Economic Pulse - Pakistan

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GOLD SHOCKS PAKISTAN: Prices Break All Records, Investors Left Stunned EP News: Karachi, Gold prices have surged to an a...
22/12/2025

GOLD SHOCKS PAKISTAN: Prices Break All Records, Investors Left Stunned

EP News: Karachi, Gold prices have surged to an all-time historic high in both local and international markets, sending shockwaves across Pakistan and sparking intense debate among investors and the general public.

According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Association, the price of gold per tola jumped by a massive Rs 6,200, pushing it to an unprecedented Rs 462,362 per tola. This sharp rise reflects growing economic anxiety and global uncertainty.

Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs 5,315, reaching Rs 396,400, making gold increasingly out of reach for ordinary buyers while strengthening its appeal as a safe-haven asset.

On the global front, gold prices soared by $62 per ounce, hitting a record $4,400 per ounce. Analysts link this surge to rising geopolitical tensions, inflation fears, and investor expectations of economic instability worldwide.

Gold has always been considered a symbol of safety and trust, especially during times of inflation, political unrest, and economic uncertainty. For centuries, investors have turned to gold whenever confidence in currencies and markets weakens.

It is important to remember that Pakistan revised its gold pricing mechanism last year, setting local prices $20 per ounce higher than international rates, a move that has further amplified domestic prices during global rallies.

As economic pressures mount and uncertainty deepens, one question remains on everyone’s mind: Will gold continue its unstoppable rise, or is a correction around the corner?





Major Breakthrough, Pakistan’s Millat Tractors Set to Conquer African Markets in Major Global DealEP News: In a landmark...
22/12/2025

Major Breakthrough, Pakistan’s Millat Tractors Set to Conquer African Markets in Major Global Deal

EP News: In a landmark move for Pakistan’s industrial and export sector, Millat Tractors Limited (MTL) has signed a strategic agreement with Massey Ferguson Corporation (MFC) and AGCO Limited, the global owner of the Massey Ferguson brand. Under this agreement, Millat-branded tractors will be exported directly to African markets, marking a major expansion of Pakistan’s manufacturing footprint beyond traditional regions.

The development was officially disclosed by the listed company in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, signaling strong confidence from global agricultural machinery leaders in Pakistan’s engineering capabilities. This partnership not only strengthens Millat’s international presence but also positions Pakistan as a competitive player in the global agricultural equipment industry.

Analysts see this deal as a boost for exports, foreign exchange earnings, and investor sentiment, while also opening new doors for Pakistan-made products in high-potential African economies where demand for affordable and reliable farm machinery is rising rapidly.





Washington SHOCKED, Trump’s Sudden Praise Triggers Historic U.S. Policy Shift Toward PakistanEP News: In a startling rev...
22/12/2025

Washington SHOCKED, Trump’s Sudden Praise Triggers Historic U.S. Policy Shift Toward Pakistan

EP News: In a startling revelation, a major article published by the Washington Times has openly acknowledged Pakistan’s rising strategic importance for the United States. The report highlights that in March, former U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly praised Pakistan during a national address — a moment that sent ripples through Washington’s policy circles and signaled a dramatic change in tone.

According to the American newspaper, Trump’s remarks marked a rare and surprising turnaround in U.S. foreign policy. Pakistan, once seen as an unfavorable or sidelined state, rapidly emerged as a potential strategic partner for Washington. Analysts quoted in the article describe this swift image transformation as highly unusual, noting that such fast-paced opinion shifts within U.S. policy institutions are both rare and unprecedented.

The Washington Times further explains that the foundation of this policy shift was laid after the May Pakistan–India conflict. The brief but intense confrontation reportedly forced Trump to reassess the region’s strategic realities. In the aftermath of the conflict, Washington’s strategic map was effectively redrawn — with Pakistan regaining central importance in U.S. regional calculations.

This development underscores how changing ground realities and regional conflicts can rapidly reshape global alliances, placing Pakistan back into a critical position in international geopolitics and signaling a potential long-term shift in U.S. strategy.

