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Pakistan: Capital Markets
POLICY AND REGULATIONSThe future of money, AI and the state
The article, “The Future of Money, AI and the State” by Bilal Bin Saqib, argues that Pakistan’s economic future depends on integrating financial innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and strong state institutions. It highlights the potential of asset tokenization, digital bonds and sukuk to improve capital markets, while stressing that enforceable ownership rights, effective regulation, cybersecurity, and investor protection must come first. The article also advocates using blockchain to improve transparency in public spending and AI to strengthen regulatory oversight, while cautioning that technology alone cannot eliminate fraud, corruption, or economic weaknesses. For Pakistan, the priority should be practical, locally relevant AI applications, credible digital-asset use cases, and collaboration among regulators and financial institutions rather than simply acquiring new technology. Ultimately, technology should strengthen public trust, mobilize investment, improve institutional performance, and create economic value—not replace sound governance and accountability.
MARKETSKSE-100 settles over 450 points lower at PSX as selling pressure returns
The benchmark KSE-100 Index settled at 165,966.08 points, down 453.63 points or 0.27%, after giving up an intraday recovery as selling pressure built through the second half of the session.
MARKETSKSE-100 slips 0.27% to 165,966 as weak sentiment persists
The benchmark index fell 453.63 points on Monday amid selling in banks, cement and oil stocks, with KTrade Securities citing a lack of fresh positive triggers and elevated Brent crude.
MARKETSKSE-100 edges up 0.14% as oil prices and rate-hike fears cap gains
The benchmark closed at 166,419.72, up 233.55 points, in a range-bound session. Topline Securities cited elevated crude prices and a lack of triggers, with the index down 0.4% on the week.
POLICY & REGULATIONPakistan finance minister flags Gulf energy risk and outlines debt plans
Muhammad Aurangzeb says Pakistan has enough energy through November and is exploring Sukuk, Panda bond and possible Eurobond tokenisation, while warning that attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure threaten a return to normalcy.
NEWSSBP says reserves rebuilt to $21.5bn through FX purchases, not borrowing
Governor Jameel Ahmad told investors in Bangkok that reserves rose from under $3bn in February 2023 to $21.5bn by October 9, 2026, with forward liabilities cut to below $1bn.
MARKETSKSE-100 falls 669 points as cautious trading caps volatile week
The benchmark index closed at 166,419 after swinging through a 2,927-point range, with market capitalisation down eighty-nine billion rupees and analysts pointing to profit-taking and economic uncertainty.
- POLICY & REGULATION
Pakistan courts US Treasury and MSCI on reforms and emerging market status
Finance Minister Aurangzeb briefed US Treasury officials on Pakistan's IMF programme and financing plans, and pressed MSCI on its bid for emerging market classification.
NEWSKSE-100 edges up 347 points before Friday prayer break
The benchmark index rose 0.21% to 166,532.86 on selective buying, with 45.71 million shares worth about Rs3.53 billion traded before the midday pause.
POLICY & REGULATIONAurangzeb holds financing talks with banks and UNDP at IMF-World Bank meetings
Muhammad Aurangzeb met Sharjah Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Ajman Bank and UNDP's Alexander De Croo in Bangkok, discussing Sukuk issuance, Panda bonds and possible tokenisation of Eurobonds.
POLICY & REGULATIONAurangzeb discusses Sukuk, Panda bonds with Standard Chartered
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb discussed prospective Sukuk, further Panda bonds, gold-backed liquidity and tokenisation with Standard Chartered to support external financing and infrastructure.
- NEWS
Pakistan weighs $1.5bn financing via World Bank guarantees
The Finance Division says Pakistan is exploring about $1.5 billion in financing backed by World Bank Group guarantees, as the government seeks to diversify external funding.
NEWSPakistan discusses reforms with MSCI and Deutsche Bank
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met MSCI and Deutsche Bank representatives at the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok to discuss capital market reforms, financing options and investment prospects.
NEWSKSE-100 rises nearly 400 points as FBR extends tax return deadline
The benchmark index gained 366.69 points to 166,552.85 in Friday morning trade, while the FBR extended the income tax return deadline for Tax Year 2026 to 31 October.
- MARKETS
PSX stays bullish as KSE-100 gains 768.66 points
The KSE-100 Index gained 768.66 points, or 0.46 per cent, to close at 166,186.17 points. Market capitalisation advanced to Rs18.475 trillion.
NEWSSBP reserves rise to $21.47 billion in week to October 9, 2026
State Bank of Pakistan reserves rose $16 million in the week to October 9, 2026, taking total liquid foreign reserves to $26.863 billion, the central bank said.
- NEWS
Pakistan Refinery appoints Aftab Husain as interim chairman
Pakistan Refinery Limited has appointed Aftab Husain as interim chairman after Tariq Kirmani resigned on health grounds, the company told the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
NEWSKSE-100 index gains over 1,400 points in midday trading
The benchmark KSE-100 index rose 1,413.19 points, or 0.85 per cent, to 166,830.69 by midday, extending Wednesday's 641-point gain as trading remained active.
POLICY & REGULATIONAurangzeb briefs IMF and investors on Pakistan's economic reforms
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva and international investors in Bangkok, highlighting fiscal consolidation and efforts to diversify external financing.
POLICY & REGULATIONPVARA takes tokenisation pitch to World Bank, IFC meetings
Pakistan's virtual assets regulator discussed tokenised bonds, sukuk and digital market infrastructure with World Bank Group and IFC officials at the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok.
