Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable, private sector-led and export-driven growth. Speaking at an agreement-signing ceremony, he welcomed a reinsurance partnership between ICIEC and Pak EXIM Bank and a Rs3 billion SME risk-pool agreement involving the Export Development Fund. He described both initiatives as key steps towards implementing Pakistan’s export strategy.

Thousands of Pakistanis are reportedly struggling to recover substantial investments from Dubai amid regional instability and falling property prices. Industry representatives and currency dealers claim capital flows from Dubai to Pakistan have increased, with some funds shifting into Karachi’s property market. Pakistani technology companies and businesses that relocated to Dubai are also reportedly reconsidering their operations due to uncertainty. These claims, including estimates concerning undeclared money, have not been independently verified.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced new measures to accelerate sales tax registration for businesses. Applications submitted through the IRIS portal will undergo risk-based screening. Low-risk applications will be processed within three working days, provided all required documents are complete. The initiative aims to simplify registration, reduce processing delays and improve the ease of doing business in Pakistan.