Second-Hand Home Sales Lead Thailand’s Real Estate Market Recovery

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.

The first trading session of August brought renewed optimism to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), where investors returned with aggressive buying, driving the benchmark KSE-100 Index sharply higher. The bullish momentum followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement regarding the commencement of talks with Iran, a development that boosted investor confidence and eased concerns over escalating geopolitical tensions. During early trading, the KSE-100 Index surged by 2,708 points, climbing to 178,802 points as buying activity intensified across several major sectors. Market participants attributed the rally to improved global sentiment, with hopes that diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran could reduce regional tensions and support international financial markets. Analysts said investors responded positively to the possibility of a more stable geopolitical environment, which could help stabilize global energy prices and encourage foreign investment in emerging markets, including Pakistan. Strong buying interest was witnessed in leading banking, energy, cement, and fertilizer stocks, contributing to the market’s upward trajectory. Despite the robust performance of the PSX, Asian equity markets presented a mixed picture. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei Index declined by 1.5 percent amid continued investor caution, while South Korea’s Kospi recorded a steeper fall of 5.25 percent, reflecting selling pressure in major technology and export-oriented shares. In contrast, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index remained in positive territory, posting a modest gain of 0.1 percent as investors welcomed signs of easing geopolitical uncertainty.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to strengthen agricultural and food-sector cooperation by facilitating online business-to-business (B2B) engagements between companies from the two countries. The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Belarusian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Yakovchits Aleksander. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, improving business-to-business connectivity and creating new opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and food-related sectors. Under the proposed initiative, businesses and relevant organisations from Pakistan and Belarus will be encouraged to participate in online B2B meetings. The sessions are expected to connect exporters, importers and other industry stakeholders and help them explore potential commercial partnerships. The two countries identified a number of products with potential for increased bilateral trade, including seafood, citrus fruits, mangoes, fruit puree, potatoes, seeds and dairy products. Greater business connectivity in these areas could help companies explore new markets and diversify trade opportunities. Focus on Agricultural Exhibitions Pakistan and Belarus also agreed to encourage greater participation by businesses and agricultural stakeholders in food exhibitions, trade fairs and other industry events held in both countries. Such events will provide companies with opportunities to showcase their products, establish business contacts, develop partnerships and explore investment opportunities. The initiative is also expected to help strengthen direct commercial links between businesses operating in the agricultural and food sectors. The two sides further agreed to facilitate reciprocal visits by agricultural trade and business delegations. These exchanges are aimed at encouraging investment, sharing technical expertise and identifying areas where companies and institutions from both countries can work together. Cooperation in Fish Farming The meeting also discussed prospects for cooperation in fisheries, particularly fish farming and aquaculture. Both sides agreed to promote the exchange of knowledge, technology and best practices in the sector. Cooperation in this area could support the adoption of modern aquaculture techniques while providing opportunities for technical collaboration and investment. The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of more efficient fish-farming practices and strengthen cooperation between relevant institutions and businesses in Pakistan and Belarus. Proposal for Agricultural Machinery Testing Centre During the meeting, Rana Tanveer Hussain proposed the establishment of a universal agricultural machinery testing facility or centre at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), with financial and technical assistance from Belarus. The proposed centre would provide a platform for testing agricultural machinery and assessing its suitability for use in Pakistan’s farming sector. The Belarusian side took note of the proposal and agreed to examine the initiative further. As part of the process, the two sides agreed to conduct a detailed assessment of the proposed facility. This will include identifying the machinery and equipment required for the centre and evaluating locations suggested by Pakistan for establishing machinery testing stations. Pakistan and Belarus also agreed to facilitate exchange visits by highly qualified technical experts by the end of 2026. The visits are expected to help specialists assess technical requirements, exchange expertise and explore practical mechanisms for implementing the proposed cooperation. Pakistan Seeks Practical Outcomes Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasised the need to transform bilateral cooperation into practical commercial, technological and institutional results. He said Pakistan was interested in expanding its engagement with Belarus in emerging areas of agriculture and food security, while creating greater opportunities for farmers, businesses, investors and technical experts. The minister highlighted the importance of stronger institutional and private-sector linkages to ensure that agreements between the two countries translate into tangible economic benefits. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration in agriculture, food trade, fisheries, technology and agricultural machinery.