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PIBTL Turns Loss Into Rs3.37 Billion Profit But Skips Cash Dividend

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PIBTL Returns to Profit in FY26 Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited swung back into the black in the year ended June 30, 2026, posting a net profit of Rs3.37 billion against a loss of Rs257.93 million a year earlier. Earnings per share came in at Rs1.89, compared with a loss of Rs0.14 in FY25. The board, meeting on Monday, recommended no cash dividend, bonus or right shares. Revenue Climbs on Higher Coal Throughput Net revenue from contracts rose 64 percent to Rs16.39 billion from Rs9.97 billion. Gross profit more than doubled to Rs5.45 billion, lifting the gross margin to about 33 percent from nearly 21 percent. The recovery followed a weak FY25 marked by lower seaborne coal volumes and a fire that disrupted terminal operations at Port Qasim. Demand improved as cement producers leaned more on imported coal after disruptions to Afghan border supplies. Fourth-quarter sales reached about Rs4.69 billion, up 86 percent year-on-year and 34 percent from the preceding quarter. Quarterly profit after tax was around Rs1.27 billion, or Rs0.71 a share. Costs Ease as Debt Is Paid Down Finance cost fell 43 percent to Rs717 million from Rs1.26 billion as the company repaid long-term loans. Other income almost doubled to Rs874 million. Administrative expenses rose 27 percent to Rs1.44 billion. Profit before tax stood at Rs4.19 billion. Income tax of Rs822 million left the company with the Rs3.37 billion bottom line. Total comprehensive income was Rs3.37 billion. Balance Sheet Strengthens After Turnaround Shareholders’ equity increased to Rs18.84 billion from Rs15.46 billion. Accumulated losses of Rs2.41 billion flipped into an accumulated profit of Rs963 million. Cash and bank balances rose to Rs1.28 billion from Rs469 million. Long-term financing declined, while current maturity of that debt also dropped after repayments of Rs3.38 billion during the year. Operating cash generation improved to Rs4.69 billion. Capital spending on property, plant and equipment was Rs800 million. PIBTL Outlook Remains Linked to Coal and Mineral Cargo PIBTL operates a dedicated coal, clinker and cement terminal at Port Qasim. Earnings remain tied to industrial coal imports, domestic Thar coal substitution and the pace of any future mineral-export cargo.

Long Marches, Protests Could Cost Economy Rs120 Billion Daily, Says Aurangzeb
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Long Marches, Protests Could Cost Economy Rs120 Billion Daily, Says Aurangzeb

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Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has cautioned that planned long marches, sit-ins and strikes could inflict around Rs120 billion in daily losses on the national economy.He described such disruption as “self-inflicted pain” just as the country tries to move from stabilisation toward steadier growth. Three groups have announced marches on the capital this week. Jamaat-e-Islami wants the petroleum development levy withdrawn. Kissan Ittehad is seeking farmer relief. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is demanding the release of Imran Khan. Daily Losses Across Key Sectors Aurangzeb said officials worked with the Planning Commission to estimate the impact of road blockages and business closures. The services sector would take the heaviest hit, at about Rs86 billion a day. That covers financial services, communications, transport, retail, wholesale and hospitality. Industry could lose another Rs25 billion daily through construction, finished goods, raw materials and supply chains. Agriculture might lose around Rs9 billion, mainly from transport delays, perishable goods, dairy and farm trade. Government revenues could fall by an estimated Rs17 billion if activity stalls. Growth Gains Now At Risk Pakistan’s economy contracted a few years ago. Growth reached 3.7 per cent last year, and officials hope it will cross 4 per cent this year. Large-scale manufacturing has shown month-on-month and year-on-year gains in July and August. The stock market has drawn more investors. Eleven IPOs were completed last year and five more in the first two months of this fiscal year. Goods exports are targeted at $32.9 billion, a rise of about 6 per cent. Daily goods export volume stands near $90 million. Past disruptions have cut exports by almost half in the worst cases.Exporters already face higher freight and insurance costs from tensions in the Gulf and around Bab el-Mandeb. Fresh domestic blockages would add to that pressure. Ordinary Citizens Would Bear The Brunt Aurangzeb noted that headline figures hide who pays first. Daily-wage workers, small shopkeepers and small businesses would feel the squeeze immediately.He also pointed to security demands and extra spending on deployments, logistics, transport and fuel if large protests go ahead. Foreign direct investment reached $311 million in August. He argued that local and foreign investors look first for basic stability. Tax collection has risen 40 per cent over two years. The government wants to keep broadening the base rather than slide back into boom-and-bust cycles. Call For Dialogue Over Disruption “This is very hard-earned macroeconomic stability,” Aurangzeb said. He asked political and other stakeholders to resolve differences through talks instead of actions that close roads and shops. “Whatever problems we have, we should sit together,” he added. The transition from stabilisation to growth, he said, is a shared responsibility.

