manufacturing
Long-form reporting, sector deep-dives, and analytical dispatches on the forces shaping Pakistan's economy.
Pakistan's Inflation Eases to Multi-Year Lows — Relief or Illusion?
Headline CPI has fallen to roughly 12–13% year-on-year in early 2026, down from peaks above 30% in 2023. The disinflation is real, but the structural story is not yet over.
Current Account Surplus Hits $1 Billion — But Driven by Compression, Not Growth
A cumulative surplus above $1 billion reverses a $17 billion deficit from FY2022. The relief is real — but the underlying story is import suppression, not export dynamism.
Rupee Holds at 280/USD — Stability Backed by Controls and Fundamentals
The rupee is trading between 275 and 285 to the dollar, well off its 300+ lows. Reserves, remittances and enforcement all helped — but competitiveness questions linger.
Banking Sector Delivers Record Profits in 2026 — Windfall Gains or Structural Strength?
Sector earnings are on track for PKR 500–600 billion annualised, driven almost entirely by 20%+ policy rates. When rates normalise, so will the P&L.
Textile Giants Hold Ground in 2026 — But Margins Are Getting Squeezed
Exports are steady at $16–17B a year, but energy tariffs, 20%+ borrowing costs and Bangladeshi competition are all cutting into margins.