Between June and November 2024, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) acquired $4.98 billion from the interbank market to bolster its foreign exchange reserves and address debt obligations, according to recent reports.

From March 1, petrol prices are anticipated to rise by approximately Rs4 to Rs4.50 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) may experience a slight reduction, reflecting global oil price movements and changes in exchange rates.

The local cotton market faced continued pressure on Monday, extending its downward trend from previous weeks. Trading activity remained subdued as market participants adopted a cautious approach amid ongoing uncertainty.

For the week ending February 20, 2025, the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) saw a modest weekly increase of 0.27%, signaling a slight rise in inflation. On a yearly basis, the SPI grew by 1.2%, which is a more stable figure compared to the higher inflation observed in mid-2024.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed its appreciation for Pakistan’s dedication to conducting a Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment (GCD) and anticipates ongoing collaboration in the future.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive tax reforms in Pakistan, pointing to the country's inadequate revenue generation and its over-reliance on formal sectors for taxation.

The federal government has promised to reassess the 18% sales tax on packaged milk after concerns raised by the Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) regarding the negative impact on prices, sales, and the growing shift to unregulated loose milk.