Economic Pulse - Pakistan

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EP News; Pakistan and China have officially agreed to advance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into its second phase...
05/09/2025

EP News; Pakistan and China have officially agreed to advance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into its second phase, branded CPEC 2.0, marking a major milestone in bilateral cooperation. Unlike the initial phase focused primarily on infrastructure and energy, CPEC 2.0 aims to diversify collaboration into key sectors including agriculture, information technology, media, science, and energy.

Both nations have signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and joint ventures worth $8.5 billion, focusing on expanding business-to-business (B2B) cooperation. The agreements cover agriculture, electric vehicles, solar energy, healthcare, chemicals, petrochemicals, iron and steel, and technology-driven industries.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized strengthening biotechnology in agriculture, harnessing China’s technological expertise to enhance Pakistan’s farming productivity and innovation. CPEC 2.0 also aims to develop five new economic corridors, special economic zones, and industrial clusters, attracting fresh Chinese investment to accelerate Pakistan’s economic growth.

However, China has decided to withdraw from the ML-1 railway project due to prolonged negotiations, prompting Pakistan to explore alternative funding sources, including a $2 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank to modernize the Karachi-Rohri railway segment.

CPEC 2.0 represents a strategic shift from pure infrastructure to knowledge-based and industrial cooperation, strengthening Pakistan-China ties across agriculture, IT, media, energy, and technology sectors.

EP News; In light of potential wheat shortages, the Punjab government has imposed a 30-day ban on the use of wheat in fe...
05/09/2025

EP News; In light of potential wheat shortages, the Punjab government has imposed a 30-day ban on the use of wheat in feed mills across the province. According to a government spokesperson, this measure has been taken to ensure uninterrupted supply of wheat, flour, and bread to the public.

The spokesperson further stated that Section 144 has been enforced to implement the ban, ensuring that there is no disruption in the availability of essential food items. Authorities will monitor wheat prices in the market during this period, and strict legal action will be taken against any violations.

This decision aims to protect wheat reserves and ensure that ordinary citizens continue to have timely access to flour and bread.

EP News; The United States has issued a warning to all nations regarding the recognition of Palestine as an independent ...
05/09/2025

EP News; The United States has issued a warning to all nations regarding the recognition of Palestine as an independent state. Washington stated that such a move could intensify existing conflicts in the region and complicate diplomatic efforts for peace. The US emphasized that recognizing Palestine prematurely may lead to political instability, increased tensions with Israel, and broader regional repercussions. Officials urged countries to carefully consider the consequences before taking any steps toward official recognition.

EP News; The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) has reaffirmed Bestway Cement Limited (PSX: BWCL) at ‘AA-’ long-term ...
05/09/2025

EP News; The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) has reaffirmed Bestway Cement Limited (PSX: BWCL) at ‘AA-’ long-term and ‘A1+’ short-term with a stable outlook, reflecting its strong standing in Pakistan’s cement sector.

BWCL, one of the country’s largest cement producers, has a production capacity of 15.3m tons annually, strengthened by major expansions including a Greenfield plant, a Brownfield line, and a 9 MW Waste Heat Recovery Power Plant.

In FY25, Pakistan’s cement industry grew 3% YoY to 46.0m tons, driven by a 30% surge in exports (9.2m tons). Despite a 2% dip in domestic sales, BWCL offset pressure through stable volumes and higher prices, supporting margins.

Financially, BWCL’s leverage ratio improved to 31.2% from 49.7% last year due to aggressive deleveraging. Lower policy rates are expected to further ease finance costs. Additionally, dividend income from its 9.6% stake in United Bank Limited (UBL) remains a stable revenue source.

PACRA emphasized that BWCL’s ratings are supported by the Bestway Group UK (72.7% stake) and contingent on maintaining leadership, margins, and managing domestic demand challenges.

EP News; China has proposed establishing an Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex in Pakistan, signaling a major boost ...
05/09/2025

EP News; China has proposed establishing an Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex in Pakistan, signaling a major boost for investment and cooperation in the country’s maritime and port sectors.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, during high-level meetings in Beijing, discussed the proposal with executives of Shandong Xinxu Group Corporation, Tianjin Dongjiang Comprehensive Free Trade Zone (TDFTPZ), and FANJIEYUN International.

Key Highlights of the Proposal

Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex: Planned with support in land, utilities, and regulatory approvals from Pakistan.

Shipbuilding & Fleet Expansion: Joint ventures with Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) for new builds, leasing, feeder services, and dry/floating docks.

Ship Recycling: Facilities to comply with Hong Kong Convention (HKC) and European Union standards.

Seafood Exports: Development of EU-certified fish processing plants and aquaculture research.

Ship Financing & Leasing: TDFTPZ offered solutions for Aframax tankers, container ships, and bulk carriers without heavy upfront costs.

Gwadar Development: Investment encouraged in bonded warehouses, cold chain systems, and bulk cargo handling.

China–Gwadar–Africa Logistics Corridor: Proposed for regional connectivity.

Capacity Building: Training programs for Pakistani free zone managers and customs officials.

Frozen Food & Meat Logistics: FANJIEYUN International explored Gwadar as a hub with bonded warehousing and transshipment facilities.

Strategic Significance

The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader vision to position Gwadar as a regional trade and logistics center under CPEC. By integrating shipbuilding, seafood exports, and logistics corridors, the complex could strengthen Pakistan’s maritime economy and boost exports.

