Buying & Selling

New data from the State Bank of Pakistan shows that individuals now hold almost 50% of the country’s total bank deposits. As of August 2025, total deposits reached Rs. 33.8 trillion, with 49.4% (over Rs. 16 trillion) belonging to ordinary citizens. This highlights the dominant role of households in Pakistan’s financial system, with the private business sector and government holding a much smaller share.

Pakistan is facing a dollar shortage, a problem worsened by the recent floods that have disrupted the foreign exchange market. The scarcity of dollars could jeopardize the rupee's recent winning streak, as banks and exchange outlets have been submerged. While the shortage is expected to be temporary, analysts warn it could strain the country's foreign exchange reserves and hinder imports. Despite a recent upgrade and rising remittances, a survey indicates that nearly half of market participants expect the rupee to weaken to 285-290 per dollar by year-end.

The Sindh government has agreed to a partnership with NADRA to launch an online property transfer system and improve land record management. The collaboration also includes plans to establish 13 new NADRA offices and mega centers across the province, with a focus on rural areas. This move is part of the government's push for modern, digital services for its citizens.

BYD has sold over 2,000 cars in Pakistan within six months, with strong demand for its Shark model. Hubco is setting up a $150 million CKD assembly plant in Gharo, aiming to start production in 24 months. The company also plans to roll out EV charging stations along the Karachi-Peshawar motorway, while Sazgar Engineering prepares to introduce new hybrid models by 2026.

On Tuesday, gold prices in Pakistan held steady at a record Rs. 370,700 per tola following Monday’s unprecedented Rs. 3,300 jump. The 10-gram rate remained unchanged at Rs. 317,815, mirroring the international price of $3,480 per ounce (plus a $20 premium), while silver also stayed firm at Rs. 4,303 per tola.

The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) recently raised an alarm over the continuous import of used cars, warning that this practice could decimate the local auto parts industry. According to PAAPAM Chairman Usman Malik, this sector, which directly employs nearly two million people and supplies up to 70% of parts for cars and 90% for motorcycles, is at significant risk. During an Auto Parts Summit, Malik urged the government to protect domestic manufacturing, pointing out that even developed nations like the United States use tariffs to safeguard their industries.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has declared 99 housing societies in Islamabad illegal, leaving thousands of investors in a state of crisis. The move, aimed at enforcing urban planning laws, targets schemes operating without proper approvals, often in Zones 3 and 4. Many of these projects are accused of selling plots without legal standing or infrastructure. While the CDA has not released an official list, a partial list of 35 illegal societies has emerged, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.

Pakistani gold prices have sharply declined by PKR 8,500 per tola in just three days. On Saturday, 24 karat gold traded at PKR 356,400 per tola, following a PKR 300 drop from Friday. This significant downturn, mirrored in both local silver prices and international precious metal markets, marks a notable shift for investors and consumers.

In a landmark move, Saudi Arabia is set to allow foreigners to own property starting January 2026, marking a pivotal step in its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. This transformative policy will enable expats, international investors, and foreign companies to acquire real estate in pre-approved zones, initially focusing on dynamic cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. This strategic opening, mirroring successful models in other Gulf nations, is poised to significantly boost the Kingdom’s real estate, construction, and financial sectors, creating unprecedented opportunities for global buyers and further cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as a burgeoning investment hub.