MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

July 30, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• Govt cuts petrol price by Rs0.75, raises HSD by Rs2.24 per litre

The government has reduced the price of petrol by 75 paisa per litre, bringing it down to Rs335.06, while High Speed Diesel (HSD) has been raised by Rs2.24 per litre to Rs390.62, effective July 30, 2026. Read more

• U.S Fed holds rates steady at 3.5-3.75%

The U.S Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at a range of 3.50% to 3.75%, a decision widely expected by markets, as the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) continued to weigh elevated inflation against a resilient labour market Read more

• FBR unveils simplified tax scheme for small shopkeepers in TY2026

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has rolled out an optional simplified income tax regime for eligible individual small shopkeepers for Tax Year 2026, fixing tax at 1% of gross turnover subject to a minimum cash payment of Rs25,000, along with simplified return filing and exemption from several compliance requirements. Read more

• China’s ODI climbs 3.8% to $86.53bn in first half of 2026

China recorded 596.42bn yuan ($86.53bn) in outbound direct investment (ODI) across all industries during the first half of 2026, marking a 3.8% year-on-year increase, official data showed. Read more

• Balochistan to solarise 8,000 rebuilt houses in Awaran

The Balochistan government is set to equip 8,000 reconstructed permanent houses in Awaran district with solar power systems, completing a housing project whose cost has been revised upward from Rs2.5bn to roughly Rs2.825bn, an increase of about 13%. Read more

• Policy continuity key to Pakistan’s long-term development

Policy continuity for at least 10 to 15 years is essential for Pakistan to achieve sustainable national development, while frequent policy reversals following changes in government have repeatedly disrupted the country’s progress, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal said on Wednesday. Read more

• Tobacco sector tax take surges to Rs357bn in FY26

Pakistan’s documented tobacco industry generated Rs357bn in federal taxes during FY2025-26, marked an increase of Rs41 billion from the previous year as authorities stepped up action against illicit cigarette production and smuggling, according to Fair Trade in Tobacco (FTT). Read more

• Transporters threaten nationwide strike over fuel price hike

Goods transport associations across Pakistan have warned of a countrywide strike unless the government addresses their concerns over the latest surge in petroleum prices, with freight charges being raised by 15% in the meantime. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: Bears Edge It

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its downward trend on Wednesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index falling over 1,500 points amid renewed selling pressure and cautious investor sentiment as escalating military tensions in the Middle East raised concerns over potential disruptions to regional energy supplies. Read more

• PKR edges up 3 paisa against USD to 277.8

The Pakistani rupee edged higher against the US dollar in the interbank market on Wednesday, gaining 3.05 paisa to settle at PKR 277.82 per USD, compared with the previous close of PKR 277.85. Read more

• EXIDE Q1 earnings drop 43%

Exide Pakistan Limited (PSX: EXIDE) reported a 43% decline in its consolidated net profit for the first quarter ended June 30, 2026, recording Rs127.41m compared to Rs223.32m in the corresponding period last year. Read more

• ITANZ Technologies sets foot in Saudi Arabia with new entity

ITANZ Technologies Limited (PSX: ITANZ) has successfully registered a wholly owned entity under the name ITANZ Perpetuum in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking an initial step in the company’s efforts to explore and expand its business operations into new markets, particularly in the Middle East region. Read more

• Pakistan, Türkiye step up rail cooperation, technology transfer

Pakistan and Türkiye are set to deepen cooperation in railways, transport and infrastructure, with a focus on modern railway technology, technology transfer, investment and local manufacturing. Read more

• Agritech swings to Rs2bn loss in 1HCY26

Agritech Limited (PSX: AGL) swung to a net loss of Rs2.12bn for the six months ended June 30, 2026, reversing a profit of Rs2.24bn recorded in the corresponding period last year. Read more

• Indus Motor set to gain as tax, tariff shifts favour its lineup

Indus Motor Company Ltd (INDU) looks set to hold its ground in an auto market being reshaped by the entry of Chinese OEMs, with the company's brand strength, service network, and reliance on government and corporate demand expected to keep it firmly in the driver's seat even as tax and tariff policy shifts around it. Read more

