MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

January 23, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• SBP reserves up $16m in a week

The foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $16m week-on-week (WoW) to $16.09bn during the week ended January 16, 2026, data released by the State Bank of Pakistan showed on Thursday Read more

• Export-led growth, reforms key to Pakistan’s economic transformation

Export-led growth, productivity enhancement, and investor-friendly reforms are essential for Pakistan’s sustainable economic transformation, with stronger alignment between policy, capital, industry, and institutions needed to achieve long-term national development. Read more

• CCP, SDPI sign MoU to strengthen competition policy research

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) have entered into a formal partnership to deepen cooperation on research and policy work focused on fostering competitive and inclusive markets across the country. Read more

• Is SAZEW taking on Toyota with the TANK 500?

Sazgar Engineering Works Limited (PSX: SAZEW) has made a decisive leap into Pakistan’s premium SUV space by opening bookings for the locally assembled (CKD) TANK 500. Read more

• SOCAR set to finalize investment in Pakistan’s oil sector

The State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) has indicated that it is close to finalizing a major investment in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector, with a decision expected in February. Read more

• JDW to sell 243 kanals of project land in Gujrat

JDW Sugar Mills Limited (PSX: JDWS) has sought shareholders’ approval for the disposal and sale of its entire project land measuring 243 kanals and 18 marlas located at Mouza Mangowal, Tehsil Kunjah, District Gujrat. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: Modest Gains

The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Thursday's trading session at 187,688.16, showing an increase of 654.90 points or 0.35%. Read more

• PKR rises by 3 paisa against USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) rose by 3.05 paisa against the US dollar in Thursday's interbank session to settle the trade at PKR 279.87 per USD, compared to previous closing of 279.90. Read more

• Highnoon introduces project FORCE for world-class pharma facility

Highnoon Laboratories Limited (PSX: HINOON) conducted the groundbreaking ceremony of Project FORCE on January 22, 2026, at the Special Economic Zone, Sheikhupura. Read more

• Oilboy EPS inches toward profit

Oilboy Energy Limited (PSX: OBOY) posted a loss after taxation of Rs897.9m for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, marked a 92% improvement compared to a loss of Rs11.33bn in the same period last year. Read more

• Nestlé strengthens presence in Pakistan with $60m expansion

Nestlé is set to invest $60 million in Pakistan, aimed to expand its operations and position the country as a regional manufacturing and export hub. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan falls Rs800 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan decreased on Thursday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs505,562 per tola, down Rs800, after touching record high of Rs506,362 per tola, yesterday. Read more

• Govt eyes sustainable tourism, key investment driver

The Government of Pakistan is actively promoting sustainable tourism as one of the country’s most promising and investment-ready sectors, aiming to generate economic growth, create jobs, empower local communities, and protect natural and cultural assets. Read more

• Gul Plaza Fire: Stop Looking Upward. Responsibility Begins Inside.

The fire at Gul Plaza on 17 January 2026 did not just expose cracks in Karachi’s emergency response. It exposed a far more disturbing truth that we prefer not to confront. Too often, death in this city is blamed on faceless institutions while those closest to the danger quietly escape scrutiny. Read more

• LSECL to invest in Smart Metering System Technology

LSE Capital Limited (PSX:LSECL) has decided to invest in a project for the production, assembly, and sale of Smart Metering System Technology through its subsidiary company, LSE Technologies Limited, in conjunction with another joint partner. Read more

• Pakistan steps into 2026 where execution will decide outcomes

In 2026, Pakistan’s economic story is no longer about avoiding collapse, it is about how quickly stability can be turned into traction. Read more

• Oil prices edge higher on easing U.S. Europe tensions

Global oil prices edged higher on Thursday as easing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Europe helped improve the outlook for economic growth and fuel demand, while supply disruptions in Central Asia provided additional support. Read more

• Power Cement long-term rating reaffirmed at ‘A-’

VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (VIS) has reaffirmed the entity ratings of Power Cement Limited (PSX: POWER) at ‘A-/A2’, with a stable outlook. Read more

• AIRLINK enters home appliances space with HISENSE partnership

Air Link Communication Limited (PSX: AIRLINK) has entered into a strategic partnership through its wholly owned subsidiary, Select Technologies Limited, with HISENSE, a leading global consumer electronics brand with group revenue of $30.24 billion. Read more

• NBP issues foreign exchange rates

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

• Asian stocks climb with Korea’s Kospi above 5,000

Asian markets traded mostly higher on Thursday, led by a strong rally in South Korea, after U.S. President Donald Trump softened his stance on potential tariffs against European countries and ruled out the use of force to acquire Greenland, easing global risk sentiment. Read more

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