Fitch Upgrades Pakistan’s Credit Rating to ‘B-’, Cites Economic Recovery

Islamabad, April 15 — Fitch Ratings on Monday upgraded Pakistan’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating to ‘B-’ from ‘CCC+’, reflecting improved fiscal management, stabilised external accounts, and stronger economic policymaking. The outlook remains stable. The upgrade signals renewed investor confidence in Pakistan’s ability to enforce reforms under its ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. The …

NEPRA Slashes Electricity Prices by Rs1.71 per Unit Across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a major relief for power consumers, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved a Rs1.71 per unit reduction in electricity tariffs across Pakistan, including Karachi. The price cut will apply from April to June 2025, easing the burden of rising inflation. This decision follows a formal request from the federal government, …

Pakistan Hikes Vehicle Transfer Fees Nationwide, EVs Now Included

Vehicle transfer fees in Pakistan have been increased significantly, with electric vehicles (EVs) now formally included under the new structure. The Ministry of Finance has announced the revised rates, which are now in effect across the country. These changes aim to standardize charges, encourage compliance, and streamline the ownership transfer process. Revised Rates for Traditional …

Pakistan Sets Remittance Record with $4.1 Billion in March 2025

Remittance inflows to Pakistan surged to an all-time high of $4.1 billion in March 2025, offering a much-needed boost to the country’s economy. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) confirmed the record-breaking figure, with Saudi Arabia leading the list of top contributors. This development signals a strong turnaround in Pakistan’s external account position amid ongoing …

Pakistan Acts as a Global Shield Against Terrorism

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi declared on Sunday that Pakistan stands as a global shield in counterterrorism cooperation, serving as a critical barrier between terrorism and the rest of the world. His remarks came during a high-level meeting with visiting US Congressmen in Islamabad, where both sides discussed security, trade, and investment. Strengthening Pakistan-US Relations The …

China Eyes Donkey Farming in Pakistan to Boost Bilateral Trade

In a surprising yet strategic move, China has shown serious interest in establishing donkey farming in Pakistan, citing the country’s ideal environment for breeding. The initiative, if finalized, could open new economic doors for Pakistan while strengthening agricultural and trade ties with its largest regional ally. High-Level Talks in Islamabad On Saturday, a Chinese delegation …

Inflation Relief Must Reach Public, Not Middlemen: Aurangzeb

In a powerful address to the business community, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb vowed that the government would ensure inflation relief in Pakistan directly benefits ordinary citizens. He stressed that intermediaries, or “middlemen,” would not be allowed to manipulate the system for personal gain, especially with inflation reaching a record low. Inflation at Historic Low Aurangzeb’s …

Malala Urges Pakistan to Stop Deporting Afghan Girls

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has called on the government of Pakistan to immediately halt the Afghan girl deportation process, citing both humanitarian and legal concerns. Speaking through her organization, the Malala Fund, she emphasized the urgent need to protect Afghan girls and women facing threats under Taliban rule. Humanitarian Concerns Raised Malala expressed …

Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia Grants 10,000 More Slots to Pakistan

In a major development ahead of Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia has approved an additional Hajj quota increase of 10,000 pilgrims for Pakistan. The move strengthens the already deep-rooted ties between the two nations and highlights Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Pakistani pilgrims. High-Level Request Yields Quick Results The decision came after Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad …

Trade Turmoil: Pakistan Braces for Fallout from US-China Tariff War

As the US-China trade war intensifies under Donald Trump’s renewed tariff policy, Pakistan faces a looming economic threat. With Washington slapping a staggering 145% tariff on Chinese imports and maintaining a blanket 10% tariff on others, countries like Pakistan find themselves caught in the crossfire—potentially facing a “double whammy” of lost export markets and a …

Pakistan-Belarus Relations Reach New Milestone, Says PM Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed a new chapter in Pakistan-Belarus cooperation following a productive visit to Belarus. He expressed gratitude to Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko for the warm hospitality and called the day a landmark in the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Strengthening Bilateral Ties In a social media post on platform X, Prime …

