Pakistan

“Don’t Penalize Us for a War We Didn’t Start”: FPCCI Members Blasts Port Authorities
Pakistan

“Don’t Penalize Us for a War We Didn’t Start”: FPCCI Members Blasts Port Authorities

Karachi: Khurram Ijaz, foreign trade and logistics expert and former Vice President Federation Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), has strongly condemned what he termed the “unjust and exploitative practices” of port authorities and shipping lines, as exporters face mounting demurrage and detention charges on consignments stranded in the wake of the Iran war fallout. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/psx-rally-lifts-pakistan-stock-exchange-as-kse-100-surges-over-4-percent/ Khurram Ijaz said exporters had fulfilled all obligations—payments cleared, bookings confirmed, and containers delivered to ports well before the escalation of regional tensions in late February. Yet, with vessel operations disrupted, shipments remained stuck at terminals. “It is highly unjustified that exporters are now being penalized for delays entirely beyond their control,” he asserted. Calling the situation, a clear case of Force Majeure, Ijaz argued that imposing financial penalties is both legally and morally indefensible. He criticized the lack of a coordinated response, noting that shipping lines and port operators have adopted a case‑to‑case approach that breeds uncertainty and opens the door to arbitrary decision‑making. “This is not a discretionary matter—it requires a categorical policy directive,” he emphasized. The trade expert urged the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Federal Board of Revenue(FBR) to intervene immediately, directing all terminals and shipping lines to waive demurrage, detention, and container rent for consignments that reached ports between February 24 and March 10, particularly those bound for Middle Eastern destinations. He further suggested that if operators cannot absorb the costs, the government should consider a temporary compensation mechanism to protect exporters. Ijaz warned that Pakistan’s credibility in international markets is at stake. Exporters, he noted, are already grappling with high energy tariffs, rising logistics expenses, and shrinking global demand. Burdening them further with unjustified charges, he cautioned, will only deepen their financial stress and discourage exports. “At this critical juncture, the priority must be to facilitate exporters—not penalize them for circumstances entirely beyond their control,” Khurram Ijaz concluded.

Standard Chartered Foundation Announces Eighth Cohort of Women in Tech Accelerator with Village Capital
Pakistan

Standard Chartered Foundation Announces Eighth Cohort of Women in Tech Accelerator with Village Capital

Karachi: Standard Chartered, in partnership with Village Capital and InnoVentures Global, announced today the launch of the eighth cohort of the Women in Tech Pakistan Accelerator, marking eight years of empowering women-led, tech-enabled businesses across the country. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/state-bank-of-pakistan-revokes-authorization-of-al-sahara-exchange-company/ Since its launch in Pakistan, the programme has supported more than 1,300 enterprises, with over 150 women founders graduating and more than 50 ventures securing seed funding. The 2026 cohort will equip founders with investment readiness training, catalytic funding, and access to world-class networks, helping them strengthen their businesses and position for growth. In Pakistan, the accelerator will be delivered by InnoVentures Global, leveraging its proven expertise in entrepreneur support and ecosystem development. Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer & Head of Coverage, Pakistan, Standard Chartered, said: “Our eighth cohort underscores our consistent commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in Pakistan and reflects the steady growth of the ecosystem over time. While access to funding and networks remains a challenge, expanding opportunities for women-led businesses is essential to building a stronger entrepreneurial landscape.” He added: “Our focus is to equip founders with the tools, capital access, and structured support they need to scale sustainably. By strengthening the pipeline of women-led businesses, we aim to foster innovation, create jobs, and drive meaningful economic impact.” Nakami Walunywa, Regional Director, Africa and Middle East at Village Capital said: “In 2025, 71 women-led startups in the programme grew their businesses and collectively generated over USD 2 million in additional revenue. This demonstrates that when founders have access to structured, locally embedded support and catalytic funding, they can strengthen their strategies, engage investors confidently, and unlock sustainable impact. In 2026, we’re continuing to create the conditions for even more women-led startups to thrive and positively impact their communities.” The three-year initiative continues to address key barriers facing women entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing finance, networks, and business development resources. Through the accelerator, 400 women founders across the region are expected to benefit from structured support to help them develop and grow their ventures. Nida Athar, Founder of InnoVentures Global Private Limited, said: “Our continued work through the Women in Tech Accelerator reflects a long-term commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs across Pakistan. In a time of ongoing uncertainty, these founders are not only demonstrating resilience but are building credible, growth-oriented businesses that contribute meaningfully to the economy. Their journeys are helping shape a pipeline of strong role models for future generations of women in entrepreneurship. As we begin the next cycle, we look forward to continuing this work and supporting a new wave of women entrepreneurs stepping forward to build.” Applications for the Pakistan cohort are open until 1 May 2026, with selected participants joining the programme between June and October. The Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator builds on the successful global track record, which has supported over 4,000 women across 17 markets since inception. This year, the program has allocated more than USD 600,000 in grant funding to entrepreneurs across 12 markets, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Africa, and Nigeria. Full details and availability criteria can be found here Women In Tech – Standard Chartered Pakistan.