Moscow Shaken by a Silent Explosion — A General Targeted in Broad DaylightEP News: The Russian capital Moscow was rocked...
22/12/2025

Moscow Shaken by a Silent Explosion — A General Targeted in Broad Daylight

EP News: The Russian capital Moscow was rocked by fear and uncertainty after a car bomb explosion killed a senior Russian military general, according to Russian media. The blast occurred in a residential area, instantly turning an ordinary morning into a scene of chaos, smoke, and emergency sirens. Authorities confirmed that the explosive device was planted inside or beneath the vehicle, indicating a highly targeted and carefully planned assassination.

Sources say the general was getting into or traveling in the car when the bomb detonated with devastating force. The explosion not only destroyed the vehicle but also raised serious questions about security inside Russia’s most protected city. Investigators rushed to the scene, sealing off the area as forensic teams began collecting evidence, while intelligence agencies launched a full-scale probe.

The attack has sent shockwaves through Russia’s political and military circles, especially as it comes amid heightened tensions related to the Ukraine conflict. Although no group has officially claimed responsibility, speculation is intensifying about possible foreign involvement or internal sabotage, making this incident one of the most alarming security breaches in recent times.

As the investigation continues, one question dominates global headlines: Who can strike so deep inside Moscow — and what does this mean for Russia’s internal stability?

SHOCKING DROP! Sui Southern Gas Profit CRASHES 85%EP Report: Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has reported a massive coll...
22/12/2025

SHOCKING DROP! Sui Southern Gas Profit CRASHES 85%

EP Report: Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has reported a massive collapse in profitability, sending shockwaves across Pakistan’s stock market. For the quarter ended September 30, 2025 (3MFY26), the company’s net profit plunged to just Rs785 million, marking a staggering 84.9% decline compared to Rs5.19 billion in the same period last year. Earnings per share also fell sharply from Rs5.9 to only Rs0.89, reflecting the severity of the downturn.

The primary blow came from falling gas sales and shrinking margins. Net revenue dropped 20% year-on-year to Rs93.6 billion, while gross profit collapsed by 85%, leaving the company with an alarmingly thin gross margin of just 0.8%. This dramatic margin compression highlights rising operational stress despite lower gas costs.

Adding to the pressure, expected credit loss provisions jumped 44%, and total levy charges surged nearly 14 times, severely eating into earnings. Although other income rose to Rs9.15 billion, and finance costs eased slightly, these positives were not enough to offset the massive operational damage.

As a result, SSGC ended the quarter with a net profit margin of only 0.8%, compared to 4.4% last year — raising serious concerns among investors about cost control, receivables recovery, and future profitability.

Gold Shatters Records, A Historic Surge Amid Global Turmoil EP News: Gold has surged to an all-time high, marking its st...
22/12/2025

Gold Shatters Records, A Historic Surge Amid Global Turmoil

EP News: Gold has surged to an all-time high, marking its strongest annual performance in more than 40 years, as the world grapples with escalating geopolitical tensions and growing expectations of multiple U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts.

Investors are rapidly shifting toward safe-haven assets, and gold has once again emerged as the ultimate shield against uncertainty. From conflicts in the Middle East to economic and political instability across major economies, fear-driven demand is pushing bullion prices into uncharted territory.

At the same time, markets are increasingly betting that the Federal Reserve will ease monetary policy, weakening the dollar and boosting gold’s appeal as a non-yielding asset. Central banks have also been aggressively accumulating gold, reinforcing the rally and signaling a long-term shift away from reliance on the U.S. dollar. Analysts warn that if global tensions intensify further, gold’s rally may still be far from over—making this historic rise not just a milestone, but possibly a prelude to even bigger moves ahead.





BIG TURN IN PIA PRIVATIZATION — A POWERFUL NAME STEPS BACK!EP News: In a surprising development, Fauji Foundation has of...
22/12/2025

BIG TURN IN PIA PRIVATIZATION — A POWERFUL NAME STEPS BACK!

EP News: In a surprising development, Fauji Foundation has officially opted out of bidding for the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), a move that has sparked intense discussion across political, business, and investor circles. Initially seen as a strong contender, the Foundation decided not to submit a bid, according to Muhammad Ali, who revealed the decision during a media interview. However, the door is not fully closed — Fauji Foundation may still engage later with the winning consortium through mutual negotiations if conditions align.

