MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

March 18, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• Pakistan exports reach $2.5bn in February 2026

Provisional State Bank of Pakistan data reveals total export receipts of $2.48 billion for February 2026 underpinned by $1.36bn in textile shipments, a dramatic 62% monthly surge in ore and mineral exports, and the strongest cereal export month since October 2025. Read more

• PKR edges up slightly against USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) posted a slight gain against the US dollar on Tuesday, appreciating by 2.83 paisa (0.01%) to close at PKR 279.27 per USD in the interbank market, compared to the previous session’s closing of 279.30. Read more

• Pakistan’s macro outlook strengthens amid surplus, inflow growth

Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook is showing clear signs of strengthening, supported by improved external balances, rising inflows, easing global oil pressures, and better energy supply visibility factors collectively building buffers and enhancing economic resilience despite ongoing regional and external challenges. Read more

• Maple Leaf eyes up to 30% stake in Faysal Bank after CCP clearance

Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited (PSX:MLCF) has received a No Objection Certificate from the Competition Commission of Pakistan for the potential acquisition of up to 29.9% control/voting shares of Faysal Bank Limited. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: A Day in the Green

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a modest recovery on Tuesday as selective buying in key sectors helped the benchmark KSE-100 Index close in positive territory, following recent volatility driven by global and geopolitical concerns. Read more

• PSX to remain closed for Eid, Pakistan Day

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) will remain closed on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, 2026, in observance of Eid-ul-Fitr, as declared by the Government of Pakistan. Read more

• DLL issues over 23 million shares following court-sanctioned amalgamation

Dawood Lawrencepur Limited (PSX:DLL) has issued 23,741,938 new ordinary shares to the shareholders of Cyan Limited and DH Partners Limited (DHPL) following the completion of a court-approved Scheme of Arrangement, dissolving both companies and absorbing them into DLL. Read more

• Fertilizer offtake increases over 8% in Feb

Fertilizer consumption in Pakistan witnessed moderate performance in February 2026, as overall nutrient offtake increased by 8.3% year-on-year to 250,000 tonnes, according to the latest Monthly Fertilizer Review released by the National Fertilizer Development Centre (NFDC). Read more

• OMO Result: SBP injects around Rs301bn into market

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) conducted a reverse repo and Shariah Compliant Modarabah-based Open Market Operation (OMO) today, in which it cumulatively injected a total of Rs300.7billion into the market, of which Rs298.2bn were injected through reverse repo OMO. Read more

• Barkat Frisian Agro completes trial run at new Faisalabad plant

Barkat Frisian Agro Limited (BFAGRO) has revealed significant progress in its operational expansion and strategic growth initiatives, marked a major leap forward in its mission to dominate the pasteurized egg and poultry processing sector. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan rises Rs1,000 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan increased on Tuesday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs523,762 per tola, up Rs1,000. Read more

• SECP cracks down on state-owned companies over compliance failures

In a major move to improve governance in state-owned enterprises, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has initiated strict regulatory action against dozens of public sector companies for violations of company law. Read more

• Mineral products import bill clocks in at $1.3bn in Feb

The import bill of the Mineral Products group (Petroleum) stood at $1.31 billion in February 2026, marking a decrease of 12.71% YoY compared to the $1.50bn recorded in February 2025, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Read more

• Pakistan imports from China clocks in at $1.41bn

Among Pakistan’s top trading partners, China remained the top source of imports for Pakistan during February, followed by U. A. E. Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and U. S. A. Read more

• U. S. A. leads as top export destination for Pakistan in Feb

The U. S. A. remained the top export destination for Pakistan during February, with $466.76 million worth of shipments, up by 4.9% against the exports of $445.01m in same period last year. Read more

• KAPCO to acquire 46% stake in Attock Cement

Kot Addu Power Company Limited (PSX:KAPCO) has been authorized to invest up to $74.62 million in equivalent Rupees for the acquisition of up to 63,238,327 ordinary shares of Attock Cement Pakistan Limited. Read more

• SEC eyes end to mandatory quarterly earnings

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is reportedly drafting a proposal that could ease corporate reporting requirements by allowing publicly listed firms to disclose earnings twice a year instead of every quarter, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Read more

• RBA raises cash rate target to 4.1%

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised its benchmark cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.1% following a closely divided board vote, citing renewed inflationary pressures and rising global risks. Read more

• Big industry output grows 10.5% YoY in Jan 2026

Pakistan's large-scale manufacturing sector continued its upward trajectory in January 2026, with the Quantum Index of Manufacturing (QIM) climbing to 144, which reflects broad-based industrial expansion driven by standout performances in automobiles, garments, food, and cement. Read more

• Asia markets rise on Nvidia AI boost

Asia markets higher on Tuesday, led by gains in technology and automobile stocks after Nvidia delivered a strong revenue outlook and unveiled new partnerships with regional automakers. Read more

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