MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

April 03, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• Fuel prices skyrocket in Pakistan

In a move that has sent shockwaves across the country, the Pakistan government on Thursday announced a steep increase in petroleum prices. Read more

• Budget to focus on tax reforms, export growth

Pakistan’s upcoming federal budget is set to focus on tax rationalization, regulatory reforms, and export-led growth, as the government moves to align policy with long-term economic sustainability and investment needs. Read more

• Govt courts business confidence with reform roadmap

The government reaffirmed its commitment to steering Pakistan’s economy through global uncertainties while advancing structural reforms aimed at long-term stability and growth. Read more

• Pakistan, US discuss IMF reforms, investment and energy challenges

Pakistan and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, investment, and energy collaboration, while maintaining reform momentum and macroeconomic stability amid global challenges. Read more

• SBP reserves rise $6m to $16.4bn

The foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by $5.9 million or 0.04% WoW to $16.38 billion during the week ended on March 27, 2026, data released by State Bank of Pakistan showed on Thursday. Read more

• Govt greenlights major transshipment reforms to boost maritime trade

In a major move aimed at strengthening its maritime sector, the Government of Pakistan has approved a series of initiatives to expand transshipment operations, including bulk and break-bulk cargo, specialized Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) vehicle handling, and Less than Container Load (LCL) cargo. Read more

• Pakistan’s economy grows 3.89% in Q2 FY26

Pakistan’s economy expanded by 3.89% in the second quarter of FY2025-26, driven primarily by a strong rebound in the industrial sector, according to the latest meeting of the National Accounts Committee (NAC). Read more

• SECP makes corporate bank accounts instant with Askari Bank, NayaPay

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Askari Bank Limited and NayaPay to streamline and accelerate the process of opening corporate bank accounts for newly registered companies. Read more

• PQAMC declares March dividend for income plan

Pak-Qatar Asset Management Company Limited (PQAMC) has declared a monthly dividend of Rs0.6465 per unit for investors of its Pak-Qatar Monthly Income Plan (PQMIP) for March 2026. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: A Slip Down the Ladder

The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Thursday's trading session lower, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index shedding 3,500.30 points or 2.25%, reflecting broad-based selling amid weak global cues and rising geopolitical tensions. Read more

• SECP allows multiple Sahulat Accounts, but only one per broker

In a major development for investors, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved new reforms allowing multiple Sahulat Accounts to be opened with different securities brokers, effective immediately. Read more

• PKR remains largely flat against USD

The Pakistani rupee posted a marginal gain against the US dollar in Thursday’s interbank trading, appreciating by 0.96 paisa to close at 279.11 per dollar, slightly stronger than the previous close of 279.12. Read more

• GFIL moves to sell spinning unit machinery through multiple buyers

Ghazi Fabrics International Limited (PSX:GFIL) is in the process of negotiating the disposal of its spinning unit machinery. Read more

• Hinopak Motors Limited's holding company lists on Tokyo Stock Exchange

Hinopak Motors Limited’s (PSX:HINO) holding company, ARCHION Corporation, formed through the business integration of Hino Motors, Ltd. and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation has been listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market with effect from April 1, 2026. Read more

• Pakistan, UK move toward FTA

Pakistan and the United Kingdom are moving toward deeper economic integration, with both sides considering a long-term Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as bilateral trade engagement gains momentum amid global economic and energy uncertainties. Read more

• Pak-French forum connects businesses, promotes joint ventures

Pakistan and France took a significant step toward deepening economic cooperation with the successful convening of the Pakistan–France Trade and Investment Forum in Paris. Read more

• SG Power appoints Mr. Umer Ali Malik as CEO

SG Power Limited (PSX:SGPL) has named Mr. Umer Ali Malik as its new Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. Read more

• Crypto markets slide on geopolitical tensions, oil surge

Bitcoin retreated toward the $66,000 level, facing immediate pressure from institutional investors following $173.76 million in outflows from spot ETFs. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan falls Rs7,100 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan decreased on Thursday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs486,962 per tola, down Rs7,100. Read more

• Ports to clear stuck containers in 30 days

Stuck-up containers and surplus materials at Pakistan’s major port terminals are set to be relocated, auctioned, and disposed of within 30 days to ease congestion and improve operational efficiency. Read more

• Meezan Bank accelerates cashless shift

Meezan Bank is stepping up its digital payments strategy, expanding its merchant network and accelerating adoption of instant payment solutions as Pakistan’s shift toward a cashless economy gathers pace, senior bank official said. Read more

• Gold drops on Trump's Iran stance

Gold prices slipped on Thursday as remarks by U.S. President Trump signaled that the United States would sustain its military operations in Iran in the weeks ahead. Read more

• Trade deficit narrows 9.36% MoM in March

Pakistan's trade deficit narrowed by 9.36% month-on-month (MoM) to $2.73 billion in March 2026, compared to $3.01bn in February 2026, as a steeper decline in imports outpaced the marginal fall in exports during the month. Read more

• PSX Intra-Day: Bulls Run Out of Steam

The benchmark KSE-100 Index witnessed a sharp decline during intraday trading on Thursday, which reflects broad-based selling pressure in line with weak global cues. Read more

• OMC sales rise 13% MoM in March 2026

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Pakistan posted a 13% month-on-month (MoM) recovery in March 2026, with total offtake climbing to 1.44 million tons (mt) from February's 1.28mt. Read more

• Fauji Cement, KAPCO kick off Attock Cement takeover

In a key development for Pakistan’s cement sector, Fauji Cement Company Limited (PSX: FCCL) and Kot Addu Power Company Limited (PSX: KAPCO) have officially dispatched offer letters and acceptance forms to all shareholders of Attock Cement Pakistan Limited (ACPL), signaling the commencement of the public offer process. Read more

• Unilever Plc-McCormick deal may affect ownership of UPFL

The ownership of Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited (PSX: UPFL) could change following a global transaction involving its parent, Unilever Plc, and McCormick & Company, Inc., the company disclosed in a filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange today. Read more

• Oil jumps on Trump signals Iran escalation

Oil prices climbed sharply in choppy trading after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of intensified military action against Iran over the next two to three weeks, cooling expectations of a near term de-escalation and keeping global energy markets on edge. Read more

• FBR, Jewelers fail to reach agreement on Section 175C

Negotiations between the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the All Pakistan Gems and Jewelers Association (APGJA) over the contentious Section 175C of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, ended without agreement on Wednesday. Read more

• Trump signals Iran war, oil spikes

Global oil markets surged on Thursday after Donald Trump delivered a stern address regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran, signaling that military action would continue and could intensify. Read more

• Dost Steels charts comeback with debt deal

Dost Steels Limited (PSX: DSL) is pushing ahead with an ambitious turnaround strategy after securing court-backed debt restructuring and unveiling a sizable equity injection plan. 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

• Asia markets slide on Trump’s Iran remarks

Asia markets reversed early gains on Thursday, slipping into negative territory as investors reacted to fresh geopolitical signals from Donald Trump regarding the ongoing Iran conflict. Read more

• Wheat procurement tightened amid global risks

Pakistan is moving to ensure uninterrupted and transparent wheat procurement during the ongoing harvest season, with authorities directed to keep procurement systems fully operational to avoid market distortions and protect farmers from price exploitation. Read more

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