With Fauji Foundation stepping aside, the privatization race now tightens among a Lucky Group–led consortium, an Arif Habib Group–led consortium, and Air Blue. The high-stakes bidding is set for December 23 and will be conducted live on television, highlighting the government’s push for transparency. The government is offering 75% ownership along with management control, while retaining 25% shares, which the successful bidder may acquire within 90 days.

This privatization is being watched nationwide as a critical reform effort aimed at rescuing the loss-making national carrier and easing Pakistan’s fiscal burden. Fauji Foundation’s exit raises new questions — who will ultimately take control of PIA, and what future awaits the national airline? All eyes are now on the live bidding day.





Oil Prices Jump as U.S. Hunts Venezuelan Tankers and Israel-Iran Tensions RiseEP News: Global oil prices jumped in early...
22/12/2025

Oil Prices Jump as U.S. Hunts Venezuelan Tankers and Israel-Iran Tensions Rise

EP News: Global oil prices jumped in early Asian trading after explosive reports revealed that the United States is pursuing a third Venezuelan oil tanker, just days after seizing another one. This aggressive move has reignited fears of fresh supply disruptions, especially as Washington tightens its grip on sanctioned Venezuelan crude. Brent crude climbed to around $60.85 per barrel, while U.S. WTI rose near $56.86, snapping a two-week losing streak driven by oversupply fears for 2026.

The situation is turning even more tense as President Donald Trump’s administration escalates its crackdown on Venezuela, accusing Caracas of fueling illegal drugs and criminal activity entering the U.S. Trump has already announced a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers, a step that could severely hit exports from Venezuela — a country holding the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Any prolonged disruption could send shockwaves through already fragile global energy markets.

Adding fuel to the fire, new fears of an Israel-Iran confrontation are injecting fresh risk premium into oil prices. Reports suggest Israel is preparing to brief the U.S. on potential military action against Iran over its nuclear and missile programs. With the Middle East being a critical oil-producing region, even the hint of renewed conflict is enough to rattle traders and push prices higher.

While concerns about a future supply glut and possible return of Russian oil still loom, the market is now caught between oversupply fears and immediate geopolitical threats. As U.S. actions against Venezuela and rising Middle East tensions collide, investors are bracing for volatile days ahead in the global oil market.

Asia Markets SURGE as AI Fever Returns — Tech Stocks Lead the Charge! EP News: Asian stock markets kicked off Monday wit...
22/12/2025

Asia Markets SURGE as AI Fever Returns — Tech Stocks Lead the Charge!

EP News: Asian stock markets kicked off Monday with strong momentum as broad-based buying swept across the region, driven mainly by technology shares and chipmakers. Renewed optimism around artificial intelligence demand lifted investor confidence, while markets also closely watched China’s decision to keep key lending rates unchanged, signaling policy stability rather than aggressive stimulus.

Japan stole the spotlight, with the Nikkei 225 jumping 2%, powered by a sharp rebound in tech heavyweights. Semiconductor testing giant Advantest surged, while SoftBank Group climbed over 5%, reflecting renewed appetite for AI-linked investments. The broader TOPIX index also moved higher, confirming strong market breadth.

South Korea followed suit, as the KOSPI surged 2%, led by chip giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Investors appear convinced that despite earlier concerns over excessive AI spending, long-term demand from data centers and advanced computing remains solid.

Chinese markets posted moderate gains after the central bank kept both one-year and five-year Loan Prime Rates unchanged. The move reassured investors that Beijing is prioritizing stability while carefully supporting growth. Shanghai and CSI 300 indices advanced, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Tech index also moved higher, reflecting selective buying in technology stocks.

Across the region, Australia, Singapore, and India futures edged up, tracking last week’s late rebound on Wall Street. With year-end holidays approaching and volumes thinning, markets remain highly sensitive to U.S. tech sentiment — and for now, AI is back in control of the narrative.

