Business

KARACHI — The Treasury Management Division of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has announced the latest exchange rates, reflecting NBP’s current trading values in foreign currencies. Exchange Rates for Major Currencies The US Dollar exchange rate is set at 278.70 for TT Selling and 278.20 for TT Buying. The Euro is available at 323.60 for selling and 323.02 for buying. The British Pound stands at 374.26 for selling and 373.59 for buying. The Japanese Yen is quoted at 1.7386 for selling and 1.7355 for buying. Other Notable Currencies Swiss Franc: 351.89 for selling and 351.26 for buying Canadian Dollar: 199.09 for selling and 198.73 for buying Australian Dollar: 196.84 for selling and 196.48 for buying Chinese Yuan: 41.25 for selling and 41.18 for buying Saudi Riyal: 74.27 for buying and 74.14 for selling Guidance for Businesses and Individuals NBP offers these exchange rates to guide businesses and individuals in currency exchanges. They provide essential insights into the financial market dynamics, aiding investment decisions.

KARACHI — The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has released new buying and selling rates for major foreign currencies, offering critical insights for currency exchange in financial markets. Major Currency Rates The current rate for the US dollar is 280.09 for selling and 277.09 for buying. Other significant currency rates include: British Pound: Selling at 376.13, Buying at 371.68 Euro: Selling at 325.22, Buying at 321.40 Japanese Yen: Selling at 1.7473, Buying at 1.7267 Gulf Currencies The NBP has also provided updated rates for key Gulf currencies. Current rates are: United Arab Emirates Dirham: Selling at 74.64, Buying at 73.76 Saudi Riyal: Selling at 76.26, Buying at 75.36

ISLAMABAD — A new Rs50 million trout farming project has been launched in District Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan. This venture is set to enhance food security and drive economic growth in the region. Focus on Food and Nutrition Security The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan is prioritizing food and nutrition security through initiatives in fisheries, modern agriculture, and childhood development. The trout farming project, officially called ‘Ensuring Food Security and Economic Growth through Extension of Trout Farming in District Ghizer’, is a crucial part of this strategy. Funding and Broader Strategy This year, Rs22.8 million has been allocated to the trout farming project. It is a piece of a larger plan to enhance the region’s food and nutrition security. This includes the Rs80 million ‘Targeting Blue Revolution’ program, aiming to conserve local species. Additional Initiatives in the Region Several other programs complement these efforts: Improving Rural Livelihood: A Rs30 million initiative focusing on modern agricultural techniques. Food Fortification Programme: With a budget of Rs99 million, it aims to enhance nutritional intake. School Meal Programme: A Rs112.7 million project supporting female primary schools. These development projects adapt to Gilgit-Baltistan’s unique ecological and geographic needs. They aim to bolster fisheries, agriculture, and childhood nutrition policies. The trout farming project is a key component of the government’s developmental agenda.

ISLAMABAD — Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kiyani announced the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 this Wednesday. The new budget is designed to provide relief and boost public welfare, impacting various sectors and demographics positively. Main Targets of the Budget The budget specifically aims to support: Working-class individuals Industry and exporters The construction sector Women and youth Low-income segments A primary goal is to broaden the tax base to sustain economic growth effectively. Driving Economic Growth and Expanding Taxes Kiyani emphasized the government’s dedication to measures that encourage industrial growth and empower various sectors. By expanding the tax base, the government seeks to increase revenue generation without imposing additional burdens on current taxpayers. This strategy aims to nurture a more inclusive economic landscape. Promoting Economic Resilience The budget presentation lays out a strategic plan to bolster economic resilience. It focuses on critical sectors like construction and exports, which are essential for national development. Supporting diverse groups underscores the government’s commitment to equitable growth and social welfare.

