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Karachi: In a major development for Pakistan’s agricultural export sector, the government has removed the key financial obstacle that had long hindered the export of kinnow (mandarin) and potatoes via the Iran land route. Acting on the special directives of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Commerce and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) have jointly issued an important circular granting exporters one-time exemption from submitting the mandatory Financial Instrument (FI) for these shipments. According to the official notification signed by Maria Kazi, JS FT-II, exporters will now be able to ship kinnow and potatoes to Central Asian States (CIS) and Russia through Iran’s land corridor without the previously required banking documentation. Commerce Ministry Circular: A Landmark Facilitation for Exporters: The circular states: Exporters of kinnow and potatoes are exempted from submitting the Financial Instrument in banks for the ongoing export season. This relaxation has been granted under the Export Policy Order 2022 as a one-time special permission. The State Bank of Pakistan has instructed all banks not to demand FI-Documents from exporters. The move addresses long-standing logistical challenges and provides an immediate relief to exporters who faced disruptions through the Afghan transit route. The Iran land route is now formally reinstated as a viable and streamlined export corridor. Pakistan’s Export Performance, And Growth Expected This Year: Export data reveals: Pakistan exported 55,000 tons of kinnow, earning USD 22 million last year. The country also exported 300,000 tons of potatoes to CIS markets, earning USD 50 million. Exporters are highly optimistic about 2025: A bumper kinnow crop has been recorded this season. Shipments to CIS countries are expected to increase by 30% compared to last year. The opening of the Iran corridor is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs, shorten transit time, and enable exporters to serve regional markets more efficiently. PFVA Welcomes the Government’s Decision “A Unique Opportunity for the Sector” Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of the All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), expressed deep appreciation for the government’s timely intervention. He stated: “We express our deepest gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister, Minister of Commerce, and Governor SBP for resolving the Financial Instrument issue expeditiously for the export of kinnow to CIS countries via Iran. This reflects their strong commitment to boosting this vital export sector.” He added: “Our exporters will leave no stone unturned in utilizing this unique opportunity. With a bumper kinnow crop this year, we are fully prepared to maximize exports and generate valuable foreign exchange for Pakistan.” A Game-Changer for Pakistan’s Agricultural Supply Chain This development carries important implications for: Exporters targeting CIS & Russian marketsLogistics and cold-chain operators using Iran’s land routesPakistan’s kinnow and potato export clustersInvestors looking to expand in the fresh produce sector By relaxing banking requirements and enabling smoother transit routes, the government has unlocked new momentum for Pakistan’s fruit and vegetable export industry. The government’s decision is being hailed as a strategic breakthrough for Pakistan’s agricultural exports. With improved cross-border logistics, reduced documentation barriers, and a bumper harvest season, Pakistan is positioned to significantly enhance its footprint across Central Asia and Russia. This policy shift is expected to: Boost foreign exchange earningsStrengthen Pakistan’s trade competitivenessImprove sustainable market access for key horticultural products Pakistan’s kinnow and potato exporters are ready, and the regional markets are waiting. The State Bank of Pakistan has instructed all banks not to demand FI-Documents from exporters. The move addresses long-standing logistical challenges and provides an immediate relief to exporters who faced disruptions through the Afghan transit route. The Iran land route is now formally reinstated as a viable and streamlined export corridor. Pakistan’s Export Performance, And Growth Expected This Year: Export data reveals: Pakistan exported 55,000 tons of kinnow, earning USD 22 million last year. The country also exported 300,000 tons of potatoes to CIS markets, earning USD 50 million. Exporters are highly optimistic about 2025: A bumper kinnow crop has been recorded this season. Shipments to CIS countries are expected to increase by 30% compared to last year. The opening of the Iran corridor is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs, shorten transit time, and enable exporters to serve regional markets more efficiently. PFVA Welcomes the Government’s Decision “A Unique Opportunity for the Sector” Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of the All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), expressed deep appreciation for the government’s timely intervention. He stated: “We express our deepest gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister, Minister of Commerce, and Governor SBP for resolving the Financial Instrument issue expeditiously for the export of kinnow to CIS countries via Iran. This reflects their strong commitment to boosting this vital export sector.” He added: “Our exporters will leave no stone unturned in utilizing this unique opportunity. With a bumper kinnow crop this year, we are fully prepared to maximize exports and generate valuable foreign exchange for Pakistan.” A Game-Changer for Pakistan’s Agricultural Supply Chain This development carries important implications for: Exporters targeting CIS & Russian marketsLogistics and cold-chain operators using Iran’s land routesPakistan’s kinnow and potato export clustersInvestors looking to expand in the fresh produce sector By relaxing banking requirements and enabling smoother transit routes, the government has unlocked new momentum for Pakistan’s fruit and vegetable export industry. The government’s decision is being hailed as a strategic breakthrough for Pakistan’s agricultural exports. With improved cross-border logistics, reduced documentation barriers, and a bumper harvest season, Pakistan is positioned to significantly enhance its footprint across Central Asia and Russia. This policy shift is expected to: Boost foreign exchange earningsStrengthen Pakistan’s trade competitivenessImprove sustainable market access for key horticultural products Pakistan’s kinnow and potato exporters are ready, and the regional markets are waiting.