Sapphire Fibres Limited Eyes IESCO Privatisation
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Sapphire Fibres Limited Eyes IESCO Privatisation

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Sapphire Fibres Limited has informed regulators that it intends to participate in the privatisation of Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), giving the listed textile company a potential entry into Pakistan’s power distribution sector. The company’s board has approved participation in the IESCO privatisation process. However, Sapphire Fibres has clarified that the decision represents an intention to participate and does not constitute a binding transaction or commitment at this stage. Sapphire Obtains IESCO Qualification Document Sapphire Fibres has obtained the Request for Statement of Qualification (RSOQ) issued by Pakistan’s Privatisation Commission for the IESCO transaction. Following the board’s approval, the company can move toward the pre-qualification stage. However, its participation remains subject to meeting the requirements set by the Privatisation Commission as well as obtaining the necessary corporate and regulatory approvals. The company has also indicated that it may form a consortium with other parties if the required approvals and pre-qualification are secured. IESCO Privatisation Offers Management Control IESCO supplies electricity across Islamabad, Rawalpindi and surrounding districts, as well as parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The privatisation structure currently involves the potential sale of between 51% and 100% of IESCO’s shareholding along with management control. This means the transaction would involve more than acquiring a passive financial interest. A successful bidder would potentially assume an operating role in one of Pakistan’s major electricity distribution companies. Sapphire Brings a Diversification Angle Sapphire Fibres is primarily known for its textile operations, including yarn, fabric and garments. However, the wider Sapphire Group also has exposure to the power sector, providing some context for the company’s interest in an electricity distribution business. Participation in IESCO could therefore represent another step in the group’s broader diversification strategy beyond its traditional textile operations. Pre-Qualification Is the Next Key Test The immediate milestone for Sapphire Fibres will be the pre-qualification process. Only parties that satisfy the Privatisation Commission’s qualification requirements can proceed toward subsequent stages, including bidding and due diligence. If Sapphire moves forward, the company could also bring in partners through a consortium structure, subject to the necessary approvals. No Binding Commitment Yet Sapphire Fibres has been careful to distinguish between board-approved participation and a firm investment commitment. The company has confirmed its intention to participate, but no binding obligation exists at present. Any eventual transaction would depend on successful pre-qualification, subsequent bidding and due diligence, along with corporate and regulatory approvals. Sapphire has also indicated that it will inform the Pakistan Stock Exchange of any material developments in the process. IESCO Sale Could Have Wider Implications The proposed privatisation of IESCO is part of the government’s broader effort to bring private-sector participation into Pakistan’s power distribution companies. For potential investors such as Sapphire Fibres, the transaction presents an opportunity to diversify into a regulated utility business. For IESCO customers, the broader issue will be whether a change in ownership and management can improve operational efficiency, reduce distribution losses and strengthen service delivery. Those questions, however, will only become clearer if the privatisation process advances to a successful transaction. An Early-Stage Move Sapphire Fibres’ disclosure should therefore be viewed as an early-stage expression of interest rather than confirmation of an IESCO acquisition. The board has approved participation and the company has obtained the qualification document, but significant steps remain before any transaction can be concluded. The next developments to watch are pre-qualification, potential consortium formation, bidding and the eventual terms of any successful transaction.

