MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

January 22, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• Strategic debt, exports central to Pakistan’s economic vision

Pakistan is prioritizing fiscal discipline, strategic use of debt, and export-driven growth as key pillars of its economic strategy, positioning itself for sustainable development in a challenging global environment. Read more

• Pakistan signals reassuring economic indicators

Pakistan’s macroeconomic indicators are reassuring, which reflects improving economic stability and the positive impact of ongoing reforms, as the country continues to move towards sustainable and export-led growth. Read more

• SBP raises Rs726bn in T-Bills Auction

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised Rs725.7bn through the latest auction of Market Treasury Bills (MTBs) against a target of Rs700bn. Read more

• Kuwait eyes investment opportunities in Pakistan

Kuwait has expressed strong interest in expanding economic and investment cooperation with Pakistan, citing confidence in the country’s economic potential, growing market, and long-term investment prospects. Read more

• China sets sights on innovation, emerging industries for 2026–2030

China is set to roll out a series of initiatives to develop and strengthen emerging and future industries during its 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). Read more

• Fitch maintains Pakistan's B- credit rating

The international credit rating agency Fitch has kept Pakistan's long-term foreign currency debt rating unchanged at B-. Read more

• A World awash in oil yet on edge

Global oil markets are stepping into 2026 under mounting pressure from a looming supply glut, even as geopolitical flashpoints continue to inject volatility and prevent prices from fully reflecting weaker fundamentals. Read more

• Pakistan, Visa strengthen collaboration to drive digital payments

Pakistan and global payments giant Visa are deepening ties to accelerate digital adoption, financial inclusion, and innovation in the country’s economy. Read more

• Govt seeks space-based solutions to boost maritime management

The government has emphasized the importance of advanced space-based monitoring systems to strengthen maritime security, improve sea management and enhance responses to environmental and climate-related threats along Pakistan’s coastline. Read more

• Long term FX trends point to gradual currency realignment

Currency valuations play a critical role in shaping long-term movements in the foreign exchange market, even though they are often overlooked by short-term traders. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: Red by a Whisker

The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Wednesday's trading session at 187,033.26, showing a decrease of 1,588.52 points or 0.84%. Read more

• Pakistan, Canada boost mineral cooperation, Reko Diq cited a success

Pakistan and Canada have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in the minerals and energy sectors, with a shared focus on investment, technical collaboration, and responsible resource development. Read more

• PKR holds steady against USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) remained mostly stable, appreciated by 0.83 paisa against the US dollar in Wednesday's interbank session to settle the trade at PKR 279.90 per USD, compared to previous closing of 279.91. Read more

• Pakistan, Japan reaffirm commitment to trade, investment cooperation

Pakistan and Japan’s economic cooperation gained fresh momentum as senior government officials and business leaders from both countries met in Tokyo to deepen trade and investment ties, focus on practical collaboration, and reinforce long-term partnership between the two economies. Read more

• K-Electric not involved in shareholder arbitration

K-Electric Limited (PSX: KEL) received an arbitration notice from its indirect shareholders to the Government of Pakistan through the Attorney General’s office. K-Electric is not a party to the arbitration, and no claims have been made against the company. Read more

• Competition Tribunal upholds CCP’s Rs200m penalty on banks

The Competition Appellate Tribunal has dismissed the appeals of several banks and the Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA), upholding the Competition Commission of Pakistan’s (CCP) decision to impose a Rs200m fine in the banking cartel case. Read more

• Zarea partners with Chinese Agri-Tech for $2m collaboration

Zarea Limited (PSX: ZAL) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wang Chuang Xi Jun Chang Agri Ltd., a leading Chinese agri-platform company, in an initial $ 2 million phase during the Pak–China Investment Conference in Islamabad. Read more

• BFAGRO takes 26% stake in APFL to develop second poultry farm

Barkat Frisian Agro Limited (PSX:BFAGRO) has entered into a share purchase arrangement to invest Rs26,000 in newly incorporated Agrolayer Protein Farms (Private) Limited (APFL), acquiring a 26% shareholding in the company. Read more

• Pak Qatar Takaful stuns market with 3x oversubscribed IPO

Pak Qatar General Takaful Limited has achieved a remarkable milestone in Pakistan's capital markets, with its initial public offering (IPO) making history on the Pakistan Stock Exchange by reaching the maximum 40% price cap within just two hours of trading. Read more

• Gold rockets beyond Rs500,000 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan increased on Wednesday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs506,362 per tola, up Rs12,700, breaking all previous records. Read more

• Pakistan engages ADB, Menzies Aviation to boost growth, privatization

Pakistan reviewed its ongoing economic reforms and privatization initiatives with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos. Read more

• Gold poised to hit $5,000 in early 2026

Gold is set to remain in the spotlight through 2026, with prices potentially reaching $5,000 per ounce in the first half of the year, amid elevated geopolitical risks, rising fiscal deficits and expectations of a softer US dollar. Read more

• Pakistan receives $1.47bn external financing in December

Pakistan secured external financing worth $1.475 billion in December 2025 from multiple financing sources, 1.9x higher than last month and 56.2% higher than the same month last year. Read more

• Pakistan, China ink $4.5bn in agricultural investment MoUs

Pakistan and China have strengthened their economic cooperation in agriculture, with 79 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between companies from both countries, representing an estimated investment of $4.5bn. Read more

• Loads Limited retains strong ‘A’ long-term rating

Loads Limited (PSX: LOADS) has secured a maintained entity ratings from the Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA), which affirmed the company's long-term rating at 'A' and short-term rating at 'A1' with a stable outlook. Read more

• UK signals $400K support for Pakistan's mineral sector

Pakistan and the United Kingdom collaboration in the oil, gas and minerals sectors was reviewed with a focus on investment opportunities, sectoral reforms and institutional strengthening, as the United Kingdom indicated support of up to $400,000 for a minerals sector capacity-building initiative. Read more

• Asia markets weaken on renewed U.S. tariff uncertainty

Asia markets moved lower on Wednesday following fresh tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, weakening global risk sentiment. Read more

• Service Global Footwear to set up non-leather footwear JV

Service Global Footwear Limited (PSX:SGF) has approved the formation of a joint venture (JV) with China-based Golden Star Footwear Group Limited to establish a non-leather footwear manufacturing and export project in Pakistan. Read more

• NBP issues foreign exchange rates

The treasury management division of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on Wednesday, issued the following exchange rates. Read more

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