Digital skills training will be provided to 300,000 Pakistani youths annually by China, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced at the 3rd LCCI IT Freelancing Awards 2026. Pakistan was described as the world’s fourth-largest freelancing country, with young professionals being credited for expanding the digital economy and increasing IT exports. The announcement was made during a discussion with LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol in Lahore.

The rollout of the Ease of Doing Business Act, 2025, has been ordered to be accelerated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to rebuild investor confidence and reduce regulatory pressure on businesses. A comprehensive implementation report has also been directed to be prepared. The reforms will be independently evaluated by international organisations to assess their impact. A more competitive business environment is being prioritised to attract domestic and foreign investment.

Possible hoarding of petroleum products has been flagged by Ogra and the Oil Companies Advisory Council amid expectations of a price increase. The issue was reviewed by the National Coordination and Management Council, where fuel availability, supply-chain conditions and pricing behaviour were examined. Price stability and uninterrupted supply were emphasised as rising consumption and volatile global oil markets continued to create pressure.