Pakistan Business & Finance News

Relief for consumers as fuel prices remain stable

January 15, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to maintain existing prices of petrol and diesel, providing relief to consumers amid ongoing economic pressures.

The Petroleum Division has issued an official notification confirming that there will be no change in fuel prices.

According to the notification, the price of petrol will remain fixed at Rs253.17 per litre, while the price of high-speed diesel will continue at Rs257.08 per litre.

The decision to keep fuel prices unchanged comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure price stability and manage inflationary pressures in the country.

Earlier, the government has announced a significant cut in petroleum product prices, offering relief to consumers.

According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the price of petrol has been reduced by Rs10.28 per litre, bringing the new petrol price to Rs253.17 per litre.

The notification further stated that the price of diesel has been lowered by Rs8.57 per litre, with the new diesel price fixed at Rs257.08 per litre.

The revised prices will come into effect from January 1, offering financial relief amid rising living costs.

PSX sees bullish week with major sector gains

January 10, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a remarkable week of bullish activity, reaching new record highs across major indices.

During the week, the KSE-100 Index surged by 5,375 points, climbing from 179,034 at the start of the week to 184,409 at closing. The index traded at a week-high of 187,015 points and a week-low of 179,535 points.

Market analysts noted that five key psychological levels were restored over the week, with three days of gains and two days of minor declines.

The market capitalization also saw a significant boost, rising by PKR 555 billion over the five-day trading period to reach PKR 20,768 billion.

Experts attributed the bullish trend to institutional investments and expectations of a potential reduction in the policy rate. Strong performances were seen in banking, energy, cement, and fertilizer sectors, among other key industries.

Daily turnover reached nearly PKR 85 billion, marking the highest levels in two decades, highlighting investor confidence and market momentum.

The PSX’s performance reflects renewed optimism among investors, signaling a positive outlook for Pakistan’s equity markets in the near term.

BYD tops global sales in new energy vehicles

January 7, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has announced its global sales results for 2025, reporting over 4.6 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) sold worldwide, securing its position as the top-selling NEV company globally.

For the first time, BYD achieved over 1 million overseas sales in a single year, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion.

Li Jian, Country Head of BYD Pakistan, stated, “The year 2025 has been a defining period for BYD. Alongside record-breaking sales, we have received remarkable recognition both domestically and internationally.”

He added, “In Pakistan, our vehicles have received overwhelmingly positive responses from consumers, reflecting the growing demand for new energy solutions.”

PSX 100 Index continues bullish run, hits new record

January 6, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) maintained its strong upward momentum on Tuesday, with the KSE-100 Index reaching a new historical high of 185,000 points during intraday trading.

The benchmark index was trading at 185,023 points, up by 2,615 points, as investor optimism continued to drive market activity.

Yesterday, the KSE-100 had closed at 182,408 points, gaining 3,373 points. Over the first four trading sessions of the new year, the index has already surged by 11,151 points, reflecting sustained confidence in the market.

Market analysts attribute the rally to positive investor sentiment, encouraging economic indicators, and expectations of policy stability, which have kept buying activity robust.

PSX continues bullish run as index jumps more than 2,600 points

January 2, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Karachi: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its strong upward trend on the second trading day of the year, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index posting significant gains.

Trading on the final day of the business week began on a positive note, with the 100 Index crossing the 179,000-point mark during early hours. At one point, the index surged by 2,661 points to reach 179,016.

By the end of the first session, the index was halted at 178,504 points, while a total of 570 million shares were traded, generating a turnover of Rs 32 billion.

It is worth noting that a strong bullish trend was also observed on the first trading day of the New Year, when the PSX 100 Index closed at 176,355 points, gaining 2,300 points.

Market analysts attribute the sustained rally to renewed investor confidence and positive economic expectations at the start of the year.

BYD sets new global EV sales record in 2025, overtakes Tesla

January 1, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Chinese automaker BYD has set a new global record for electric vehicle (EV) sales in 2025, selling a total of 2.26 million units worldwide, the company said in a statement.

The milestone marks the highest annual EV sales ever achieved by a single manufacturer and places BYD ahead of US rival Tesla for the first time on a yearly basis.

Tesla had reported sales of 1.22 million electric vehicles by the end of September 2025, with its full-year results expected to be released on Friday.

