Author name: Press Release

Islamabad, December 15, 2025 – A new report from the World Inequality Lab (WIL) highlights stark economic disparities in Pakistan, revealing that the richest 10% of the population control 59% of the nation’s total wealth, while the top 1% alone account for 24%.The World Inequality Report 2026, published by the Paris School of Economics-hosted WIL, also shows significant income inequality: the top 10% capture 42% of total national income, compared to just 19% for the bottom 50%. Pakistan’s average per capita income stands at around 4,200 euros (in purchasing power parity), with average wealth at 15,700 euros (PPP). Despite a marginal narrowing of the income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50%—from 22.0 to 21.4 times between 2014 and 2024—the report notes that inequality “remains high and shows limited progress over the past decade.” Gender disparities persist, with female labour force participation declining from 9.8% to 8.5%.Globally, the report paints a grim picture: the top 10% own three-quarters of wealth, while the bottom half holds only 2%. The wealthiest 0.001%—fewer than 60,000 multi-millionaires—control more wealth than half of humanity, with their share rising from 4% in 1995 to over 6% today. Billionaires’ wealth has grown at 8% annually since the 1990s, nearly twice the rate for the global bottom half.Experts warn that without structural reforms, including progressive taxation and inclusive policies, such concentrations could exacerbate social divides and hinder sustainable growth in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD – In a landmark move signaling Pakistan’s embrace of blockchain innovation, the Ministry of Finance signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Binance Investments Company Limited on Friday, paving the way for tokenizing up to $2 billion in sovereign assets. The non-binding agreement, inked by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Binance CEO Richard Teng, aims to bolster capital markets through emerging financial technologies, enhancing liquidity and global investor access.This collaboration comes against a backdrop of explosive crypto adoption in Pakistan, where Binance has thrived as one of the most downloaded finance apps—ranking fourth in the category as of early 2025—despite operating without formal government registration or regulatory oversight. With over 20 million smartphone users engaging in peer-to-peer trading and digital asset exchanges, the platform’s popularity has fueled a shadow economy estimated at billions in annual volume. However, this unregulated surge raised red flags: experts warn of heightened risks including money laundering, investor fraud, and capital flight, as transactions evaded anti-money laundering (AML) checks and consumer protections. The State Bank of Pakistan had previously cautioned against crypto’s volatility, yet enforcement lagged, leaving users exposed to scams and market manipulations.The MoU establishes a framework for blockchain-based distribution of assets like government bonds, treasury bills, and commodity reserves, subject to regulatory approvals. Binance may offer technical expertise, training, and advisory support to build compliant infrastructure, ensuring sovereign control and adherence to Pakistani laws. Definitive agreements are targeted within six months.“This is a strong signal of Pakistan’s reform trajectory—a very strong message not only for Pakistan but for the entire world,” Aurangzeb said, crediting top leadership’s vision. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, present as an advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council, hailed it as a “landmark development” for the nation’s tech-driven future, promising “positive and lasting outcomes.”This pact underscores Islamabad’s pivot toward responsible innovation, aligning with global standards while mitigating past regulatory voids. As Pakistan’s digital economy matures, it could unlock foreign investment but demands vigilant governance to avert pitfalls seen in other emerging markets.

Islamabad, December 13, 2025 – In a groundbreaking shift for Pakistan’s education landscape, the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) Forum has approved allowing students who pass their Secondary School Certificate (SSC) in the Arts Group to register for Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) programs in Pre-Medical and Pre-Engineering, effective from the SSC 1st Annual Examination 2026. This policy, unanimously endorsed in the Forum’s 183rd meeting on December 4-5, aims to dismantle longstanding barriers, offering greater academic mobility and career options to thousands of students. The decision stems from years of advocacy amid Pakistan’s rigid stream selection system, where students as young as 14-15 must choose between Arts, Science, or Commerce without room for reversal. Many, influenced by parental pressure, family expectations, or limited counseling, opt for Arts only to discover later passions for STEM fields like medicine or engineering. This mismatch has left countless talented youth sidelined, forcing them into unrelated humanities degrees or the job market prematurely. Educators and stakeholders have long highlighted how early specialization stifles potential, exacerbating skill gaps in critical sectors. A November proposal by the federal government underscored the need to “broaden access to scientific and technical education,” providing “equal opportunities for academic and professional growth.” Feedback from bodies like the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC), Higher Education Commission (HEC), and National Curriculum Council (NCC) emphasized boosting STEM enrollment to meet national demands, while addressing dropout rates linked to mismatched streams. The notification, issued December 12, resolves that Arts passers may enroll in these groups, but boards must implement safeguards like minimum marks, merit criteria, or aptitude tests to maintain standards. Final approval rests with Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs) and Boards of Technical Education (BTEs) via their governing bodies. This reform is poised to empower students, fostering a more inclusive system where aptitude, not early choices, dictates futures.

