Today’s economic landscape presents a striking mix of significant milestones and lingering challenges. On the growth front, the agricultural sector is delivering strong results with a massive $3.5 billion surge in exports, signaling a robust season for local produce. Infrastructure development is also accelerating, with the number of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) climbing to 44 under CPEC 2.0, promising future industrial capacity. In a strategic move to manage costs, the government has also decided to scrap an expensive power plan, which may offer long-term relief.
However, the momentum faces headwinds. The business community is raising alarms over the suspension of trade with Afghanistan, and high energy rates continue to stifle broader investment. Fiscal pressures remain evident, with the government borrowing Rs1.19 trillion in the first half of FY26 and power producers seeking settlement for over Rs1.5 trillion in overdue payments.
Elsewhere, the market is adjusting to new realities: flour prices have risen following wheat transportation bans, while the FBR prepares to deploy new tax tracking systems in high-risk sectors. On the global stage, investors are treading carefully as Asian stocks slip on trade war risks, though oil prices remain steady.