MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

March 31, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• Lucky motor teams up with GAC to drive EV revolution in Pakistan

In a significant boost for Pakistan’s evolving automotive landscape, Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC) has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group), marked a major step toward introducing advanced new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the country. Read more

• South Korea may expand vehicle rotation to private sector

South Korea may expand its mandatory five-day vehicle rotation system to the private sector if global oil prices climb to US$120-130 per barrel, as part of nationwide energy-saving measures amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Read more

• Pakistan and China ties in focus, Ishaq Dar to visit Beijing

Pakistan and China continue to strengthen their “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit China on Tuesday at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Read more

• Pakistan, Tajikistan PTA negotiations restart, trade expansion in focus

Pakistan and Tajikistan have moved forward to strengthen economic relations by resuming negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), aimed at boosting regional trade and connectivity. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: Bears Tighten Grip

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended Monday’s session deep in the red, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index extended losses amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, rising oil prices, and concerns over potential disruptions to domestic economic activity. Read more

• SECP launches major reforms push for corporate debt market

Pakistan’s Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken a major step toward reforming the country’s corporate debt market by launching a comprehensive survey initiative aimed at identifying key barriers and improving the regulatory framework to make the market more efficient, liquid, and attractive for investors. Read more

• PKR inches higher against USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) posted a marginal gain against the US dollar in Monday’s interbank trading, closing at 279.16 per USD, slightly stronger than the previous close of 279.17, reflecting an appreciation of 1.12 paisa. Read more

• Trump eyes Iran oil, Kharg Island in focus

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington is weighing the possibility of taking control of Iran’s oil resources, including the key export hub of Kharg Island, amid escalating tensions in the region. Read more

• Bilal Bin Saqib becomes Pakistan’s crypto bridge to Trump world

Pakistan has turned to cryptocurrency diplomacy to strengthen its relationship with the United States, with 35-year-old crypto entrepreneur Bilal Bin Saqib emerging as a central figure in this transformation, according to Bloomberg. Read more

• Pakistan secures regional support for Middle East peace

Pakistan has gained backing from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt for its efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for urgent action to end hostilities causing heavy loss of life, property, and economic disruption across the region. Read more

• Govt promises relief for poor, middle class amid fuel crisis

The government is working to provide additional relief to the poor and middle class, assuring that economically weaker segments will not be left alone during these challenging times. Read more

• GEMNETS wipes out bank loan with IPO proceeds

Nets International Communication Limited (PSX: GEMNETS) completed the full utilization of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) proceeds toward the repayment of a short-term finance facility with Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited, as confirmed in the final progress report reviewed by external auditors Abdul Khaliq & Co. Read more

• Unity Foods advocates mediation as best path

Unity Foods Limited (PSX: UNITY) has advocated for mediation as the most effective and commercially sensible path to resolve its ongoing dispute, even as the matter remains under court consideration. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan rises Rs3,900 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan increased on Monday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs475,962 per tola, up Rs3,900. Read more

• PSX Intra-Day: Blood in the Streets

After Friday’s heavy losses, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened Monday’s session under renewed pressure, with the benchmark KSE‑100 Index trading sharply lower amid heightened geopolitical tensions and rising global oil prices. Read more

• Pakistan, Saudi Arabia coordinate on regional tensions

Pakistan reaffirmed its full and unwavering support for Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif assuring Riyadh that Islamabad will always stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the Kingdom. Read more

• PIA’s Survival at Risk, Says Arif Habib

Arif Habib, chairman of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) consortium, recently warned that PIA could be forced to shut down if jet fuel prices remain elevated. While the economic rationale he presents is partly valid, his statement warrants a careful, critical reading given his dual role as both a stakeholder and public commentator. Read more

• ATLH to invest over Rs5bn in motorcycle operations expansion

Atlas Honda Limited (PSX:ATLH), a joint venture of Atlas Group and Honda Motor Company, has approved a Capital Expenditure of Rs 5.3 Billion (approximately $20 million) for the expansion of its motorcycle operations in Pakistan, with the company's rated annual capacity set to rise to 2 million units. Read more

• STL advances GEMSPNL merger with major share allotment

Supernet Technologies Limited (PSX: STL) and its group company Supernet Limited (GEMSPNL) are moving forward with their corporate and capital reorganization involving the merger of GEMSPNL into the Company, following the Scheme of Arrangement dated May 27, 2025, and sanctioned by the High Court of Sindh at Karachi on February 24, 2026. Read more

• Gwadar rides the tide of global trade

Gwadar Port is rapidly emerging as a secure and strategic maritime hub, as global shipping lines seek safer alternatives to traditional Gulf routes amid shifting regional dynamics. Read more

• DRAP assures steady supply, denies price increase claims

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has firmly rejected recent media reports claiming an increase in medicine prices, clarifying that no price hikes have been approved for essential medicines, including insulin and other life-saving drugs. Read more

• Pakistan seeks Iran US talks amid Middle East crisis

Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterating Islamabad’s readiness to help bring both sides to the negotiating table amid escalating Middle East hostilities. Read more

• Crude rises modestly amid continued regional uncertainty

Oil prices edged higher amid renewed attention on developments in the Middle East, after Yemen’s Houthi group launched projectiles toward Israel and comments from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran’s oil resources. Read more

• Govt steps in with Rs125bn to freeze fuel prices

Pakistan has allocated Rs125 billion to prevent an increase in fuel prices, aiming to protect consumers from the impact of rising global oil prices and escalating regional tensions. Read more

• NBP issues foreign exchange rates

The treasury management division of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on Monday issued the following exchange rates. Read more

• Sazgar bets Rs37bn on Pakistan's auto future

Sazgar Engineering Works Limited (PSX: SAZEW), one of Pakistan's leading automotive assemblers, unveiled a sweeping leadership overhaul. Read more

• Asia markets weaken on war escalation concerns

Asia markets opened the week under heavy selling pressure, with investors rattled by the prolonged escalation of tensions in the Middle East, now entering its fifth consecutive week despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Read more

• Engro Holdings plans buyback of 45m shares

Engro Holdings Limited (PSX: ENGROH) is set to initiate a share buyback of up to 45 million ordinary shares, reflecting a strategic move to enhance shareholder returns and streamline its capital structure. Read more

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