💼 Deals, 📊 Data, 🎭 Drama

Another week, Another Pulse! 

From the electrifying Pakistan-India match to the IMF’s high-profile visit, it’s been a week packed with headlines. On the economic front, the Senate Finance Committee postponed the much-debated Virtual Assets Bill, while Japan signaled interest in the multibillion-dollar Reko Diq copper and gold mining project, marking a shift in its investment footprint in Pakistan beyond the automobile sector. Adding to the momentum, a high-level Saudi delegation is expected to visit in October, further highlighting global interest in the country. In tech, Pakistan unveiled bold plans to train 1 million AI developers and launch 1,000 local AI products by 2030. Meanwhile, commercial banks saw a staggering outflow of over Rs. 1 trillion in deposits during the first two months of FY 2025–26, as customers looked for alternative investment opportunities. To wrap up, another exciting development is on the horizon — Pakistan is set to roll out 5G services in the coming months, starting with seven major cities.

Here’s a five-minute snapshot of the biggest highlights from last week.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite platform:

• Youtube - https://shorturl.at/hdctG

• SoundCloud - https://shorturl.at/Z0IbD

• Spotify- https://shorturl.at/uHdCC

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) carried its upward momentum into the week, with the KSE-100 index advancing by 4,220 points, or 2.67% on a weekly basis, to settle at an all-time high of 162,257. The rally was underpinned by positive triggers, including the landmark Rs. 1.225 trillion circular debt settlement, healthier external account indicators, and renewed investor confidence after the prime minister’s meeting with the US president at the White House. Sectoral strength was most notable in banking, cement, fertiliser, and power stocks, while expectations of upcoming debt inflows and encouraging signals from the IMF’s second review further fueled the bullish sentiment.

PSX Launches End-of-Day Product in Collaboration with Deutsche Börse AG

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has partnered with Deutsche Börse AG to launch its End-of-Day Market Data Product on the Deutsche Börse Data Shop, giving global investors direct access to Pakistan’s official closing prices, index levels, and corporate announcements. This move enhances transparency, aligns PSX with international standards, and positions Pakistan’s capital market on the global stage. By monetizing its data and expanding its reach, PSX aims to attract greater foreign interest and strengthen its credibility, with future growth likely tied to how effectively it leverages this visibility.

Bestway Cement To Enter Auto Sector with New Subsidiary

Bestway Cement Limited (PSX: BWCL) has announced plans to enter Pakistan’s automobile sector by setting up a wholly owned private subsidiary. In an emergency board meeting on September 19, 2025, the company approved an investment of up to Rs. 10 billion — including Rs. 4 billion in equity and Rs. 6 billion as a shareholder loan — to fund the venture. The move, subject to shareholder approval under the Companies Act and related regulations, marks a major diversification for one of Pakistan’s largest cement producers as it looks to expand its footprint into a new industry.

Nishat Hotels & Properties Set to Acquire Majority Stake in Rafhan Maize

Nishat Hotels & Properties Limited is set to acquire a majority stake in Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited, as Ingredion Incorporated — the Chicago-based multinational and current majority shareholder — has agreed to sell its 51.04% holding through a conditional share purchase agreement. The deal, disclosed to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, is subject to regulatory approvals and the fulfillment of contractual conditions. If completed, the transaction will mark a major shift in the ownership of one of Pakistan’s leading food ingredients and industrial products companies, known for producing starches, glucose, dextrose, dextrin, and gluten meals. 

Pakistan seeks Chinese waiver, refuses Rs220bn interest payment to IPPs

Pakistan has informed the IMF that it will not pay Rs220 billion in interest charges to Chinese Independent Power Producers (IPPs), arguing that only Rs250 billion in principal dues are valid. The disputed surcharge is part of the country’s Rs1.7 trillion circular debt, which is expected to increase by another Rs500 billion this fiscal year. While the government plans to seek a waiver from Beijing, the decision could test relations with China even as Pakistan looks to secure $1.2 billion in IMF funding.

Pakistan, China to Establish Data Centers, Fiber Optic Networks, and Joint CPEC AI Initiatives

Pakistan and China have agreed to expand cooperation under CPEC by developing data centers, nationwide fiber optic networks, and joint laboratories for artificial intelligence and quantum research. The initiative will focus on youth and innovation, with plans for 10,000 PhD scholarships, innovation hubs, and internship programs with Chinese institutions. The partnership also aims to uplift underdeveloped regions by adopting elements of China’s poverty alleviation model.

Govt to Seek IMF Nod for Wheat Price Support

The government will seek IMF approval to reinstate the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat in a bid to revive production and curb reliance on costly imports. Officials warn that if output falls further this year, wheat imports could reach $1.5 billion. A new wheat policy is expected in early October. Meanwhile, sugar output dropped to 5.8 million tons from 7.6 million last year, forcing $150 million in imports despite earlier exports worth $450 million. Authorities have attributed the price hike to cartel-like practices in the sugar industry.

ADB okays assistance for climate adaptation in Central, West Asia

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved technical assistance to launch the ‘Glaciers to Farms (G2F)’ programme across Pakistan and Central and West Asia. The initiative will support glacier monitoring, river basin planning, and knowledge sharing, while mobilising up to $3.5 billion in climate resilience finance, including $325 million from the Green Climate Fund.

Which AMCs dominated the AUM leaderboard in August 2025? 📊

Al Meezan Investment Management Limited continued to lead with the highest AUM, followed by NBP Fund Management Limited and MCB Funds. HBL Asset Management Limited held the fourth spot, while UBL Fund Managers entered the top 5 this month, replacing Alfalah Investments.

These rankings highlight where the biggest pools of investor money are being managed.

_{Today’s Pulse by Capital Stake is brought to you by Hubab Irfan}