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Another Week, Another Pulse!

It was a busy week for Pakistan’s news cycle, with major economic and policy updates grabbing attention. The State Bank of Pakistan announced its first monetary policy for FY2024–25, keeping the interest rate unchanged at 11 percent. Petrol prices were reduced by Rs7.54, while high-speed diesel saw a slight increase of Rs1.48. The federal cabinet approved the Green Building Code of Pakistan and introduced new rainwater harvesting rules, marking a long-awaited step toward climate-conscious planning. Meanwhile, the government quietly slashed profit rates on national savings schemes — a move that impacts pensioners, widows, and small savers the most.

Electric vehicle infrastructure is gaining momentum, with nearly 3,800 companies and individuals expressing interest in setting up charging stations across the country. The IMF revised Pakistan’s GDP growth forecast to 3.6 percent for FY25, falling short of the government’s 4.2 percent target, while inflation rose to 4.1 percent in July. Other key developments included the rollout of a regulatory framework for virtual assets and SECP’s continued efforts to reform and strengthen the mutual funds industry. In a significant energy shift, Cnergyico will import Pakistan’s first-ever crude oil cargo from the United States this October.

Here’s a look at the biggest stories of the week.

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The benchmark KSE-100 index at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed at an all-time high of 141,035 points during the outgoing week, posting a gain of 1,828 points or 1.3 percent week-on-week. The market rally was fueled by growing optimism around a potential US-Pakistan trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs and encouraging investment. Oil and export-oriented stocks led the gains, reflecting positive sentiment across key sectors.

Pakistan Capital Market Marks Historic Transition from T+2 to T+1 Settlement Cycle

Pakistan’s capital market is set to undergo a major transformation as it moves from a T+2 to a T+1 settlement cycle, effective February 9, 2026. This means trades on the Pakistan Stock Exchange will now be settled in one business day instead of two — making transactions faster and more efficient. The shift, led by the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL) in collaboration with PSX, CDC, and SECP, brings Pakistan in line with global markets like the US, China, and Canada that have already adopted the T+1 model. Market leaders hailed the move as a sign of growing maturity and readiness in Pakistan’s capital markets, with expectations of improved investor confidence and operational efficiency in the days ahead.

Highnoon Partners with Bangladesh’s Beximco to Bring Advanced Respiratory, Diabetes, and Cardiac Treatments to Pakistan

Highnoon Laboratories Limited (PSX: HINOON) has entered into a strategic partnership with Bangladesh’s Beximco Pharmaceuticals to bring advanced treatments for respiratory, diabetes, and heart-related diseases to Pakistan. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the two companies to collaborate on the distribution and marketing of specialized medicines targeting high-burden health areas. Beximco, known for its world-class manufacturing and approvals from regulators in the US, EU, Australia, Canada, and Brazil, is expected to strengthen the availability of high-quality treatments in Pakistan through this partnership.

OGDC Crosses Rs. 1 Trillion Market Cap After Donald Trump’s Announcement

OGDC became the first listed company in Pakistan to cross Rs. 1 trillion in market capitalization after the government signed a major oil exploration deal with the United States. Former US President Donald Trump announced that both countries will work together to develop Pakistan’s oil reserves, with a leading oil company to be selected soon. The news boosted investor confidence, especially in the energy sector. Alongside the oil deal, a long-awaited US-Pakistan trade agreement was finalized, which includes lower tariffs on Pakistani exports. This could open new doors for investment and economic cooperation in energy, IT, minerals, and more.

CCL Holding Submits Offer to Acquire 26.26% Stake in Mitchell’s Fruit Farms

CCL Holding Private Limited has officially submitted an offer to acquire 26.26 percent of Mitchell’s Fruit Farms Limited (MFFL) by purchasing over 6 million ordinary shares. This move follows an earlier announcement made in November 2024, signaling the company’s intent to expand its stake. The acquisition is being carried out under Pakistan’s takeover regulations and could lead to a significant shift in ownership and strategic direction for one of the country’s oldest food companies.

Pakistan loses ground to rivals with new 19pc US tariff

Pakistan’s textile exporters are raising concerns after the United States imposed a new 19 percent tariff on Pakistani exports, a move that threatens the country’s competitiveness in one of its key markets. The added tariff, on top of existing duties, comes as a major blow to Pakistan’s value-added textile sector, especially at a time when domestic production costs are already rising. Industry leaders warn that this could erode any potential gains from recent trade discussions, as regional competitors like Bangladesh and Vietnam continue to enjoy lower costs and more favorable access. Exporters fear the new tariff could lead to a drop in export volumes, making it even harder for Pakistan to maintain its market share in the US.

Pakistan, Iran aim to boost bilateral trade to $10bn: PM Shehbaz

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion, following the signing of 12 agreements and MoUs during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Islamabad. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the shared commitment to strengthening ties across energy, trade, and cultural sectors. Both leaders emphasized the need to transform these agreements into concrete action, with follow-up meetings planned to move the process forward. PM Shehbaz also condemned Israel’s recent attack on Iran’s nuclear sites during the joint press briefing.

Demand grows as cement sales surge 30%

Cement sales in Pakistan surged by over 30% in July 2025, reaching nearly 4 million tons, as demand continued to rise both locally and internationally. According to the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), domestic sales grew by 18%, while exports soared by over 84% compared to July 2024. The north and south regions both saw strong growth, with southern mills in particular boosting exports significantly. This sharp increase reflects a growing construction demand and a more favorable trade environment.

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