• Honda Atlas profit triples to Rs2.5bn on surging sales, other income

Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited (PSX: HCAR) recorded a threefold increase in its net profit for the three months ended June 30, 2026, with profit for the period surging to Rs2.49bn from Rs828.44m in the corresponding period last year. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan falls Rs1,000 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan decreased on Wednesday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs426,436 per tola, down Rs1,000. Read more

• Clover Pakistan enters EV charging market with CITA-UK deal

Clover Pakistan Limited (PSX: CLOV) has successfully negotiated and signed an agreement with CITA-UK, under which the company has been appointed as the exclusive distributor and stockist in Pakistan for CITA-UK’s range of Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers, accessories, and related equipment. Read more

• FFC declares Rs14.5/share dividend

Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (PSX: FFC) reported a solid 12% increase in its consolidated net profit for the six months ended June 30, 2026 (1HCY26), reaching Rs42.42bn compared to Rs37.95bn in the corresponding period last year. Read more

• SECP imposes Rs4.73bn+ fines for corporate law breaches

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has stepped up enforcement to improve corporate governance among companies, imposing fines exceeding Rs4.73bn for violations of the Companies Act. Read more

• Pakistan, US set to deepen ties through trade, education, investment

Pakistan and the United States are set to deepen bilateral ties through parliamentary diplomacy, people-to-people contacts, and expanded cooperation across trade, education, investment, academic exchanges and institutional partnerships, according to Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry. Read more

• Pakistan to get ADB-backed border logistics upgrade facility soon

Pakistan is set to benefit from an Asian Development Bank (ADB)-backed Border Connectivity and Logistics Upgrade Facility, expected to be approved in the coming weeks to support modernization of the country's border infrastructure and enhance regional trade and connectivity. Read more

• Pakistan, Kazakhstan review ways to boost connectivity through ports

Pakistan and Kazakhstan discussed avenues to expand bilateral trade through Pakistani ports, enhance regional connectivity and strengthen maritime cooperation, as the two sides looked to build on progress made in the sector over recent years. Read more

• Oil surges over 3% as Middle East tensions raise supply risks

Oil prices surged in Asian trading after escalating military tensions in the Middle East heightened concerns over potential disruptions to regional energy supplies. Read more

• Gold slips to $4,034 ahead of Fed policy verdict

Gold prices fell slightly on Wednesday as investors held back from taking fresh positions ahead of the US Federal Reserve's policy decision and remarks from Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh, which are expected to offer fresh direction on the inflation and interest rate outlook. Read more

• AI market correction, Middle East tensions threaten global credit

Global credit markets are entering the second half of 2026 facing heightened short-term risks from a potential correction in AI-driven asset valuations and continued geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, Fitch Ratings said. Read more

• GoP targets Rs125bn through 14th Hybrid Sukuk Auction on August 5

The 14th GoP Hybrid Sukuk (GHS) auction will be conducted on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 through the PSX Auction System, with a combined target of Rs125bn across four instruments. Read more

• Pioneer Cement board okays Rs4bn advances to MLCFL

Pioneer Cement Limited's (PSX:PIOC) Board of Directors has approved investment of up to Rs4bn as loans/advances to holding company Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited (MLCFL). Read more

• PIOC FY26 profit rockets 35%

Pioneer Cement Limited (PSX: PIOC) reported a robust 35% increase in its net profit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, recording Rs6.59bn compared to Rs4.88bn in the preceding year. Read more

• Govt advances GM Corn adoption, forms working group

Pakistan is moving toward a structured framework for introducing genetically modified (GM) corn technology, with the government seeking to balance agricultural innovation and food security with the protection of existing industries and export markets. Read more

• SBP sees FY27 growth gathering pace, fiscal discipline still key

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has highlighted that its current monetary policy stance remains appropriate to guide inflation towards the 5-7% medium-term target range, even as headline inflation averaged slightly above the band in FY26 due to the impact of the Middle East conflict on global oil prices. Read more

• KEL, SSRL Push Thar Coal Expansion for 660MW Jamshoro Project

K-Electric Limited (PSX: KEL), the Thar Coal Energy Board (TCEB), Sino Sindh Resources Limited (SSRL) and Jamshoro Power Company Limited (JPCL) have agreed to advance arrangements for supplying indigenous Thar coal to the 660 MW Jamshoro Power Project, with discussions also covering the expansion of the Thar Block-1 mine. Read more

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