IMF sees region including Pakistan shrinking 1.3pc this year due to Iran war
The IMF expects output in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan region to contract 1.3pc in 2026 because of the Iran war, then rebound 6.6pc in 2027.
Business
Markets, economy, trade, energy and personal finance. Latest business news and analysis from The Indus Compass.
World Bank says Pakistan could triple incomes by 2050 with faster reforms
The World Bank says Pakistan could grow up to 6.9pc a year and reach Vietnam's income level by 2050 with faster reforms; per capita growth is stuck at 1.6pc.
Pakistan must apply afresh for EU GSP+ trade status from January 2027
Pakistan will have to apply for a new EU GSP+ arrangement after the current scheme expires in December 2026, with a grace period running until the end of 2028.
Rs750 prize bond draw 108 result: 15 October 2026 winning numbers
Bond 347425 won the Rs1.5m first prize in Rs750 prize bond draw 108, held in Rawalpindi on 15 October 2026. Second prizes went to 007447, 827353 and 876615.
Government forms committee to review gas levy after exporters' complaints
The finance ministry set up a committee to review the gas levy formula, as exporters raised energy costs, taxes and visa problems with ministers.
Analysts split on SBP rate call with inflation seen at 10pc in October
Growth Securities expects 10pc inflation in October and a 50-100bps rate rise on October 26, while AKD Securities sees the State Bank holding rates.
Oil climbs above $110 after US orders staff out of Saudi Arabia
Brent rose $1.29 to $110.11 after the US ordered some diplomats out of Saudi Arabia, as Houthi strikes hit a Dammam airport and a Saudi oilfield.
Cotton ginners threaten nationwide shutdown over FBR raids in Sindh
Cotton ginners warned of a nationwide shutdown over FBR raids in Sindh, as exporters told the commerce minister that energy and tax costs are hurting them.
Petrol cut by Rs2.71 a litre, diesel up 31 paisas for Thursday
The government cut petrol by Rs2.71 to Rs379.31 a litre and raised high-speed diesel by 31 paisas to Rs390.11 for October 22 under daily pricing.
LPG cylinders selling at twice the official price amid supply crisis
LPG cylinders are selling at more than twice Ogra's Rs3,296 price after Iranian supplies were disrupted; the minister says prices will ease within days.
Behbood Savings Certificate rate raised to 12.96pc: new national savings rates
Profit rates on Behbood, pensioners' and Shuhada accounts rose to 12.96pc from October 21, with higher returns on Regular Income and Defence certificates.
PM approves 1% sales tax on electric cars in new five-year auto policy
PM Shehbaz approved a 1% sales tax on battery EVs and lower import duties in the 2026-31 auto policy, with a levy on petrol cars; the IMF must approve first.
Musk says Tesla-SpaceX merger not certain despite Wall Street bets
Elon Musk sees 'a lot of merit' in merging Tesla and SpaceX but says terms are not agreed and a Tesla shareholder vote is a high hurdle.