MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

March 24, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• Middle East conflict triggers global policy shift

The global financial landscape is currently navigating a period of significant recalibration as major central banks prepare for a series of high-stakes policy meetings. Read more

• Iran tensions ease on Trump's latest social media post

War developments in the Middle East took a tentative turn toward de-escalation after Donald J. Trump said the United States and Iran had held “very good and productive” discussions aimed at a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities. Read more

• Govt increases high-octane levy, drives shift to PHEVs

With petrol prices in Pakistan remaining above Rs320 per litre and the government sharply increasing the levy on high-octane fuel pushing its price to around Rs535 per litre, the economics of driving sport utility vehicles (SUVs) is undergoing a significant shift. Read more

• Key Pakistan Market Stats and Economic Indicators

Weekly roundup of Key Economic releases and market data and statistics Read more

• PM keeps petrol prices unchanged

In a significant move ahead of Eid, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has rejected a steep proposed increase in petroleum prices, opting instead to shield consumers from immediate inflationary pressures. Read more

• Weekly Market Roundup

Pakistan’s equity market remained under pressure during the outgoing week, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index closed at 152,740.38, compared to 153,866.17 recorded on March 13, 2026. Read more

• Pakistan's digital payments hit 3bn transactions in Q2 FY26

Pakistan's payment ecosystem recorded 3.4bn retail transactions worth Rs167 trillion during the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2025–26 (October to December 2025), according to the latest Payment Systems Quarterly Review published by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Read more

• Jazz launches 5G services in Pakistan

Jazz, operating under JazzWorld, has launched 5G services in Pakistan after receiving the Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS)/5G license from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, which marks a major step forward in the country’s digital development. Read more

• SBP reserves have increased for the 32nd consecutive week

The foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $12.6 million or 0.08% WoW to $16.35 billion during the week ended on March 13, 2026, data released by State Bank of Pakistan showed on Thursday. Read more

• PKR holds firm, closes flat against USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) posted a marginal gain of 0.69 paisa against the US dollar in Thursday’s interbank market, closing at PKR 279.25 per USD compared to the previous day’s level of 279.26. Read more

• CCP approves merger of Cyan, DH Partners into DLL

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the merger of Cyan Limited and DH Partners Limited into Dawood Lawrencepur Limited, as part of an internal restructuring within the Dawood Group. Read more

• Fiscal package launched to boost Karachi Port’s regional hub status

Karachi Port is set to become a more attractive hub for foreign-flagged transshipment vessels, following the unveiling of a comprehensive package of fiscal incentives. Read more

• Oil spikes on rising Middle East tensions

Global oil prices rallied sharply on Thursday, with Brent Crude climbing above $115 per barrel its highest level in over a week amid escalating tensions in the Middle East that have raised fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Read more

• Govt approves sweeping key legislation measures

The government has approved a series of key legislative measures. Read more

• SCRA ends week around Rs39bn

The SCRA balance decreased by Rs792.92m during the week ending Mar 13, 2026 to close at Rs38.96 bn. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: The Tide Turns Red

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended Thursday’s session in the red as renewed selling pressure gripped the market, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index retreating amid rising global energy prices and escalating geopolitical risks. Read more

• TSBL completes right shares subscription process

Trust Securities & Brokerage Limited (PSX:TSBL) has disclosed that its right shares subscription has closed with Rs 407,397,537 raised against a total issue size of Rs 450,000,000. Read more

• CDNS achieves Rs1tr savings inflows, nears annual target

The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has recorded savings inflows of Rs1 trillion from July 1 to March 18 of the ongoing fiscal year 2025–26, achieved over 76.92% of its annual target and demonstrating continued progress in promoting a savings culture across the country. Read more

• Weekly inflation edges up 0.21%

Pakistan's Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) rose by 0.21% in the week ended March 18, 2026, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan falls Rs24,300 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan decreased on Thursday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs499,462 per tola, down Rs24,300. Read more

• Govt disburses 89% funds under Ramzan Relief Package 2026

The government has disbursed payments to 89% of beneficiaries under the Prime Minister’s Ramzan Relief Package 2026, which reflects major progress in the delivery of financial assistance to deserving citizens across the country. Read more

• Why targeted fuel subsidy is the only fair option

The Rs104 billion question facing Pakistan this March is not whether to subsidize fuel, but how to do it right. Our policy stance is clear: only a targeted subsidy is the way out. Read more

• Mari D&PL well hits gas flow

Mari Energies Limited (PSX: MARI) achieves significant hydrocarbon discovery at Shams-1 exploratory well in Mari D&PL, District Ghotki, Sindh Province. Read more

• Overseas investors repatriate $1.7 billion in 8MFY26

Foreign investors’ repatriation of profits and dividends rose 10.52% year-on-year (YoY) in the first eight months of FY26, reaching $1.73 billion compared to $1.56 billion during the same period last year, according to data released by the central bank. Read more

• SBP approves BAFL capital clause changes

The State Bank of Pakistan conveyed its "No Objection" to the proposed amendments in the capital clauses of Bank Alfalah Limited’s (PSX: BAFL) Memorandum and Articles of Association for the sub-division of shares, subject to compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Read more

• Electricity supply steady in face of seasonal constraints

Pakistan’s national power system continued to operate in a stable and efficient manner during February 2026, successfully meeting electricity demand that remained higher than anticipated, the Power Division reported. Read more

• High petrol prices push SUV buyers toward plug-in hybrids

With petrol prices in Pakistan hovering above Rs320 per litre, the economics of driving a sport utility vehicle are shifting sharply in favour of plug-in hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles, according to Syed Asif Ahmed, Director Sales and Marketing, Chery Master 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

• Ishaq Dar leads Pakistan’s diplomatic push in Riyadh

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar arrived in Riyadh on a two-day visit to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from regional countries. Read more

• J.P. Morgan warns $155 Eastern crude will inevitably crash Western markets

A massive Middle Eastern oil supply shock is currently tearing global energy markets in two, sending regional crude prices soaring past $150 a barrel and threatening severe economic pain across Asia. Read more

• Govt holds 24 day diesel stocks amid global oil pressure

Pakistan holds around 24 days of diesel stocks while petrol supplies remain at comfortable levels, even as global oil markets tighten and import costs rise amid regional tensions, a government review showed. Read more

• PSX raises Sahulat Account position limit to Rs3m

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has confirmed a significant enhancement to the position limit applicable on Sahulat Accounts, tripling the cap from Rs1,000,000 to Rs3,000,000, effective Thursday, March 19, 2026. Read more

• Asian stocks fall amid inflation worries, rising oil prices

Asian markets retreated on Thursday, mirroring a weak overnight session on Wall Street where major indices extended losses amid persistent inflation concerns and cautious central bank signals. Read more

• U.S. Fed keeps rates unchanged amid inflation concern

The U.S Federal Reserve has decided to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75%, signals caution as it navigates persistent inflation and an uncertain economic outlook. Read more

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