MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

April 01, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• Govt moves toward targeted fuel subsidies to curb fiscal pressure

The government held a high-level meeting to advance plans for petroleum price reforms and the introduction of targeted subsidy mechanisms aimed at protecting vulnerable segments while ensuring fiscal stability. Read more

• SBP maintains remuneration rate on Special Cash Reserve Account for April

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has kept the rate of remuneration on the Special Cash Reserve Account (US$) at 2.66% for April 2026, down slightly from 2.67% in March 2026 and February 2026. Read more

• Pakistan, China unveil five point plan for Gulf, Middle East peace

Pakistan and China have jointly proposed a comprehensive five-point initiative to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities and coordinated international efforts to prevent further escalation of conflict. Read more

• March PMI signals recovery across China’s industry and services

China’s manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors both returned to expansionary territory in March. Read more

• Seasonal demand sparks surge in China’s spring economy

Rising temperatures across China have ushered in spring across much of the country, fueling a surge in seasonal consumption and giving momentum to a rapidly growing “spring economy” that is boosting markets nationwide. Read more

• China leads global hydrogen race

China is rapidly establishing itself at the forefront of the global clean hydrogen sector, drawing close to one-third of the roughly $110 billion in worldwide investment committed to the industry, according to industry leaders said at the Clean Energy Expo China (CEEC). Read more

• Govt assures full federal support to provinces on financial challenges

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb on reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting provinces in overcoming financial challenges, assuring full cooperation in resolving all legitimate economic issues. Read more

• FBR imposes 72-hour cap on E-invoice edits

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed a strict 72-hour limit for any cancellation, deletion, or amendment of electronic sales tax invoices, in a sweeping move to tighten compliance and curb post-reporting adjustments under Sales Tax General Order No. 01 of 2026. Read more

• CCP engages business community at LCCI on competition law practices

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) held an awareness session at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to promote understanding of competition law, focusing on key areas such as abuse of dominant position, cartelization, deceptive marketing practices, and mergers and acquisitions, while encouraging compliance within the business community. Read more

• GEMSPNL to be delisted from PSX following merger

Supernet Limited (PSX:GEMSPNL) will be delisted from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) effective Wednesday, April 1, 2026, following its merger into Supernet Technologies Limited (PSX:STL). Read more

• PKR remains flat against USD

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) strengthened by 0.83 paisa against the US dollar in Tuesday's interbank session to settle the trade at PKR 279.15 per USD, compared to previous closing of 279.16. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: A Day in the Green

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) staged a strong recovery on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index closing higher after a volatile previous session, as improved investor sentiment was driven by easing oil prices and optimism over a potential de-escalation in Middle East tensions. Read more

• UAE fuel prices jump in April; diesel surges over 70%

Fuel prices in the United Arab Emirates witnessed a sharp surge for April 2026, with diesel recording a steep increase and petrol rates also rising, amid rising global oil prices and geopolitical tensions weighing on market sentiment. Read more

• HBL tapped to arrange financing for Mari-GCIL project

Habib Bank Limited (PSX:HBL) has been awarded the financial mandate to arrange project financing for GHG Emissions Mitigation Limited (GEM), a newly established project company formed by Mari Energies Limited (PSX:MARI) and Ghani Chemical Industries Limited (PSX:GCIL). Read more

• HASCOL narrows net loss by 42% in CY25

Hascol Petroleum Limited (PSX: HASCOL) reported a significant improvement in its financial health for the year ended 2025, narrowing its total net loss by 42% to Rs6.77bn, compared to a massive net loss of Rs11.63bn in the previous year. Read more

• Govt ensures fertilizer supply for Kharif season

Pakistan has sufficient stocks of key fertilizers, including urea and DAP, to fully meet the requirements of the upcoming Kharif cropping season, according to the latest review by the Fertilizer Review Committee. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan rises Rs2,800 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan increased on Tuesday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs478,762 per tola, up Rs2,800. Read more

• Intermarket Securities Limited expands with AFT Japan Private Limited

Intermarket Securities Limited (PSX: IMS) has completed the incorporation of a wholly owned subsidiary under the name AFT Japan (Private) Limited. Read more

