MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

March 26, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• Seven pension funds greenlit for Balochistan under DC pension framework

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has approved seven pension funds for the Government of Balochistan, formally launching the Defined Contribution (DC) pension system in the province as part of nationwide pension reforms. Read more

• No fertilizer shortage expected for upcoming season

Pakistan is expected to have a comfortable and uninterrupted supply of urea and DAP fertilizers for both the ongoing Rabi 2025–26 season and the upcoming Kharif 2026 season, with sufficient buffer stocks and stable production ensuring no shortages during peak sowing periods. Read more

• Govt speeds up food exports to Gulf

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant authorities to expedite the export of surplus food items to Gulf countries while ensuring that domestic requirements remain fully met. Read more

• Multi-slab power tariff proposed for industrial consumers

New optional electricity tariff mechanism for industrial consumers is being considered to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs, with the first nationwide stakeholder consultation scheduled online for March 26. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: Bulls Take the Crown

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 improving geopolitical sentiment and a decline in global oil prices. Read more

• PNSC makes payment of Rs4bn for Prime Minister's Austerity Fund

Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PSX:PNSC) has released a Rs. 4 billion payment under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the Prime Minister's Austerity Fund 2026, established in response to the prevailing situation in the country. Read more

• PKR remains nearly flat vs USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) posted a slight gain of 1.19 paisa against the US dollar during Wednesday’s interbank session, closing at PKR 279.21 per USD compared to the previous close of 279.22. Read more

• Govt moves to boost port facilitation to attract transshipment cargo

The government is taking steps to provide maximum facilitation at ports to attract foreign cargo transshipment in view of evolving regional dynamics. Read more

• SBP to buyback Rs1tr in MTB, PFL securities

The State Bank of Pakistan's Domestic Markets & Monetary Management Department has shared a buyback auction for Market Treasury Bill (MTB) and Pakistan Investment Bond Floating Rate (PFL) securities worth Rs1.08 trillion. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan rises Rs15,200 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan increased on Wednesday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs479,262 per tola, up Rs15,200. Read more

• Pakistan trade value gap hits $119bn: GFI

Pakistan has accumulated a staggering $119.4bn trade “value gap” over the past decade, showing heightened risks of illicit financial flows (IFFs) and trade-based money laundering, according to a new report by Global Financial Integrity (GFI). Read more

• Pakistan receives $692m external financing in February

akistan secured external financing worth $692m in February 2026 from multiple financing sources, approximately 10.7% higher than last month. Cumulatively, in 8MFY26, the country managed to secure $5.86bn in external financing, the latest monthly report by the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) showed. Read more

• Bank Makramah restructures shareholding, issues new shares

Bank Makramah Limited (PSX: BML) shareholders approved the issuance of 27,888,469 fully paid-up ordinary shares to settle the outstanding principal and accrued profit of the Bank’s rated, unsecured, and subordinated term finance certificates. Read more

• GDL receives 500 imported heifers at Khushab

Ghani Dairies Limited (PSX:GDL) has successfully received a fresh consignment of 500 high-yield dairy heifers imported from Southern Australian International Live Stock Services PTY Ltd., Australia, which have arrived at the company's dairy site in Khushab. Read more

• BAPL public offer acceptance period closes

Bawany Air Products Limited (PSX:BAPL) has seen the acceptance period for its Public Offer to acquire 2,146,228 ordinary shares constituting 0.35% of the company's shareholding interest come to a close on March 19, 2026. Read more

• Oil prices drop on U.S. Iran negotiation hopes

Oil prices fell Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that Washington and Tehran are “in negotiations right now,” suggesting that Iran is interested in a potential peace agreement. Read more

• GCC sukuk liquidity slips amid Iran war

Global sukuk and debt capital markets (DCM) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are experiencing varying liquidity pressures as the ongoing Iran war continues to influence investor sentiment, according to Fitch Ratings. Read more

• SBP broadens foreign currency, rupee value accounts

The State Bank of Pakistan has officially expanded the scope of specialized foreign currency and rupee accounts, marking a significant shift in how the country engages with international investors. Read more

• SBP expands Naya Pakistan Certificates to Non-Residents

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has updated the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for investment in Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs), enabling all non-resident individuals and foreign entities to invest in both conventional and Shariah-compliant NPCs. Read more

• AI investments spike, profits hold key

Global spending on artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure is economically justified, even though the scale of investment is unprecedented. Read more

• SBP expands RDA to all non-resident persons

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has updated its Consolidated Customer Onboarding Framework, extending Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) to all non-resident individuals and legal entities. Read more

• Pakistan’s economic leaders spotlight growth, investment

Pakistan’s leading business and industry voices are steering the country toward diversification, export growth, and investment opportunities, according to a recent Gulf News feature. Read more

• Pakistan’s strategic mediation triggers sharp correction in energy prices

Global energy markets witnessed a dramatic cooling period, as Pakistan solidified its role as the primary diplomatic bridge in the escalating Iran-US-Israel crisis. Read more

• OGDC gets Rs7.7bn boost on Power Holding's 9th TFC payment

The Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (PSX: OGDC) has received the ninth installment of interest under Term Finance Certificates (TFCs) from Power Holding (Private) Limited (PHL). Read more

• Pakistan shifts to competitive electricity market

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has set the Competitive Market Operations Date (CMOD), showed Pakistan’s shift from a single-buyer electricity model to a competitive, market-based framework. Read more

• PSX issues Risk Warning to DCTL, HWQS

The Pakistan Stock Exchange has intensified regulatory oversight by issuing a Risk Warning Alert (RWA) against two listed companies for failing to meet critical compliance requirements, particularly the non-payment of outstanding dues. Read more

• Is now the time to buy Pakistan cement stocks?

The Pakistan cement sector has recently hit a "Deep Value" valuation, creating a significant opportunity for investors. Read more

• Bank Makramah Limited Assigned ‘A-/A2’ Ratings with Positive/Stable Outlook by VIS

Bank Makramah Limited (BML) has been assigned initial entity ratings of ‘A-’ (Long Term) and ‘A2’ (Short Term) with a ‘Stable’ outlook by VIS Credit Rating Company Limited. Read more

• Dubai property bonds sink deeper into distress

Bonds issued by Dubai based property developers have slipped further into distressed territory, as investor concerns over credit quality and refinancing risks intensify amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, now in its fourth week, according to Bloomberg. Read more

• KSE-100 inducts Nishat Power, axes DH Partners in special rejig

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has carried out a special re-composition of its benchmark KSE-100 Index, replacing DH Partners Limited (DHPL) with Nishat Power Limited, following the former’s suspension and subsequent delisting. 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 reaffirms grip on energy supplies

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability nationwide, as the Cabinet Committee monitoring petrol prices reviewed energy supplies and global market trends in a high-level meeting chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. Read more

• Asia markets rally on hopes of U.S. Iran talks

Asian markets staged a strong rally on Wednesday, led by gains in Kospi, as easing geopolitical concerns boosted investor sentiment following remarks by Donald Trump suggesting potential negotiations with Iran. Read more

• No Hi-Octane needed for Kia cars in Pakistan

Lucky Motor Corporation has clarified that Kia vehicles in Pakistan do not require mandatory use of high-octane fuel, addressing rising consumer concerns following recent increases in Hi-Octane prices. Read more

• ADB unleashes emergency lifeline amid Middle East oil shock

The Asian Development Bank is moving to extend rapid financial support to its developing member countries as the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict ripples across Asia, driving up energy costs and straining external balances. Read more

Copyright Mettis Link News