Pakistan’s private sector secured bank financing worth Rs1.138 trillion during the fiscal year 2025-26, marking the highest level of private-sector credit in the last four years, according to Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Shahzad. In a statement, Shahzad said the sharp increase in lending reflects improving economic conditions, stronger business confidence, and the government’s efforts to encourage investment and industrial growth. He noted that private-sector credit expanded by approximately 15 percent during the fiscal year compared to the previous year. The adviser highlighted that greater access to financing has played a key role in supporting business expansion and productive economic activities across the country. He added that around 89 percent of the newly disbursed loans were directed toward major productive sectors, including manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and agriculture. According to Shahzad, the manufacturing sector alone received fresh financing of Rs657 billion, enabling industries to expand production capacity, modernize operations, and meet growing market demand. He said the significant flow of funds into manufacturing demonstrates renewed confidence in Pakistan’s industrial sector. He further stated that increased financial support for the trade and agriculture sectors has contributed to higher production, stronger commercial activity, and improved investment by private businesses. Enhanced credit availability, he said, is helping enterprises expand operations, create employment opportunities, and strengthen overall economic performance. Shahzad described the record lending as a positive indicator of the country’s economic recovery, saying that rising private-sector borrowing reflects improving investor sentiment and greater confidence in Pakistan’s financial system. He added that sustained access to bank financing would remain essential for maintaining economic momentum, boosting productivity, and supporting long-term, sustainable growth.

Pakistan’s annual inflation eased to single digits in July 2026, with the latest official figures showing a noticeable decline in price growth compared to the previous month. However, economists cautioned that inflationary pressures have not disappeared, as higher fuel costs and other economic challenges continue to weigh on the outlook. According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Monday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded an annual inflation rate of 9.2% in July 2026. The reading marked a significant decline from 11.1% in June, although it remained considerably higher than the 4.1% recorded in July 2025. On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 1.2% during July, reversing the 0.3% decline witnessed in June. In comparison, monthly inflation had risen by 2.9% in July last year. Urban and rural inflation The PBS data showed that inflation in urban areas slowed to 8.7% year-on-year in July, down from 11.2% in June. During the same month last year, urban inflation had stood at 4.4%. Month-on-month, urban prices climbed 1.2%, compared to a 0.5% decline in June and a 3.4% increase recorded in July 2025. Meanwhile, rural inflation also moderated, with the annual rate easing to 9.9% in July from 10.9% a month earlier. Rural inflation had been 3.5% in the corresponding month of last year. On a monthly basis, rural prices increased by 1.2%, compared with no change in June, while July 2025 had witnessed a 2.2% monthly increase. Government projects inflation to remain elevated The Finance Division had earlier projected inflation to remain between 9% and 10% in July, warning that rising international oil prices could continue to exert pressure on domestic prices. The ministry’s latest economic outlook also highlighted concerns over external investment, noting that Pakistan’s foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 33.9% during the last fiscal year, declining from $2.48 billion in FY2024-25 to $1.64 billion in FY2025-26. SBP keeps policy rate unchanged Last week, the State Bank of Pakistan’s Monetary Policy Committee maintained the benchmark policy rate at 11.5% during its first monetary policy meeting of the new fiscal year. Speaking after the decision, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad said inflation was expected to decline in July and expressed optimism that it would gradually move towards the central bank’s target. He said the State Bank expects inflation to settle within the upper end of its 5-7% target range by the close of the current fiscal year. Analysts see base effect behind slowdown Market analysts had largely anticipated inflation returning to single digits in July, though many argued that the improvement was mainly due to favourable statistical base effects rather than a broad-based easing in price pressures. Analysts at Ismail Iqbal Securities estimated July inflation at 9.3%, saying the decline reflected comparison with a higher base from the previous year rather than a sustained reduction in inflationary momentum. Similarly, JS Global projected headline inflation at 9.1% for July, indicating that while inflation has eased, underlying economic pressures continue to pose risks for the months ahead. The latest inflation reading provides some relief for consumers and policymakers, but economists believe the path ahead will depend on global commodity prices, exchange rate stability, energy costs and the government’s fiscal management during the current financial year.

Gold prices moved higher across Pakistan on Monday, tracking an upward trend in the international bullion market, according to the latest rates issued by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). The price of 24-karat gold per tola increased by Rs1,700, taking the new rate to Rs428,436. The recovery comes after a sharp decline recorded in the previous trading session, when the precious metal had fallen by Rs3,700 per tola to settle at Rs426,736 on Saturday. The price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold also witnessed an increase, climbing by Rs1,457 to reach Rs367,314 in local markets. Market analysts said the rise in domestic gold prices reflects the positive movement in global bullion markets, where investor demand strengthened amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook and expectations regarding interest rate policies. In the international market, the price of gold gained $17 per ounce, pushing the bullion rate to $4,060 per ounce, including a premium of $20. The increase in global prices was mirrored in Pakistan’s local market, where gold rates are largely influenced by international trends and fluctuations in the value of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar. Meanwhile, silver prices also registered a notable increase. The price of silver per tola rose by Rs54, reaching Rs6,291 in the domestic market.

The sharp rise in fuel prices across the United Kingdom has triggered a significant increase in petrol theft, with filling stations now losing an estimated £200,000 worth of fuel every day, according to media reports. Petrol station operators have reported a growing number of “drive-off” incidents, where motorists fill their vehicles with fuel and leave without making payment. The trend has become increasingly common as higher fuel costs continue to put pressure on household budgets. Reports indicate that the overall financial impact of fuel theft has climbed by 48 percent following the recent surge in petrol and diesel prices. Retailers say the increase has added to the challenges already facing fuel station businesses, many of which are struggling with rising operating costs. The spike in fuel prices followed heightened tensions during the Iran conflict, when global oil markets experienced sharp volatility. During that period, the price of petrol reportedly increased by 27 pence per litre, while diesel prices rose by 37 pence per litre, making fuel significantly more expensive for consumers. Industry representatives warn that the consequences extend beyond financial losses. According to the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), the rise in fuel prices has also been accompanied by an increase in abusive and aggressive behaviour directed at petrol station employees. Pump attendants have reportedly faced more verbal harassment and confrontations from frustrated customers. Fuel retailers are urging authorities to take stronger action against theft and improve security measures at filling stations. They also stress the need for greater protection for frontline staff, who are increasingly being exposed to difficult and sometimes dangerous situations while carrying out their duties.

A North Carolina man has struck it rich after relying on what he has always believed to be his lucky number, winning a $1 million prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket. According to international media reports, Thomas Moonves, a resident of Biscoe in North Carolina, purchased a $10 Triple Red 777 Jackpot scratch-off ticket from a local convenience store. He said he chose the ticket because the number 7 has always held special meaning in his life. Moonves explained that his connection with the number dates back to his birth, as he was born on the 7th day of the month in 1977. Believing the number had consistently brought him good fortune, he decided to try his luck with a ticket featuring multiple sevens. Soon after buying the ticket, Moonves scratched it on the spot and was stunned to discover he had won the game’s top prize of $1 million. Recalling the unforgettable moment, he said he was overwhelmed with excitement and could hardly believe what he was seeing. The unexpected win turned an ordinary trip to the store into a life-changing experience.