MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

May 05, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• April trade deficit crosses $4bn, highest since June 2022

Pakistan's trade deficit surged to $4.07 billion in April 2026 its highest level since June 2022 jumping 43.5% month-on-month (MoM) from $2.84bn in March 2026, as a sharp spike in imports vastly outpaced a recovery in exports during the month. Read more

• KPT clears 16,430kg waste from Karachi harbour

Karachi Port Trust (KPT) removed 16,430 kilograms of solid waste from high-risk harbour areas during its latest weekly clean-up drive, reflecting ongoing efforts to contain marine pollution at one of Pakistan’s busiest trade gateways. Read more

• Cement despatches jump 11% in April 2026

Cement despatches in Pakistan rose by 11.14% year-on-year in April 2026, with total volumes reaching 3.890 million tons (mt) compared to 3.5mt in the same month last fiscal year, according to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association. Read more

• Pakistan to hook green startups up with global cash

Pakistan is preparing to launch a dedicated platform connecting young green entrepreneurs with national and international investors, the Ministry of Climate Change confirmed Monday, as Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Malik moved to court one of the world's most powerful green finance networks. Read more

• Pakistan's short-term FX liabilities near $31bn

Due to maturing foreign currency loans, securities, and deposits, Pakistan's foreign currency assets are expected to see a net outflow of $30.86bn, according to the latest liquidity report released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Read more

• OMC sales slip 6% MoM in April 2026

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Pakistan posted a 7% year-on-year (YoY) decline in April 2026, with total offtake falling to 1.36 million tons (mt) from 1.46mt in April 2025. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, volumes also slipped 6% from March's 1.44mt. Read more

• HBL Manufacturing PMI falls amid stagflationary headwinds

The HBL Manufacturing PMI came in at 49.9 during April 2026, down from 52.9 in the previous month, marking the first contractionary reading since October 2025, when widespread flooding disrupted activity. Read more

• PKR posts marginal gain versus USD

Continuing its recent appreciation trend, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) posted a slight gain against the US dollar on Monday. The local unit inched up by 1.22 paisa to close at 278.76 in the interbank market, improving from the previous session’s 278.77. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: The Climb Slows Down

The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Monday's trading session at 163,948.94, posting a gain of 954.77 points or 0.59%, as early bullish momentum lost some steam in the final hours of trading. Read more

• KPT handles 74,603 tonnes in 24 hours

Karachi Port Trust (KPT) handled 74,603 metric tonnes of cargo in the 24 hours ending Saturday evening, with containerised trade accounting for the largest share, showing steady maritime activity amid ongoing regional supply chain pressures. Read more

• ATRL restarts key refining unit

Attock Refinery Limited (ATRL) has resumed operations of its main crude distillation unit following the normalization of crude oil supply and product dispatches. Read more

• Wahdat Poultry Farm IPO draws 2,731 applications for 18.4m shares

Wahdat Poultry Farm Limited's Initial Public Offering received a total of 2,731 applications seeking 18,430,000 shares valued at Rs331.74 million during the general public subscription held on April 27 and 28, 2026, according to figures compiled by CDC Share Registrar Services Limited as at April 29, 2026. Read more

• Microwave is the New Fiber: Rethinking 5G Backhaul

From our most recent Microwave Outlook Report, we project the global backhaul landscape to reach an almost-equal split between Microwave and Fiber by 2030. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan falls Rs3,800 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan decreased on Monday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs479,962 per tola, down Rs3,800. Read more

• PIA privatization enters final stage with Rs180bn

Pakistan’s long-running effort to privatize its national carrier is entering its most decisive stage, as a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited moves to acquire the remaining 25% stake in Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL), setting the stage for full private-sector control. Read more

• OMO Result: SBP injects Rs4.62tr into Market

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) conducted a reverse repo and Shariah Compliant Modarabah-based Open Market Operation (OMO) today, in which it cumulatively injected a total of Rs4.62trillion into the market, of which Rs4.38tr were injected through reverse repo OMO. Read more

• SITC 50 MW coal-fired power plant goes fully operational

Sitara Chemical Industries Limited (PSX:SITC) has reached a significant operational milestone with its 50 MW coal-fired power plant achieving its Commercial Operation Date (COD). Read more

• Pakistan clears donkey meat exports

In a rare and unusual trade development, Pakistan has cleared the export of donkey meat and hides to China after a Chinese-linked firm operating in Gwadar warned it could shut down operations due to prolonged regulatory delays. Read more

• Zuma Resources signs global connectivity deal with Telna

Zuma Resources Limited (PSX: ZUMA)has struck a three-year Global Connectivity Agreement with US-based Telna North America Inc., marking a strategic shift toward international telecom services and digital connectivity. Read more

• Pakistan facilitates transfer of Iranian crew

Pakistan has facilitated the transfer of 22 Iranian crew members from a seized container vessel in a coordinated operation involving the United States and Iran, according to an official statement released from Islamabad. Read more

• Inflation worries, Middle East tensions drag gold lower

Gold prices edged lower on Monday in subdued trading, as persistent inflation concerns continued to cloud the outlook for U.S. monetary policy. Read more

• Sitara Petroleum IPO hits cap price in 10 minutes, sets PSX record

Sitara Petroleum Service Limited’s initial public offering (IPO) book building has achieved the cap price of PKR 18.90 within just 10 minutes of opening, marking the fastest-ever book building transaction to reach the cap price in the history of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Read more

• Altern Energy Limited exits core power agreements

Altern Energy Limited (PSX:ALTN) has signed Termination Agreements with the Government of Pakistan and key state entities, bringing a formal close to several foundational contracts underpinning its power operations. Read more

• Oil dips, U.S. moves to support vessels stuck

Oil prices traded lower on Monday as investors weighed geopolitical risks following U.S. President Donald Trump’s pledge to assist vessels stranded by the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy chokepoint. Read more

• NETSOL to launch Employee Share Option Scheme

NETSOL Technologies Limited (PSX:NETSOL) has taken steps to introduce an Employee Share Option Scheme (ESOS) for its eligible employees, with the Board of Directors resolving to recommend the scheme for shareholder approval through a special resolution. Read more

• Gatron restructuring gains momentum after Board approval

The Board of Directors of Gatron (Industries) Limited (PSX: GATI) has approved a draft scheme of arrangement involving Nova Frontiers Limited and Ghani & Tayub (Private) Limited, the company said in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Monday. Read more

• PSX Opening Bell: Bulls Charge Ahead

The benchmark KSE-100 Index was trading at 166,580.05, showing a strong increase of 3,585.88 points or 2.20%, as bullish momentum dominated early market activity at the Pakistan Stock Exchange. 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

• NETSOL delivers 6x jump in 9MFY26 profit

NetSol Technologies Limited (PSX: NETSOL) reported an extraordinary 6x surge in its consolidated net profit for the nine months ended March 31, 2026, reaching a remarkable Rs1.67bn compared to Rs278.86m in the corresponding period last year. Read more

• STL profit soars over 4x in 9MFY26

Supernet Technologies Limited (PSX: STL) reported a phenomenal 4.1x surge in its consolidated net profit for the nine months ended March 31, 2026, reaching Rs333.68m compared to a restated Rs81.01m in the corresponding period last year. Read more

• Asia markets climb as oil slips on shipping relief

Asian markets kicked off the week on a strong note, with South Korean stocks surging to a fresh record high, extending momentum after their robust gains in April, as investors monitored geopolitical developments in the Middle East and a U.S. initiative to ease shipping disruptions. Read more

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