Suzuki Pakistan PAPS 2026
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Suzuki Pakistan PAPS 2026

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Pak Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC) participated in the Pakistan Auto Show (PAPS) 2026 in Lahore, showcasing its evolving product portfolio with a focus on advanced safety technology, localization, sustainability and efficient mobility solutions. The company said its participation reflects its continued commitment to providing innovative, safe, reliable and sustainable mobility options for Pakistani customers while building on its longstanding contribution to the country’s automotive industry. Pak Suzuki Highlights Future Mobility Direction Speaking at the event, Hiroshi Kawamura, Managing Director of Pak Suzuki Motor Company, highlighted the changing global automotive landscape and Suzuki’s focus on affordable, reliable, efficient and sustainable mobility. Kawamura said Pak Suzuki has contributed to Pakistan’s automotive sector through local manufacturing and the development of the domestic supplier ecosystem. He identified innovation, localization, sustainability and efficiency as key priorities for the company’s future. He also highlighted the exploration of locally relevant solutions, including potential applications of biogas. Fronx ADAS Takes Centre Stage A major highlight of Pak Suzuki’s PAPS 2026 presence was the Suzuki Fronx ADAS, which introduces a range of advanced driver-assistance and safety technologies to the Pakistani market. Aamir Shaffi, Executive Officer Marketing and Sales at Pak Suzuki, said the company has evolved from an automotive manufacturer into a mobility partner for millions of Pakistanis, supported by its reliability, fuel efficiency, affordability, nationwide presence and after-sales network. He also highlighted the strong customer response to the Suzuki Fronx, which has attracted buyers with its design, modern technology and Suzuki reliability. Advanced Safety Features in Fronx ADAS The Suzuki Fronx GLX 6AT ADAS is equipped with several driver-assistance technologies designed to improve driver awareness and safety. Its key features include: These technologies are designed to provide greater driver confidence, improve awareness of surrounding traffic and offer additional safety support for drivers and their families. Pak Suzuki said the introduction of Fronx ADAS reflects its focus on bringing meaningful safety technologies to Pakistani roads. Suzuki Carry Showcased As Future Product Pak Suzuki also showcased the Suzuki Carry as part of its future product lineup. The Carry is positioned as a successor to the Suzuki Ravi and retains the same 600-kilogram loading capacity while offering more comfortable features for its existing customer base. The company said the model reflects its continued focus on practical, efficient and versatile mobility solutions for Pakistani customers and businesses. Localization and Sustainability Remain Key Priorities Pak Suzuki’s PAPS 2026 showcase also highlighted its broader approach toward localization and sustainability. The company said its local manufacturing operations and supplier ecosystem remain an important part of its contribution to Pakistan’s automotive industry. At the same time, Pak Suzuki is exploring solutions that could be relevant to Pakistan’s specific mobility and energy requirements, including biogas-based applications. Pak Suzuki Reaffirms Commitment to Pakistani Market Through its participation in PAPS 2026, Pak Suzuki reaffirmed its commitment to bringing global automotive innovation, enhanced safety technology and sustainable mobility solutions to Pakistan. The company’s showcase of the Fronx ADAS and Suzuki Carry indicates a continued focus on expanding its product offering while responding to changing customer requirements. The event also provided Pak Suzuki with an opportunity to highlight its priorities around localization, efficiency, sustainability and customer-focused mobility as Pakistan’s automotive market continues to evolve.

Daraz Pakistan Expands Digital Goods Category with Local Brand Vouchers
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Daraz Pakistan Expands Digital Goods Category with Local Brand Vouchers

