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The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its rally as the KSE-100 Index surged over 1,300 points in early Thursday trading, building on the previous session's strong gains. Improved investor confidence, easing geopolitical tensions, and lower global oil prices fueled broad-based buying across key sectors, pushing the benchmark further above the 180,000-point mark.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has raised Rs16.44 billion in the first two days of its commercial plot auction in Islamabad, highlighting strong investor confidence in the city's real estate market. The proceeds will be used to fund infrastructure development, civic improvements, and major public projects across the federal capital.

Pakistan's cement industry recorded 6.02% growth in total despatches during July 2026, driven by a 17.28% surge in domestic demand despite a sharp decline in exports. APCMA said strong local construction activity continues to support the sector and urged the government to reduce taxes and duties to sustain growth and boost affordability.

Pakistan has approved the long-awaited Brownfield Refining Policy, unlocking nearly $6 billion in investments to modernize existing oil refineries. The policy will boost Euro-V fuel production, increase petrol and diesel output, reduce furnace oil production, and strengthen Pakistan's energy security through major refinery upgrades and investment incentives.

Starting September 6, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will prohibit businesses from charging customers for plastic bags. This mandate aims to stop retailers from profiting off plastic, which has discouraged the use of eco-friendly alternatives. While plastic bags must now be provided for free, businesses are still permitted to charge for reusable or recyclable non-plastic options. Violators face fines up to Rs50,000, potential store closures, and legal action.

The Sindh government has distributed solar home system kits to 140 households in Tharparkar and Ghotki as part of the "Roshan Ghar – Roshan Sindh" initiative. Funded by the Sindh Energy Department and executed by the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO), the project aims to bring clean, reliable, and affordable solar energy to 275,000 households across 30 districts. To ensure the sustainable and safe use of the systems, all recipients underwent training on equipment installation, operation, and maintenance.

The World Bank has approved a $70 million loan for the Connected Punjab Programme (CPP) to boost the province’s digital infrastructure, public services, and cashless payment adoption. The initiative aims to reduce regulatory barriers to broadband investment, with goals to expand fixed broadband coverage to 9.9 million people and improve access to digital government services for 28.9 million citizens by June 2031. Additionally, the program focuses on financial inclusion, targeting 350,000 active cashless payment users and increasing women's participation in digital services to 30% by 2031.

President Asif Ali Zardari has enacted the Finance Act 2026, launching a comprehensive suite of tax and tariff measures that took effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation aims to achieve a tax collection target of PKR 15,264 billion for the 2026-27 fiscal year by generating PKR 1.02 trillion through enhanced enforcement, digitalization, and new tax levies. While introducing higher taxes on luxury items and specific sectors, the Act also provides PKR 143.4 billion in import-stage tax relief through adjusted duties and removed exemptions. Key initiatives include the Retailer Formalisation Scheme, supply chain digitalization, and the use of algorithmic tax assessment to broaden the revenue base.

SG Power Limited has officially transitioned from an independent power producer to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, following approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). This strategic pivot enables the company to manufacture, trade, and maintain medical devices, hospital supplies, and pharmaceutical products. The company, which previously focused on electricity generation, plans to utilize approximately Rs535 million raised through a recent rights issue to support this business diversification and fuel future growth initiatives.