Stories by Khaleeq Kiani

WTO hikes global trade growth forecast, names Pakistan among nations gaining from disruptions amid ME conflict

Upgrades forecast for global merchandise trade volume growth to 3.9pc for 2026 and 4.1pc for 2027; notes Pakistan’s exports of sea freight transport services rose by 73pc year-on-year in first half of 2026.

Published 08 Oct, 2026 10:27pm

Nepra notifies consumers of Rs1.11 per unit higher fuel costs in Oct billing

Higher fuel cost adjustment would also be applicable to incremental consumption package consumers, regulator says.

Published 08 Oct, 2026 03:44pm

Pakistan, IMF reach staff-level agreement for $1.2bn tranche

Two sides conclude Article IV consultations; IMF calls for phasing out the fuel support scheme promptly, given its high cost and broad targeting.

Updated 08 Oct, 2026 10:40am

Discos’ sell-off faces investor trust deficit

Bidders seek binding guarantees, risk cover amid fears of contract reopening.

Updated 08 Oct, 2026 08:11am

IMF holds back clearance for industry power tariff plan

• Seeks more data before approving proposed time-of-use tariff • Fund review concludes without immediate announcement of staff

Published 08 Oct, 2026 07:00am

Irsa okays 22pc lower water share for Rabi

The water regulator allocates provincial water shares under a de facto 3-tier formula that applies water shortages only to Sindh and Punjab.

Published 07 Oct, 2026 07:02am

Power sector losses drag state-owned entities' profits

Earnings fall 30pc as all performance indicators deteriorate.

Updated 06 Oct, 2026 07:57am

IMF talks likely to clear way for $1.2bn disbursement

Informed sources said two sides were now finalising the Memor­andum of Econ­omic and Fiscal Policies (MEFP).

Updated 06 Oct, 2026 07:22am

Nuclear power output rises 4pc to record high

Solar generation reaches 36.3 TWh, surpassing nuclear production for first time.

Published 05 Oct, 2026 05:15am

Civil servants given a week to declare foreign nationalities

Officials failing to submit declarations will face disciplinary proceedings; failure to disclose such information at opportune time may render their appointment void.

Published 03 Oct, 2026 06:26am

WB wants swift action on reform measures

Calls to expedite GST, agriculture tax harmonisation under $20bn country partnership framework

Published 03 Oct, 2026 06:25am

World Bank calls on govt to implement policy actions under $20bn reform partnership

World Bank delegation calls on finance minister; two sides agreed on moving from reform design to effective implementation.

Published 02 Oct, 2026 06:01pm

IMF praises oil crisis handling, urges gas sector reforms

Seeks faster work on targeted gas subsidies, Rs3.6tr circular debt; acknowledges power sector’s improvement in recoveries, loss reduction.

Updated 02 Oct, 2026 07:39am

LPG gets 8pc costlier ahead of winter

Ogra set the price of LPG at Rs279.34 per kg for October, up from Rs258.64 per kg in September, an increase of about Rs21 per kg.

Published 01 Oct, 2026 07:02am

Revenue surge, subsidy plans sit well with IMF

Country exceeds first-quarter revenue target despite economic pressures.

Published 01 Oct, 2026 07:01am

Public debt surges 76pc to Rs86.7tr in four years

Govt plans additional borrowing of Rs6.86tr in FY27.

Published 30 Sep, 2026 07:00am

IMF-linked plan to boost local currency bond market unveiled

Plan sets out reforms that the government, regulators and market institutions will undertake to build a deeper, more liquid and resilient market for government.

Updated 30 Sep, 2026 07:27am

Finance minister kicks off talks with visiting IMF mission

Aurangzeb briefs IMF mission on latest macroeconomic indicators, investment climates amid challenging outlook due to Iran war.

Updated 29 Sep, 2026 03:56pm

Govt notifies new procurement rules with IMF team in town

Changes retain certain exemptions for direct contracting with SOEs despite reservations; IMF delegation meets finance, tax officials amid uncertainty on sovereign wealth fund law.

Updated 29 Sep, 2026 07:31am

Country braces for 25pc Rabi water shortage

Reservoir carryover falls below 9.5 million acre feet, lowest since 2021; wheat crop faces added pressure after estimated shortfall last season.

Updated 28 Sep, 2026 07:40am