MG Morning Breeze: Updates to Skim before Market

August 25, 2026 (MLN): Morning Breeze aims to lessen the load for its readers by curating noteworthy updates from the preceding day.

• Petrol price edges up Rs0.39, diesel rises Rs2.40

The Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) has revised the ex-depot prices of petroleum products, raising the price of Motor Spirit (petrol) by Rs0.39 per litre and Diesel by Rs2.40 per litre, effective August 25, 2026. Read more

• ECC takes up nine agenda items, clears wheat stock disposal, petroleum import plan

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet took up nine agenda items related to various ministries and divisions, approving summaries including including the disposal of PASSCO's wheat stocks, import of petroleum products through Customs bonded facilities, and a Sale Purchase Agreement between OQ Trading and Pakistan State Oil (PSO). Read more

• Govt approves restructuring plan for FESCO, GEPCO, IESCO

The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) has approved the Restructuring Plan for the first batch of electricity distribution companies, covering Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO). Read more

• BFC Islamabad facilitates Rs6.6bn investment, 20,000 jobs in first year

The Business Facilitation Centre (BFC) Islamabad facilitated investment exceeding Rs6.6 billion and supported more than 20,000 employment opportunities during its first year of operations, showing progress in streamlining services for businesses and investors. Read more

• PM Shehbaz Sharif hails Moody’s upgrade of Pakistan’s credit rating to B3

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation on Moody’s upgrade of Pakistan’s credit rating from Caa1 to B3 and welcomed the improvement in the country’s sovereign credit rating. Read more

• Gold price in Pakistan rises Rs4,200 per tola

Gold price in Pakistan increased on Monday, with 24-karat gold being sold at Rs487,136 per tola, up Rs4,200. Read more

• Pakistan advances peace efforts in Tehran amid rising US-Iran tensions

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held talks with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni in Tehran on Monday, focusing on regional peace and efforts to resolve the ongoing US-Iran conflict through diplomacy, according to media reports. Read more

• PSX Closing Bell: A Shade Lower

The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Monday’s trading session at 176,966.68, showing a decrease of 199.84 points or 0.11%. Read more

• Pakistan upgraded to B3 from Caa1 by Moody’s

Moody's Ratings has upgraded the Government of Pakistan's local and foreign currency issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings to B3 from Caa1, citing sustained improvements in the country's external position and strengthening fiscal metrics. Read more

• PKR strengthens marginally against greenback

The Pakistani rupee recorded a marginal gain against the US dollar in Monday's interbank trading, appreciating by 0.89 paisa to close at Rs277.55 per dollar, compared with the previous session's closing rate of Rs277.56. Read more

• ITANZ advances 10-for-1 stock split plan

Pakistan Stock Exchange-listed iTANZ Technologies Limited (PSX: ITANZ) has secured board approval, in principle, for a 10-for-1 stock split, reducing the face value of its ordinary shares from Rs10 to Re1 each. Read more

• Pakistan, Singapore exchange felicitations on diamond jubilee of ties

Pakistan and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, the digital economy and climate action, as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations established on August 17, 1966. Read more

• Bata Pakistan narrows half-year loss 34% to Rs191m

Bata Pakistan Limited (PSX: BATA) recorded a 34% reduction in its net loss for the half year ended June 30, 2026, with loss for the period narrowing to Rs191.15m from Rs288.36m in the corresponding period last year. Read more

• GTYR FY26 loss widens to over Rs1bn

Ghandhara Tyre and Rubber Company Limited (PSX: GTYR) reported a significant expansion in its net loss for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, with loss after taxation widening to Rs1.01bn compared to a net loss of Rs366.08m in the preceding year. Read more

• HRL signs MoU for new smart city development in Uzbekistan

A new smart city project in Khiva, Uzbekistan, is set to advance Pakistan-Uzbekistan economic cooperation after Habib Rafiq Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd. (HRL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Khorezm Region. Read more

• Keti Bunder Port set for integrated infrastructure push

Keti Bunder Port should be developed as part of an integrated infrastructure network, with reliable road connectivity, power and water supplies, industrial infrastructure and other essential facilities. Read more

• Silver edges higher, holds above $69

Silver prices held above $69 an ounce on Monday, remaining close to a two-month high as renewed concerns over U.S. debt management and fiscal sustainability strengthened demand for precious metals. Read more

• SECP advances Venture Capital Bill to expand startup investment

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has shared the draft Venture Capital (VC) Bill with the Board of Investment (BOI) for public consultation. Read more

• Crypto rally gains momentum as Bitcoin, Ethereum surge

The cryptocurrency market carried its strong momentum into the new week, with Bitcoin and major altcoins advancing further after posting their strongest weekly performance of 2026. Read more

• Gold nears $4,650 as weaker dollar lifts bullion

Gold prices rose to their highest level in more than three months on Monday, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar as investors turned their attention to upcoming U.S. inflation data and a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh later this week. Read more

• Mughal Iron & Steel obtains RSOQ for GEPCO divestment

Mughal Iron & Steel Industries Limited (PSX:MUGHAL) has obtained the Request for Statement of Qualification (RSOQ) issued by the Privatization Commission for the divestment of GEPCO through privatization, with the Board approving the Company's participation in a Consortium comprising Fast Cables Limited, AKD Securities Limited, AJCL (Private) Limited, and Mughal Iron & Steel Industries Limited. Read more

• Pakistan, KSA partnership to guide future cooperation

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia's time-tested friendship and strategic partnership were reaffirmed as President Asif Ali Zardari appreciated the contribution of the Kingdom's outgoing envoy towards strengthening the longstanding fraternal and strategic ties between the two countries, expressing confidence that the strong foundation laid during his tenure would continue to guide bilateral cooperation in the years ahead. Read more

• Pakistan-UK ties, maritime security top Ishaq Dar’s London visit

Pakistan-UK relations, regional maritime security and broader international issues will feature in high-level diplomatic engagements during Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar’s five-day official visit to the United Kingdom. Read more

• Qatar delegation expresses interest in investing in Pakistan

Pakistan and Qatar have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties by expanding trade, investment and cooperation across key sectors, including tourism, agriculture and energy. Read more

• The Fiscal Implications of More Provinces

A province can be administratively justified and still be fiscally unsustainable. That distinction is largely missing from Pakistan’s debate over new provinces. Read more

• Pakistan’s economic recovery gains momentum

Pakistan's economic indicators are continuing to show a positive growth trajectory across various sectors, with the economy beginning to recover from the strain caused by the Gulf war, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said while presenting the Monthly Development Update in Islamabad. Read more

• AGTL posts massive turnaround with Rs1.5bn profit in 1HCY26

Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited (PSX: AGTL) staged a dramatic financial turnaround for the half-year ended June 30, 2026 (1HCY26), reporting a net profit of Rs1.45bn. Read more

• Oil prices slip ahead of fresh U.S. sanctions on Iran

Oil prices edged lower on Monday as investors awaited details of a fresh U.S. sanctions package targeting Iran, which Washington has described as its most aggressive economic campaign yet against Tehran. Read more

• AGP 1HCY26 profit drops 8%

AGP Limited (PSX: AGP) reported an 8% decline in its consolidated net profit for the half-year ended June 30, 2026 (1HCY26), recording Rs1.55bn compared to Rs1.69bn in the corresponding period last year. 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

• Asian markets set for subdued open amid rising global bond yields

Asian markets were set for a muted opening on Monday as investors remained cautious over the continued rise in global bond yields, while lingering Middle East tensions and concerns over inflation further weighed on sentiment. Read more

Copyright Mettis Link News