Pakistan’s equity market closed the week with renewed optimism as the KSE-100 Index surged 1,289.83 points, ending Friday’s session at 169,864.52, up 0.77%. The bullish finish reflects the market’s growing confidence driven by strong sectoral performance, robust investor participation, and ongoing macroeconomic stability. The benchmark index traded in a wide intraday range of 1,631 points, touching a high of 170,052.87 and a low of 168,421.55, showcasing heightened activity and increased buying interest across major sectors. Total traded volume for the KSE-100 clocked in at 309.7 million shares, underscoring solid investor sentiment. Market Leaders and Laggards: Who Moved the Index? Out of 100 companies on the benchmark index:• 65 closed positive• 32 closed negative• 3 remained unchanged Top Gainers The session’s top performers were:• NML (+5.40%)• KAPCO (+3.76%)• CHCC (+3.74%)• MLCF (+3.19%)• MCB (+2.97%) Top LosersMeanwhile, the biggest decliners included:• PGLC (-3.88%)• SRVI (-3.57%)• JVDC (-3.16%)• GADT (-2.64%)• SSGC (-2.50%) Who Powered the Rally? Index Point Contributions: The stocks contributing the most points to the upside were:• FFC (+371.67pts)• MCB (+150.03pts)• SYS (+115.61pts)• PPL (+73.63pts)• HUBC (+72.37pts) Conversely, companies dragging the index lower included:• SRVI (-45.95pts)• ENGROH (-38.39pts)• DHPL (-17.56pts)• JVDC (-14.77pts)• DGKC (-12.91pts) Sector Performance: Fertilizers & Banks Lead the Charge Sector-wise, the KSE-100 gained strong support from:• Fertilizer (+442.80pts)• Commercial Banks (+312.43pts)• Cement (+176.23pts)• Oil & Gas Exploration (+155.20pts)• Technology & Communication (+123.67pts) A few sectors weighed on the index, including:• Investment & Securities (-53.98pts)• Leather & Tanneries (-45.95pts)• Property (-14.77pts)• Insurance (-8.87pts)• Tobacco (-5.71pts) Broader Market Overview: Healthy Activity Despite Lower Volume The All-Share Index closed at 102,725.12, gaining 553.85 points (0.54%). Market-wide:• Total volume: 873.03 million shares (down from 1.28 billion)• Traded value: Rs40.87 billion (down by Rs14.36bn)• Total trades: 378,060 across 482 companieso 259 closed upo 180 closed downo 43 remained unchanged Despite lower volumes compared to the previous session, the market displayed strong breadth and resilience. The Bigger Picture: A Remarkable Year for Pakistan’s Stock Market The KSE-100 continues its impressive run:• Up 44,237 points (35.21%) during the current fiscal year• Up 54,738 points (47.55%) in the 2025 calendar year so far These gains place the Pakistani equity market among the world’s top-performing indices, highlighting renewed investor confidence backed by improving macroeconomic indicators, strong corporate earnings, and positive foreign interest. Outlook: Can the Market Break New Records? The KSE-100’s strong close near the psychological level of 170,000 suggests that the momentum may continue into the coming sessions. With key sectors showing strength and macroeconomic conditions stabilizing, analysts anticipate further upside though volatility may persist as global markets react to geopolitical and oil price developments. Pakistan’s stock market continues to show that despite challenges, investor confidence and market fundamentals remain firmly on an upward trajectory.

KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Rehan Hanif has expressed grave alarm over the ongoing countrywide strike by goods transporters, warning that the complete suspension of cargo movement is pushing Pakistan toward an unprecedented trade and industrial crisis. He stressed that with import and export consignments now stranded across ports, highways, and industrial zones, the consequences for businesses, manufacturing, and national revenue could be severe, long-lasting, and extremely costly. In a statement issued, President KCCI stated that the halt in transportation has effectively shut down the movement of raw materials to factories and the dispatch of finished goods to domestic and international markets. He cautioned that this disruption, if prolongs further, can cause irreversible damage to Pakistan’s supply chains, severely undermine export commitments, and weaken the country’s credibility in global markets. S.I.T.E. Association of Industry (SAI) has have sounded the alarm over the nationwide strike by goods transporters, warning that the halt in cargo movement is rapidly strangling Pakistan’s industrial and trade supply chain. In a detailed statement, SAI President Ahmed Azeem Alvi said the recurring strikes by transporters are causing deep and lasting damage to the national economy. He urged the government to step in without delay, stressing that no group should be allowed to disrupt the flow of essential goods or undermine economic stability. Mr Alvi called on the government to immediately revive and expand railway freight services between Karachi and major cities across the country. He said the introduction of high speed cargo trains could dramatically cut transportation time and costs while ensuring a steady and reliable movement of goods. “The strike has brought export and import cargo to a standstill. Exporters are unable to meet delivery deadlines promised to international buyers, and this raises serious concerns about potential order cancellations,” he cautioned. He noted that containers stranded at ports are now incurring heavy demurrage and detention charges, placing an additional financial burden on the business community. Mr Alvi warned that if industries do not receive raw materials soon, production could grind to a complete halt—triggering a ripple effect across the economy. “This is an extremely alarming situation,” he said. “The government must act immediately to restore cargo movement and prevent long term damage to Pakistan’s industrial and commercial sectors.”