State Bank of Pakistan Revokes Authorization of Al Sahara Exchange Company
Pakistan

State Bank of Pakistan Revokes Authorization of Al Sahara Exchange Company

Karachi (Date): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has revoked the authorization of M/s Al Sahara Exchange Company (Pvt.) Ltd. to deal in foreign exchange business, following the company’s own request for closure of its operations. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/bingx-vip-redefines-premium-access-through-access-more-go-further-program/ According to the central bank, the revocation has taken effect from the date of closure of the company’s operations. Consequently, M/s Al Sahara Exchange Company (Pvt.) Ltd. is no longer authorized to carry out any type of foreign exchange business activities. The development comes after the company voluntarily approached the SBP for revocation of its authorization. This is distinct from recent SBP actions against other exchange companies, where authorizations were cancelled due to serious violations of regulatory instructions. This revocation is in line with SBP’s regulatory framework governing exchange companies and aims to maintain discipline and transparency in the foreign exchange market. Note: Members of the public and stakeholders are advised that M/s Al Sahara Exchange Company (Pvt.) Ltd., including its head office and any branches (if operational), is prohibited from undertaking any foreign exchange-related transactions henceforth.

Digital economy could contribute up to 7%, Rs8 Trillion, to GDP by 2030, highlights OICCI’s latest Digital Report
Pakistan

Digital economy could contribute up to 7%, Rs8 Trillion, to GDP by 2030, highlights OICCI’s latest Digital Report

KARACHI: Pakistan’s digital economy has the potential to contribute 5–7 per cent to GDP by 2030 if key structural bottlenecks are addressed and reforms accelerated, according to the OICCI Digital Report 2025, which underscores the sector’s growing role as a driver of productivity, exports and financial inclusion. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/bingx-vip-redefines-premium-access-through-access-more-go-further-program/ The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) on Wednesday launched its flagship report, ‘Recommendations for Pakistan’s Digital Future’, presenting a comprehensive assessment of the country’s digital ecosystem, policy gaps and growth opportunities. The OICCI Digital Report highlights strong momentum in Pakistan’s digital adoption. IT and IT-enabled services (IteS) exports reached $3.8 billion, while the country’s thriving freelance economy generated $779 million in earnings. Pakistan now has more than 150 million broadband subscriptions and over 200 million telecom connections, with the mobile ecosystem contributing an estimated $17 billion to the national economy. Despite this progress, the report points to significant infrastructure gaps that could slow growth. Only about 18pc of cellular towers are connected through fibre, far below the global benchmark of around 40pc, limiting network capacity and readiness for next-generation technologies. OICCI President Yousaf Hussain said the OICCI Digital Report reflects encouraging gains in digital finance and inclusion. “Pakistan has made notable strides in digital payments and financial inclusion. The Raast instant payment system processed PKR 18 trillion in peer-to-peer transactions in FY26, demonstrating the rapid adoption of digital financial services,” he said, adding that infrastructure bottlenecks and regulatory delays continue to constrain the sector’s full potential. OICCI Secretary General M. Abdul Aleem noted that while policy dialogue has progressed, implementation remains slow. “Only about one-quarter of OICCI’s digital policy recommendations issued in OICCI’s Digital Report 2022 have been implemented so far. Faster execution, improved fibre penetration and a more investment-friendly regulatory environment will be essential to unlock Pakistan’s digital potential,” he said. The OICCI report recommends lower taxes on broadband services and digital devices, accelerated fibre deployment, regulatory clarity in data protection and cybersecurity, and stronger public-private collaboration to position Pakistan as a competitive regional digital economy.