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New Local Vouchers offering allows customers to purchase digital vouchers from a growing range of food, fashion, fitness and lifestyle brands through the Daraz App [Karachi, September 18, 2026]: Daraz Pakistan has expanded its Digital Goods offering with the launch of Local Vouchers, enabling customers to purchase digital vouchers from a growing range of brands directly through the Daraz App. The category currently includes brands such as Smash X, California Pizza, Ndure, Subway, Angeethi, The Good Sub, Tao and Transfit, among others. Launched recently, the new offering gives brands an additional digital channel to reach customers while providing shoppers with a convenient way to purchase vouchers for brands and experiences they use regularly. Over 25 brands have been onboarded so far, with additional names continuing to join the category. Customers can purchase a voucher through the Daraz App and receive a unique redemption code issued by the respective brand. Depending on the terms of the individual voucher, the code can be redeemed on the brand’s website, at participating physical outlets, or across both online and in-store channels. Redemption options and applicable terms are clearly specified for each voucher, allowing customers to select an option that best suits how they intend to use it. The launch builds on Daraz’s growing Digital Goods ecosystem, which brings together a range of everyday digital services within the app. Customers can already use Daraz to pay utility bills, top up mobile balances, purchase gaming and software products, and send Daraz Gift Cards digitally. Utility payments currently represent the largest segment within Digital Goods on Daraz, with customers able to pay bills from major electricity, gas and water providers across Pakistan, including K-Electric, WAPDA, SSGC and HESCO, among others. The platform also offers mobile top-ups across all four major telecommunications operators, Jazz, Zong, Ufone and Telenor, alongside a broad selection of gaming and software products. These include digital products and gift cards for platforms and games such as PlayStation, PUBG and Free Fire, supported by established digital sellers including Steamshop, Soomro Communication and Playless. Daraz has also recently expanded its digital gifting proposition through Daraz Gift Cards, allowing customers to select and customise a gift card amount and send it directly to a recipient digitally. The introduction of Local Vouchers extends this ecosystem beyond traditional digital services by connecting customers with brands across dining, fashion, fitness and other lifestyle categories. For participating brands, the offering provides an additional avenue to distribute prepaid value digitally and reach Daraz’s online customer base, while customers gain convenient access to vouchers through an app they already use for shopping and everyday digital transactions. Daraz plans to continue expanding the Local Vouchers portfolio across additional brands and categories as it develops Digital Goods into a broader destination for convenient and instantly accessible digital products and services. About Daraz Group Daraz is the leading e-commerce platform in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. It empowers sellers and consumers with cutting-edge marketplace technology, targeting a rapidly growing region of 500 million people. By building an integrated infrastructure covering e-commerce, logistics, payment and financial services, the company aims to deliver an immersive, personalized shopping experience and uplift South Asian communities through the power of commerce. For more information, please visit www.daraz.com or follow Daraz on LinkedIn for regular corporate updates. Media Contact ambar.ahmed@daraz.pk

BingX Evolves into a Multi-Asset Trading Platform, Connecting Users to Global Opportunities
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BingX Evolves into a Multi-Asset Trading Platform, Connecting Users to Global Opportunities

