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The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided to keep its benchmark policy interest rate unchanged at 11.50% following the latest meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The decision reflects the central bank’s cautious approach as it continues to monitor inflation, economic growth, and global developments that could influence Pakistan’s financial outlook. The policy rate has remained at 11.50% since April 27, with policymakers choosing to maintain the current stance despite recent inflationary pressures. During the meeting, the committee reviewed key economic indicators, inflation trends, and the potential impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on Pakistan’s economy. Speaking at a press conference, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad said inflation had eased significantly during the first half of the fiscal year. Average inflation between July and February stood at 5.5%, remaining within the lower end of the central bank’s target range. However, rising global oil prices, higher food costs, and increased shipping expenses triggered by tensions in the Middle East placed renewed pressure on prices in the following months. According to the central bank, inflation rose to 11.7% in May before easing slightly to 11.1% in June. The governor expressed optimism that inflation would begin to decline again from July, with a more noticeable improvement expected after September. For the current fiscal year, the SBP projects average inflation to remain close to 7%. The governor also highlighted improvements in Pakistan’s broader economic indicators. He noted that the country’s current account deficit narrowed significantly during the previous fiscal year to $139 million, while the current fiscal year’s deficit is expected to remain between zero and one percent of GDP. Strong remittance inflows have played a major role in supporting the external sector, with overseas Pakistanis expected to send around $44 billion this fiscal year, up from $41.6 billion in the previous year. The SBP also expects exports to improve gradually with government support, stronger performance from the information technology sector, and growth in food exports. While imports have increased, improved external financing has helped meet the country’s payment needs without creating excessive pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves are projected to remain around $20.2 billion by the end of the year, while the country is expected to meet its external debt obligations through a combination of repayments, refinancing arrangements, and continued financial inflows. The central bank reaffirmed that it will continue to monitor domestic and international economic developments before making any future changes to monetary policy.

  Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has written a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to delist the Awaam Pakistan Party. In his letter, Abbasi expressed concern over what he described as an unjustified decision by the Election Commission to remove the party from its list of registered political parties. He said he was surprised that Awaam Pakistan had been delisted on the grounds that it had failed to conduct intra-party elections. Abbasi rejected the allegation and maintained that the party had already conducted intra-party elections for its National General Council and national office-bearers. According to him, the elections were held between March 26 and April 2, within the deadline provided by the Election Commission of Pakistan. The former prime minister said that Awaam Pakistan fulfilled the requirements set by the electoral body and completed its intra-party election process within the prescribed period. He added that the party submitted the election results along with detailed documentation to the Election Commission on April 6. Abbasi argued that the party had therefore complied with the Election Commission’s instructions and questioned the basis on which it was subsequently delisted. The letter stated that a total of 12,084 members participated in Awaam Pakistan’s intra-party elections. Abbasi described the electoral process as democratic and transparent, saying that the participation of thousands of party members demonstrated the party’s commitment to democratic procedures. He further expressed concern over what he termed the unfair and unusual manner in which an active political party had been delisted. According to Abbasi, the decision was difficult to understand, particularly because the party had conducted its intra-party elections and submitted the required documents to the Election Commission. Abbasi also objected to the fact that the party was delisted without being given an adequate opportunity to present its position. He said that removing an active political party from the electoral list without hearing its case was beyond comprehension and raised questions about due process. The former prime minister urged Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and the Election Commission to conduct an immediate hearing into the matter. He requested that Awaam Pakistan be provided an opportunity to explain its position and present the relevant evidence regarding the intra-party elections. Abbasi’s letter comes amid continued debate over the legal and procedural requirements that political parties must meet to remain registered with the Election Commission. Intra-party elections are an important requirement under Pakistan’s political and electoral framework, as they are intended to ensure democratic participation and accountability within political parties. The former prime minister maintained that Awaam Pakistan had fulfilled this requirement within the deadline and had provided the Election Commission with the necessary election results and supporting documents. He called on the electoral body to review its decision and hear the party’s case before taking any further action. Abbasi stressed that Awaam Pakistan should be given a fair opportunity to clarify the circumstances surrounding its intra-party elections and the documents submitted to the Commission. The controversy has placed renewed focus on the relationship between political parties and the Election Commission, particularly regarding compliance with electoral laws and the right of political parties to be heard before facing major administrative decisions. Abbasi’s appeal now seeks an immediate hearing and a review of the delisting decision, with the party arguing that it followed the prescribed procedure and conducted its intra-party elections in a democratic and transparent manner.