MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

March 05, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• QatarEnergy halts LNG, declares force majeure

QatarEnergy has declared force majeure to its affected buyers after stopping production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated products, the company confirmed in a statement. Read more

• Govt finalizes energy contingency plan amid regional tensions

The federal government is finalizing a national contingency plan to safeguard Pakistan’s energy supplies amid rising regional tensions and uncertainty around key global shipping routes, as petroleum stocks remain within comfortable levels for now. Read more

• SBP raises around Rs582bn through T-Bills

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised Rs 581.7 billion from the sale of Market Treasury Bills (MTBs) on Wednesday, while rejecting all bids in a simultaneous auction for 10-year Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) – Floating Rate. Read more

• PKR edges up against USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) edged higher against the US dollar in Wednesday’s interbank session, gaining 2.87 paisa to close at 279.42 per USD, up from Tuesday’s 279.45. Read more

• Saudi pledges oil support to Pakistan via Yanbu

Saudi Arabia has assured Pakistan of full support in securing an alternative oil supply route through the Yanbu Port. Read more

• Govt backs EVTL continuity at Port Qasim

The government has indicated support for the continued and stable operations of Engro Vopak Terminal Limited (EVTL) at Port Qasim. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: Bears Run the Show

The KSE-100 Index witnessed a pullback on Wednesday, retreating after Tuesday’s strong rebound, as lingering geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. Read more

• Fitch flags potential winners, losers in APAC amid Gulf supply shock

Fitch Ratings warns that Asia-Pacific (APAC) commodity issuers could see divergent credit impacts if the Iran conflict prolongs, disrupting Gulf energy supply and shipping. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan falls Rs10,000 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan decreased on Wednesday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs539,962 per tola, down Rs10,000. Read more

• Meet Pepper, Allied Bank’s newest star

Allied Bank has officially broken new ground by introducing Pepper, the nation’s first humanoid service robot deployed within a banking environment. Read more

• Lucky Investments secures AM2++ rating amid rapid growth

Lucky Investments Limited has been upgraded to AM2++ with a Stable Outlook by the Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA), showing the company’s robust governance, strong sponsor support, and disciplined investment approach. Read more

• OGDC uncovers multi-zone oil, gas bonanza in KP

Pakistan’s state-run explorer Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (PSX: OGDC) has made a fresh oil and gas discovery at its Baragzai X-01 (Slant) well in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Read more

• Agritech operations halt amid RLNG shortage

Agritech Limited (PSX: AGL) is facing an operational shutdown at its Urea plant due to a suspension in RLNG supply. Read more

• Pakistan, Tajikistan eye direct trade route via Gilgit

Pakistan and Tajikistan have agreed to fast-track initiatives aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and enhancing bilateral trade, including a proposal to establish a direct land corridor linking the two countries through Gilgit. Read more

• Farmers to benefit from simplified loan programs, reduced markup rates

Pakistan’s agricultural sector is set to receive strengthened support through easier loan programs, financial relief, and targeted initiatives aimed at helping small and medium farmers increase productivity and overcome economic challenges. Read more

• FCL reports smooth expansion progress, targets October completion

Fast Cables Limited (PSX: FCL) has provided an update on the progress of its expansion project, more than a year after its successful debut on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, saying the majority of committed milestones have been completed while the remainder are on track to be wrapped up by October 2025. Read more

• PC Board endorses FFC inclusion in PIA consortium

The Privatisation Commission (PC) Board has recommended including Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC) in the consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited (AHCL), the successful bidder for Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL). Read more

• Over 5.6m cotton bales reach Pakistan Ginneries

Seed cotton arrivals at ginning factories across Pakistan have surpassed 5.6 million bales (5,607,433) by February 28, 2026, marked a modest 1.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Read more

• CCP seeks overhaul of Auto Sector policies

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has unveiled a comprehensive report urging major structural and regulatory reforms in Pakistan’s automobile industry, recommends a long-term policy roadmap, expanded vehicle financing, removal of regulatory distortions, and a coordinated shift toward electric vehicles to foster competition and efficiency in the sector. Read more

• Oil prices rise on Iran crisis, Middle East supply disruptions

Oil prices surged on Wednesday as intensified geopolitical tensions sent shockwaves through global energy markets. 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

• Govt to place QR codes on bills nationwide

All government institutions have been directed to introduce QR codes on every bill to facilitate citizens and accelerate the transition towards a cashless economy. Read more

• Gold jumps amid Middle East conflict fears

Gold prices climbed more than 1% on Wednesday, rebounding from a more than one week low hit in the previous session, as escalating U.S. Israeli air strikes against Iran and heightened geopolitical uncertainty supported safe-haven demand. Read more

• Govt retires Rs188bn debt in a week

The government of Pakistan has retired a debt of Rs188.01 billion during the week ended February 20, 2026, which brings its total net borrowing for ongoing fiscal year 2026 to Rs96.59bn, according to the central bank's weekly estimates. Read more

• M2 falls by Rs200bn in a week

Broad money (M2), the most widely used measure of money supply in Pakistan, dropped by Rs199.94 billion WoW to Rs41 trillion as of February 20, 2026, data released by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) showed. Read more

• SBP targets to raise around Rs6.53tr: Auction Calendar March 26-May 26

The government is targeting to raise Rs6.525 trillion during the three months from March 2026 – May 2026 through the auction of Market Treasury Bills (MTBs) and Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs), according to the auction calendars released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Read more

• Asian markets plunge, Kospi sees worst day in decades

Asian markets tumbled sharply on Wednesday, led by a historic plunge in South Korea’s benchmark index, as escalating tensions in the Middle East triggered a broad risk-off wave across global financial markets. Read more

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