Economy

Pakistan's government launches a crackdown on sugar hoarders by placing their names on the Exit Control List and pledges strict market controls as prices climb past Rs. 170 per kg while importing 500,000 tons to stabilise supply and blame shifts to climate and commercial demand.

Chinese automaker BYD has launched the Shark, Pakistan’s first hybrid pickup truck, in partnership with Mega Motor Company as part of a broader plan to begin local EV assembly near Karachi by mid-2026, cementing its entry into South Asia’s green mobility market.

Romania has offered Pakistan access to the Port of Constanța for direct trade routes into Europe as both countries deepen cooperation in trade, energy and technology while pushing for joint ventures and cultural exchange.

Pakistan’s exports reached $31.75 billion in FY2024–25 driven by strong textile and non-traditional sector growth while the government introduces AI-driven export strategies and new global market plans to sustain momentum amid global trade instability.

PIA is restoring two additional weekly flights between Karachi and Gwadar to boost connectivity and support economic growth linked to the CPEC project and Gwadar Free Zones as part of the government’s trade-driven development strategy.

Kia Lucky Motors has launched the facelifted Peugeot 2008 in Pakistan with bold exterior upgrades, enhanced interior features, and updated pricing, arriving alongside two electric SUVs as part of a busy August for the auto sector.

The Omoda E5 electric SUV has officially launched in Pakistan under the Chery–Nishat partnership, offering a 61 kWh battery, over 500km range, and high-end interior features as the country’s electric vehicle segment continues to grow rapidly.

Chery and Hyundai Nishat’s NextGen Auto have launched their first electric vehicle in Pakistan, the Jaecoo J6 SUV, a high-spec model which positions the new alliance to compete aggressively in the country’s rapidly-expanding EV market.

Islamabad is preparing to become Pakistan’s first fully cashless city as the CDA launches a sweeping digital payments strategy including QRs, mobile apps, and ERP integration across civic and commercial services to improve transparency and efficiency.

Pakistan and the U.S. are entering a new phase of cooperation with talks focused on digital assets and blockchain regulation following their recent trade deal, as Islamabad positions itself as a Web3 leader in South Asia and aligns with Washington's new crypto framework.