Economy

News and updates about Economy under Pakistan category.

Economy, National News

Rise of Female Flour Power: Online Home Baking Empowers Women

Islamabad, 17 August 2025 — A growing trend in Pakistan sees women embracing online home baking—leveraging the power of digital platforms to earn income, unleash creativity, and connect with supportive communities. This movement is not just about culinary passion but also about forging paths to financial independence and social empowerment.- –From Kitchen Experiment to Digital BusinessMany women have transformed family recipes into online businesses, building client bases through social media, marketplaces, and food apps. Home baker Sehrish recalls: *“Online baking has given me the opportunity to work from home and earn a decent income. It’s allowed me to be my own boss and pursue my passion. ”*—Flexibility Meets Creativity With rising access to social media and delivery platforms, home bakers enjoy flexible schedules that allow them to manage both work and family responsibilities. As one baker shared: *“It’s been a game-changer for my business and my family. ”*—Empowering Women, One Bake at a Time Customers appreciate the convenience and quality of home-baked goods. Shaista, a satisfied customer, said: “I feel like I’m supporting women entrepreneurs, which is a great bonus.” Online baking is evolving into a movement of empowerment, where women transform their skills into sustainable livelihoods.

Business, Economy

Large-Scale Manufacturing Sector Rises 4.14% in June 2025

ISLAMABAD, August 16, 2025 — Pakistan’s Large-Scale Manufacturing Industries (LSMI) recorded a 4.14% year-on-year growth in June 2025, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). However, the sector contracted 3.67% month-on-month, reflecting a decline compared to May 2025. Fiscal Overview (July–June 2024–25) Over the fiscal year from July 2024 to June 2025, the LSMI output declined by 0.74% compared to the previous annual period. Sector-Wise Performance Highlights The PBS data outlines growing and declining sectors as contributors to the yearly decrease: Positive contributors: Tobacco Textile Garments Petroleum Products Pharmaceuticals Automobiles Other Transport Equipment Declining segments: Food Chemical Products Non-Metallic Mineral Products Iron & Steel Electrical Equipment Machinery & Equipment Furniture

Business, Economy, National News

Prime Minister Launches Chinese Textile Group’s Economic Zone—$100M Investment Expected to Yield $400M in Exports

ISLAMABAD, August 15, 2025 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated a Special Economic Zone established by Challenge Fashion Private Limited, a Chinese garments group, committing $100 million in investment over the next five years. The project is forecasted to generate $400 million in exports. The Chairman of the group, Huwang Weiguo, who led the visiting delegation, highlighted the zone’s potential in fostering technology transfer, skills development, and sustainable industrial growth. Shehbaz Sharif directed that all necessary facilitation be provided to Challenge Fashion, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing the industrial component of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and leveraging China’s expertise in the textile sector. Pointing to the long-standing Pakistan–China friendship, the prime minister welcomed the Chinese collaboration and announced plans for a China-Pakistan Business-to-Business Conference in China aimed at deepening private-sector ties. The announcement was supported by key federal ministers, including Ahsan Iqbal, Jam Kamal, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervez Malik, Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, and special assistant Tariq Fatemi.

Economy

Government Reviews Sugar Availability and Pricing to Protect Consumers

ISLAMABAD, August 11, 2025 — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level meeting today to review the current sugar availability and pricing situation across Pakistan. The meeting assessed stock positions, market supply levels, and recent price trends. The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring price stability, maintaining adequate supplies of essential commodities, and safeguarding consumer interests nationwide. The session was attended by the Minister for National Food Security & Research (MNFSR), Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, and Secretaries from the Ministries of MNFSR, Commerce, and Industries & Production, along with senior officials from relevant federal and provincial departments.

Economy, Pakistan

Petrol Prices Increased by Rs. 5.25 in Pakistan | New Rates Effective August 3

Islamabad, August 3, 2025 — The Government of Pakistan has announced a petrol price increase of Rs. 5.25 per litre, bringing the new price to Rs. 305.12/litre, effective from midnight tonight. This price hike follows a recommendation from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) due to international market fluctuations and adjustments in the exchange rate. 🔺 New Fuel Prices (Effective August 3): Petrol: Rs. 305.12 (↑ Rs. 5.25) High-Speed Diesel (HSD): Rs. 312.87 (↑ Rs. 4.80) Kerosene Oil: Rs. 212.44 (↑ Rs. 3.10) According to the Ministry of Finance, this adjustment was necessary to avoid subsidies and maintain fiscal stability, especially amid increasing global oil prices. 🗣️ “We understand the burden on citizens, but the government cannot afford to continue subsidies that disrupt the national budget,” said a spokesperson for the Petroleum Division. The recent increase has sparked criticism from opposition parties and civil society, especially as it affects transportation costs and overall inflation.

Economy, Government

Government Approves 10% Salary Increase for Federal Employees in Pakistan

Islamabad, August 2, 2025 — In a much-awaited relief measure, the Government of Pakistan has officially approved a 10% salary increase for all federal employees, effective immediately. This decision, announced after a federal cabinet meeting held on Friday, comes in response to ongoing inflation and the rising cost of living. The increase will apply to all BPS-1 to BPS-22 employees, including both civilian and armed forces personnel. 📈 The move is expected to benefit over 1.2 million government employees, and is being hailed as a step toward financial stability for the working class. Finance Minister Ahsan Shaukat stated: “The government recognizes the economic pressure on citizens. This raise is part of our broader strategy to support salaried individuals during tough times.” Analysts believe that this revision will boost morale and spending, positively impacting the economy. However, they also urge the government to monitor inflation to ensure the raise maintains real value over time. This raise will be reflected in the August payroll.

Scroll to Top