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BingX has announced its strategic evolution into a multi-asset trading platform, bringing cryptocurrency and traditional financial markets together through an integrated trading experience. The company, which announced the move in Pakistan on September 15, 2026, is advancing the strategy under the theme “Connect Markets. Unlock Opportunities.” The expanded platform is designed to give traders access to multiple asset classes while helping them understand market developments, identify emerging opportunities and execute trades through a single platform. Bringing Crypto and Traditional Markets Together BingX said the expansion reflects the growing interconnectedness of global financial markets, where economic developments, monetary policy, macroeconomic conditions and market sentiment can influence both digital and traditional assets. The company is moving beyond its crypto-native foundations by combining broader market access with liquidity, AI-powered trading tools and market expertise. Its expanded offering brings crypto and traditional markets together as the boundaries between different asset classes continue to narrow. Four Strategic Pillars of the Multi-Asset Platform BingX has structured its multi-asset strategy around four key pillars: Trading, Experience, Opportunities and Reliability. The pillars are intended to combine market access, intelligence, educational resources and security within a unified trading environment. Trading: Multi-Asset Market Access BingX’s existing crypto offering includes crypto futures, spot trading and copy trading, while its TradFi portfolio is expanding across stocks, forex, indices and commodities. The company said its platform provides one of the industry’s broadest selections of perpetual futures covering traditional assets. It also offers deep order-book liquidity across selected major TradFi futures assets, giving users access to a wider range of markets from one platform. Experience: From Market Intelligence to Execution AI-powered insights, signals and trading tools form another key component of BingX’s multi-asset strategy. The platform also integrates TradingView for advanced charting and market analysis, while liquidity across key markets is intended to support trade execution. BingX said the combination of market intelligence, analytical tools and liquidity creates a more direct link between market research and execution. Opportunities Across Global Markets The company is also expanding its focus on market research, industry expertise, educational resources and community engagement. BingX said these resources are intended to give traders a broader understanding of developments across cryptocurrency and traditional financial markets. By tracking the narratives and forces influencing different asset classes, the platform aims to help users explore areas of interest beyond a single market. Reliability and Security Remain a Core Focus As the platform expands into additional asset classes, BingX said reliability remains a central part of its offering. The company supports its trading environment with 100% Proof of Reserves and a Shield Fund, which it says demonstrate its focus on security, transparency and operational resilience. BingX said these measures will remain important as it expands its market coverage and develops its multi-asset platform. BingX Outlines Its Broader Market Vision Kevin Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at BingX, said the move into multi-asset trading reflects the increasing interconnectedness of financial markets. “Our evolution into a multi-asset platform is a natural progression for BingX as markets become increasingly interconnected,” Lee said. He added that traders are increasingly looking beyond individual asset classes and assessing broader market conditions, narratives and opportunities. According to Lee, BingX aims to provide the access, infrastructure and perspective needed to navigate these developments through a single platform. BingX Serves More Than 40 Million Users Founded in 2018, BingX describes itself as a leading multi-asset trading platform serving more than 40 million users worldwide. Its platform combines perpetual futures, TradFi products, spot trading and copy trading with AI-powered innovations. The company says its unified platform is designed to provide traders with a responsive and intelligent trading experience as global markets continue to evolve. BingX Expands Global Sports Partnerships BingX has also expanded its presence through international sports partnerships. The company has been Principal Partner of Chelsea FC since 2024 and became the Official Team Partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP in 2026. These partnerships form part of BingX’s broader international brand presence as it expands its platform beyond its original crypto-focused positioning. The Next Phase of BingX’s Platform Strategy BingX’s move into multi-asset trading marks an expansion of its original crypto-focused business model toward a broader financial-market offering. By combining crypto and traditional assets, market intelligence, AI-powered tools, charting capabilities and liquidity, the company is positioning its platform around access to a wider range of global markets. The strategy will increasingly depend on how effectively BingX can integrate different asset classes while maintaining the security, transparency and trading infrastructure it says are central to its platform.

National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Loses Pension Appeal at Constitutional Court
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National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Loses Pension Appeal at Constitutional Court

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National Bank of Pakistan has told the stock exchange that it lost a reserved pension appeal. The Federal Constitutional Court announced its decision on 16 September 2026. The bank’s letter is short and direct. There is no spin in the operative line. What the Court Decided The matter was Civil Appeal No. 1688/2021. NBP and others had challenged Khawaja Abdul Hameed Nasir and other pensioners. The court dismissed the bank’s appeal. In plain terms, NBP lost. Pensioners are now entitled to government increases in their pension. NBP was the appellant in Civil Appeal No. 1688/2021 (National Bank of Pakistan & others vs. Khawaja Abdul Hameed Nasir & others). The Federal Constitutional Court dismissed the Bank’s appeal on 16 September 2026. That is a loss for NBP. The letter itself spells out the effect: pensioners are now entitled to government increases in their pension. The full written judgment is still awaited, so this filing does not give the amount, how many pensioners are covered, or whether arrears are payable immediately. This sits on top of the older NBP pension litigation (the 1977 circular / 70% pension line that the Supreme Court largely closed in 2017, with review dismissed in March 2024). NBP’s own accounts had already flagged a separate “off-shoot” claim for government pension increases, where the bank previously had interim relief. This FCC order goes against that position. Until the detailed judgment is out, the financial hit (one-off arrears vs ongoing cost) is not quantified in this PSX notice.

