MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

February 04, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• SBP to remain closed on Feb 5 for Kashmir Day

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will remain closed on Thursday, February 5, 2026, on account of Kashmir Day, as stated by the Government of Pakistan. Read more

• Canada eyes stronger trade, investment ties with Pakistan

Canada has shown strong interest in expanding bilateral trade and investment with Pakistan, with particular focus on sectors such as livestock, agriculture, and other emerging industries. Read more

• Oil holds steady amid U.S. Iran talks

Oil prices held steady on Tuesday after sharp losses on Monday, as traders weighed signs of easing tensions between the United States and Iran, while a stronger U.S. dollar continued to pressure crude demand. Read more

• Cement despatches surge 12% in Jan 2026

Cement despatches in Pakistan saw a significant rise in January 2026, increases by 12.54% , with total cement despatches reaching 4.538 million tons (mt) in January 2026, up from 4.032mt in January 2025, according to the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA). Read more

• Pakistan’s wetlands key to marine life, blue economy

Pakistan’s more than 240 significant wetlands, covering an estimated 10% of the country’s land area, are crucial for protecting the Arabian Sea, supporting marine biodiversity, and sustaining the national blue economy. Read more

• Banks brace for modest earnings drop

Pakistan’s banking sector is expected to post a marginal quarter-on-quarter decline in profits of about 1% for the fourth quarter of calendar year 2025, mainly because of reduced returns on investment portfolios. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: Up Where We Belong

The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Tuesday's trading session at 186,900.73, showing an increase of 1,842.90 points or 1.00%. Read more

• PKR remained steady against USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) rose by 0.85 paisa against the US dollar in Tuesday's interbank session to settle the trade at PKR 279.75 per USD, compared to previous closing of 279.76. Read more

• Pakistan, Azerbaijan agree to expand naval defence ties

Pakistan and Azerbaijan have agreed to further expand and diversify their bilateral defence relationship, with a strong focus on naval cooperation. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan rises Rs24,000 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan increased on Tuesday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs514,362 per tola, up Rs24,000. Read more

• Shadab Textile Mills expands capital with right issue

Shadab Textile Mills Limited (PSX: SHDT) will increase its paid-up share capital by issuing 6.25 million ordinary shares as a right issue, with each share having a face value of Rs10 and an issue price of Rs40, including a premium of Rs30 per share. Read more

• CCP approves Nippon Express stake in TCS Logistics

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved Nippon Express (South Asia & Oceania) Pte. Limited’s acquisition of a minority stake in TCS Logistics (Private) Limited. Read more

• Pakistan OMC sales rise 12% in January

Pakistan’s Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) recorded a notable increase in sales during January 2026, with total offtake reaching 1.52 million tons, marking a 12% month-on-month (MoM) growth and a 10% year-on-year (YoY) rise. Read more

• ECNEC approves Rs240bn mega projects nationwide

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved four major development initiatives valued at over Rs240bn, aimed to boost infrastructure, skill development, and energy capacity across the country. Read more

• Itanz moves from textiles to tech

Itanz Technologies Limited (PSX: ITANZ), formerly Zahur Cotton Mills Limited (ZHCM), will change its sector on the Pakistan Stock Exchange from Textile Composite to Technology & Communication, effective Friday, February 6, 2026. Read more

• Govt, Citibank explore sovereign financing cooperation

Government of Pakistan and Citibank are exploring potential collaboration on sovereign financing solutions and strategies to attract active investor participation, focusing on sustainable debt management and external financing opportunities. Read more

• Finance Division pledges support to KP on NFC allocations

The Federal Finance Minister assured the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) delegation of the Finance Division’s full support in pursuing and facilitating their rightful claims for allocations under the National Finance Commission (NFC) and other related fiscal heads, in line with applicable rules, agreed frameworks, and due process. Read more

• Goodbye T+2, Hello T+1

Pakistan’s stock market is about to move faster. From February 9, 2026, the country’s equity market will enter the T+1 settlement era, meaning every trade will be settled just one business day after it is executed. Read more

• Pakistan accelerates towards self-reliance in vaccine production

Pakistan is making significant strides toward self-reliance in the health sector, with a comprehensive national strategy to establish domestic vaccine manufacturing capabilities. Read more

• Pakistan, Uzbekistan target $2bn trade, expand connectivity

Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to accelerate efforts to raise bilateral trade to $2 billion and strengthen cooperation across trade, investment, transport, labor, and key productive sectors during the 10th session of the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission (IGC). Read more

• Asia markets surge after U.S. India tariff deal

Asia markets climbed sharply on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States and India had finalized a trade agreement that includes immediate tariff reductions and expanded bilateral commerce, lifting risk appetite across global markets. Read more

• Gold bull run far from over, $6,300 target in sight

Gold’s powerful rally may have paused after last week’s dramatic correction, but the longer-term trajectory continues to point higher, with prices now seen approaching $6,300 per ounce by the end of 2026. Read more

• NBP issues foreign exchange rates

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

• K-Electric CEO cleared, Ombudsman order is set aside

Provincial Ombudsman Sindh’s order against the chief executive officer of K-Electric Limited (PSX: KEL) has been set aside, bringing a decisive close to a high-profile legal chapter that had lingered over Pakistan’s largest power utility for months, according to a filing with the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Read more

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