Author name: Yasir Zubairi

ISLAMABAD — In FY2025, Pakistan’s public health spending rose by 1.9% to Rs 942.2 billion, up from Rs 924.9 billion in FY2024. This data from the Economic Survey 2025-26 emphasizes the federal government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure. Growth in Healthcare Budget The Rs 17.3 billion increase in public health spending underscores the government’s efforts to expand medical services nationwide. Federal authorities see this allocation as crucial for health sector development. Continuous growth in healthcare financing suggests the potential for significant future investments. Universal Health Coverage Policies The Economic Survey highlighted the importance of public health spending in achieving universal health coverage. Strategies focus on improving healthcare access through careful budget allocations. Key Survey Highlights Strengthening primary healthcare facilities across provinces Enhancing medical infrastructure in underserved rural areas Expanding healthcare service delivery networks Boosting disease prevention and treatment capacities Healthcare Expenditure and GDP Despite a 1.9% rise, health expenditure as a GDP share remains below global standards, indicating significant potential for further investment in Pakistan’s economy. The Economic Survey anticipates future budget allocations will steadily increase to meet growing needs. Economic Growth through Healthcare Investment Enhanced healthcare financing is essential for economic growth, fostering a healthier, more productive workforce. The government aims to elevate Pakistan’s health infrastructure to international standards. This budget increase addresses emerging healthcare needs and aligns with broader economic development goals and fiscal strategies.

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector achieved a record $3.38 billion in export remittances from July to March in the fiscal year 2025-26. This reflects a 19.7% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted this robust performance, noting it as the highest export remittance total for any comparable nine-month period. Record Growth in Technology Exports In the first nine months of the fiscal year, Pakistan’s ICT exports showed significant growth. This highlights the rising importance of technology exports in boosting the national economy. As a major foreign exchange source, technology services play a crucial role in improving the trade balance and reducing the trade deficit. Expansion of IT Services Industry During this period, 34,420 registered IT and IT-enabled services firms operated in Pakistan. This diverse array of technology companies contributed greatly to the record exports. The increase in registered firms indicates the maturity of Pakistan’s digital economy, with businesses offering services like software development and business process outsourcing. Drivers of Export Success Rise in registered technology firms Improved service delivery capacities Increasing global market demand Competitive pricing strategies Availability of skilled workforce These factors position Pakistan advantageously in the global technology services market, attracting international clients seeking cost-effective solutions. Government’s Role in Digital Infrastructure The government is actively fostering digital infrastructure development within broader economic reforms. Efforts include enhancing the freelance ecosystem to sustain export growth. These initiatives aim to uphold the momentum of Pakistan’s ICT exports by improving connectivity and service delivery. The sector’s performance highlights the potential of technology services in driving economic growth. The substantial foreign exchange revenues underscore the strategic importance of ICT exports to national economic strength and trade competitiveness.

The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) plans to auction obsolete and unserviceable equipment through an electronic bidding system on June 29, 2026. This initiative marks a significant step in modernizing asset disposal within Pakistan’s power sector. Digital Platforms for Transparency FESCO’s digital auction platform enhances transparency and promotes good governance. This project aligns with federal policies to digitalize public sector utilities, ensuring equal access for all parties involved. By deploying an electronic system, FESCO reduces typical barriers in physical auctions, lowering the risk of favoritism. Nationwide Participation and Revenue Boost The e-bidding method welcomes participants nationwide, eliminating geographical constraints. This broader accessibility increases competition and potentially boosts revenue from asset sales. Efficient Management of Auction Inventory The auction will feature equipment stored at FESCO facilities that is no longer functional. Selling these obsolete items not only optimizes warehouse space but also converts dormant assets into financial gain. Enhances warehouse management Converts dormant assets into financial gain Supports sector-wide improvement Ensuring Accountability in E-Bidding This electronic system facilitates remote participation, eliminating the need for physical presence. Each transaction is digitally logged, creating an auditable trail that encourages accountability and prevents irregularities. This level of transparency strengthens financial oversight in the power sector, providing clear records for regulatory authorities and auditors.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Public Health Engineering, Fazal Shakoor Khan, conducted a thorough review of active development projects in Malakand district. The meeting focused on various schemes managed by the Public Health Engineering department. Progress of PHE Development Schemes The session evaluated the progress and implementation of several PHE projects. Officials highlighted initiatives designed to enhance Malakand’s infrastructure. The review concentrated on three critical areas essential for infrastructure development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Project timelines and completion schedules Budget utilization and financial efficiency Operational challenges faced by the department This comprehensive evaluation ensures the timely completion of vital projects. The provincial government is committed to effectively monitoring developmental progress. Water Supply and Sanitation Priorities Public health initiatives remain a top priority in Malakand district. The PHE department administers several schemes to improve services for residents. Provincial projects aim to raise community living standards and address infrastructure gaps. Key Focus Areas in Development Enhancing water supply systems Developing sanitation facilities Upgrading district-wide infrastructure Commitment to Infrastructure Improvement These initiatives strive for better access to clean water and sanitation in Malakand. The government emphasizes the importance of public health engineering in enhancing living standards. The KP Minister’s review underscores the administration’s commitment to monitoring development progress. Officials anticipate significant advancements in public health infrastructure throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Collaboration between federal and provincial bodies in Pakistan ensures efficient development scheme implementation, enhancing project outcomes and service delivery.

ISLAMABAD — The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has submitted proposed amendments to the Companies Act, 2017, to the Finance Division. This initiative seeks to enhance Pakistan’s business environment and improve the corporate regulatory framework. The proposed amendments focus on streamlining corporate rules to foster an investor-friendly business climate. These reforms aim to eliminate regulatory barriers that hinder business operations and deter investment. Key Features of the Corporate Regulatory Reforms The draft amendments introduce crucial measures to expedite business processes in both listed and unlisted companies. The significant features include: Incorporation of the Board of Investment’s Ultra-Fast Track Package Implementation of comprehensive Regulatory Reform Packages Reduction of bureaucratic hurdles in corporate operations Simplified compliance requirements for businesses of all sizes These reforms aim to drastically reduce processing times for corporate filings, decreasing administrative burdens. Companies can then focus on growth, expansion, and revenue generation. Streamlining Business Operations and Compliance The submission followed a comprehensive review of key regulatory reforms, conducted jointly by the SECP and the Board of Investment. This review identified bottlenecks in the current system. This initiative aligns with national economic priorities and strategies to attract investment. The government’s coordinated approach underscores its commitment to business-friendly reforms across various sectors. Efforts target both domestic entrepreneurs and foreign investors to boost investment in manufacturing, services, technology, and export-driven industries in Pakistan. Investment Attraction and Economic Growth Strategy The proposed changes are part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to enhance competitiveness in regional and global markets. Updating corporate laws aims to position Pakistan as a premier investment destination in South Asia. Expected to drive economic growth, these amendments facilitate swift business registration and incorporation. Reduced compliance costs enable firms to allocate more resources to productive investments and job creation. These reforms align with Pakistan’s efforts to increase trade, attract foreign direct investment, and bolster the overall business climate for sustainable economic development.