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Pakistan Stock Market Gains Momentum Early, Cools Off by Close, KSE-100 Near 169,451
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Pakistan Stock Market Gains Momentum Early, Cools Off by Close, KSE-100 Near 169,451

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) delivered another eventful trading day on Wednesday, with the KSE-100 Index showcasing both strength and volatility. Although the benchmark index managed to surge past the 170,000 mark earlier in the session on renewed investor confidence, it ultimately closed slightly lower by 4.52 points, settling at 169,451.86. Despite the marginal dip, sentiment in the broader market remained firm as investors reacted positively to the IMF’s latest loan disbursement approval, signalling improved clarity on Pakistan’s economic outlook. A Day of Wide Swings and High Volumes: Wednesday’s session was defined by a massive intraday range of 1,458.51 points, highlighting intense buying and profit-taking activity: • Intraday High: 170,697.74 (+1,241.36)• Intraday Low: 169,239.23 (-217.15) The KSE-100 also posted an impressive trading volume of 497.18 million shares, reflecting heavy participation across major sectors. Market Breadth: Almost Even Split Between Bulls and Bears: Of the 100 companies within the index: • 51 closed higher• 48 declined• 1 remained unchanged This balanced market performance signals cautious optimism among investors. Top Movers of the Day: Top Gainers Top Gainers • ISL (+10.00%)• MLCF (+10.00%)• DHPL (+7.31%)• FFL (+6.64%)• GHGL (+5.98%) These stocks helped fuel the early rally as momentum shifted in favor of cyclical sectors. Top Losers • SRVI (-8.15%)• HUMNL (-2.78%)• PGLC (-2.56%)• PTC (-2.52%)• PPL (-1.53%) Profit-taking and sector-specific pressures weighed these counters down. Index Point Contribution: Who Pushed the Market Up—and Down? Major Drags • FFC (-188.27pts)• SRVI (-116.63pts)• PPL (-76.06pts)• ENGROH (-75.07pts)• HUBC (-68.59pts) Softness in heavyweights diluted the index’s early gains. Major Boosters • MLCF (+177.89pts)• LUCK (+169.89pts)• ISL (+56.16pts)• FCCL (+52.58pts)• DHPL (+51.70pts) The Cement sector remained the star performer, reflecting strong investor demand. Sector-wise Performance: Cement Leads the Charge Sectors Dragging the Index • Fertilizer (-232.53pts)• Oil & Gas Exploration (-174.60pts)• Leather & Tanneries (-116.63pts)• Technology & Communication (-105.16pts)• Oil & Gas Marketing (-62.44pts) Sectors Supporting the Index• Cement (+538.37pts) the day’s strongest contributor• Textile Composite (+70.33pts)• Engineering (+66.48pts)• Glass & Ceramics (+41.49pts)• Commercial Banks (+28.97pts) The rally in cement stocks played a crucial role in keeping the market stable despite sector-wide volatility. Broader Market Snapshot The All-Share Index closed at 102,554.80, gaining 76.23 points (0.07%). • Total Volume: 1,190.53 million shares (up from 1,031.80m)• Traded Value: Rs 50.49 billion (down by Rs 0.82bn)• Total Companies Traded: 478o 251 advancedo 188 declinedo 39 remained unchangedThe broader market remained firmly positive, signaling continued investor confidence. KSE-100’s Impressive Year: A Strong Bull Run Continues The KSE-100 Index has logged exceptional gains this year: • Up 43,825 points (34.88%) during the fiscal year• Up 54,325 points (47.19%) in the calendar year so far This places the PSX among the best-performing markets in Asia, driven by easing macroeconomic uncertainty and improving liquidity conditions. Final Thoughts: Momentum Still Intact Despite a Minor Dip While the KSE-100 ended slightly negative, the underlying sentiment remains strongly bullish, supported by: • IMF disbursement confidence• Improved macro stability• Heavy interest in cyclical and commodity-linked sectors• Robust volumes across the board If global cues remain steady, the market could attempt another breakout above the 170,000 level in the coming sessions.

