MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

March 19, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• SECP begins consultation on T+1 settlement transition

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has begun the consultative process to explore the implementation of the T+1 settlement cycle, aimed to enhance market efficiency and activity. Read more

• PKR posts marginal gain vs USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) recorded a marginal increase against the US dollar in Wednesday’s interbank session, appreciating by 1.41 paisa (0.01%) to settle at 279.26, compared to the previous close of 279.27. Read more

• ADB new five year strategy prioritizes inclusion, resilience in Pakistan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has unveiled a new five-year Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Pakistan covering 2026–2030, outlined a comprehensive plan to steer the country toward sustainable, inclusive, and private sector-driven economic growth. Read more

• Ghulam Muhammad takes charge at SBP IFG executive director role

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has revealed that Mr. Ghulam Muhammad has assumed charge as Executive Director, Islamic Finance Group (IFG), with effect from March 18, 2026. Read more

• Bank deposit rate rises by 7bps in Feb

Pakistan’s banking sector witnessed a modest improvement in deposit returns during February 2026, while lending rates continued their downward trajectory, resulting in a notable compression in spreads. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: Bulls Rule the Day

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its bullish momentum on Wednesday as strong buying across key sectors lifted the benchmark KSE-100 Index, supported by easing global oil prices and improving investor sentiment. Read more

• PABC CY25 profit dips 15%

Pakistan Aluminium Beverage Cans Limited (PSX: PABC) reported a 15% decline in net profit, logging Rs5.22bn for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to Rs6.10bn in the previous year. Read more

• SGF posts 75% jump in annual profit

Service GlobalFootwear Limited (PSX: SGF) reported a significant improvement in profitability for the year ended December 31, 2025, with net profit after taxation rising 75.08% to Rs1.94 billion compared to Rs1.11bn in the corresponding period last year. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan remain unchanged

Gold price in Pakistan remained unchanged on Wednesday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs523,762 per tola, unchanged from the previous session. Read more

• SECP eases stock market access for partnerships, LLPs

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has proposed amendments to the Public Offering Regulations to provide businesses operating as Associations of Persons (AoPs), partnerships, and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) easier access to raise capital through the stock market. Read more

• Aisha Steel Mills maintains ‘BBB+/A2’ rating with stable outlook

VIS Credit Rating Company Limited has reaffirmed the long and short term credit ratings of Aisha Steel Mills Limited (ASL) at ‘BBB+/A2’, showing stable credit quality and a sound repayment capacity. Read more

• Pakistan’s power generation rises 11% YoY in Feb

Pakistan's power generation sector recorded a total output of 7,696 GWh in February 2026, up 11% year-on-year, though 16% lower month-on-month, according to data compiled by Arif Habib Limited. Read more

• PSX to conduct 32nd GIS auction

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) is to conduct the 32nd primary market auction of Government of Pakistan Ijarah Sukuk (GIS), which notably includes the country’s inaugural Green Sukuk auction. Read more

• Middle East tensions threaten developed economies

A sustained conflict in the Middle East may pose new credit and fiscal challenges for developed market (DM) sovereigns in Europe and Asia, according to Fitch Ratings. Read more

• ICMA unveils smart tax plan for budget 2026–27

The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA) has submitted a comprehensive set of tax revenue generation proposals to the Tax Policy Office (TPO) at the Ministry of Finance in preparation for the Federal Budget 2026–27. Read more

• Mutual fund equity AUMs slide 9% in Feb 2026

The Pakistani mutual fund industry saw a notable shift in asset allocation this February, as total equity Assets Under Management (AUMs) fell by 9% month-on-month, settled at Rs678 billion. 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 pledges economic stability, fuel relief

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that economic stability and timely relief for citizens remain the government’s top priorities. Read more

• Al-Ghazi Tractors reports sharp YoY earnings decline

Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited (PSX: AGTL) posted a significant decrease in net profit, which fell by 63% to Rs1.30bn for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to Rs3.54bn in the previous year. Read more

• Oil prices slip despite rising tensions in UAE

Oil prices initially surged amid growing skepticism that U.S. President Donald Trump will be able to assemble an effective international coalition to safeguard oil tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. However, prices later retreated despite rising tensions and continued attacks on the UAE’s energy infrastructure. Read more

• FFC betting on the future

Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC) expects a stable near-term outlook, underpinned by unchanged domestic urea prices, steady gas tariffs, and a diversified earnings base, management shared during its corporate briefing session. Read more

• Mera Ghar - Mera Ashiana: Govt cuts housing loan rate to 5%

The government has revised key features of its affordable housing finance scheme, lowering borrowing costs and expanding loan limits to stimulate uptake in a sluggish housing market, according to the Circular issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Read more

• Global oil supply to plunge by 8mb/d

Global oil supply is projected to plummet by a staggering 8 million barrels per day (mb/d) in March, dropping to 98.8 mb/d its lowest level since the first quarter of 2022. Read more

• Pakistan, China partnership gears up for CPEC 2.0

Pakistan and China are moving into a new phase of strategic and economic collaboration under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0, with a strong focus on industry, agriculture, and mining, said newly appointed Chinese Consul General in Lahore, Sun Yan. Read more

• Asia markets rise, Korea leads ahead of fed decision

Asian markets advanced on Wednesday, with South Korea taking the lead as investors digested fresh economic data from Japan and remained cautious ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy decision. Read more

• Govt steps in to ensure fair cargo charges for meat exporters

Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has stepped in to address mounting complaints from meat exporters over additional logistics charges, which raises concerns about potential disruption to the country’s export sector. Read more

• SECP puts T+1 under review on market pressure

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has initiated a formal stakeholder consultation on the recently implemented T+1 settlement cycle. Read more

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