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The National Highway Authority (NHA) is overseeing 71 road infrastructure projects with an allocated Rs227 billion budget. These initiatives form a core part of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025-26, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to bolstering infrastructure investment as highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025-26. Significant highway development investments aim to improve nationwide transport networks. Infrastructure Investment and Economic Growth The Economic Survey underscores road transport infrastructure’s crucial role in economic growth and regional integration. This year, the government is focused on expanding and upgrading Pakistan’s highway network. This vital public investment seeks to enhance nationwide connectivity, fostering regional economic activities. Economic Advantages of Highway Development Enhanced road connectivity is vital for Pakistan’s economy. The infrastructure investment program targets several economic objectives: Boosting trade between provinces and regions Enhancing commercial transport efficiency Improving mobility for both businesses and citizens Driving GDP growth by reducing logistics costs Promoting regional economic integration Key Highway Projects in PSDP 2025-26 These 71 projects are strategically located in crucial corridors across Pakistan, demonstrating the federal government’s dedication to enhancing transport infrastructure. The Rs227 billion investment aims to improve transport connectivity and spur economic progress. Impact on Trade and Competitiveness The PSDP 2025-26 investment aims to reduce travel and transportation costs for businesses and citizens. Decreased logistics expenses enhance trade competitiveness across various sectors. In the medium term, these infrastructure improvements are expected to bolster GDP growth. Enhanced connectivity is set to position Pakistan as a regional trade hub, enhancing the investment climate for both domestic and foreign enterprises.

ISLAMABAD — The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is pivotal in boosting connectivity and infrastructure growth. These elements are crucial for regional economic integration. The Economic Survey 2025-26, released on Thursday, highlights CPEC’s growing impact on Pakistan’s economy. This annual survey offers a comprehensive analysis of Pakistan’s economic performance, underscoring CPEC’s contribution to long-term development goals. The corridor has now entered a new phase of investment and expansion. Strategic Partnership Spurs Economic Growth CPEC is identified as the flagship project of the strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing. This partnership, based on mutual trust and shared economic interests, is transforming several key sectors: Transportation and logistics infrastructure Energy generation and distribution Industrial development and manufacturing Trade facilitation and regional connectivity Infrastructure Projects Power Regional Integration CPEC’s infrastructure projects are central to Pakistan’s regional economic integration efforts. They link major economic zones nationwide, facilitating the smooth movement of goods and services. Enhanced connectivity strengthens cross-border trade, enhancing ties with neighboring markets. As CPEC expands, it attracts essential infrastructure investments. This promotes long-term economic growth and boosts revenue generation in Pakistan. Pakistan as a Regional Trade Hub CPEC positions Pakistan as a vital player in regional economic cooperation. Its infrastructure network is key to connecting South and Central Asia. The survey indicates that ongoing investment in CPEC projects will fortify Pakistan’s economic links with regional partners. This integration supports continuous revenue growth and opens opportunities for market expansion. CPEC’s development is essential in supporting Pakistan’s economy, aiding various sectors, and enhancing the nation’s economic strategy and regional trade objectives.

ISLAMABAD — From January to March 2026, Pakistan Post has disbursed Rs 1.86 billion through 29,728 international remittance transactions, as reported in the Economic Survey 2025-26. This substantial figure highlights the agency’s key role in delivering financial services, especially in areas with limited banking infrastructure. Collaboration with Western Union Pakistan Post collaborates with Western Union to manage remittance transactions efficiently. This partnership generated Rs 7.5 million in revenue within the quarter. With a network of 469 post offices nationwide, Pakistan Post ensures international transfer services are accessible throughout the country. Postal Banking and Financial Inclusion Pakistan Post serves as a critical remittance channel in areas lacking commercial banks. Many regions in Pakistan do not have traditional financial institutions, making post offices essential for financial services. This extensive network provides necessary access to remittance services in rural and remote communities. Economic and Market Impact The operations enhance financial inclusion by connecting overseas workers with their families in rural areas. Nearly 30,000 transactions in one quarter demonstrate ongoing demand for these vital financial services. Pakistan Post stabilizes incomes in underserved areas, promoting economic growth where banking options are limited.

KARACHI — The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has unveiled its first-ever Research Agenda for 2026–2029. This strategic plan aims to deliver actionable insights for achieving price stability and fostering sustainable, inclusive growth across Pakistan. Framework for Evidence-Based Policy This four-year framework is set to modernize the central bank’s policy-making process. By grounding monetary and economic decisions in organized and forward-thinking research, the SBP aligns its future priorities with national economic challenges. This initiative marks a notable shift towards evidence-based policy-making within Pakistan’s financial sector, emphasizing data-driven strategies over reactive economic approaches. Core Areas for Economic Stability The SBP’s research agenda focuses on three key areas vital for ensuring economic stability: Inflation management and price stability Financial stability in the banking sector Long-term economic development and sustainable growth These areas address critical challenges in Pakistan’s financial system, considering both current conditions and future development objectives. Strengthening Monetary Policy With Research By defining clear research priorities, the State Bank intends to respond more effectively to evolving economic landscapes. This framework enables targeted solutions, empowering the SBP to manage inflation, address banking sector vulnerabilities, and overcome growth constraints. The proactive strategy is designed to fortify Pakistan’s monetary policy framework through 2029. It demonstrates a strong commitment to data-driven economic policy-making, equipping the central bank to handle future challenges with greater agility.

KARACHI — As of June 5, 2026, Pakistan’s total liquid foreign reserves have risen to $22,671.7 million. This increase signifies a positive development in the country’s economic condition. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) attributes this growth to higher central bank holdings. State Bank’s Contribution to Reserves Throughout the week, the SBP’s foreign exchange reserves expanded by $25 million, bringing total central bank holdings to $17,215.2 million. These figures are part of the regular evaluation of Pakistan’s liquid foreign reserve positions. They provide insight into the nation’s financial stability and economic growth. Commercial Banks’ Role in Reserve Growth Commercial banks significantly bolstered reserve levels by contributing $5,456.5 million, marking an $11 million increase from the previous period. These contributions are crucial for enhancing reserves and supporting the national economy. Weekly Reserve Trends The week ending May 29, 2026, showed improvement, with total reserves previously at $22,636 million. The reserve breakdown for the prior week was: SBP holdings: $17,190.4 million Commercial banks: $5,445.6 million The combined $36 million increase from both sectors underscores the strengthening of foreign exchange reserves. This progress is vital for Pakistan’s economy, promoting financial stability during the fiscal period.

PSX Rebounds with 276 Point Gain The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a resurgent session, with the KSE-100 Index climbing by 276.16 points. It closed at 169,703.60, up 0.16% from its prior close at 169,427.44. This rebound signals a return to positive territory, overcoming previous pressures impacting investor confidence. Market Shows Cautious Optimism Traders and institutional investors are cautiously optimistic, reflecting a bullish outlook. However, uncertainties about Pakistan’s economic trajectory make many hesitant to pursue aggressive trading strategies. Traders Focus on Economic Indicators Investors closely monitor key economic indicators before committing to significant investments. This careful scrutiny illustrates the market’s sensitivity to macroeconomic shifts, balancing optimism with prevailing uncertainties. Awaiting Comprehensive Trading Data Currently, detailed trading volumes and sector-specific performance statistics are pending. The Pakistan Stock Exchange will soon release this data, which will shed light on the KSE-100 Index’s performance and highlight sectors contributing to market recovery and overall trading activity.

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.