Bitcoin Faces First Yearly Loss Since 2022, Fueled by Adoption and Bubble Worries
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Bitcoin Faces First Yearly Loss Since 2022, Fueled by Adoption and Bubble Worries

With a series of record highs and crushing sell-offs, 2025 has been a rollercoaster ride for bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, which is at risk of ending the year with its first annual decline since 2022. The world’s main stock benchmarks have also had a turbulent year, repeatedly hitting record peaks and then pulling back as worries over tariffs, interest rates and a possible AI bubble whipsawed markets. While equities are mostly up year-to-date, bitcoin’s overall correlation with share prices has strengthened markedly this year, driven by surging retail and institutional adoption. Retail investors, empowered by user-friendly apps and ETFs, poured billions into bitcoin, mirroring their enthusiasm for high-growth tech stocks. Institutional heavyweights like BlackRock and Fidelity expanded crypto offerings, blending digital assets into traditional portfolios. This convergence has made bitcoin less of a “digital gold” hedge and more a high-beta play on equity rallies, analysts say. “Adoption is blurring lines between crypto and Wall Street,” noted Galaxy Digital’s Alex Thorn. Yet, after October’s brutal crash—triggered by regulatory jitters and leveraged liquidations—bitcoin has struggled to regain footing. Trading around $58,000 as of Monday, it’s down over 15% year-to-date, flirting with a negative close for the first time in three years. The post-crash malaise persists, with low trading volumes and fading hype around blockchain upgrades. Compounding woes, AI stock volatility—epitomized by Nvidia’s 20% swings—has rippled into crypto, amplifying bubble concerns. “If AI’s froth bursts, bitcoin could follow,” warned JPMorgan’s Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, citing shared speculative fervor. Market sentiment now hinges on Federal Reserve rate cut expectations. Traders price in a 75% chance of a December easing, which could buoy risk assets like bitcoin by cheapening liquidity. But persistent inflation data might dash hopes, extending the crypto winter. As 2025 closes, bitcoin’s fate underscores a maturing yet volatile asset class, increasingly tethered to broader economic tides.

3 Lakh Tons Kinnow Export Target Set for Current Season as Climate-Smart Agriculture Becomes Essential
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3 Lakh Tons Kinnow Export Target Set for Current Season as Climate-Smart Agriculture Becomes Essential

Karachi 09 December 2025: Exports of kinnow from Pakistan have begun for the current season, with 6,000 tons shipped so far—since December 1—to the Middle East, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. The All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association has set an export target of 300,000 tons for this season, which is expected to generate 110 million dollars in foreign exchange. Last season, Pakistan exported 250,000 tons of kinnow, earning 95 million dollars. According to the Association’s Patron-in-Chief, Waheed Ahmed, this season has seen a bumper crop, with total production expected to reach 2.7 million tons compared to 1.7 million tons last season. Despite the increase in production, Pakistan’s kinnow exports are still 50 percent lower than the 550,000 tons exported five years ago. He said the main reason for this decline is the lack of research and development in kinnow cultivation and reliance on old varieties that cannot withstand environmental challenges, rather than introducing new ones. Waheed Ahmed said the PFVA has presented short-, medium-, and long-term plans to the government to boost kinnow exports. If implemented, Pakistan can introduce new varieties and increase kinnow exports to 400 million dollars within the next five years. He added that Pakistan will need to acquire new varieties from Egypt, the United States, Morocco, and China for local cultivation. At the same time, preference must be given to low-water-consuming varieties such as lemon, grapefruit, orange, and mandarin, which have strong demand in international markets. According to him, the suspension of trade with Afghanistan has created difficulties in exporting kinnow via land routes to Central Asian states and Russia. The alternative route through Iran is long and costly; freight rates through Iran have already increased by up to 100 percent at the start of the season, alongside additional logistics challenges. Waheed Ahmed also emphasized the need for a national-level strategy to enhance kinnow exports, strengthen research and development, and promote modern irrigation methods in view of the growing water shortage.

