ahmad says qualitative improvements in external account allowed the State Bank to more than double its foreign exchange reserves since January 2023
State Dept spokesman says support for Pakistan's economic success is unwavering, and we will continue to engage with Pakistan through technical agreements
Poverty reduction projected to stall in medium term due to weak growth, low real labour incomes, and persistently high inflation, says lender in 'Pakistan Development Update'
An adviser for the deal tells Pakistan’s ministry of defence production and aviation that 'seven international investors including Germany, France, Netherlands, Qatar, UAE, Malaysia and Turkiye have shown interest' besides local groups
Amount of $78mn approved for Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP), while $71.7mn sanctioned as second additional financing for Sindh Barrages Improvement Project
Remarks come during finance minister's first visit to FBR, statement says govt looking at wholesale/retail, real estate, and agriculture sectors to broaden its tax base
Pakistan has met all Structural Benchmarks, Qualitative Performance Criteria and Indicative Targets for successful completion of the IMF review, says ministry
In press briefing, Julie Kozak, Director of Communications, says focus is on completion of current Stand-By Arrangement, IMF 'stands ready' to send mission
Banks' profitability, stable funding and liquidity provide adequate buffer to withstand the country's macroeconomic challenges and political turmoil, says report
Addresses signing ceremony of joint venture agreement between Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation and US-based Miracle Saltworks Collective Inc. for state-of-the-art crushing and packaging plant in the country
Pakistan’s vulnerable external position means securing financing from multilateral and bilateral partners will be 'one of the most urgent issues on the agenda for the next government'
Mission Chief Nathan Porter says circular debt ‘reduction plan’ entails fiscal risks given chain of transactions involved and would also continue use of supplementary grants
Two sources close to the process say 51% stake with full management control would be offered to buyers after parking airline’s debts in a separate entity, under the 1,100 page report from Ernst & Young
Twelve respondents, not named in the survey, were asked to rate four politicians from 1 to 5 on question of who is best to manage Pakistan's economy with 5 being the most positive
Says all but one of 7 QPCs for end-September were met, and
while ceiling on general government primary budget deficit was missed, deviation was minor and accounted for by technical factors
Notes there are risks pertaining to policy implementation as parties across the political spectrum have extensive record of failing to implement or reversing reforms agreed with the IMF
Says that while Pakistan’s financial inclusion has been improving, women are increasingly left behind with a large gender finance gap which currently stands at 34%
Topline Securities says chemical sector is likely to be significantly impacted as gas prices constitute a major part of total cost and impact is unlikely to be passed on to final consumers
Expects poverty reduction to be gradual in the medium term, owing to weak growth and lower labor income, persistent inflation (especially for food and energy), and lower remittances
Remarks come after IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva meets Pakistan's Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on sidelines of ongoing UNGA session in New York
These include HugoBank Limited, KT Bank Pakistan Limited, Mashreq Bank Pakistan Limited, Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Limited and Telenor Microfinance Bank Limited
Using projections, researchers analyse future heat and flooding levels to estimate what would happen under a "climate adaptive" scenario and a "high heat and flooding" scenario
In 'Monthly Economic Update & Outlook' for July, it says recent decrease in administered prices of petrol and diesel will be transmitted into lower domestic prices of essential items
PPDA had earlier called for a strike starting Saturday, arguing that the government needed to revise the margins available to dealers per litre sale of fuel
Nine-month Stand-By Arrangement provides time to implement policies critical to strengthening Pakistan's economic situation, says IMF’s Director of Strategic Communications Julie Kozack
Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) improved due to 'Pakistan's improved external liquidity and funding conditions following staff-level agreement'
IMF Mission Chief Nathan Porter says Pakistani authorities have taken decisive measures to bring policies more in line with the economic reform programme, will continue discussions
Finance minister says 'we have ensured impact of these taxes will not be passed to downtrodden' in address to wind up Federal Budget 2023-24 debate in National Assembly
Joint venture between Kaheel Terminals and majority shareholder AD Ports Group to invest $220mn in new concession and growth capital expenditure over the first 10 years
Also approves another summary of Ministry of Commerce regarding amendment in the relevant clause in the Import Policy Order 2022 to allow government agencies to import pharmaceutical raw materials
Finance minister says measures for fiscal year 2023-24 are aimed at reducing fiscal gap in order to meet national as well as international financial obligations
Plan envisages capitalising Pakistan’s untapped potential in key sectors of defence production, agricultural, livestock, minerals, mining, IT and energy through indigenous development and investments from friendly countries
Earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal had said budget had very little input from his party, especially on issues of climate change and rehabilitation of flood affectees