• Unilever suspends hiring at all levels citing Iran war impact

Consumer goods giant Unilever, the maker of Dove soap, has introduced a global hiring freeze across all levels, which will last at least three months, citing the ongoing Middle East conflict as a key factor. Read more

• Symmetry Group lands major Jazz deal

Symmetry Group Limited (PSX: SYM) subsidiary, Iris Digital (Private) Limited, has executed a service agreement with Jazz for one of its previously awarded assignments. Read more

• Ruby Textile Mills strategizes to weather economic storm

Ruby Textile Mills Ltd. (PSX:RUBY) is facing mounting challenges as it works to stabilize operations amid ongoing economic pressures. Read more

• SECP Tightens Rules, MUFAP Membership Now Mandatory

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has made it mandatory for all investment advisors and distributors of mutual and pension funds to obtain membership of the Mutual Funds Association of Pakistan (MUFAP). Read more

• Crypto gains window for on-chain stock trading

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to soon propose a rule that could allow Coinbase Global and other crypto firms to trade “tokenized” stocks under a temporary innovation exemption, easing their immediate compliance with traditional securities regulations. Read more

• Inflation under control, U.S. Fed signals patience on interest rates

U.S inflation expectations remain well anchored despite rising energy prices, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Monday, signaling that the central bank does not see a need to raise interest rates in the near term. Read more

• Oil drops in Asia on Trump de-escalation hopes

Oil prices fell in early Asian trading on Tuesday, reversing previous gains as markets reacted to signals that Donald Trump may be seeking a quicker resolution to the ongoing Iran conflict. Read more

• Govt borrows Rs339bn debt in a week

The government of Pakistan has acquired an additional debt of Rs339.39 billion during the week ended March 20, 2026, which brings its total net borrowing for ongoing fiscal year 2026 to Rs1.23 trillion, according to the central bank's weekly estimates. Read more

• M2 rises by Rs404bn in a week

Broad money (M2), the most widely used measure of money supply in Pakistan, rose by Rs404.4 billion WoW to Rs42.72 trillion as of March 20, 2026, data released by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) showed. Read more

• The next bull market runs on oil and coal

The global investment landscape is undergoing a "Suez moment" as the traditional 60/40 balanced portfolio fails to protect capital against a structurally inflationary environment. Read more

• Pakistan eyes global investment push through talks with Alvarez & Marsal

Pakistan is exploring new avenues to attract international investment and develop innovative financial structures, as discussions with global advisory firm Alvarez & Marsal signal a push toward strengthening strategic investment platforms and mobilizing private capital for economic growth. Read more

• Govt confirms stable fuel supply amid global oil market volatility

The government, through the Cabinet Committee to Monitor Petrol Prices, reviewed the country’s petroleum supply situation and confirmed that fuel availability remains stable despite ongoing volatility in global oil markets. Read more

• Symmetry Group bags top honors in FinanceAsia 2026 poll

Symmetry Group Limited (PSX: SYM) has secured multiple accolades in the 2026 Asia’s Best Companies Poll conducted by FinanceAsia, reflecting strong investor and analyst recognition of its corporate performance and governance standards. Read more

• NBP issues foreign exchange rates

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

• Govt secures VEON backing after successful spectrum auction

Pakistan’s recent multiband spectrum auction and improving macroeconomic stability drew strong endorsement from global telecom group VEON during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding digital infrastructure, boosting investment, and accelerating the country’s transition toward a cashless and technology-driven economy. Read more

• Asia markets mixed, oil pulls back on Trump’s Iran stance

Asia markets experienced sharp volatility on Tuesday, tracking a sudden reversal in global oil prices after indications that Donald Trump may seek to avoid a prolonged military conflict with Iran. Read more

• Pakistan lists first PKR Green Bond

Pakistan marked a milestone in its capital markets with the listing of the country’s first rupee-denominated green bond by Parwaaz Financial Services Limited, signalling growing investor appetite for climate-aligned financing instruments. Read more

• Lucky Core expands animal health footprint

Lucky Core Industries Limited (PSX: LCI) has inaugurated a veterinary medicine manufacturing facility at its Sheikhupura site. Read more

Copyright Mettis Link News