Cereal Association Warns of Wheat Shortage, Demands Immediate Private Sector Import Permission
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Cereal Association Warns of Wheat Shortage, Demands Immediate Private Sector Import Permission

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The Cereal Association of Pakistan (CAP) has urged the Government and the relevant Standing Committee to immediately allow private-sector wheat imports, warning that delays could lead to shortages and further increases in wheat prices across the country. The association’s call comes as the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) moved to procure wheat internationally, but industry representatives say the government’s planned imports may not be enough to cover national requirements. Government Wheat Import Tender Draws 9 International Companies The TCP opened a tender for the import of 750,000 metric tons of wheat on September 16, 2026. Nine international companies participated in the tender, submitting offers for a combined 656,000 metric tons. The quoted prices ranged from a minimum of $348.83 per metric ton to a maximum of $369.95 per metric ton. CAP acknowledged the government’s efforts to arrange wheat imports through TCP but said the quantity being procured would cover only a portion of Pakistan’s overall requirement. Pakistan Faces Potential Wheat Supply Gap According to CAP, Pakistan’s annual wheat demand is estimated at approximately 4 million metric tons. The association argues that additional supplies will therefore be required to bridge the expected demand-supply gap and maintain adequate stocks in the domestic market. CAP has consequently called for private-sector participation alongside government procurement to ensure sufficient wheat supplies are arranged before shortages become more severe. Private Imports Could Offer Lower-Cost Wheat The association also pointed to relatively competitive prices in the international wheat market, saying wheat is currently available at approximately $320–325 per metric ton. After accounting for freight, local charges and other import-related expenses, CAP estimates that private-sector imports could potentially make wheat available at around Rs100–101 per kilogram. The association says this could provide an alternative source of supply at a time when domestic wheat prices have already risen considerably. Domestic Wheat Prices Continue to Rise Wheat prices in Pakistan’s domestic market have increased to approximately Rs125–130 per kilogram, according to CAP. The situation is more pronounced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where wheat prices have reached around Rs140 per kilogram. The widening gap between international and domestic prices has strengthened the association’s argument for allowing private importers to bring additional supplies into the country. CAP Questions Sufficiency of Provincial Quota System CAP has also cautioned that the prevailing provincial quota system alone may not be sufficient to meet Pakistan’s wheat requirements. The association believes allowing private-sector importers to bring wheat into the country and sell it in the open market in bulk quantities would increase overall supply and improve market availability. According to CAP, greater availability could help ease price pressures and ultimately provide relief to consumers. Delay in Imports Could Worsen Market Conditions The association has warned that any delay in allowing private-sector wheat imports could result in a significant shortage and further deterioration in market conditions. With the government’s current procurement covering only part of the country’s estimated annual requirement, CAP says additional private-sector supplies need to be arranged in time to maintain adequate stocks and uninterrupted market availability.