Pakistan Receives $3.19 Billion in Workers’ Remittances in November 2025, 9.4% YoY Growth Despite Monthly Dip
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Pakistan Receives $3.19 Billion in Workers’ Remittances in November 2025, 9.4% YoY Growth Despite Monthly Dip

Pakistan recorded $3.19 billion in workers’ remittances during November 2025, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). While the figure reflects a 6.75% month-on-month decline from October’s inflow of $3.42 billion, the trend remains positive on a yearly basis. Compared to November 2024, when remittances stood at $2.92 billion, Pakistan witnessed a strong 9.4% year-on-year (YoY) growth, signaling sustained support from overseas Pakistanis despite global economic uncertainties. Remittances Hit $16.15 Billion in First Five Months of FY26: During July–November FY26, workers’ remittances reached $16.15 billion, up from $14.77 billion in the same period last year, marking a 9.33% YoY increase. This continued rise highlights the crucial role of expatriate Pakistanis in supporting the country’s external sector and stabilizing foreign exchange reserves. Saudi Arabia and UAE Lead Remittance Inflows in November 2025: Saudi Arabia Remains Top Contributor: Saudi Arabia maintained its position as the largest remittance source, sending $753.0 million in November 2025. MoM change: ▼ 10.11%YoY change: ▲ 3.26% Despite the monthly decline, remittances from the KSA showed healthy annual growth, reaffirming the significant Pakistani workforce presence across the Gulf region. UAE Ranks Second With $675 Million: The United Arab Emirates emerged as the second-largest corridor, contributing $675.0 million: MoM change: ▼ 4.01%YoY change: ▲ 8.98% Within the UAE, Dubai alone accounted for $567.0 million, reflecting its role as a major financial and employment hub for overseas Pakistanis. UK Inflows Surge, While US Remittances Decline: United Kingdom Shows Strong Growth: Workers’ remittances from the UK reached $481.1 million, delivering a significant 17.38% YoY increase. MoM change: ▼ 3.54% The UK remains one of Pakistan’s most stable and high-growth remittance partners, supported by a large, well-established diaspora. United States Records a Decline: Inflows from the United States dropped to $277.1 million: MoM change: ▼ 8.07%YoY change: ▼ 3.86% The decline reflects broader global economic pressures and evolving employment trends impacting overseas workers. EU Remittances Lead With Highest YoY Growth: Remittances from the European Union showed the strongest performance among major corridors, rising 28.81% YoY to $416.6 million. Key contributors included: Italy: $122.9 millionSpain: $72.4 million The growth highlights increasing labor mobility and strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and the EU region. Other GCC Countries See a Decline: Other GCC nations (excluding Saudi Arabia and UAE) sent $298.8 million in November 2025: MoM change: ▼ 13.61%YoY change: ▼ 1.38% The decline reflects softer employment demand and shifting workforce trends in several Gulf markets. Outlook: Remittances Continue to Support Pakistan’s External Accounts: Despite monthly fluctuations, Pakistan’s remittance inflows show strong annual growth, providing a vital buffer for the country’s economy amid ongoing fiscal and external challenges. With over $16.15 billion received in just five months, FY26 is shaping up to be a promising year for foreign inflows driven by overseas Pakistanis.

Karachi Mayor Announces Rs100,000 Monthly Fund Per UC for Manhole Covers After Toddler’s Death
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Karachi Mayor Announces Rs100,000 Monthly Fund Per UC for Manhole Covers After Toddler’s Death

KARACHI: A week after three-year-old Ibrahim tragically died after falling into an uncovered manhole in Gulshan-e-Iqbal’s Nipa area, Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab announced on Monday that every Union Committee across the city will receive a dedicated Rs100,000 per month exclusively for installing manhole covers and repairing streetlights. The decision comes amid widespread public outrage and demands for immediate action to prevent further child deaths. Speaking to reporters, the mayor revealed that although UCs previously received Rs500,000 monthly for neighbourhood issues — later increased to Rs1.2 million by the Sindh government — much of the funds were diverted to salaries or deemed insufficient. “After the Nipa tragedy, we have ring-fenced Rs100,000 per UC purely for manhole covers and streetlights starting December,” Wahab said, stressing that the special allocation aims to ensure accountability and swift resolution of these life-threatening hazards.

