MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

June 20, 2025 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• PIA’s flight to privatization gains momentum with 8 qualified bidders

The Privatisation Commission has received Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from eight interested parties for the divestment of 51 to 100 percent shareholding, along with management control, of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL), as part of the government’s second attempt to privatize the national carrier. Read more

• SBP reserves rise to $11.72bn in a week

The foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $46.3 million or 0.40% WoW to $11.72 billion during the week ended on June 13, 2025. Read more

• PKR loses 9 paisa against USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) decreased by 8.77 paisa or 0.03% against the US dollar in Thursday's interbank session to settle the trade at PKR 283.64 per USD, compared to previous closing of 283.55. Read more

• Senate Committee approves additional electricity bill surcharges for FY26

The new fiscal year is set to begin with challenges for electricity consumers, as the Senate Standing Committee on Finance has approved the imposition of additional surcharges on electricity bills. Read more

• Govt pledges to boost investment, ensure transparency, protection

The government is committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, enhancing transparency, and safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: Down Drift

The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Thursday's trading session at 120,002.59, showing a decrease of 463.34 points or 0.38%. Read more

• Pak Datacom signs MoU with global satellite broadband operator

Pak Datacom Limited (PSX: PAKD), a pioneer in satellite communication services in Pakistan, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an internationally based broadband satellite services operator. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan falls Rs460 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan decreased on Thursday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs358,595 per tola, down Rs460. Read more

• Syngenta launches new generation insecticide for rice farmers

Syngenta Pakistan has officially introduced Incipio 200 SC, a next-generation foliar spray insecticide powered by advanced Plinazolin® technology, during a high-profile launch event held in Daska. Read more

• Pakistan draws several bidders for loss-making national airline PIA

Pakistan’s move to privatize its national airline has attracted interest from several prominent players, including domestic carrier Airblue Ltd. and travel conglomerate Gerry’s Group. Read more

• Senate panel rejects proposed Rs2.5/litre Carbon Levy on petroleum

Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Finance has rejected a government proposal to impose a Rs2.5 per liter carbon levy on petroleum products, dealing a blow to fiscal plans aimed at expanding non-tax revenues. Read more

• Govt moves to tax online educators, digital academies

The federal government has greenlit a new taxation framework targeting private online educational platforms and independent digital instructors, as authorities ramp up efforts to formalize high-revenue sectors operating outside the tax net. Read more

• President urges boost in Pakistan’s defence amid security challenges

Amid prevailing and future security challenges, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need to further enhance Pakistan’s defence capabilities. Read more

• Arctic Textile Mills shuts leased spinning unit

Arctic Textile Mills Ltd. (PSX: ARCTM) has discontinued operations at its leased spinning unit, citing worsening market conditions that have rendered the venture commercially unviable. Read more

• Saudi Riyal available at PKR 76.3 in open market

The current exchange rates for the Saudi Riyal (SAR), UAE Dirham (AED), and Qatari Riyal (QAR) against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) as of [10 am PST] showed minor movements in today’s session, maintaining a largely stable trend. Read more

• FBR cracks down on seven sugar mills

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched enforcement action against seven sugar mills over alleged tax evasion and non-compliance with the Track and Trace System (TTS), intensifying regulatory scrutiny on a sector long plagued by governance concerns. Read more

• Breakup of trade data in May: PBS

Pakistan’s trade deficit in May 2025 declined by 23.99% MoM, standing at $2.6 billion compared to $3.42bn in April 2025, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Read more

• Bank deposits increase to Rs33tr in May

  The total deposits held by scheduled banks have moved up by 1.4% to Rs32.76 trillion in May compared to Rs32.32tr by the end of last month. Read more

• Tarbela dam running dry

  Posing serious risks to electricity generation and irrigation supply, water levels at Pakistan’s Tarbela Dam have plunged to alarming lows amid a prolonged dry spell Read more 

• Privatisation Board pushes ahead with power deals

  The Privatisation Commission Board, in its 235th meeting held on Wednesday, approved critical steps to advance strategic transactions in Pakistan’s power sector, signalling a renewed push for private sector participation in state Read more

• Govt, industry unite to tame sugar prices

  In a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, the government reaffirmed its commitment to curb unjustified increases in sugar prices and ensure steady Read more

• SIFC charts bold reforms to lure global investment

  Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has advanced a comprehensive agenda aimed at accelerating economic revitalization, as its 14th Executive Committee meeting reviewed progress on critical projects Read more

• ARL signs $600m agreement for major refinery upgrade

  In a major development, Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) has signed a $600 million agreement with Italy’s STP Studi Technologici Progetti S.p.A. for the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) and Project Management Consultancy Read more 

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