Pakistan, Canada Agree to Accelerate Investment Pact and Expand Trade Cooperation Islamabad, September 15, 2026: Pakistan and Canada have agreed to accelerate negotiations on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) while expanding bilateral cooperation across agriculture, mining, clean energy, aviation and value-added industries. Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan discussed the investment agreement and broader trade opportunities during a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce. Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and other senior ministry officials also attended the meeting. ## Pakistan and Canada Push for Faster FIPA Progress Both sides welcomed the growing momentum in Pakistan-Canada relations and expressed their resolve to translate political goodwill into stronger commercial and investment partnerships. The next round of FIPA negotiations is expected to take place in the first week of October. Both sides agreed that the talks would provide an important opportunity to address outstanding issues and make substantive progress towards concluding the agreement. The Canadian High Commissioner described FIPA as a foundational step towards increasing Canadian investment in Pakistan. He said the agreement could give investors greater confidence through legal protections, arbitration and dispute-resolution mechanisms while creating space for more joint ventures and, eventually, broader trade arrangements. ## Legal Protection Seen as Key to Investment The Canadian side noted that companies increasingly recognise the scale and potential of Pakistan’s large consumer market. However, a predictable and secure investment framework was described as essential for encouraging greater participation by Canadian businesses. The High Commissioner also highlighted the potential role of more than 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin in strengthening investment and business linkages between the two countries. ## Commerce Ministry Assures Investor Support Jam Kamal Khan assured the High Commissioner of Pakistan’s full support for advancing the FIPA negotiations. The Commerce Minister said the government was committed to addressing legitimate investor concerns and directed relevant officials to conduct preparatory consultations ahead of the next negotiating round. The consultations are aimed at narrowing differences and identifying practical solutions before the October discussions. “We are as ambitious as Canada in taking this process forward. Our objective is to resolve outstanding matters and establish a strong, mutually beneficial framework for long-term economic cooperation,” the Minister said. ## Clean Energy Cooperation Expands The meeting also reviewed opportunities in clean and renewable energy. The Canadian side highlighted progress on a proposed hybrid renewable-energy project in Jhimpir and shared details of Canadian companies offering solar and green-energy solutions for Pakistani industries. The discussions point towards potential cooperation in renewable energy investment, technology and industrial applications as both countries explore new areas of commercial engagement. ## Canadian Mining Companies Eye Pakistan Mining emerged as another key area of potential investment. The Canadian High Commissioner said a strong delegation of Canadian companies involved in exploration, mining services, equipment and supply chains was expected to participate in an upcoming minerals investment forum in Pakistan. Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the interest and identified mining as one of the government’s priority sectors. Greater Canadian participation could potentially support investment, technology transfer and the development of local mining-related supply chains. ## Agriculture and Food Processing Offer Opportunities Agriculture and food security also featured prominently in the discussions. Pakistan and Canada explored opportunities in dairy development, animal genetics, edible oils, fruit concentrates, food processing and value addition. The Commerce Minister stressed the need to move beyond commodity trade by developing joint ventures capable of processing Pakistani agricultural products and exporting finished or value-added products to markets in the Middle East and other regions. The Canadian side highlighted Pakistan’s growing imports of Canadian canola seed. It noted that local crushing creates additional value for Pakistan through the production of edible oil and protein-rich animal feed. Both sides agreed that further cooperation in canola processing, branding and export-oriented manufacturing could benefit farmers, industry and consumers. ## Aviation and Aerospace Cooperation Discussed Pakistan and Canada also reviewed opportunities in aviation and aerospace, including aircraft leasing, regional connectivity and cooperation with Canadian aviation companies. The importance of PIA’s direct Toronto service was acknowledged as the only direct air connection between Pakistan and North America. Both sides noted the significant commercial potential created by the large Pakistani diaspora in Canada and the role of stronger air connectivity in facilitating business, tourism and investment links. ## Pakistan’s Strategic Location Attracts Interest Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographic position, expanding consumer market and connectivity with China, Central Asia and the Middle East as potential advantages for Canadian companies. He emphasised the importance of matchmaking between Pakistani businesses, Canadian investors and buyers in third-country markets. Such partnerships, he said, could help create commercially viable opportunities and expand Pakistan’s access to international markets. ## Canada Seeks Greater Engagement With Asian Markets The Canadian High Commissioner reaffirmed Canada’s interest in diversifying its international trade and strengthening engagement with Asian markets. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination, facilitate business delegations and work towards tangible outcomes from the forthcoming investment negotiations. The planned October FIPA talks could therefore become an important milestone in efforts to strengthen Pakistan-Canada investment ties while opening new opportunities across minerals, agriculture, renewable energy, aviation and value-added manufacturing. ### SEO Optimized Keywords Pakistan Canada trade, Pakistan Canada investment, FIPA Pakistan Canada, Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, Jam Kamal Khan, Tarik Ali Khan, Canadian investment in Pakistan, Pakistan Canada trade cooperation, Pakistan mining investment, Canada Pakistan agriculture, renewable energy Pakistan Canada, Jhimpir renewable energy project, Pakistan food processing, Canada Pakistan aviation, Canadian companies Pakistan ### Focus Key Phrase Pakistan Canada investment agreement ### Meta Description Pakistan and Canada agree to accelerate FIPA negotiations and expand cooperation in mining, agriculture, clean energy, aviation and value-added industries.
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Pakistan, Canada Agree to Accelerate Investment Pact and Expand Trade Cooperation