How the AI Revolution Is Reshaping Global Energy Strategy, Why Carbon Removal Is Becoming the Next Big Investment Frontier
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How the AI Revolution Is Reshaping Global Energy Strategy, Why Carbon Removal Is Becoming the Next Big Investment Frontier

As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates at unprecedented speed, it is not just transforming industries, it is reshaping global energy demand, climate strategy, and trillion-dollar investment priorities. The world is entering a new era where AI growth and climate commitments intersect, creating both a massive challenge and a high-value business opportunity. At the center of this transformation is a hard truth: the AI boom is building a global carbon debt that can no longer be ignored. AI’s Energy Surge: The New Demand Curve: By 2030, worldwide data center electricity consumption is expected to reach nearly 1,000 terawatt-hours, double today’s levels, and more than Japan consumes in an entire year. Even with renewable energy capacity hitting record growth, clean power simply cannot expand fast enough to feed the explosive demand from AI training and inference workloads. As a result:• Fossil fuels, gas, oil and coal, are poised to deliver more than 50% of global data-center power through 2030.• Annual emissions from data centers could exceed 300 million tonnes of CO₂, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).• Hyperscalers like Microsoft, Google, Meta and Amazon are moving toward net-zero targets, but emissions are still rising as deadlines approach.The race to scale AI is outpacing the world’s ability to scale clean energy. The Decarbonization Paradox: AI Growth vs. Net-Zero Commitments: No company illustrates this tension more than Microsoft.• Investing $80 billion in new data centers in 2025• Clean-energy contracts in 24 countries• Bets on both nuclear and emerging fusion technologies Yet, its energy consumption has surged 168% since 2020, and total emissions continue to climb. As Microsoft’s Chief Sustainability Officer Melanie Nakagawa said, when talking about the 2030 carbon-negative goal:“The moon has gotten further away.” Even the most aggressive climate-leading tech companies are struggling to keep pace with AI’s power demands. Why Carbon Removal Is Becoming the Next Multibillion-Dollar Market: Reaching net zero is not just about cutting emissions. The world must also begin removing carbon already in the atmosphere. This is where Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) becomes a crucial and fast-growing market. Why CDR Matters:• Avoidance offsets don’t remove carbon, they shift responsibility.• CDR captures CO₂ and stores it in soils, oceans, biomass, or deep geological formations.• The IPCC says the world needs 5–10 billion tonnes of carbon removed annually by 2050.• There is no net-zero scenario without carbon removal at scale. Microsoft is leading the way, having already purchased over 30 million tonnes of high-quality carbon removal, representing ~80% of the global market as of October 2025. But to sustain AI growth without breaching climate commitments, other hyperscalers must match that ambition. Why Tech Companies Are Investing in Carbon Removal Now:Contrary to perception, these investments aren’t purely environmental. They’re strategic. The Role of Governments: Public Policy Must Match Private Investment: Tech giants are now operating at nation-state scale, influencing global markets for energy, materials, and carbon. But even with their massive capital power, private investment cannot solve the carbon-removal challenge alone. Governments must:• Establish clear regulatory frameworks• Fund early CDR demonstration projects• Accelerate permitting for storage sites• Integrate CDR into mandatory compliance markets• Invest in carbon infrastructure: measurement, transport, and storageThis mirrors how governments helped scale:• Renewable energy• Broadband• COVID-19 vaccinesA similar public-private model is essential for carbon removal. A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity: Balancing AI Innovation with a Livable Planet: AI has fundamentally redrawn the global emissions curve. But carbon removal provides a viable pathway to pay down the carbon debt created by the exponential rise in compute power.For businesses, investors, and policymakers, the next five years will define whether AI and net zero can grow togPlane, or collide. One thing is certain:Carbon removal is emerging as one of the most important investment markets of the next decade.Companies that act now will not only protect their AI-driven future, they will help build a sustainable one.

Pakistan Removes Major Barrier to Kinnow & Potato Exports via Iran, New Route to CIS & Russia Opens
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Pakistan Removes Major Barrier to Kinnow & Potato Exports via Iran, New Route to CIS & Russia Opens

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.

PSX Market Closing: KSE-100 Surges Past 167k on Strategic Appointments and Saudi Deposit Rollover
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PSX Market Closing: KSE-100 Surges Past 167k on Strategic Appointments and Saudi Deposit Rollover

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.

SBP Governor: Women's Financial Inclusion Soars to 52% in Pakistan; Rs230B Loans Lent to Female Entrepreneurs
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SBP Governor: Women’s Financial Inclusion Soars to 52% in Pakistan; Rs230B Loans Lent to Female Entrepreneurs

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 Target
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OMC Sales Dip 10% But Levy Collection Races Towards PKR 1.47 Trillion Target

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.

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