News

SBP reserves inch up to $14.4bn

The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves rose by $21 million to $14.4bn during the week ended Sept 26, continuing a gradual upward trend. However, the total remains below the level recorded at the close of FY25. Despite the slow buildup, the steady rise in reserves has helped support the exchange rate, with the rupee appreciating by a few paise daily against the US dollar

Cement sales rise 16pc

The cement sector posted a 16.25 per cent increase in total despatches during the first quarter of FY26, reaching 12.161 million tonnes, up from 10.461m tonnes in the same period last year. All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Associa­tion (APCMA) reported domestic sales rose by 15pc to 9.573m tonnes, compared to 8.319m tonnes last year. Export volumes grew by 21pc to 2.589m tonnes. Total cemen

Exports fall in July-Sept as trade gap widens

Pakistan’s merchandise exports fell by 3.83 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, raising concerns among policymakers about weakening international demand and the potential slowdown in external orders. The decline in exports has continued for the second consecutive month of FY26, with September marking the fifth month of contraction in the last six. While July saw a brief re

PAAPAM concerned over IMF’s recent push for trade liberalisation

The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) has expressed strong concerns over the IMF’s recent push for trade liberalisation, particularly proposals to reduce tariff protections and allow commercial imports of used vehicles. While supporting Pakistan’s goals of economic efficiency and environmental sustainability, PAAPAM cautioned that these measures could

Significance of transport corridors underscored: Pakistan, Tajikistan commit early rollout of CASA-1000

Pakistan and Tajikistan underscored the significance of regional transport corridors and reaffirmed their commitment to the early operationalisation of CASA-1000, aimed at strengthening regional integration and energy security, the Foreign Office said on Thursday. The Central Asia-South Asia power project, commonly known by its acronym CASA-1000, is a USD1.16 billion under-construction project