In issuer comment, Moody's says budget proposals also lack major revenue-rising or spending-containment measures to alleviate intense liquidity pressures
Programme has been stalled at the ninth review since November last year with statements from officials insisting bailout is on track and will be revived soon
Also gives approval for issuance of government of Pakistan guarantee amounting to Rs9.5bn for the project construction of Hyderabad-Sukkur motorway on build-operate-transfer basis
Board of Executive Directors approves financing to improve livelihoods and essential services, enhance risk protection in communities affected by 2022 floods
KTrade report says Pakistan's commercial debt obligations are low, can be handled by careful management of current account balance and support of friendly countries
Agreement with the Hotel Union and the New York City Government (NYCG) will seek utilisation of the Roosevelt Hotel over a period of three years for immigrant housing business
Core inflation also expected to remain around 2.5% MoM, reflecting impact of supply chain issues, PKR devaluation, and second-round effects of increase in energy prices
Will hold talks with city government and the Hotel Union to utilise premises over a period of three years for migrant business at $200 per room per day, according to Finance Division's statement
Mission Chief for Pakistan Nathan Porter says there was agreement between Pakistani delegation and IMF staff/management to maintain strong policies and secure sufficient financing
Amount of Rs250mn approved for repair and maintenance of the Supreme Court of Pakistan building, judges' residences, rest houses and sub-offices in various cities
Mohmand Multipurpose Dam Project will enhance water and food security, and improve the standard of living for people living in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province: SFD
External financing is one of the last in a string of prior actions the lender wants Islamabad to complete before it clears funding, IMF representative says
Finance minister says ICBC has rolled over $1.3bn-facility, reiterates Pakistan will not default; blames Imran Khan for country's current economic state
Spokesperson Mao Ning says Western-dominated commercial creditors and multilateral financial institutions account for the lion’s share of developing countries’ debt
In its report 'Payment halt a possibility', Barclays says lack of new bilateral financing agreements reflects Pakistan’s complex political environment & macroeconomic instability
Says poor law and order situation has triggered extreme anxiety amongst businesses who are contemplating whether to continue their business in this city or move somewhere else
Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva says IMF asking for steps that Pakistan needs to take to be able to function as a country and not to get into a dangerous place where its debt needs to be restructured
In short statement at conclusion of 10-day visit, IMF mission chief says resolute financial support from official partners critical for Pakistan to successfully regain macroeconomic stability and advance sustainable development
Says conditions the IMF places on its loan could either 'exacerbate social and economic hardship or provide desperately needed relief to Pakistanis while addressing crisis’s underlying causes'
As the PKR endured its worst day in over two decades (in terms of percentage loss), many say this is a step towards reviving the stalled bailout programme
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia Minister of Finance said KSA was working with multilateral institutions to provide support to Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt
Brokerage house says as per its checks local players will run out of steel raw material and become forcefully non-operational if no LCs are opened within the next 30 days
3 projects support rehabilitation and housing reconstruction, and restoration of crop production for vulnerable communities, while another 2 support health services for mothers and children
Executive board discussed surcharges it collects from mostly middle- and lower-income countries on larger loans that are not repaid quickly, but failed to agree to launch a formal review
During SBP's podcast, Jameel Ahmad says all upcoming obligations will be met on schedule, reserves' position to improve in second half of ongoing fiscal year
In its monthly outlook, ministry says inflationary pressure was expected to ease marginally month-on-month due to smooth domestic supplies, unchanged energy prices in November and a stable exchange rate
Resident representative says IMF staff continuing discussions with Pakistani authorities over policies to reprioritise and better target support toward humanitarian needs, while accelerating reform efforts to preserve economic and fiscal sustainability
Directs SAPM on Revenue to lead immediate investigation into 'violation of tax law and breach of FBR data, affix responsibility and submit a report within twenty four hours'
Bonds have plunged to around 33-35 cents on the dollar this month which leaves them at just a third of their face value and broadly in line with other countries seen as at risk of default such El Salvador, Ghana and Ecuador
Country needs 'huge sums of money' for 'mega undertakings' such as rebuilding roads, bridges and other infrastructure damaged or washed away, the FT quoted PM Shehbaz as saying
Development comes as flash floods caused by record monsoon rains and glacial melt devastated large swathes of agricultural land in the north and south of the country
Likely new finance minister faces challenge of getting the economy out of one of its worst balance of payment crises that has seen foreign reserves falling to a month of imports
One of the main sovereign bonds due for repayment in 2024 slumped more than 10 cents to about 50 cents on the dollar , while another due in 2027 fell to about 45 cents