BingX VIP Redefines Premium Access Through “Access More. Go Further.” Program
Pakistan

BingX VIP Redefines Premium Access Through “Access More. Go Further.” Program

Pakistan April 01, 2026 — BingX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3-AI company, today announced an upgrade to BingX VIP through “Access More. Go Further.” program. The enhancement is designed to deliver a more efficient, rewarding, and accessible trading experience for advanced users. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/gold-price-in-pakistan-surges-to-rs494062-per-tola-amid-global-uncertainty/ At its core, BingX VIP focuses on reducing friction and maximizing performance. In Q3 2025, the program delivered zero-slippage execution, helping VIP users save over $700,000 in trading costs—underscoring its commitment to execution quality and product refinement. Accessibility is further strengthened through more flexible entry pathways. Users can now explore VIP benefits with a free trial, upgrade to higher tiers, or switch from other platforms by verifying their existing VIP status, with eligible users receiving a VIP Level 2 Boost. The introduction of BingX Elite also provides a lower entry point, enabling users to access premium trading rates and key VIP benefits earlier in their journey. In addition to access and performance, rewards remain a key pillar of the BingX VIP experience. Through monthly Xpool token airdrops, VIP members can unlock additional value from their asset holdings, with a guaranteed minimum of $1.4 million in total airdrops distributed within a single quarter. The program also introduces private equity RWA token airdrops, further diversifying reward opportunities and reinforcing the platform’s commitment to bridging crypto assets with real-world financial markets. “BingX VIP is designed as a comprehensive ecosystem for users seeking deeper market access, superior execution, and broader asset exposure,” said Pablo Monti, Spokesperson at BingX. “With the upgraded BingX VIP experience, we are delivering a premium offering that reduces friction, expands access, and empowers users to navigate across markets with greater ease.”

Pakistan Grants 3-Month Waiver on Bank Guarantees for Exports to Iran Amid Maritime Disruptions
Pakistan

Pakistan Grants 3-Month Waiver on Bank Guarantees for Exports to Iran Amid Maritime Disruptions

Karachi: Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), has acknowledged the Ministry of Commerce for its timely and trade-friendly decision to temporarily exempt exports to Iran, the Central Asian Republics and Azerbaijan from mandatory financial instruments. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/rs265m-fine-imposed-ccp-penalizes-newage-gm-cables-for-banning-dealer-discounts/ Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, on behalf of the entire business, industry and trade community of Pakistan, hailed Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister of Commerce, Pakistan, for this visionary decision – which happened to be a longstanding and relentlessly advocated demand of FPCCI. Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh maintained that this nearly 3-month waiver on Letters of Credit (LCs) and bank guarantees – effective from March 24 to June 21, 2026 – acts as a vital lifeline for Pakistani exporters navigating current regional maritime disruptions as a result of ongoing military conflict. FPCCI Chief emphasized that this relaxation will serve as a necessary catalyst for realizing the ambitious $10 billion bilateral trade target previously set between Pakistan and Iran. Recent customs data also highlights the immense potential of this trade corridor, he added. Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh informed that by temporarily removing the immediate bottlenecks of formal banking channels – which have historically constrained commercial activity due to strict State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) regulations and international sanctions – the government has unlocked a highly-lucrative, land-based trade route. President FPCCI highlighted that, with global shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz currently experiencing a severe 90% drop amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, shifting commercial focus to secure land routes is an absolute economic necessity. This exemption ensures that Pakistan’s supply chains remain uninterrupted, resilient and globally- competitive. Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh elaborated that the Ministry of Commerce’s recent notification permits the export of several high-demand commodities via the Iranian land route without the usual financial safeguards – provided exporters submit an undertaking to repatriate proceeds within a stipulated time-frame. Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, anticipated a significant volume boost in the following approved sectors: (i) agricultural products; including, milled rice, maize, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, bananas and citrus fruits (ii) protein & seafood; including, meat, frozen chicken and various seafood products (iii) value-added & essential goods: pharmaceutical products and disaster-relief tents. Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon explained that by easing the stringent requirements of the Export Policy Order 2022, Federal Commerce Minister, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan has significantly reduced transaction costs and transit times for the business community. This allows Pakistan to not only export to Iran; but, also tap into the lucrative, land-locked Central Asian economies. Our exporters are fully committed to honoring their repatriation undertakings to maintain the integrity of our national foreign exchange reserves, he added. SVP FPCCI also proposed that, while FPCCI enthusiastically welcomes this 3-month relief, it urges the federal government to utilize this window to formalize permanent, sustainable solutions; including, permanent barter trade formalization through expanding the current limited barter mechanisms into a comprehensive, robust framework that mitigates banking hurdles entirely. FPCCI proposes infrastructure development in the border logistics and customs stations – such as the newly-established Jeerak customs facility in Panjgur – to efficiently handle the projected increase in cargo volumes. Additionally, transit trade expansion is needed to solidify the Iranian corridor as a permanent, frictionless gateway for Pakistan to the Central Asia. FPCCI stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce to ensure the seamless, fruitful execution of this exemption – and, to advocate for trade and economic policies that secure Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability through export-led, sustainable economic growth.