NEPRA Greenlights Rs1.71 Per Unit Power Tariff Cut for Q2 2025

In a welcome move for electricity consumers across Pakistan, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved a significant power tariff cut of Rs1.71 per unit. This price reduction, proposed by the federal government, will be in effect from April to June 2025 and will apply nationwide, including areas served by K-Electric. Relief for …

Pakistan Navigates Trump Tariffs with Resilience, Says Business Leader

Despite widespread global concern, Pakistan appears to be relatively insulated from the fallout of global tariffs recently imposed by the United States. According to Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, chairman of the Karachi-based AKD Group, the country has not faced the same level of economic disruption as others. In an interview with Reuters on April 9, Dhedhi …

Pakistan Positioned to Lead Global Mineral Economy: COAS Gen Asim Munir

Pakistan is prepared to lead the global mineral economy, according to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir. Speaking at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 in Islamabad, he declared that with abundant mineral resources, a skilled population, and a clear national policy, the country has everything it needs to become a major …

Pakistan Eyes Mining Boom with Focus on Sustainability

Pakistan is setting the stage for a transformative era in sustainable mining, as highlighted during the concluding session of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum held in Islamabad. Addressing industry leaders and stakeholders, Managing Director of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Ahmed Hayat Lak, emphasized that the country is not only mineral-rich but fully …

Saudi Arabia Eyes Strategic Investment in Pakistan’s Minerals Sector

Saudi Arabia has shown a strong commitment to expanding mineral investment in Pakistan, signaling deeper economic cooperation between the two nations. The interest emerged during a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, where Saudi Deputy Minister for Mining Abdul Rahman Al-Balushi led a delegation to meet Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik. Saudi Delegation Expresses …

Pakistan Eyes Economic Freedom Through Mineral Wealth

At the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that mineral resources in Pakistan could help the country break free from IMF dependency. Speaking at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, the premier emphasized that unlocking the full potential of the nation’s natural wealth could pave the way to sustainable economic independence. …

NRL Discovers Major Copper-Gold Reserves in Chagai, Balochistan

Karachi: National Resources Limited (NRL) has discovered significant copper-gold mineralization in Chagai, Balochistan. Muhammad Ali Tabba, Chairman of NRL and CEO of Lucky Cement, announced the breakthrough at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025. NRL is a 100% Pakistani-owned private company. It operates under Fatima Fertilizer, Liberty Mills Limited, and Lucky Cement. The company was granted …

Crackdown on Illegal Afghan Migrants Accelerates Across Pakistan

The ongoing Afghan migrant deportation drive in Pakistan has intensified following the government’s deadline for undocumented foreign nationals. Since April 1, 2025, authorities have deported 944 Afghan families, totaling 6,700 individuals, as part of the national repatriation campaign. Mass Deportations Through Torkham Immigration officials reported that the deported individuals were first moved to the Landi …

US Delegation Eyes Strategic Investment in Pakistan’s Mineral Sector

A US investment delegation led by a senior Trump administration official is scheduled to visit Pakistan next week. The high-profile team will attend the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, set to take place from April 8 to 10, in a bid to boost economic ties and explore new opportunities in the country’s growing mineral sector. Key …

Pakistan Urges Global Action to Curb Illicit Arms Flow to Terrorist Groups

Illicit arms trafficking is fueling terrorism in the region, and Pakistan is calling for urgent global action to intercept the flow of sophisticated weapons to terrorist groups like Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) operating from Afghanistan. Terrorist Groups Armed with Abandoned Stockpiles Raza highlighted that billions worth of advanced weaponry, left behind …

Ireland Tops Global Passport Rankings as Pakistan Ranks 195th

Ireland now holds the world’s most powerful passport, according to the latest Nomad Capitalist ranking. The annual assessment considers multiple factors beyond just visa-free travel, making it a comprehensive measure of global mobility. Meanwhile, Pakistan ranks 195th, placing it among the weakest passports in the world. What Makes a Passport Powerful? The ranking evaluates five …

Pakistan Condemns Israeli Aggression in Gaza, Calls for Global Action

Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, denouncing the indiscriminate violence that has claimed thousands of innocent lives. The Foreign Office has urged the international community to take decisive action to stop Israel’s continued violations of international law. Indiscriminate Violence and War Crimes In an official statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan …

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