EP News; Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves posted a modest increase, climbing by USD 41.70 million (0.21%) during the...
05/09/2025

EP News; Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves posted a modest increase, climbing by USD 41.70 million (0.21%) during the week ended August 29, 2025. The country’s total liquid foreign reserves now stand at USD 19,659.50 million, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The breakdown shows:
- SBP reserves: Up USD 28.20 million to USD 14,302.50 million
- Commercial banks’ reserves: Higher by USD 13.50 million to USD 5,357.00 million
- This steady growth reflects improved foreign inflows, providing some support to Pakistan’s external position.

EP News; Pakistan’s remittance inflows reached an all-time high of USD 38.3 billion in fiscal year 2025, showing a 27% y...
05/09/2025

EP News; Pakistan’s remittance inflows reached an all-time high of USD 38.3 billion in fiscal year 2025, showing a 27% year-on-year increase compared to USD 30.3 billion in FY24, according to official documents.

The historic surge was fueled mainly by strong inflows from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, and European Union (EU) countries, cementing Pakistan’s position as the world’s fifth-largest remittance recipient and second in South Asia.

However, the sharp rise came at a steep cost. The Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI)—the government mechanism to channel remittances—recorded an expense hike of nearly 70%, reaching Rs 124.14 billion in FY25 compared to Rs 72.95 billion in FY24.

The widening gap between inflows and the administrative cost of facilitating them has raised concerns over long-term sustainability and the need for efficiency reforms in remittance channels.

EP News;  Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has projected that gold prices could surge to nearly $5,000 an ounce if the Federal R...
05/09/2025

EP News; Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has projected that gold prices could surge to nearly $5,000 an ounce if the Federal Reserve’s independence is compromised, Bloomberg reported.

The bank noted that such a scenario would trigger higher inflation, falling stock and long-term bond prices, and a weakening U.S. dollar, undermining its role as the world’s reserve currency.

Goldman further highlighted that if just 1% of privately held U.S. Treasury investments were reallocated into gold, bullion prices could approach the $5,000 level—assuming other factors remain unchanged.

The forecast comes as political tensions mount. President Donald Trump has moved to oust Fed Governor Lisa Cook and criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell for excessive spending on the Fed’s headquarters renovation while acting too slowly on rate cuts.

Global concerns are also rising, with ECB President Christine Lagarde cautioning that any erosion of Fed independence would pose a “serious danger” to the world economy.

September 04, 2025 (EP News): TPL Insurance Limited (PSX: TPLI) has officially disclosed that VEON Group Holding Company...
05/09/2025

September 04, 2025 (EP News): TPL Insurance Limited (PSX: TPLI) has officially disclosed that VEON Group Holding Company Ltd, along with its subsidiaries or associated entities, has expressed an intention to acquire shares and potentially gain control of the company. The acquisition move would exceed the thresholds defined under Section 111 of the Securities Act, 2015.

According to the company, this proposal is still at a preliminary stage and will remain subject to due diligence, negotiations with existing shareholders, regulatory approvals, and the successful ex*****on of definitive agreements. The notification of this development was shared with the Board of Directors on September 04, 2025, and subsequently disseminated to the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

TPL Insurance, incorporated in Pakistan in 1992 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 (now Companies Act, 2017), has a longstanding presence in the general insurance sector. In September 2014, the company was also authorized by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to operate as a Window Takaful Operator under the SECP Takaful Rules, 2012.

Currently, TPL Insurance is majority-owned by TPL Corp Limited, holding a 73.38% stake in the company.

EP News; A strong earthquake measuring 5.9 magnitude struck parts of Pakistan on Thursday, the Pakistan Meteorological D...
05/09/2025

EP News; A strong earthquake measuring 5.9 magnitude struck parts of Pakistan on Thursday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed.

Tremors were reported in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several cities across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), causing panic among residents.

According to reports, jolts were strongly felt in Peshawar, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Swat, Hangu, Malakand, and Attock, forcing people to leave their homes and gather in open areas.

So far, no immediate reports of casualties or major damage have been received. Rescue and emergency teams are on high alert, while authorities have advised citizens to remain cautious of possible aftershocks.

SSGC posts Rs7.49bn profit in 9MFY25, down 4% YoY despite higher gas salesEconomic Pulse - Pakistan Sui Southern Gas Com...
04/09/2025

SSGC posts Rs7.49bn profit in 9MFY25, down 4% YoY despite higher gas sales

Economic Pulse - Pakistan Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (PSX: SSGC) reported a net profit of Rs7.49 billion for the nine months ended March 31, 2025, reflecting a 4.2% YoY decline from Rs7.82bn.

EPS: Rs8.5 vs. Rs8.88 last year (-4.28%)

Gas sales revenue: Rs347.5bn, up 19.36% YoY

Tariff adjustments: Dropped to Rs0.45bn from Rs56bn (-99%)

Net revenue: Marginally higher at Rs347.95bn (+0.23%)

Gross profit: Rs8.04bn (+4.74%)

Operating expenses: Surged 25.6% due to higher credit loss provisions

Operating profit: Rs17.48bn, down 19.5% YoY

Finance cost: Rs8.91bn (-9.4%)

Profit before tax: Rs7.79bn (-10.2%)

Overall, higher sales were offset by reduced tariff adjustments and rising operating expenses, leading to lower profitability.

EP News; Saif Textile Mills Limited (PSX: SAIF) has entered into an agreement with SkyElectric (Pvt.) Ltd. for the suppl...
04/09/2025

EP News; Saif Textile Mills Limited (PSX: SAIF) has entered into an agreement with SkyElectric (Pvt.) Ltd. for the supply and installation of a 10-megawatt solar power system. According to the company’s filing on PSX, the project is expected to lower energy costs substantially and boost overall profitability once it becomes fully operational.

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