MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

March 13, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• Govt issues no statement on further petrol price hike

No statement has been issued regarding a further increase in petrol prices in the country, which dismisses reports circulating on some television channels as incorrect. Read more

• SBP reserves rise $41.1m to $16.34bn

The foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $41.1 million or 0.25% WoW to $16.34 billion during the week ended on March 06, 2026, data released by State Bank of Pakistan showed on Thursday. Read more

• SCRA balance falls by Rs1.2bn during week

The SCRA balance decreased by Rs1.21 billion during the week ending Mar 06, 2026 to close at Rs39.75bn. Read more

• PKR gains slightly against USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) posted a marginal gain against the US dollar during Thursday’s interbank trading session, appreciating by 2.83 paisa to close at 279.32 per dollar, compared with the previous close of 279.35. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan falls Rs2,900 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan decreased on Thursday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs540,362 per tola, down Rs2,900. Read more

• Weekly SPI increases by 1.89%

Pakistan's short-term inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), increased by 1.89% for the week ended March 11, 2026, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: A Slip Down the Ladder

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended Thursday’s session in the red as investor sentiment weakened amid uncertainty surrounding the International Monetary Fund (IMF) review talks and rising global oil prices following escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Read more

• RDA attracts $242m in February

Total inflows into Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) during February 2026 stood at $241.8 million, bringing the total cumulative inflows into RDA to $12.17 billion. Read more

• Zuma enters strategic partnership with Telna North America, plans UK subsidiary

Zuma Resources Ltd (PSX:ZUMA), has approved two major strategic decisions aimed at expanding its footprint in the global telecommunications sector. Read more

• Pakistan, Qatar economic cooperation strengthened

Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to expand economic cooperation, enhance food security coordination, and explore new investment opportunities, according to a statement issued on Thursday. Read more

• Foreign currency deposits remain flat at $6.92bn in Feb 2026

Foreign currency deposits remained nearly flat, edging up just $0.06m to $6.917 billion as of February 2026 compared to last month, the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan showed. Read more

• Govt overhauls agricultural research to boost productivity

Pakistan is set to reform its national agricultural research system, aimed to modernize institutions, boost productivity, and strengthen both food security and export competitiveness. Read more

• ARPL Board satisfied with mitigation plan against Middle East crisis

Archroma Pakistan Ltd's (PSX:ARPL) Board of Directors, have discussed the prevailing Middle East conflict situation and its consequential challenges to the company's operations. Read more

• Farid Ahmad Tarar appointed new CCP chairman

The federal government has officially named Farid Ahmad Tarar as the new chairman of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP). Read more

• Oil price volatility could test steady global growth

Global economic expansion is projected to remain steady this year, provided the recent spike in oil prices does not persist, according to Fitch Ratings’ March 2026 Global Economic Outlook (GEO). Read more

• APAC ports, airports face credit pressure amid Iran tensions

Asia-Pacific (APAC) ports and airports are facing growing credit pressures as disruptions linked to Iran continue to unfold, Fitch Ratings has warned. Read more

• Sweden’s SEB explores climate investment fund in Pakistan

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB), a Swedish financial institution, is exploring the possibility of setting up a multi-country climate investment fund in Pakistan. 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

• USA investigates China, EU, Others for overproducing goods

The United States has initiated investigations into the manufacturing practices of several major economies, including China, the European Union, Japan, India, and Mexico, under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974. Read more

• Oil surges after Iran drone strike on Oman Port

Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel after Iranian drones struck fuel storage facilities at the Port of Salalah, Oman’s largest port, intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and raising concerns about global energy supply disruptions. Read more

• IMF keeps Pakistan review open amid Middle East turmoil

Pakistan’s ongoing engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has entered a critical phase. Discussions on the third review of the country’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) have extended beyond the formal mission schedule. Read more

• SBP temporarily allows oil Imports on CIF basis

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has temporarily relaxed import rules for crude oil and petroleum products to allow shipments on a cost, insurance and freight (CIF) basis for the next 60 days, as authorities seek to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies amid a volatile global environment. Read more

• Pakistan sets the stage for long-term investment growth

Pakistan is witnessing renewed investment momentum as both domestic and international investors increase their commitments to the country’s economy. Read more

• Govt, textile exporters discuss measures to enhance export competitiveness

The government has reiterated its commitment to supporting export-oriented industries and creating a business-friendly environment to accelerate economic growth, with a particular focus on improving global competitiveness, encouraging investment, and promoting industrial modernization. Read more

• Asia markets decline amid oil rally, geopolitical risks

Equity markets across Asia declined on Thursday as rising oil prices and intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East unsettled investor sentiment, despite a coordinated move by global energy authorities to release emergency crude reserves. Read more

• Jazz unveils $1bn network expansion to support 5G rollout

Telecom operator, Jazz, plans to invest $1 billion over the next three years to expand its network capacity, modernize infrastructure, and support the gradual rollout of 5G services across the country. Read more

Copyright Mettis Link News