UK Watching Australia Closely: A Social Media Ban for Kids Could Be Next…EP News: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pub...
22/12/2025

UK Watching Australia Closely: A Social Media Ban for Kids Could Be Next…

EP News: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly rejected the idea of an immediate, blanket ban on social media for children under 16 — but the debate is far from over. Starmer has confirmed that the UK government is closely monitoring Australia’s bold move, where strict limits on under-16s using social media are being tested as a response to rising concerns over mental health, online harm, and digital addiction among children.

Behind the scenes, UK officials are carefully assessing whether Australia’s policy actually works in reducing harm without overreaching on personal freedoms. If the Australian model proves effective, similar legislation could be introduced in the UK, potentially reshaping how millions of children access platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. This signals a major shift: instead of self-regulation by tech giants, governments may soon step in with hard laws to protect minors online.

The message from London is clear — no ban for now, but the door is wide open. Parents, tech companies, and young users should brace for possible changes, as the UK weighs child safety against digital rights in an increasingly connected world.

Was Epstein protected, and if so… by whom?EP Report: The U.S. Justice Department has finally released thousands of long-...
21/12/2025

Was Epstein protected, and if so… by whom?

EP Report: The U.S. Justice Department has finally released thousands of long-hidden files linked to convicted s*x offender and accused s*x trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, after Congress passed a law forcing the Trump administration to make them public. The disclosure has reignited global outrage, curiosity, and unanswered questions about how deep Epstein’s network truly ran.

According to Economic Pulse Team, reporters carefully examined the massive document dump, which includes court records, interviews, photos, travel logs, and internal investigative material. While many famous and influential names appear in the files, the presence of a name alone does not automatically mean criminal wrongdoing — a key point stressed by investigators. Still, the scale of associations has stunned the public.

One of the most disturbing revelations is confirmation that serious complaints were raised years earlier than previously known, suggesting multiple missed opportunities by authorities to stop Epstein’s crimes. The files also expose how complaints from victims were allegedly ignored, delayed, or buried, fueling anger over systemic failures in the justice system.

However, controversy remains. Large portions of the documents are heavily redacted, and critics argue that the most sensitive details — including information about possible accomplices — may still be hidden. Lawmakers and victims’ advocates say this release is only the beginning and are demanding full transparency, not selective disclosure.

As the world studies these files, one question grows louder:
Was Epstein protected, and if so… by whom?

The answers may shake institutions, reputations, and public trust for years to come.





THE $6 BILLION NET ASSETS MYSTERY, Fauji Foundation’s Rise Amid Pakistan’s Struggles EP Report: In a nation where povert...
21/12/2025

THE $6 BILLION NET ASSETS MYSTERY, Fauji Foundation’s Rise Amid Pakistan’s Struggles

EP Report: In a nation where poverty, inflation, and economic uncertainty dominate daily life, one fact stands out as both astonishing and mysterious: Fauji Foundation’s net assets have now crossed the $6 billion mark. While ordinary citizens face rising costs, unemployment, and shrinking opportunities, this corporate giant quietly strengthens its financial empire, becoming Pakistan’s largest and most influential business group.

The secret behind this growth lies in the Foundation’s diverse portfolio of high-value businesses. From fertilizers and cement to banking, energy, land developers, Hospitals, petroleum, and food production, Fauji-linked companies dominate critical sectors of the economy. Key players such as Fauji Fertilizer Company, Mari Petroleum, Askari Bank, Fauji Cement, and Fauji Foods consistently rank among the top asset holders on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, making the group a powerhouse few can rival.

What makes this situation even more striking is the contrast with the rest of the country. While small and medium businesses struggle or shut down and ordinary citizens see their purchasing power fall, Fauji companies continue to grow their assets and profits. Economists and analysts call this rise almost paradoxical, highlighting a deep imbalance in Pakistan’s economic landscape and raising questions about corporate advantages, market control, and the concentration of wealth.

The big question now is: how does a single corporate group expand its wealth so significantly in a country facing economic decline?

The Fauji Foundation’s rise is not just about business success — it is becoming a symbol of a wider economic mystery that Pakistan must confront. As debates over transparency, market fairness, and economic governance intensify, the story of Fauji Foundation’s $6 billion empire continues to intrigue and perplex the nation.

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