Investing

Pakistan’s IT industry is experiencing a massive breakout, hitting a record-breaking $437 million in monthly exports in December 2025. This surge is driven by strategic government policies most notably the State Bank of Pakistan increasing foreign currency retention limits to 50% which allows firms and freelancers to reinvest their dollar earnings globally with ease. While industry giants like Systems Limited are spearheading international expansion, a thriving freelance community is expected to contribute nearly $1 billion this year alone. To achieve the government's ambitious $10 billion target by 2029, the sector must now pivot toward high-value technologies like AI and smart systems while tapping into under-explored markets in Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

Pakistan plans a 2026 return to global bond markets with its first panda bond, Eurobonds, or sukuks after four years away. Finance Minister Aurangzeb, speaking at Davos, cited stabilized inflation, rates, fiscal health, and IMF-backed reforms like PIA privatization.

The Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has launched four major tourism projects under the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan to transform the city into a premier regional destination. Executed through public-private partnerships, the initiatives include an Amusement Theme Park, Water Sports facilities, a Food Street, and a GDA Club Complex, with the scenic West Bay designated as the primary recreational hub. To attract investment, the GDA is offering a fast-track single-window approval system and long-term land arrangements. These projects are designed to catalyze the local economy, create jobs, and establish a sustainable tourism ecosystem that highlights Gwadar’s unique marine resources and cultural heritage.

Pakistan signed $603M agreements with IsDB for M-6 Motorway ($475M), Poverty Graduation project ($118.4M, aiding 160K flood-hit households), and Azad Kashmir education initiative ($10M, for 60K kids). Deals inked in Islamabad signal boosted infrastructure, poverty relief, and schooling.

UBL and Jazz completed Pakistan's largest-ever Rs75 billion interest rate swap, converting Jazz's floating-rate loans to fixed rates for cost certainty. The deal signals banks' rate-cut bets and derivatives market growth, with UBL poised for significant profits from easing KIBOR.

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has proposed a PKR 17 billion expansion of Murree Road, specifically targeting the congested stretch between Liaquat Bagh and Chandni Chowk. The project aims to widen the road to 20 feet on both sides and introduce dedicated service lanes and parking plazas to streamline traffic. A key feature of the plan is the creation of a signal-free corridor from Marrir Chowk to Faizabad, which is expected to drastically reduce travel time. While land surveys are already underway, the project currently awaits final approval and funding from the Punjab government to begin construction.

Pakistan's State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reserves rose by $13 million to $15.915 billion as of December 26, 2025, contributing to total liquid reserves of $21.012 billion despite a slight drop in commercial banks' holdings. This provides about 3.2 months of import cover amid ongoing debt pressures. The improvement marks a strong recovery from 2023 lows below $3 billion, aided by IMF support and bilateral aid, while domestic gold prices fell Rs2,400 per tola to Rs454,562.

Pakistan’s trade deficit widened by 34.6% in the first half of FY26, reaching $19.2 billion. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, exports fell 8.7% to $15.18 billion, while imports rose 11.28% to $34.38 billion. In December alone, exports dropped 20% year-on-year, while imports increased 2%, underscoring ongoing strain on the country’s trade balance.

Islamabad celebrated the new year with the opening of the Shaheen Chowk underpass, marking the completion of 18 development projects in 2025. The project, completed in a record 63 days instead of the slated 150, is part of a major infrastructure push that includes the Serena Interchange and Murree Road underpass. Looking ahead, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced "Vision 2027", a two-year roadmap for 2026–2027. This next phase will shift focus toward urban beautification, overhauling city parks, and doubling the number of development projects to modernize the federal capital's image.