Economy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recently taken a decisive step in Pakistan’s economic planning by delegating the responsibility of developing a “home-grown economic development plan” to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. This move comes after expressing dissatisfaction with the draft prepared by UK economist Stefan Dercon. Formation of Ministerial Committee A notification from the Prime Minister’s Office announced the formation …

The central government debt of Pakistan surged by Rs8.07 trillion, or 13%, during the previous fiscal year, bringing the total debt to a staggering Rs68.9 trillion by the end of June 2024, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. The significant rise in debt highlights the growing financial challenges faced by the government and …

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, approved a substantial Rs60 billion relief package on Thursday to provide subsidized essential goods to poorer households. This move represents a 71% increase from the previous year’s allocation, driven by a significant rise in the prices of basic commodities. Key Features of the Relief Package The …

Pakistan is set to offer five promising mineral projects to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for investment and development, marking a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between the two nations. The collaboration will be formalized through an agreement aimed at tapping into Pakistan’s rich mineral resources. Key Projects Identified The five selected projects are located in mineral-rich regions of …

In a decisive move, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has voiced his concerns over the annual loss of Rs500 billion due to electricity theft. Emphasizing the urgent need to cut power prices, he highlighted the dual goals of providing relief to domestic consumers and industries while addressing systemic issues in the power sector. The Prime Minister has also underscored ongoing efforts …

In a surprising move given Pakistan’s deteriorating fiscal condition and escalating public debt, the government has greenlighted 15 development projects amounting to a staggering Rs515 billion. This approval includes a significant $900 million foreign loan aimed at bolstering climate change efforts. The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), responsible for authorizing development projects, convened a meeting to review 18 proposals, ultimately …

The newly appointed chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Rashid Mahmood Langrial, has raised concerns about the feasibility of the FBR’s ambitious target of collecting Rs40 billion from traders for the current fiscal year. During a high-level meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb at the FBR headquarters, Langrial questioned the practicality of this goal, noting that the …

In a bid to tackle the financial challenges plaguing Pakistan’s power sector, the federal government has unveiled plans to reduce current electricity tariffs. This initiative comes amid growing concerns over the sector’s significant financial risks and inefficiencies. The proposed measures aim to provide some relief to consumers while addressing the underlying issues within the power sector. The government’s strategy involves …

Overview Recent revelations indicate significant misuse of the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) and possible involvement in money laundering by scrap importers, particularly those dealing with compressor and motor scrap. The Brass Manufacturing Association (BMA) has raised concerns and proposed the cancellation of the scheme due to these abuses. Key Allegations Misuse of Scheme: Importers of compressor and motor scrap are …

Regulatory Overhaul The Pakistani government has decided in principle to limit the powers of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) and establish a new, independent body specifically tasked with overseeing the pricing of life-saving drugs. This move aims to address ongoing issues with drug shortages and pricing efficiency. Industry Reaction The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA) has welcomed the …