ISLAMABAD — The Federal Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (FPPRA) has partnered with the World Bank to craft the Draft National Procurement Strategy (NPS) for 2026–2030. Consultative Session Overview A consultative session on Tuesday brought together representatives from federal, provincial, and Gilgit-Baltistan regulatory authorities. Key multilateral development banks, including the Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and Islamic Development Bank, participated. Significance of Public Procurement Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi, the Managing Director of the Federal PPRA, highlighted the importance of public procurement to Pakistan’s economy. It accounts for 19 to 20 percent of GDP. The strategy supports the federal government’s reform agenda by: Enhancing transparency Increasing accountability Boosting competition Improving efficiency Key Strategic Developments Qureshi emphasized the World Bank’s technical support and cooperation with federal and provincial authorities through the Advisory Group on Public Procurement. The strategy targets critical modern priorities, including: Digitization Sustainability Performance monitoring Contract management Workforce professionalization World Bank’s Analysis and Recommendations World Bank consultant Fayeq Deek provided an analysis of the current procurement landscape during the session. He suggested strategic objectives along with a comprehensive reform plan and an implementation framework.

ISLAMABAD — Easypaisa has collaborated with the Pakistan Airports Authority and the State Bank of Pakistan to digitize consumer payments at Islamabad International Airport. This strategic initiative focuses on creating a seamless cashless travel experience for all passengers. Digital Payment Solutions at the Airport The partnership involves the deployment of digital payment systems across various airport touchpoints. By rolling out these solutions, the collaboration aims to significantly enhance traveler convenience and foster the development of a modern travel ecosystem. Easypaisa’s Dedication to Financial Technology This project highlights Easypaisa’s commitment to advancing digital financial solutions. It is in line with Pakistan’s broader goal of integrating financial technology across multiple sectors. This initiative not only benefits travelers but also supports the national drive towards a more digitized economy.

ISLAMABAD — The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu has introduced a comprehensive reform agenda for boosting Pakistan’s capital markets. This initiative aims to expand the investor base and enhance financial literacy across the nation. Boosting Market Accessibility At a press briefing held on Tuesday, Dr. Sidhu emphasized the critical importance of enhancing market accessibility. Expanding this accessibility is essential for drawing a diverse array of investors. The goal is to create a more inclusive investment environment that caters to a wider audience. Strengthened Regulatory Frameworks Central to the reform agenda is the strengthening of regulatory frameworks. Enhancing these frameworks is crucial for securing robust market growth and stability. Dr. Sidhu underscored that such improvements are necessary for cultivating a more vibrant and competitive marketplace. Promoting Market Transparency The reform effort also focuses on increasing market transparency. The SECP is set to implement various measures to heighten transparency, thereby fostering investor education. These efforts are expected to attract both domestic and foreign investments, making the market more appealing and dynamic.

FAISALABAD — Engineer Asim Munir, Vice President of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), praised the Punjab budget 2026-27. He described it as a crucial measure aimed at stimulating economic growth. The budget is designed to facilitate employment, expand industrial activities, and enhance human resource development. Investment Focus in Strategic Sectors The provincial government is prioritizing sectors that can significantly boost economic activity and build investor confidence. This approach is vital, especially during current fiscal challenges, to contribute substantially to the province’s economic progress. Commitment to Economic Advancement The budget showcases the government’s commitment to fostering a favorable environment for economic advancement. It targets key areas to drive growth and development across the region.

ISLAMABAD — The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has recently approved several technical supplementary grants. Chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, this meeting focused on boosting financial support across various sectors. Purpose and Allocation of Grants The primary aim of these grants is to ensure the effective allocation of financial resources. They are designed to meet immediate fiscal needs within governmental departments. By providing these funds, the ECC facilitates the prompt execution of projects that require urgent attention. The Role of the Economic Coordination Committee The ECC plays a pivotal role as a decision-making body in the government’s financial management framework. It is tasked with allocating supplementary funds outside the annual budget. This ensures the smooth implementation of essential economic strategies.

LAHORE — The Punjab government has launched the Rs 100 billion initiative named ‘Generation Punjab’ in the fiscal year 2026-27 budget. This ambitious program aims to empower youth through modern skills development, providing employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship. Investment in Youth Development ‘Generation Punjab’ focuses on enhancing young people’s capabilities. Key investments are being made in the following areas: Sports Culture Various empowerment programs Adapting to Economic Changes The initiative is a strategic part of preparing the youth for a dynamic job market and an evolving economic landscape. It equips them with essential skills needed for future workplaces, ensuring their adaptability to changing environments. Impact on Economic Growth The ‘Generation Punjab’ initiative underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing the growth and potential of young individuals. This focus is expected to significantly contribute to the province’s long-term socio-economic development.