Economy

Pakistan targets sugar cartels, imposes exit ban on hoarders

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.

The measure is part of a wider crackdown aimed at punishing those accused of manipulating supply and inflating prices for profit. — Aamir QURESHI / AFP

BYD’s Shark officially roars into Pakistan’s hybrid truck market

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.

BYD’s Shark hybrid pickup lands in Pakistan with off-road power and a $70K price tag as local EV assembly gears up for 2026. — Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto via Getty Images
For Pakistan, tapping into the Black Sea gateway could mark a significant evolution in its export infrastructure. For Romania, the partnership offers a gateway into South Asia’s growing markets. — Nathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Pakistan’s exports reach $31.75bn despite global trade turbulence

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.

Khan said Pakistan’s trade performance is a testament to the resilience of its economic base and the evolving capacity of its export ecosystem to withstand and adapt to external shocks. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES
The move is part of a broader federal strategy to boost economic stability in Balochistan and increase the region’s stake in national development. — Ahmad Kamal/Xinhua/Getty Images
With rivals launching electric models and newer hybrids, Peugeot’s strategy appears to hinge on delivering high-end design and digital sophistication, while maintaining petrol-powered familiarity for local buyers. — Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images
The Omoda E5, offering more than 500 km in rated range, positions itself as a high-spec yet accessible alternative for electric SUV buyers seeking long-range functionality and premium features. — John Keeble/Getty Images
Officials from both companies suggest more NEVs are expected soon under the Omoda and Jaecoo names, further signalling a long-term commitment to local EV production. — Peerapon Boonyakiat/SOPA Images/LightRocket

Islamabad races to become Pakistan’s first cashless city

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.

With phased rollouts beginning this month, Islamabad is on track to become not only Pakistan’s first cashless city but a national prototype for digital governance in the 21st century. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Pakistan courts Web3 future in high-stakes US crypto talks

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.

With both governments now formally in talks, the emerging crypto alliance may reshape not only how money moves across borders but how geopolitical alliances are forged in the age of code. — FILE