Karachi:The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended the trading week on a high note, continuing its aggressive upward trajectory. On the last business day of the week, the benchmark KSE-100 index gained a massive 802.03 points (0.48%), closing at an impressive 167,085.58. Driven by major developments in national stability and economic support from Saudi Arabia, investor confidence returned to the trading floor, pushing volumes significantly higher than the preceding session. Key Market Triggers: Why the Bulls Took Charge: According to the evening market data, two primary catalysts fueled today’s rally: Market Statistics: Volume & Value Breakdown: The liquidity crunch seems to be easing as participation widened across the board. Indices Summary: Index: KSE-100Current Level: 167,085.58 pointsChange (Points):+802.03Change (%): +0.48% Index: KSE-30Current Level: 50,772.01 pointsChange (Points): +235.95Change (%): +0.47% Index: KMI-30Current Level: 239,923.34 PointsChange (Points):+1,634.32Change (%): +0.69% Note: The KMI-30 (Islamic Index) outperformed the benchmark, indicating strong buying flows in Shariah-compliant equities. Top Performers: The Heavyweights Lifting the Index: The rally was led by the Fertilizer and Exploration & Production (E&P) sectors. Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) was the star of the show, contributing a massive 175 points to the index single-handedly. Top 5 Positive Index Contributors: On the flip side, banking stocks saw some profit-taking, with MCB (-33.48 pts) and FABL (-29.00 pts) acting as the primary drags on the index. Volume Leaders: Tech & Penny Stocks Dominate: Retail favorites dominated the volume charts, with the Technology and Communication sector seeing massive churn. Telecard Limited (TELE) led the volumes, contributing nearly 8.5% of the total market volume alone. Sector Watch & Technical Outlook:The Sector Performance chart highlights that Investment Banks and Technology stocks commanded the highest interest relative to market capitalization, followed closely by Cement and Banks. The Top Advancers list was dominated by stocks hitting their upper circuit breakers, with companies like FPJM (+10.87%), SBL (+10.04%), and SINDM (+10.02%) providing handsome returns for day traders. What to Expect Next Week? With the KSE-100 closing firmly above the 167,000 psychological barrier and the “Weekend Effect” likely to be positive due to the confirmed Saudi rollover, the market is poised to test new highs. Traders should watch for a continuation in the E&P sector and potential recovery in Banking stocks that saw correction today.

Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Mr. Jameel Ahmad has said that there is now widespread understanding that no nation can grow when half of its population is excluded from the financial system. He said that SBP has pursued a deliberate, multi-pronged strategy to expand women’s financial inclusion, and to sustain the progress made so far, we must continue building the ecosystem, where women-led businesses can access finance, markets, and mentorship. He was delivering his keynote address at the Pakistan Women Entrepreneurship Day (PWED) 2025.During his keynote address, Governor Mr. Jameel Ahmad emphasized the event as a celebration of the creativity, determination, and success of women who are driving economic transformation in Pakistan. He highlighted the significant progress made in providing financing to women entrepreneurs. He shared that because of our collective efforts, women’s financial inclusion has risen from 4 percent to 52 percent, and we have succeeded in narrowing the gender gap from 47 percent in 2018 to 30 percent in 2025. More than 17.6 million new women-owned bank accounts have been added since 2021, reflecting active engagement in the financial system. While sharing the progress on loans to women led business, he said that over 974,000 loans have been disbursed amounting to Rs. 230.3 billion between November 2024 and October 2025. Governor Ahmed highlighted that increase in financial inclusion for our female population would not be possible without support from our banking industry. He acknowledged the ongoing institutional shift within the banks. Over 14,600 women have joined the banking workforce in the last three years, raising the overall ratio of female employees from 13 to 17 percent.Governor Ahmad also said that ‘At the State Bank, we recently hired a batch of young female graduates under our Emerging Women Leaders Initiative. And now we also have a female member on the SBP’s Board. At the national level, Pakistan became a global signatory to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code in February 2025, becoming the 19th member, worldwide. SBP, along with 22 banks, has pledged to share data, introduce new actions, and appoint leadership to improve women’s access to finance. Furthermore, Pakistan’s banking industry is continuing to play a crucial role in turning policy into action. This year, with the support of our banking industry and partner institutions, we conducted more than 300 awareness and mentorship programs across 55 districts, engaging over 45,000 women across the country. This puts Pakistan on the global map in terms of turning inclusion commitments into measureable accountability’.The event highlighted Pakistan’s advancements in women-focused financing and the increasing commitment to inclusion, leadership, and ecosystem support. Held at SBP Karachi and mirrored in 16 Field Offices nationwide, PWED 2025 served as a platform to celebrate the ambition, resilience, and economic participation of women in Pakistan.Pakistan Women Entrepreneurship Day 2025 was a testament to the growing role of women in driving economic growth and inclusion in Pakistan, and a step towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women-led businesses in the country. The Governor congratulated the award winners of Women of Impact Awards, Business Idea Competition and Empower Her Campaign Awards.The event featured insightful contributions from guest speakers including Dr. Zeelaf Munir, Chairperson Pakistan Business Council, Ms. Saira Awan Malik, CEO TCS Group and Ms. Shabista Bakhtiar, President Women Chamber of Commerce, Karachi who shared their expertise on women entrepreneurship, business opportunities, and the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.The SBP and the Banking Services Corporation (SBP BSC) came together to commemorate PWED 2025, showcasing the successes and achievements of women entrepreneurs across the country. This national celebration brought together a diverse range of stakeholders including policymakers, financial institutions, development partners, business leaders, and inspiring women entrepreneurs.

