Strong Surge in Economic Activity During First Seven Months of Current Fiscal Year

Pakistans-economy

March 19, 2026Islamabad (Rana Ghulam Qadir)Economic activity witnessed a significant surge during the first seven months of the current fiscal year, reflecting a notable improvement in key industrial indicators.According to the latest report released by the Federal Bureau of Statistics, large-scale manufacturing (LSM) recorded a growth of 5.75% during the period from July 2025 to January 2026. The data also showed strong momentum in January alone, with LSM output increasing by 12% on a month-on-month basis and 10.54% on a year-on-year basis.The report further highlighted that automobile production saw the…

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Salaried Class Paid Rs. 365 Billion in Taxes in First 8 Months

salaried class

March 19, 2026Islamabad (Mehtab Haider)Pakistan’s voiceless salaried class has paid Rs. 365 billion in income tax during the first eight months (July to February) of the current fiscal year, which is even higher than the combined contributions of all wealthy segments—including retailers, wholesalers, exporters, and property tycoons.According to official data from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the salaried class paid Rs. 365 billion in taxes during the first eight months of fiscal year 2026, compared to Rs. 332 billion during the same period in fiscal year 2025. Although the…

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Power firms seek to extract Rs12.2bn more for Feb usage

Power-sector

ISLAMABAD: After charging a positive fuel cost adjustment (FCA) of Rs1.63 per unit in the current month, the power companies have sought to extract another Rs1.64 per unit from consumers across the country in April bills, as demand rose.The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) demanded payment of higher fuel costs on account of power consumed in February, even though more than 75 per cent of power generation came from domestic, cheaper sources. Electricity consumption was reported to be around 11.42pc higher than in the same month last year but about…

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Unjustified Curtailment of Pakistan’s Cheapest Wind Power at Rs. 14 Pushes Projects Toward Financial CollapseAtif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI

wind-power

Karachi: A consortium of Pakistan’s leading wind energy producers today issued an urgent rebuttal to recent claims made by the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO), warning that the systematic and unjustified curtailment of wind power plants— the nation’s most affordable energy source at just Rs. 14 per unit —is driving the renewable energy sector toward a catastrophic financial breaking point.The consortium explicitly rejects recent media statements from the ISMO suggesting that curtailment is not occurring or is being managed effectively. Furthermore, the consortium highlights that the current compensation mechanism…

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PM Shehbaz Directs Urgent Measures to Strengthen Petroleum Supply Chain Amid Regional Uncertainty

Shehbaz-Sharif

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to take proactive steps to reinforce Pakistan’s petroleum import supply chain in light of ongoing regional uncertainties impacting global energy markets. Chairing a high-level meeting on fuel conservation and economic stability, the Prime Minister instructed Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to ensure preparedness for any potential disruptions. He also directed all relevant institutions to remain ready for emergency interventions until the situation stabilises. Officials briefed the meeting on progress made in implementing the government’s austerity and resource conservation measures. It was noted…

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