Stories by Mubarak Zeb Khan

Rs200 billion import relief for industry

Govt plans slashing additional customs duty on 3,149 tariff lines and capping customs duty at 20pc in budget FY27. Updated 31 May, 2026 09:34am

FBR misses May target by Rs28bn

Generates Rs967bn amid economic slowdown and Eid holidays. Updated 31 May, 2026 09:40am

Govt mulls scrapping export tax in budget

1pc advance tax removal may bring a meagre Rs100bn relief; textile sector pushes for broader reforms, refunds, and lower energy costs. Updated 30 May, 2026 07:42am

Shadow budget eyes zero deficit

FPCCI projects Rs19.6tr revenue for FY27, cuts subsidies and pushes privatisation to fix fiscal imbalances. Published 26 May, 2026 07:03am

Exports to EU stay sluggish despite GSP+

Western and Northern shipments fell in 10MFY26, with an uptick in Southern and Eastern. Published 24 May, 2026 06:55am

Weekly inflation hits 14.47pc

Notable increase recorded in the prices of onions, tomatoes, potatoes, mutton, beef and powdered milk. Published 23 May, 2026 06:07am

Trade gap with neighbours widens by 30pc

Trade imbalance with nine regional countries reaches $12.72bn during the first 10 months of FY26. Updated 22 May, 2026 08:03am

Food import bill swells 14pc, exports dip 32pc

Higher purchases of sugar and edible oil drive imports to $7.85bn in the first 10 months of 2025-26. Published 21 May, 2026 07:31am

Textile exports rebound 21pc

Oil import bill surges 68pc in April Published 20 May, 2026 07:02am

Exports to Middle East fall 8pc in April

Pakistan’s imports from the Middle East saw a negative growth of 3pc to $13.898bn in 10MFY26 from $14.370bn a year ago. Published 19 May, 2026 07:09am

Imports from North America surge

Exports show paltry growth to $4.921bn in 9MFY26. Published 17 May, 2026 08:01am

Fuel, food drive 14.52pc inflation surge

The rise is driven largely by steep increases in key items, including petrol, diesel, electricity charges, wheat flour, and LPG. Updated 16 May, 2026 07:32am

Govt revises down GDP growth to 3.7pc

GDP size hits $452bn in FY26; per capita income rises to $1,901, but living standards show little real improvement Published 14 May, 2026 07:11am

Public Sector Development Programme spending remains sluggish

Overall development outlay cut to Rs837.2bn from Rs1.01tr due to fiscal constraints. Published 14 May, 2026 07:11am

IMF funds arrive as govt opens pre-budget talks

Both sides exchanges views on maintaining reform momentum, preserving macroeconomic stability and advancing structural reforms to promote investment, productivity and export-led growth. Updated 14 May, 2026 07:54am

Modest gains in GDP, per capita income indicate recovery in output, government says

Country’s economy is expected to grow by 3.70pc in current fiscal year, a revision from earlier projections of 4pc. Published 13 May, 2026 05:20pm

Textile sector eyes $5bn boost

Leading industry exporters meet the finance minister, submit a presentation as part of the textile sector's unified recommendations for the upcoming budget. Updated 13 May, 2026 07:42am

Population growth can become ‘social bomb’

He proposes incentives under NFC for provinces managing population growth; Projections say population can reach 389.9 million by 2050 even under a slow-decline scenario. Updated 13 May, 2026 07:59am

IT drives 17pc surge in services exports

PM seeks provincial support to boost internet access in rural areas Published 12 May, 2026 06:34am

Review of incentives to boost export underway

Ahad Cheema leads budget talks; commerce ministry sidelined on tariffs; experts called for input. Published 10 May, 2026 07:45am