Rs265m Fine Imposed: CCP Penalizes Newage & GM Cables for Banning Dealer Discounts
Pakistan

Rs265m Fine Imposed: CCP Penalizes Newage & GM Cables for Banning Dealer Discounts

ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has imposed a penalty of PKR 75 million on Newage Cables (Pvt.) Ltd. and Rs. 190.22 million on GM Cables & Pipes (Pvt.) Ltd, for engaging in Resale Price Maintenance (RPM) practices in violation of Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/psx-kse-100-index-surges-over-1900-points-as-oil-price-relief-boosts-investor-confidence/ The Commission conducted an enquiry upon receiving information, supported by documentary evidence, including policy circulars issued by the respondents. These circulars contained instructions restricting dealers from offering discounts beyond specified limits and prescribed punitive measures, including termination of dealership agreements, for non-compliance. After its initial probe, the Commission authorized an enquiry under Section 37(1) of the Act. The enquiry concluded that the respondents had prima facie violated Section 4 of the Act by imposing minimum resale price restrictions on their dealers. The enquiry found that Newage’s retail discount policy and dealership agreements prohibited dealers from selling products below prescribed discount levels, while GM Cables imposed similar restrictions through its rate control notices and related communications. On enquiry committee’s recommendations, the Commission issued show cause notices to both undertakings for their alleged conduct restricting intra-brand price competition through vertical agreements establishing minimum resale prices. After hearing the parties and conducting a detailed analysis of the evidence, the Commission concluded that both undertakings had engaged in RPM practices constituting a restriction “by object” under Section 4 of the Act. In its order, the Commission observed that the respondents’ conduct eliminated intra-brand price competition and adversely affected consumer choice. The practices were formalized through circulars, widely disseminated across dealer networks, and enforced through coercive measures, including threats of suspension or termination. Taking into account the nature, gravity, and duration of the violations, the Commission observed that Newage Cables demonstrated a cooperative approach during the proceedings, whereas GM Cables continued its infringing conduct even after initiation of the enquiry and attempted to deny documented evidence. Accordingly, the Commission imposed a penalty of PKR 75 million on Newage Cables (Pvt.) Ltd. and a penalty of 5% of annual turnover for FY 2023–24, amounting to PKR 190.22 million, on GM Cables & Pipes (Pvt.) Ltd. The respondents have been directed to deposit the penalties within sixty (60) days, failing which an additional penalty of PKR 500,000 per day will accrue until compliance. The Commission has further directed the respondents to immediately cease and desist from imposing minimum resale price restrictions, withdraw all such instructions issued to dealers, ensure that resale prices are independently determined, and submit a compliance report within the prescribed timelines. Newage has also been directed to remove discount cap provisions from its dealership agreements. The order reinforces CCP’s commitment to ensuring fair competition in markets and protecting consumers from anti-competitive practices.

PSX KSE-100 Index Surges Over 1,900 Points as Oil Price Relief Boosts Investor Confidence
Pakistan

PSX KSE-100 Index Surges Over 1,900 Points as Oil Price Relief Boosts Investor Confidence