OMC Sales Dip 10% But PDL Collection Races Towards PKR 1.47 Trillion TargetPakistan’s Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) reported a significant speed bump in November 2025, with industry-wide sales volume for petroleum products falling by 10% year-on-year (YoY). The dip, however, is being viewed by analysts as a temporary correction against a strong sales base from the previous year, rather than a sign of a sharp economic contraction.The total sales for the month clocked in at 1.418 million metric tons (MT), a figure that still represents a modest 1% cumulative growth for the first five months of the fiscal year (5MFY26). Crucially, this slight volume increase is helping the government successfully meet its ambitious revenue targets through the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL).The November Downturn Explained:The most notable declines were seen in the core retail fuels:• High-Speed Diesel (HSD): Sales plummeted by 13% YoY to 683,000 MT. HSD, which fuels the transport and agricultural sectors, faced a high comparison base from November 2024, a month that had seen unusually high volumes.• Motor Spirit (MS/Petrol): Volumes dropped 9% YoY to 643,000 MT.• Furnace Oil (FO): Continuing a long-term structural trend, FO sales saw a drastic decline of 32% YoY as the power sector prioritizes cheaper alternatives like Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) and coal.“While the headline figure of a 10% decline looks startling, it’s a high base effect at play,” commented a lead analyst from a prominent brokerage firm. “The fact that sales excluding Furnace Oil ‘the true measure of economic activity’ are still up 4% in 5MFY26 shows the underlying demand remains resilient, supported by the ongoing crackdown on smuggled Iranian fuel.” PDL Collection- The Government’s Success Story:Despite the volumetric volatility, the government’s fiscal health remains robust, largely due to strong PDL collections.The federal government has set an ambitious PDL collection target of PKR 1.47 trillion for the full Fiscal Year 2026. Data indicates that an estimated PKR 621 billion, approximately 42% of the annual target has already been collected in the first five months of the fiscal year (5MFY26).This impressive collection rate is a direct result of consistently high PDL rates charged on petroleum products, which are crucial for the government to manage its fiscal deficit and secure external financing. The steady inflow of PDL revenue provides a stable, non-tax revenue stream necessary for macroeconomic stability.Market Dynamics: PSO’s Resilience and WAFI’s Rise:The sales report also highlighted shifting market share dynamics:• Pakistan State Oil (PSO): The market giant saw its sales drop by 19% YoY but managed to increase its overall market share to 45.36% (up from 42.95% in October), cementing its leadership position in the High-Speed Diesel segment.• Wafi Energy (WAFI): The company continued its aggressive growth trajectory, posting a strong 8% YoY sales increase, underscoring the fierce competition and the success of newer players in capturing volume.• Attock Petroleum (APL): APL recorded a significant 17% YoY drop in sales, mainly due to underperformance in the HSD category, leading to a slight contraction in its market share.Industry observers expect OMC sales to rebound, forecasting an annual sector growth in the range of 7-10% for the full FY26, underpinned by stabilizing domestic prices and continued efforts to formalize the fuel supply chain.