Programme will look to help improve the delivery of health services at secondary hospitals by modernising infrastructure and equipment among other objectives
Pakistan has been ravaged by torrential rains resulting in flash floods from north to south that have resulted in over 1,300 deaths while causing large-scale infrastructure damage
Finance minister predicts inflation, running at the highest in 47 years and the second-highest in Asia, is close to its peak and would average 15% for the year
At event in Karachi, finance minister stresses that the 'world does not want to lend to Pakistan anymore' so it is imperative to 'live within our means' to ensure sustainable, long-term growth
Acting governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Dr Murtaza Syed says Pakistan will also get $1 billion in oil financing from Saudi Arabia and a similar amount in investments from the UAE
Monetary Policy Committee says with recent inflation developments in line with expectations, domestic demand beginning to moderate and the external position showing some improvement, it felt it was prudent to take a pause at this stage
Finance minister says electricity generation has doubled in 9 years, but that has not translated to industrial production growth in the same proportion
PSX hosts meeting with finance minister, who sets up three committees to coordinate on issues including interest rates, taxation, review of listings of DFIs among others
Speaking at ceremony at PSX, finance minister says that while these measures would slow down growth, there is no 'immediate solution' to economic crisis
Finance minister says everything is 'settled now', a statement that comes in backdrop of massive rupee depreciation and concerns over Pakistan's falling foreign exchange reserves
Says revision reflects Pakistan's weakening external metrics against a backdrop of higher commodity prices, tighter global financial conditions, and a weakening rupee
Fitch, however, cautions Pakistan’s ability to complete the current programme and maintain a credible policy path that supports further financing remains highly uncertain
Says Pakistan stands out in how poorly its median citizen fares on basic needs such as education and health, even when compared to countries with similar income per capita
Funding to be used to support transforming agricultural sector by adopting climate-smart technologies to improve water-use efficiency, build resilience to extreme weather events and increase the incomes of small farmers
Subject to Board approval, about $1.177bn will become available
IMF says Pakistan plans to undertake comprehensive review of anti-corruption institutions (including the National Accountability Bureau) to enhance effectiveness in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases
Inflation may increase after pass-through of international oil prices to domestic energy products, says finance ministry's monthly 'Economic Update and Outlook' report
The amount, initially repayable between July-Dec, 2021 will now be repaid over a period of six years including one-year grace period in semi-annual instalments, says Pakistan's Economic Affairs Division
We intend to tax high income earners so that the entire nation can reap the benefit through education, health, infrastructure, skills education and IT uplift, he says
Tax will be applicable on cement, steel, sugar, oil and gas, fertiliser, LNG, textile, banks, automobile, beverages, chemicals, tobacco and airlines
Collection from this tax will be used to alleviate poverty in Pakistan
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs says Pakistan now only needs to prepare for the on-site visit, entire process expected to be complete before October plenary
Says FATF has made initial determination that Pakistan has substantially completed its two action plans, covering 34 items, and warrants an on-site visit to verify that the implementation of reforms has begun and is being sustained
Ministry of Finance and central bank's joint statement comes in response to claims on social media that govt was considering putting restrictions on withdrawals from Foreign Currency Accounts, Roshan Digital Accounts and Safety Deposit Lockers
Decision comes due to 'heightened external vulnerability risk and uncertainty around the sovereign's ability to secure additional external financing to meet its needs'
Financing will expand access to housing finance particularly for low-income households, improve land tenure rights and facilitate affordable housing developments in urban Punjab
Ministry of Industries and Production has proposed imposition of Regulatory Duties on Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles and Conventional engine (ICE) Vehicles in CBU condition
The case has been registered at the Judicial Magistrate South-1 Karachi under Section 154 Code of Criminal Procedure. The case has been registered after a complaint was filed by Syed Tahir of Pak China Fertilizers Limited against Rafiq Bhojani and three others regarding illegal transfer of shares of M/s Pak China Fertilizers by fraudulent manner through electronic means by using fake electronic data, according to the FIA report.
The enquiry by the Secretary of the company started after receiving an alarming letter from shareholder of Pak China Fertilizer, National Fertilizer Corporation of Government of Pakistan, who hold 1,880,000 shares of Pak China Fertilizers Limited. In the letter addressed to the Company Secretary, NFC requested Company Secretary to reply and check on discrepancies in annual returns of company filing.
As the third wave continues to disrupt economies worldwide, Pakistan’s economy has a lot going on in its favour this time, according to the Dr. Raza Baqir, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in an online session with Nest I/O.
Dr. Raza Baqir explained how the country’s demographic profile, growing mobile penetration rate, and positive economic indicators, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, have contributed to an increase in investments.