Business

Moody’s says the IMF programme will increase Pakistan’s foreign financing.

Published

4 months ago

Farwa

Moody’s, a reputable international rating agency, has stated that Pakistan’s chances of acquiring funding will increase as a result of the recent agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which offers dependable sources for that purpose from both friendly countries and international financial institutions.

According to a recent Moody’s analysis on Pakistan’s economy, social unrest and tensions could result from Pakistan’s ongoing inflation. The country’s economic reforms may be hampered by increased taxes and potential changes to the energy tariff, it continued.

Moody’s, on the other hand, agrees that the coalition government headed by Shehbaz Sharif of the PML-N is in danger of failing to secure an election mandate, which may potentially undermine the successful and long-lasting execution of economic reforms.

The government’s capacity to proceed with economic changes may be hampered by societal unrest and poor governance, according to Moody’s.

In order to appease the IMF by fulfilling a prerequisite for authorising a rescue package, the government raised the basic tariff on electricity, which coincided with the most recent increase in fuel prices announced on Monday. This report was released by Moody’s.

Food costs have increased in the nation, where the vast majority is experiencing an unprecedented crisis due to the high cost of living, following the government’s earlier presentation of a budget that included a large increase in income tax for the salaried classes and the implementation of GST on commodities like milk.

The most recent comments were made following Islamabad’s achievement of a staff-level agreement for a $7 billion contract that spans 37 months and is contingent upon final approval by the IMF Executive Board.

It states that Pakistan will need foreign financing totaling about $21 billion in 2024–2025 and $23 billion in 2025–2026, meaning that the country’s present $9.4 billion in reserves won’t be sufficient to cover its needs.

Therefore, according to Moody’s, Pakistan is in an alarming position with regard to its external debt, and the next three to five years will be extremely difficult for the formulation and implementation of policies.

Business

Malir Industrial Park is introduced by SIFC.

Published

12 hours ago

Farwa

The establishment of “industrial parks” by the Pakistan Economic Zone Development and Management Company and the Special Investment Facilitation Council aims to attract investors and stimulate the economy.

First up is the Malir Industrial Park, which gives companies access to important trade and transportation channels. This park will be different from heavy industry parks in that it will concentrate on small industries and diverse industrial offices. Among Karachi’s industrial zones, it would be noteworthy for providing security and necessary infrastructure.

In order to lower unemployment, the initiative intends to generate more than 200,000 jobs in the first five years. To increase the advantages of the program, the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry will become a member of the Malir Industrial Park Advisory Council.

The park will have easy access to Karachi Port and Jinnah International Airport due to its strategic location at the convergence of key highways, such as the National Highway and Malir Motorway. This would guarantee effective access to both domestic and foreign markets.

Business

The Saudi crown prince and PM Sharif promise to increase trade and investment relations.

Published

13 hours ago

Farwa

He emphasised how closely Saudi Vision 2030 matches Pakistan’s main strategic goals, strengthening the basis for both countries’ development.

In terms of trade, investment, and economic development, both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

A recent visit by a high-level Saudi delegation headed by the Saudi Investment Minister, during which a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to strengthen the economic partnership, was mentioned by Prime Minister Sharif.

Along with talking about the economy, the two leaders acknowledged the serious damage caused by Israel’s continuous aggression in the area and voiced their profound worry about it.

Peace in Gaza is linked to global progress: PM

In his earlier speech to the 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII), Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised the catastrophic situation in Gaza and stressed that the world would find it difficult to meet its developmental goals unless there was an immediate end to the violence.

Shehbaz, the Saudi prime minister

With the topic “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow,” the FII brought together prominent individuals to discuss investments in important fields such as robots, artificial intelligence, education, energy, finance, healthcare, and sustainability.

Pakistan’s worries over the worsening situation in Gaza were highlighted by PM Sharif’s direct remarks, which also highlighted the necessity of international cooperation in fostering peace.

Business

Task Force for FBR Digitization Established: Automated Supply Chain System Design

Published

2 days ago

Farwa

A 10-member Task Force has been formed by the government to digitize the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in partnership with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

Improving FBR’s systems and completely digitizing its operations are part of the Task Force’s mandate. Policy interventions, data automation, software installation, and collaboration with provincial revenue authorities are among the main goals.

Together with developing a track-and-trace system through integrated automation, the task force will also establish an Automated Supply Chain System for distributors and wholesalers.

Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited would become a stand-alone IT bureau for planning and data preparation.

In order to create a unified national tax strategy, the project seeks to maximize revenue collection, increase transparency, and simplify Pakistan’s tax system while encouraging cooperation between the federal and provincial tax authorities.