The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its record-breaking streak on Wednesday, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index surged past the 130,000-point milestone for the first time in history. The index closed at 130,344.03 points, marking a sharp gain of 2,144.61 points or 1.67% from the previous close. During the day, the index touched an intraday high …
Tag Archives: SBP
SBP Launches PRISM+ to Modernize Pakistan’s Digital Payment System
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is set to launch PRISM+ digital upgrade—a major overhaul of the country’s national payment infrastructure—starting June 16, 2025. This initiative, introduced under SBP’s Vision 2028, aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and security in digital transactions across financial institutions. Key Features of PRISM+ PRISM+ is based on the ISO 20022 …
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Govt Considers 5–7.5% Salary, Pension Hike Under IMF Watch
Amid tight fiscal constraints imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the government is mulling a 5% to 7.5% increase in salaries and pensions for public sector employees in the upcoming Budget 2025–26. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key coalition partner, is pushing for a 10% raise, either in the budget announcement or during …
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Eid ul Adha 2025: SBP Pushes ‘Go Cashless’ Drive for Cattle Markets
To ease the rush of cash transactions during Eid ul Adha, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a countrywide campaign promoting digital cattle payments. The “Go Cashless” initiative, which began on May 19, 2025, aims to digitize buying and selling in 54 designated cattle markets nationwide. Boosting Digital Transactions The campaign will run …
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KIBOR Drops Sharply After SBP Cuts Policy Rate by 1%
The KIBOR decline followed the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) decision to cut the policy rate by 100 basis points to 11%, surpassing market expectations. As a result, interbank lending rates for various tenors dropped significantly on Tuesday, signaling a broader shift in the country’s monetary landscape. Major Reductions Across Tenors According to Arif Habib …
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PSX Soars as SBP’s Surprise Rate Cut Boosts Investor Confidence
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened on a strong note Tuesday. The benchmark KSE-100 Index surged after the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) delivered an unexpected interest rate cut. The central bank reduced the policy rate by 100 basis points to 11%. This is the largest cut since June 2024. The move signals easing inflation …
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SBP Slashes Interest Rate to 11% Amid Low Inflation
In a move welcomed by the business community, the SBP interest rate cut brought the policy rate down to 11% on May 5, 2025. The State Bank of Pakistan’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) made the decision following sharp declines in inflation and signs of economic stability. Inflation at Historic Low April’s inflation dropped to just …
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SBP Highlights Sharp Economic Recovery in H1-FY25
Pakistan’s economic recovery gained significant momentum in the first half of FY25, according to the State Bank of Pakistan’s latest report. Featuring the keyword “economic recovery,” the State of Pakistan’s Economy, Half Year Report FY25 outlines a sharp drop in inflation, a surplus current account, and the lowest fiscal deficit since FY05, marking a major …
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SBP’s Financial Stability Review 2024 Shows Resilient Banking Sector
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has released its annual Financial Stability Review (FSR) for 2024, highlighting a notable recovery in the country’s economic and financial landscape. The report, mandated under Section 39(3) of the SBP Act, 1956, evaluates the performance, risks, and resilience across key financial segments including banks, microfinance banks (MFBs), development finance …
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Nationwide Financial Literacy Walks Spark Awareness In Pakistan
In a powerful push to boost financial literacy in Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), in collaboration with commercial banks, universities, and partner institutions, organized financial literacy walks across 16 major cities. These events drew thousands of enthusiastic participants from all walks of life, united under one cause—building a financially aware and empowered society. …
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Pakistan Hits Record $1.2B Current Account Surplus in March
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan achieved a major economic milestone in March 2025, recording a record-breaking $1.2 billion current account surplus, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This historic monthly surplus marks a sharp reversal from the deficits posted in January and February, signaling a potential recovery in the country’s external …
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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 …
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SBP Governor Outlines Path to Stability Amid $26 Billion
Despite ongoing challenges, Pakistan’s economy is showing signs of stability, with external payments and financial reforms at the center of the recovery plan. State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad revealed on Monday that out of $26 billion in external obligations for the current fiscal year, $16 billion are expected to be rolled over …
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SBP Releases Second Quarterly Payment Systems Review for FY25
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has released its Quarterly Payment Systems Review for Q2 FY25. The report summarizes the latest trends in digital payments and highlights key developments in the country’s payment landscape. Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem continued to expand in Q2 FY25. Retail transactions grew by 11% in volume, reaching 2,143 million. The …
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SBP Confirms Fresh Banknote Issuance for Eid
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has denied claims that it is not issuing fresh banknotes for Eid-ul-Fitr. The central bank continues its tradition of providing new banknotes to commercial banks. This ensures the public can access fresh currency notes during the festive season. Read: Husband Sets Wife on Fire After She Objects to His Infidelity …
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SBP Confirms Fresh Banknote Issuance for Eid
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reaffirmed that it is issuing fresh banknotes for Eid-ul-Fitr, countering claims that new currency notes are unavailable. The central bank has already distributed Rs. 27 billion in fresh banknotes to 17,000 commercial bank branches across the country. This move ensures the public can access crisp new notes during …
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SBP Expected to Cut Interest Rates by 50bps on March 10
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) may announce a 50-basis-point (bps) interest rate cut in its upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on March 10, according to Arif Habib Limited (AHL). The falling inflation rate has created room for further monetary easing, but the central bank faces a delicate balancing act between economic growth and …
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SBP Grants Digital Banking License to Easy Paisa Bank Ltd
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has granted a digital banking license to Easy Paisa Bank Ltd, the central bank governor announced on Tuesday. This move aims to enhance financial inclusion, particularly in remote areas of the country. Speaking on the occasion, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad emphasized the significance of digital and branchless banking. …
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SBP Cuts Policy Rate by 100 Basis Points to 12%
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday reduced the policy rate by 100 basis points, bringing it to 12%, during the first monetary policy announcement of 2025. The new rate will take effect from December 17, 2024, according to a statement released by the central bank. Inflation Declining Gradually SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, who …
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KSE-100 Index Declines Amid Economic, Regulatory Concerns
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) faced another tough session on Wednesday as the KSE-100 Index plummeted by 1,598.82 points, or 1.39%. The index closed at 113,443.43, reflecting weak investor confidence due to economic uncertainty and regulatory concerns. During the session, the index reached an intraday high of 115,256.16 before falling to a low of 113,359.37. …
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SBP to Announce Monetary Policy on January 27
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is set to reveal its much-anticipated monetary policy decision on Monday, January 27, 2025. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will convene earlier in the day to deliberate on the policy direction. Governor SBP, Jameel Ahmad, will address a press conference after the meeting to announce the decision. This announcement …
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SBP Governor Reaffirms Commitment to Boost Financial Inclusion
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reinforced its dedication to advancing financial inclusion by fostering strong partnerships with global and domestic stakeholders. Governor SBP, Mr. Jameel Ahmad, highlighted this commitment during a bilateral meeting with Dr. Alfred Hannig, CEO of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), held in Karachi on January 13, 2025. The …
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Overseas Pakistanis Reject PTI’s Civil Disobedience Call
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the failure of its civil disobedience movement. PTI’s jailed founder, Imran Khan, had urged overseas Pakistanis to withhold remittances as part of the campaign. However, Pakistan’s remittances hit $3.1 billion in December 2024, marking a 29.3% year-on-year increase, according to the State Bank of …
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