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Islamabad, September 15, 2026: Pakistan and Canada have agreed to accelerate negotiations on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) while expanding bilateral cooperation across agriculture, mining, clean energy, aviation and value-added industries. Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan discussed the investment agreement and broader trade opportunities during a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce. Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and other senior ministry officials also attended the meeting. Pakistan and Canada Push for Faster FIPA Progress Both sides welcomed the growing momentum in Pakistan-Canada relations and expressed their resolve to translate political goodwill into stronger commercial and investment partnerships. The next round of FIPA negotiations is expected to take place in the first week of October. Both sides agreed that the talks would provide an important opportunity to address outstanding issues and make substantive progress towards concluding the agreement. The Canadian High Commissioner described FIPA as a foundational step towards increasing Canadian investment in Pakistan. He said the agreement could give investors greater confidence through legal protections, arbitration and dispute-resolution mechanisms while creating space for more joint ventures and, eventually, broader trade arrangements. Legal Protection Seen as Key to Investment The Canadian side noted that companies increasingly recognise the scale and potential of Pakistan’s large consumer market. However, a predictable and secure investment framework was described as essential for encouraging greater participation by Canadian businesses. The High Commissioner also highlighted the potential role of more than 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin in strengthening investment and business linkages between the two countries. Commerce Ministry Assures Investor Support Jam Kamal Khan assured the High Commissioner of Pakistan’s full support for advancing the FIPA negotiations. The Commerce Minister said the government was committed to addressing legitimate investor concerns and directed relevant officials to conduct preparatory consultations ahead of the next negotiating round. The consultations are aimed at narrowing differences and identifying practical solutions before the October discussions. “We are as ambitious as Canada in taking this process forward. Our objective is to resolve outstanding matters and establish a strong, mutually beneficial framework for long-term economic cooperation,” the Minister said. Clean Energy Cooperation Expands The meeting also reviewed opportunities in clean and renewable energy. The Canadian side highlighted progress on a proposed hybrid renewable-energy project in Jhimpir and shared details of Canadian companies offering solar and green-energy solutions for Pakistani industries. The discussions point towards potential cooperation in renewable energy investment, technology and industrial applications as both countries explore new areas of commercial engagement. Canadian Mining Companies Eye Pakistan Mining emerged as another key area of potential investment. The Canadian High Commissioner said a strong delegation of Canadian companies involved in exploration, mining services, equipment and supply chains was expected to participate in an upcoming minerals investment forum in Pakistan. Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the interest and identified mining as one of the government’s priority sectors. Greater Canadian participation could potentially support investment, technology transfer and the development of local mining-related supply chains. Agriculture and Food Processing Offer Opportunities Agriculture and food security also featured prominently in the discussions. Pakistan and Canada explored opportunities in dairy development, animal genetics, edible oils, fruit concentrates, food processing and value addition. The Commerce Minister stressed the need to move beyond commodity trade by developing joint ventures capable of processing Pakistani agricultural products and exporting finished or value-added products to markets in the Middle East and other regions. The Canadian side highlighted Pakistan’s growing imports of Canadian canola seed. It noted that local crushing creates additional value for Pakistan through the production of edible oil and protein-rich animal feed. Both sides agreed that further cooperation in canola processing, branding and export-oriented manufacturing could benefit farmers, industry and consumers. Aviation and Aerospace Cooperation Discussed Pakistan and Canada also reviewed opportunities in aviation and aerospace, including aircraft leasing, regional connectivity and cooperation with Canadian aviation companies. The importance of PIA’s direct Toronto service was acknowledged as the only direct air connection between Pakistan and North America. Both sides noted the significant commercial potential created by the large Pakistani diaspora in Canada and the role of stronger air connectivity in facilitating business, tourism and investment links. Pakistan’s Strategic Location Attracts Interest Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographic position, expanding consumer market and connectivity with China, Central Asia and the Middle East as potential advantages for Canadian companies. He emphasised the importance of matchmaking between Pakistani businesses, Canadian investors and buyers in third-country markets. Such partnerships, he said, could help create commercially viable opportunities and expand Pakistan’s access to international markets. Canada Seeks Greater Engagement With Asian Markets The Canadian High Commissioner reaffirmed Canada’s interest in diversifying its international trade and strengthening engagement with Asian markets. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination, facilitate business delegations and work towards tangible outcomes from the forthcoming investment negotiations. The planned October FIPA talks could therefore become an important milestone in efforts to strengthen Pakistan-Canada investment ties while opening new opportunities across minerals, agriculture, renewable energy, aviation and value-added manufacturing.

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