📈 Deals 💰 Growth 🌍 Diplomacy

Another Week, Another Pulse!

It has been a busy week with high-profile visits, new deals and changes at home. Pakistan and the United States have reached a trade agreement that could help develop the country’s untapped oil reserves and make Pakistani exports cheaper in American markets. The Army Chief was also in Washington, keeping diplomacy in the spotlight. In a first for Pakistan, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs has given approval for an international ferry service. Sea Keepers will operate routes connecting Pakistan with Iran and Gulf countries.

The IMF has called on the government to take strong action against corruption in the tax system and improve governance. There is some good news for electricity consumers as power bills may drop by 77 paisa per unit in the coming cycle. In the north, protests on the Karakoram Highway have blocked travel and trade with China for the 20th consecutive day. On the global stage, major oil producers including Saudi Arabia and Russia have announced they will increase oil production to strengthen their position in the market.

Pakistan’s social sector spending also came under the spotlight this week. The IMF reported that the country fell short of its target for health and education expenditure by Rs27 billion last year, mainly because several provinces did not fully meet their commitments. In the financial sector, the State Bank stepped in with a massive Rs1 trillion injection into the banking system, using both conventional and Islamic channels to keep liquidity moving.

On the diplomatic front, Pakistan and Qatar explored new opportunities for cooperation in climate action, investment and environmental diplomacy. Back home, electricity consumers may have more reason to cheer, as the government is considering raising the “protected” usage limit from 200 to 300 units, potentially lowering bills for many households.

Infrastructure also made headlines. The Railways Minister announced that major modernization projects, including digitalization, upgrades and partial outsourcing, will be completed this year. 

Rounding off the week, the federal government approved a new pension package for employees retiring on or after July 1, 2025. The plan promises equal pension increases for all retirees, aiming to create a fairer system for those who have served in the public sector.

Here’s your five-minute recap, a quick look at the highs, lows, and everything in between.

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The Pakistan Stock Exchange closed the week with a healthy gain of 3.08%, as the KSE-100 index crossed the 145,000 mark on the back of strong institutional buying, solid corporate earnings and improving economic sentiment. However, some profit-taking in the final session pulled the index down by 264 points, ending the week at 145,382.80.

MSCI Adds One More PSX Company to its Frontier Markets Index

MSCI has included Faysal Bank in its Frontier Markets Index as part of its August 2025 review, increasing Pakistan’s representation in the index from 26 to 27 companies. The change will take effect after markets close on August 26, 2025. This inclusion is seen as a positive development for the bank and the broader market, as it can attract more foreign investor interest and improve trading activity in the stock.

PABC Enhances Production Capacity to 1,300 Million Cans

Pakistan Aluminium Beverage Cans Limited (PABC) has boosted its annual production capacity from 1.2 billion to 1.3 billion cans after completing a project to remove production bottlenecks and improve efficiency. This means the company can now make more cans to meet rising demand, which could strengthen its position in the market and potentially increase sales. With the extra capacity now fully operational, PABC is better placed to serve both local and export markets, supporting its long-term growth plans.

Organic Meat Company Becomes First Pakistani Meat Exporter to Directly Supply to Carrefour UAE

The Organic Meat Company Limited has become the first Pakistani meat exporter to secure direct supply approval for Carrefour UAE, one of the region’s largest retail chains. This comes after the company scored an impressive 94.89 percent in Carrefour’s strict audit covering systems, hygiene and operational standards. With this milestone, TOMCL will now supply meat across all Carrefour UAE outlets, boosting its footprint in the Middle East and advancing its global growth ambitions.

UAE Logistics Company to Build Commercial Hub for Made-in-Pakistan Products in Dubai

A major boost for Pakistani exports is on the horizon as UAE-based DP World plans to set up “Pakistan Mart,” a dedicated commercial hub near Jebel Ali in Dubai to showcase Made-in-Pakistan products. Developed at no construction cost to Pakistani stakeholders, the facility will house warehouses, retail outlets, showrooms and e-commerce centres, giving exporters direct access to buyers across the Middle East, Africa and beyond. Key sectors will include textiles, surgical instruments, sports goods, food items and more, with the Ministry of Commerce and TDAP backing the project to help select tenants and promote it globally.

PSX to raise Rs600 billion through GoP Ijarah Sukuk auctions

The Pakistan Stock Exchange will help the government raise Rs600 billion between August and October 2025 through the sale of GoP Ijarah Sukuk, a Shariah-compliant investment bond. The funds will be raised via short- and long-term instruments, with maturities ranging from one to ten years. This fundraising drive is part of the government’s plan to manage its budget through non-interest-based borrowing, which can help support economic stability and meet development and financing needs. Auctions are scheduled for August 20, September 17 and October 15, with settlements the following day.

Govt Proposed To Launch RDA 2.0 to Facilitate IT Companies and Freelancers

The IT industry has proposed a new “RDA 2.0” scheme to make it easier for IT companies and freelancers to bring their earnings into Pakistan through formal banking channels. Designed specifically for the tech sector, the proposed accounts would offer dollar-based interest, the option to keep funds in dollars, and facilities such as credit and debit cards, similar to the current Roshan Digital Account. An automated verification system and a representative body would manage the process, aiming to convert more unofficial exports into documented remittances. 

Islamabad, Rawalpindi to Get Multiple Small Dams to Overcome Water Shortage

The government has announced plans to build multiple small dams in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to tackle the region’s worsening water shortage. A high-level committee, led by the Interior Minister, will oversee a mega water supply project as the capital’s underground water table has plunged from 10 meters in 1960 to over 120 meters today due to rapid population growth and urban expansion. Islamabad needs around 120 million gallons of water daily, but current supply meets less than half that demand, with rural areas hit hardest. A feasibility study for the project is already in progress.

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