THE ‘Liberation Day’ import tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on April 2 mark a tectonic shift in the global economic as well as geopolitical order. The ‘Trump tariffs’ are far more than just about re-balancing trade or an effort to contain a geopolitical rival. It is the manifestation of a nativist, anti-globalisation and thinly veiled xenophobic mindset that is unlikely to roll back
The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue has delayed finalising the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2025 and summoned the FBR chairman for the next meeting. The understanding was reached during the committee meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Saleem Mandviwalla, at Parliament House. The session began with the presentation of the committee’s Annual Report covering the period from June 2024 t
The government on Wednesday raised a cumulative Rs1.22 trillion through auctions of Treasury Bills (T-bills) and Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs). According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the government received bids of Rs1,730bn for T-bills and Rs1,592bn for PIBs, indicating that the investors were willing to park over Rs3.3tr collectively in the risk-free government securities. The governm
A joint committee of the Senate has declared Pakistan Customs a key impediment to cross-border trade due to its use of “irrational” practices. The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue convened their first-ever joint meeting to focus on the barter trade mechanism with Iran, a critical neighbouring trade partner. Chaired jointly by Sena
The downward trajectory in the interest rate continued to lure buyers towards auto financing, which increased to Rs257.3 billion at the end of March from Rs249bn in February. A 1,000bps cut in the interest rate to 12pc from an unprecedented 22pc in June 2024 and price stability are encouraging buyers towards new and used cars. Auto financing started improving in August 2024, when it was Rs22