The PSX KSE-100 Index staged a powerful rebound on Tuesday, restoring investor confidence after the previous session’s volatility. The benchmark index closed at 148,743.31 points, posting a significant gain of 1,900.34 points or 1.29 percent. The rally was fueled by easing global oil prices and renewed optimism about a possible de-escalation in Middle East tensions, both of which improved market sentiment in Pakistan. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/hutchison-ports-completes-biometric-registration-of-more-than-15000-truck-drivers/ Trading activity remained positive throughout the session, with the index touching an intraday high of 150,225.63 points and a low of 147,743.67 points. Despite fluctuations, investors maintained buying interest across major sectors. Total traded volume for the benchmark index reached 232.74 million shares, reflecting healthy participation. PSX KSE-100 Index Gains Driven by Broad-Based Buying Market breadth turned strongly positive as most stocks ended the day higher. A total of 72 companies posted gains, while only 26 declined and 2 remained unchanged. This positive trend highlighted renewed investor appetite for equities. Leading performers included BNWM, NBP, AKBL, ATLH, and KOHC, all of which recorded strong percentage gains. On the other hand, some stocks such as SCBPL, ILP, HGFA, AGP, and NML ended the session in negative territory, slightly limiting the overall upside. In terms of index-point contribution, major support for the PSX KSE-100 Index came from banking and energy heavyweights. NBP, MEBL, LUCK, OGDC, and MARI collectively added significant points to the index. However, declines in UBL, FATIMA, SCBPL, ILP, and NML capped part of the rally. Banking and Energy Sectors Lead PSX KSE-100 Index Rally Sector-wise performance revealed strong contributions from commercial banks, which added the largest number of points to the index. Oil and gas exploration companies also played a major role, supported by improving global oil market outlook. Cement stocks benefited from expectations of stable construction demand, while power generation and automobile assemblers also ended higher. However, the textile composite sector and a few defensive segments closed in the red, reflecting selective profit-taking by investors. Broader Market Shows Positive Momentum The broader market followed the positive trend. The All-Share Index closed at 89,074.96 points, gaining 1,107.38 points or 1.26 percent. Although overall sentiment remained upbeat, trading activity moderated compared to the previous session. Total market volume declined to 434.96 million shares from 529.13 million shares, while traded value dropped to Rs22.54 billion. A total of 479 companies were traded, with 281 advancing, 137 declining, and 61 remaining unchanged. These numbers indicate widespread buying despite slightly lower turnover. Oil Price Decline Boosts Investor Confidence The rebound in the PSX KSE-100 Index was largely attributed to falling global oil prices. Lower oil prices reduce Pakistan’s import bill, ease inflationary pressures, and improve the external account outlook. These factors are particularly important for investor sentiment in a fuel-import-dependent economy like Pakistan. Additionally, reports suggesting that U.S. President Donald Trump may seek a quicker resolution to the ongoing Iran conflict contributed to optimism in global markets. Expectations of reduced geopolitical risk encouraged investors to re-enter equities, particularly in banking, cement, and energy sectors. Most Active Stocks by Volume Market activity remained concentrated in a few stocks. K-Electric led volumes with over 46.9 million shares traded, followed by DSLNC and WTL. Bank of Punjab, TSBL, and HUMNL also recorded strong participation. National Bank of Pakistan remained among the most actively traded stocks while also posting strong gains. Other notable volume leaders included TPLRF1, NCPL, and HASCOLNC, indicating broad-based interest across multiple sectors. Fiscal Year Performance of PSX KSE-100 Index Despite recent volatility, the PSX KSE-100 Index has delivered mixed performance over different time horizons. During the ongoing fiscal year, the index has gained 23,116 points, translating into an 18.40 percent increase. However, on a calendar-year basis, the market has declined by 25,311 points, or 14.54 percent, highlighting recent corrections. Outlook for Pakistan Stock Market The recovery in the PSX KSE-100 Index suggests improving investor sentiment, especially if oil prices remain stable and geopolitical tensions ease further. Banking, cement, and energy stocks are expected to remain in focus due to their strong weighting in the index. However, investors may continue to adopt a cautious approach amid global uncertainties. Overall, Tuesday’s rally reflects renewed confidence in Pakistan’s equity market, with macroeconomic triggers such as oil prices and geopolitical developments continuing to shape near-term direction.

Hutchison Ports completes biometric registration of more than 15,000 truck drivers
Pakistan

Hutchison Ports completes biometric registration of more than 15,000 truck drivers

Karachi: Hutchison Ports KICT has completed the biometric registration of more than 15,000 truck drivers to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and transparency across container handling operations. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/businessmen-warn-of-severe-economic-risks-from-regional-tensions-calls-for-business-consultation-on-energy-measures/ The initiative was soft launched on 1 January 2026 and following the successful onboarding of the trucking community the system will officially go live on 1 April 2026. The biometric verification platform enables quick and reliable identification of truck drivers entering the terminal, allowing for smoother access management and more efficient coordination of container movements. By integrating technology into gate operations, the system supports faster verification processes, reduces manual checks, and contributes to a more streamlined flow of vehicles within the terminal. With the introduction of the biometric verification system, pedestrian movement within operational areas has also been reduced by approximately 90% to support a safer working environment for drivers, terminal staff, and equipment operators. KICT has also introduced a reward and recognition program for registered drivers visiting the terminal and more than 12,000 entries have already been received, with three motorbikes to be awarded through a lucky draw. Navaid Qureshi, Chief Executive Officer of KICT, said: “Technology plays a key role in improving the efficiency, safety, and reliability of modern port operations. The biometric verification system is an important step towards building a more transparent and well-coordinated logistics environment at KICT. By digitizing driver verification, we are enabling faster processes, improving operational visibility, and supporting a safer working environment for the trucking community and terminal staff.”

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