According to a foreign news agency, BYD disclosed the sales figures in a statement submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The report noted that while BYD and other Chinese automakers face steep tariffs in the United States, the company’s sales continue to grow strongly across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

It is worth noting that in 2024, Tesla narrowly outperformed BYD, selling 1.79 million electric vehicles during the year, compared to BYD’s 1.76 million units.

Bloomberg confirms sharp decline in inflation, policy stability in Pakistan

January 1, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

A leading US publication Bloomberg has confirmed a significant improvement in inflation and greater policy stability in Pakistan, citing recent economic data and policy measures.

In its latest review on Pakistan, Bloomberg reported that price stability and economic management are improving, with inflation easing to 5.6 percent in December, lower than market expectations and down from 6.1 percent in November.

The report noted that pressure on food prices has declined, with food inflation limited to 3.24 percent.

According to Bloomberg, better food availability has helped stabilize markets and provided visible relief to the public. Inflation coming in below market estimates has boosted confidence and reinforced the credibility of the government’s policy direction.

The report highlighted that the State Bank of Pakistan, taking account of improving stability, has reduced the policy rate to its lowest level in nearly three years. A 50 basis points cut in interest rates was seen as a clear signal that inflationary pressures are now manageable.

Bloomberg said lower interest rates are expected to make financing more favorable for businesses and investors, supporting economic activity.

The easing of inflation has sent a positive signal for the investment climate, reducing uncertainty in the economy.

The publication further noted that lower inflation is improving purchasing power and increasing the likelihood of relief for consumers.

December’s figures indicate that the impact of policy measures is beginning to materialize, while the continued downward trend in inflation points toward medium-term economic stability and stronger governance.

Govt announces major cut in petroleum prices at start of New Year

December 31, 2025 by Pakistan Desk

ISLMABAD: The public has received significant relief at the beginning of the new year as the government announced a substantial reduction in petroleum product prices.

According to the official announcement, the price of petrol has been reduced by Rs10.28 per litre, while diesel prices have been lowered by Rs8.57 per litre.

Following the cut, the new price of petrol has been fixed at Rs253.17 per litre, whereas diesel will now be sold at Rs257.08 per litre.

As per the notification, the revised prices will come into effect from January 1, a move expected to provide noticeable relief to consumers in their daily transportation and household expenses.

PSX hits record high as KSE-100 crosses 174,000 points

December 29, 2025 by Pakistan Desk

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) reached a historic milestone as the benchmark KSE-100 Index climbed to an all-time high during intraday trading.

During the session, the KSE-100 Index crossed the 174,000-point level for the first time in history, reflecting strong investor confidence.

The market opened on a positive note at the start of the business week, with the index gaining momentum throughout the session and at one point rising more than 1,411 points above 174,000.

By the close of trading, the KSE-100 Index settled at 173,896 points, registering a net gain of 1,495 points.

Trading activity remained robust, with around 850 million shares changing hands, valued at approximately Rs42 billion. Market capitalization increased by Rs125 billion to reach Rs19,590 billion.

According to economic analysts, positive developments related to key institutions, including the Fauji Foundation, and other favorable economic indicators contributed to the strong bullish trend in the stock market.

Pakistan rejects Eurobond, Sukuk issuance, explores alternative options

December 20, 2025 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided against raising funds through Eurobond or Sukuk issuances this fiscal year, opting instead for a new financing approach that includes launching Pakistan’s first Panda bond in China to raise $250 million in the initial phase.

According to official sources, the Panda bond is expected to be issued by mid-January 2026, with the Prime Minister’s Office granting formal approval for the launch by January 31. A second phase of the programme, valued at $500 million, is expected to be completed before June 30, 2026.

Senior government officials told that the Panda bond is likely to be issued at an interest rate of around 4 percent. Pakistan faces two major external repayments during the current fiscal year due to the maturity of Eurobonds.

The first instalment of $500 million was paid in September 2025, while the second payment is due in April 2026, amounting to $1.3 billion, including $1 billion in principal and $300 million in interest.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed reservations over the government’s plan to issue Panda bonds in the Chinese market, questioning why Pakistan is not opting for commercial borrowing if Chinese banks are expected to be the main buyers.

In response, Pakistani authorities informed the IMF that the government is pursuing diversification of its financing sources and aims to strengthen its presence in the Chinese capital market through the issuance of Panda bonds.