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Pakistan: Regulation
NEWSPakistan, World Bank discuss reforms and investment-led growth
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met World Bank and IFC officials on moving from stabilisation to investment-led growth, citing the recent $3bn Eurobond issuance and credit rating ambitions.
NEWSWorld Bank projects 4.2% Pakistan growth, urges flexible rupee
The World Bank forecasts 4.2% growth in fiscal year 2027-28 and 4.4% in the 2029 election year, warning that a managed exchange rate invites disruptive adjustments.
NEWSIMF warns Pakistan's external position may weaken as imports rise
The IMF says rising imports and moderating remittances could erode Pakistan's external position, urging exchange rate flexibility and possibly tighter monetary policy.
NEWSWorld Bank flags Middle East conflict as top risk to Pakistan's economy
The World Bank warns a prolonged Middle East conflict could raise Pakistan's energy import bill, widen the current account deficit and strain foreign exchange reserves.
NEWSPakistan's liquid foreign reserves rise to $26.83 billion
The State Bank of Pakistan's holdings rose $19 million in the week to October 16, 2026, taking total liquid foreign reserves to $26.833 billion, with commercial banks holding $5.344 billion.
MARKETSKSE-100 falls over 1,300 points as oil prices and rate fears weigh
Pakistan's benchmark index dropped 0.81% to 162,589.30 by midday Friday, with analysts citing higher oil prices and caution ahead of Monday's monetary policy decision.
MARKETSAnalysts split on SBP rate call as inflation heads to 10%
Growth Securities expects October inflation near 10% and a 50-100bps policy rate rise on October 26, while AKD Securities argues improved external buffers justify holding rates.
- POLICY & REGULATION
Real estate associations propose Sindh Realtors Council Act 2026
More than 18 Karachi real estate associations have presented a draft Sindh Realtors Council Act, 2026 to the Government of Sindh, seeking licensing, QR-verified registration and a welfare fund for realtors.
NEWSBarclays to cut about 5,000 jobs by end-2026 in AI efficiency drive
Barclays plans to shed roughly five percent of its global workforce by the end of 2026, with about 60 percent of the cuts in support functions, as it reported a 13 percent rise in third-quarter net profit.
NEWSPunjab bans camera-enabled smart glasses for 30 days
Punjab has barred the wearing and sale of camera-enabled smart glasses and disguised miniature cameras for 30 days under Section 144, citing privacy and harassment risks.
NEWSWorld Bank flags AI exposure for 61% of Pakistan's service-sector workers
A World Bank report finds 61 percent of Pakistan's service-sector workers hold occupations with above-median AI exposure, with wholesale and retail trade the key sector for the labour-market transition.
POLICY & REGULATIONPM approves 1% sales tax on battery EVs under new five-year auto policy
Shehbaz Sharif has approved a draft 2026-31 auto policy cutting sales tax to 1% on battery EVs and lowering import duties, but the plan needs IMF and cabinet approval before going to parliament.
NEWSZardari tells IMF Pakistan committed to fiscal and energy reforms
President Asif Ali Zardari told an IMF delegation that Pakistan is pursuing fiscal sustainability, privatisation and revenue digitalisation, as the country awaits board approval of about $1bn under the EFF.
CYBER SECURITYState Bank of India reports dark web leak of 3,897 customer records
SBI says names, contact details and loan records were exposed on the dark web and that an independent cyber security agency is investigating. Customer balances are unaffected, it said.
POLICY & REGULATIONIMF's Azour urges fairer tax system as Pakistan's tax base stays narrow
IMF Regional Director Jihad Azour called for a more neutral, fairer tax system to lift compliance, even as real estate, agriculture and retail contributions stay small under the programme.
NEWSWWF and SBP launch green transition toolkit for textile SMEs
The State Bank of Pakistan and WWF-Pakistan have unveiled a toolkit to help small and medium textile firms cut energy and water use and access green bank financing, aimed at keeping exports compliant with international environmental standards.
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 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.
NEWSPakistan nominated to chair IMF and World Bank Boards of Governors in 2027
Pakistan was nominated to chair the IMF and World Bank Boards of Governors in 2027 and discussed a potential $1.5 billion financing arrangement using World Bank guarantees at the Bangkok annual meetings.
POLICY & REGULATIONPakistan rice sector explores carbon credits through climate-smart farming
A proposed initiative in Gujranwala would promote Alternate Wetting and Drying rice farming and seek Gold Standard registration and carbon financing under the Paris Agreement's Article 6.