MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

June 16, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• Big industry output grows 6% YoY in April 2026

Pakistan's large-scale manufacturing sector maintained its growth momentum in April 2026, with the Quantum Index of Manufacturing (QIM) reaching 114.56, reflecting continued industrial momentum driven by strong performances in automobiles, garments, and other transport equipment. Read more

• Pakistan, Alibaba strengthen E-commerce ties

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan held talks with a delegation of Alibaba.com on Monday to discuss collaboration aimed at accelerating Pakistan’s digital trade growth and improving export opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Read more

• CM orders crackdown on wheat hoarding

The food department has been directed by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to take strict measures against wheat hoarding, strengthen monitoring of wheat stocks, regulate storage practices, and stabilise market prices through procurement of indigenous wheat to protect consumers from artificial shortages and price manipulation. Read more

• Plan submitted to reduce Pakistan's reliance on edible oil imports

Pakistan Oilseed Department has submitted a comprehensive plan to boost indigenous oilseed cultivation and increase local edible oil output through import substitution, aimed at reducing reliance on imports and strengthening domestic edible oil production. Read more

• NTC, PSW formalize digitalization pact

The National Tariff Commission (NTC) and Pakistan Single Window (PSW) have entered into an agreement aimed at automating and digitizing key tariff and trade-related functions, as part of efforts to modernize Pakistan’s trade policy framework. Read more

• Three months of import cover in sight: SBP Governor

Pakistan is expected to reach the international benchmark of three months of import cover in the coming months as foreign exchange reserves continue to strengthen, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmed said during an analyst briefing session after the monetary policy announcement. Read more

• PKR registers another gain vs USD

The Pakistani rupee maintained its upward trajectory against the US dollar in Monday’s interbank trading session, extending its gains as it appreciated by 1.14 paisa to close at PKR 278.31 per USD, compared to the previous closing level of PKR 278.32. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: Green Machine in Overdrive

The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Monday's trading session at 177,039.82, showing an increase of 4,639.92 points or 2.69%. Read more

• SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 11.5%

The Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5% in its meeting held on June 15, 2026. Read more

• Pioneer Cement approves solar plant at Khushab site

Pioneer Cement Limited's (PSX:PIOC) Board of Directors has approved the installation of a 28.265 MW solar power plant at the company's plant site in Chenki, Jauharabad, District Khushab. Read more

• Mutual fund AUMs rise to Rs4.5tr; equities gain 7%

Pakistan's mutual fund industry expanded further in May 2026, with total assets under management rising to Rs4.51trillion, as equity portfolios staged a sharp recovery driven by broad-based fund inflows. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan rises Rs10,800 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan increased on Monday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs455,136 per tola, up Rs10,800. Read more

• Pace expands capital base by 140m shares

Pace (Pakistan) Limited increased its paid-up capital from 309,862,893 shares to 450,021,219 shares after CDC allotted and credited 140,158,326 shares to certain persons/entities against non-cash consideration comprising conversion of long-outstanding TFCs, financial liabilities and a property. Read more

• Banks, DFIs surrender unclaimed deposits to SBP

Banks and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) have surrendered to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) all unclaimed deposits up to December 31, 2025. Read more

• Lucky Investments, DIB Pakistan join hands

Lucky Investments Limited (Lucky Investments), one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing Islamic Asset Management Companies, and DIB Pakistan a subsidiary of Dubai Islamic Bank UAE, have entered into a strategic collaboration to broaden access to Shariah-compliant investment solutions across Pakistan. Read more

• SBP widens scope of Apna Ghar Program

The State Bank of Pakistan has expanded the scope of the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Program (Ghar Ho Tu Apna) under a new multi-channel implementation strategy, extending financing eligibility to overseas Pakistanis and enabling institutional and developer-led housing finance. Read more

• Chinese investors deepen Pakistan capital market bet

Chinese investors have expressed strong confidence in Pakistan’s economy and capital markets, reaffirming their long-term commitment to expanding cooperation and investment in the country’s financial sector. Read more

• Easing geo tensions, oil slide likely tilt SBP toward pause

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is set to unveil its monetary policy today, but the mood in markets has done a sharp U-turn compared to just a few weeks ago. Read more

• GAL projected to reach target price of Rs860 per share

Ghandhara Automobiles Ltd (PSX:GAL) is projected to reach a target price of Rs860 per share by June 2027, which is around 60% increase from current level of Rs527. Read more

• Govt allocates over Rs2bn for climate action

A total of Rs2.478 billion has been set aside for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination under the Public Sector Development Programme for 2026-27, with funds directed at afforestation, urban resilience and climate adaptation to bolster Pakistan's capacity against mounting environmental pressures. Read more

• FM terms SLM listing a strong vote of confidence in economy

Service Long March Tyres Limited (SLM) on Monday joined the Pakistan Stock Exchange through a formal listing ceremony, which marks another addition to the bourse's growing roster of newly listed companies this fiscal year. Read more

• Karachi port vessel calls cross 2,000, signal trade boom

Karachi Port has crossed 2,000 vessel calls for the first time in nearly eight years, which signals a steady rise in maritime trade activity and reinforcing its position as Pakistan's primary gateway for international commerce. Read more

• Gold gains 2% after US-Iran peace deal eases geopolitical risk

Gold prices climbed about 2% on Monday after reports that the United States and Iran had reached a preliminary understanding aimed at ending their conflict, a development that eased geopolitical tensions and pressured oil markets lower. Read more

• Oil slumps to $83 on Hormuz reopening

Oil prices plunged Monday after US President Donald Trump declared that Washington and Tehran have finalised an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. Read more

• Shifa Hospital Faisalabad begins operations

Shifa International Hospitals Limited’s subsidiary, Shifa National Hospital Faisalabad (Private) Limited, has commenced full-fledged operations at its hospital located on Sheikhupura Road, Faisalabad. 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

• Waves restarts AC business after four-year hiatus

Waves Home Appliances Limited (PSX: WAVESAPP) has resumed assembly operations and nationwide commercial sales of its air conditioner product line after restarting production with improved financial resources and renewed supply arrangements for imported materials. Read more

• PSX Opening Bell: Bulls Hit the Ground Running

The benchmark KSE-100 Index opened the week on a strong note, surging 4,367.11 points or 2.53% to 176,767.01 as of 9:35am on Monday, with broad-based buying across key sectors driven by optimism over the FY2026-27 federal budget and improving geopolitical sentiment following reports of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran. Read more

• Systems weighs acquisition of IT services business

Systems Limited (PSX: SYS) is considering the acquisition of an information technology services business, marking a potential expansion move for Pakistan's largest listed technology company. Read more

• US, Iran reach historic peace deal

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that the United States and Iran had reached a peace agreement aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability in the Middle East, a development that was widely welcomed by world leaders as a major diplomatic breakthrough. Read more

• Asia markets rally on U.S.-Iran peace deal

Asian markets advanced sharply on Monday as investors welcomed reports of a breakthrough agreement between the United States and Iran, easing concerns over geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and boosting risk appetite across regional markets. Read more

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