Invest2Innovate (i2i) hosted the inaugural Build Up 2025, a one-day founder conference aimed at addressing the operational, financial, and mental challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Pakistan. The event gathered founders, investors, operators, and ecosystem experts to provide actionable insights for navigating the country’s complex business environment. Pakistan’s startup ecosystem operates under significant economic uncertainty, limited access to capital, and operational constraints. Entrepreneurs frequently face financial pressure, bottlenecks in scaling operations, and personal burnout, highlighting the need for practical guidance beyond conventional networking events. Build Up 2025 sought to address these gaps through focused sessions on capital raising, operational systems, and founder mental wellbeing. Financial sessions explored fundraising strategies, alternative funding options, and investor readiness. Operational workshops covered process optimization, leadership development, team alignment, and automation. Mental wellness sessions emphasized resilience, stress management, and techniques for maintaining focus in high-pressure environments. Notable discussions included a fireside chat with Asif Makhani, Co-Founder of Infino AI, and Sarah Munir, CEO of i2i, who shared insights on scaling businesses in challenging markets. The financial panel, The Art of Selling, offered strategies for pitching to customers, partners, and investors. Investors from Fatima Gobi Ventures, i2i Ventures, YouPitchLive, Sturgeon Capital, Endeavor Pakistan, and several angel investors conducted office hours, providing targeted advice to founders. Over 25 speakers contributed to the program, sharing real-world strategies for sustaining and growing startups. Participants highlighted the value of structured guidance on financial planning, operational efficiency, and mental health, areas often overlooked in traditional startup events. Following positive feedback, i2i announced plans to expand Build Up into an annual conference across multiple cities, with the objective of creating safe and structured learning spaces for founders nationwide.

PARIS – Airbus has successfully mitigated a potential crisis by rapidly implementing software updates across approximately 6,000 A320-family aircraft, following the discovery of a vulnerability to solar flares. The issue came to light after a mid-air incident involving a JetBlue A320, prompting an urgent recall and regulatory mandate for the retrofit. Airlines worldwide, from Asia to the United States, reported completing the snap software changes over the weekend, with operations resuming toward normal on Monday. Initial fears of widespread disruptions proved unfounded, as the fixes were rolled out faster than anticipated, minimizing downtime for carriers and passengers alike. The vulnerability, linked to space weather phenomena like solar flares, could potentially interfere with onboard computer systems. Airbus’s proactive response highlights a significant shift in crisis management, drawing lessons from the Boeing 737 MAX saga. Industry experts praise the European planemaker for transparent communication and swift action, which helped contain reputational damage. However, the incident impacted markets: Airbus shares (AIR.PA) fell 2.9% in early trading, while supplier Thales dipped 2%. Analysts view this as a short-term setback, emphasizing Airbus’s robust safety protocols. Regulators continue monitoring compliance, underscoring the aviation sector’s growing focus on emerging risks from environmental factors.

Pakistan’s inflation is expected to rise slightly to 6.3% in November 2025, up from 6.2% recorded in October.According to a latest report by JS Global Capital, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for November 2025 is projected to stand at 6.3% year-on-year, with average inflation for the first five months of FY26 (July–Nov) likely to remain comfortable at around 5.0%, significantly lower than 7.9% during the same period last year.The modest uptick is largely driven by a 7.2% YoY increase in food inflation, fuelled by higher prices of chicken, eggs, and onions, contributing to a 1.3% month-on-month rise in food prices. However, a recent sharp decline in tomato prices provided some relief. Core inflation (excluding food and energy) is expected to remain steady at around 6.0% YoY.Meanwhile, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) kept the policy rate unchanged at 11% in its last Monetary Policy Committee meeting, citing risks from flood-related supply shocks in agriculture. Analysts believe the central bank will maintain the current rate at least until the next meeting in December, with most expecting no easing for the rest of FY26.

Los Angeles: Netflix experienced a widespread outage across the United States on Wednesday evening, leaving millions of subscribers unable to stream just as the highly anticipated fifth and final season of Stranger Things launched globally at 3:00 AM ET (12:00 AM PT).The disruption, which lasted approximately one hour from 3:15 AM to 4:20 AM ET, affected users on smart TVs, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and web browsers. Thousands reported errors including “Netflix is not available” and endless buffering on DownDetector and social media.“Worst timing imaginable,” one user posted on X. “The Upside Down opened and took Netflix with it.”Netflix acknowledged the issue on its official status page, citing “a technical issue during a high-traffic event.” Service was fully restored by 4:25 AM ET. The platform has not confirmed if the surge in concurrent viewers attempting to watch Stranger Things triggered the crash. No data breach was reported.