Pakistan‑Turkey partnership deepens, $5bn target

Timeline

1. 9 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 3 sources

   Pakistan‑Turkey trade conference set for Istanbul in August 2026

   ICCI will host a Pakistan‑Turkey Business Opportunity Conference in Istanbul on 13 August 2026, targeting a rise in bilateral trade to US$5 billion and featuring B2B meetings and government backing.

2. 29 days ago

   [POLITICS] 3 sources

   Turkey and Pakistan pledge $5 billion trade boost in Ankara talks

   Turkey’s Erdoğan and Pakistan’s Sharif met in Istanbul, pledging to lift bilateral trade to $5 billion and deepen defence, energy and tech ties while urging regional diplomacy over Israel’s actions.

3. 29 days ago

   [POLITICS] 3 sources

   Turkey's Erdoğan vows continued cooperation with Pakistan after bilateral talks

   Turkey’s President Erdoğan met Pakistan’s PM Sharif in Istanbul, pledging continued solidarity, condemning Israel’s actions, and targeting $5 bn in trade while expanding cooperation in energy, defence and a new

4. 29 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 2 sources

   Turkey's TPAO to dispatch seismic survey ships to Pakistan by September

   Turkey's TPAO will send seismic survey vessels to Pakistan by September‑October 2025, with drilling expected within six months, covering three offshore and two onshore blocks and aiming to boost bilateral trade

5. 29 days ago

   [POLITICS] 6 sources

   Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visits Turkey for economic and energy talks

   Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif arrived in Turkey on July 3 for talks with President Erdogan covering trade, investment, energy, telecom and transport projects, and a joint business forum.

6. 30 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 12 sources

   Turkey and Pakistan aim to lift bilateral trade to $5 billion, pledge $2 billion in investments

   Turkey and Pakistan set a $5 billion trade target, note Turkish investments over $2 billion, and discuss new joint projects at a high‑level business forum in Istanbul.

7. about 1 month ago

   [BUSINESS] 2 sources

   Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif invites Turkish firms to invest during Istanbul visit

   Pakistan’s PM Shahbaz Sharif met Turkish president and business leaders in Istanbul, urging Turkish firms to invest in Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure, IT and other key sectors.

8. about 1 month ago

   [POLITICS] 6 sources

   Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif visits Turkey, Iran to boost digital, investment ties

   Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif visited Turkey and Iran, meeting Turkish leaders and businesses to advance a digital corridor and attract Turkish investment, and attended Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran.

9. about 1 month ago

   [BUSINESS] 3 sources

   Turkey-Pakistan economic cooperation to expand in July visit

   Pakistan’s PM Shahbaz Sharif will visit Turkey on 2‑4 July for high‑level talks and a business forum, targeting a rise in bilateral trade to $5 billion and deeper cooperation in energy, transport and investment

10. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistani Trade Delegation Meets Ambassador Zahra in Paris to Boost Bilateral Commerce

    Pakistan’s GTEC led a trade delegation to Paris, meeting Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra to discuss expanding agriculture, IT, textile and food‑processing ties with France, pledging deeper bilateral cooperation.

11. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan Reduces Mobile Phone and Import Taxes to Boost Affordability

    Pakistan will cut regulatory duties on imported phones by up to 20% and introduce PTA tax installments, while a broader tariff reform seeks to halve average import taxes by 2030.

12. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Pakistan lifts used‑car import ban and approves Rs74 bn interior ministry grants

    Pakistan will lift the five‑year ban on used‑car imports, cut duty to 30%, and apply new safety standards, while the National Assembly approved over Rs74 bn in Interior Division grants.

13. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan secures seventh LNG shipment from Qatar as regional tensions ease

    Pakistan received its seventh LNG cargo from Qatar, with the MRAIKH tanker delivering 170,148 m³ to Port Qasim, bolstering energy security amid regional tensions.

14. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan faces EU trade preference scrutiny over human‑rights record

    EU warns Pakistan that ongoing human‑rights and governance violations could end its GSP+ trade benefits after 2027, risking textile export growth.

15. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources

    Pakistan moves to cut tariffs on imported phones and cars

    Pakistan is considering tariff cuts on $200‑or‑less mobile phones and a 25‑50% duty reduction on cars, aiming to lower consumer prices but risking revenue loss and pressure on domestic auto makers.

16. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Solar panel prices fall in Lahore after fuel price cuts

    Lahore solar panel prices fell by Rs 4,000‑9,000 after Pakistan cut fuel prices, lowering costs for households and businesses and prompting expected drops in battery prices.

17. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Islamabad Assembly Proposal Aims to Reduce Federal Tax Burden

    Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry says creating an Islamabad assembly would keep costs flat, shift 80‑100 bn rupees of tax revenue to locals, and address rural‑urban gaps, pending public hearings by PM Shah

18. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources

    Pakistan power consumers face potential July bill increase

    Pakistan's CPPA has asked NEPRA to raise electricity tariffs by 82 paisas per unit, potentially adding Rs 12 billion to consumer bills in July, with a hearing set for 30 June.

19. about 2 months ago

    [HEALTH] 4 sources

    Pakistan to eliminate sales tax on sanitary products

    Pakistan will scrap the 18% sales tax on sanitary products and contraceptives after a legal challenge, aiming to improve women's health and reduce menstrual stigma.

20. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif urges opposition dialogue and provincial unity

    PM Shehbaz Sharif called for opposition dialogue, a Charter of Economy and Democracy, and fair resource sharing among Pakistan’s provinces, citing development projects and recent security sacrifices.

21. about 2 months ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources

    Pakistan Eliminates Tax on Sanitary Products and Contraceptives

    Pakistan's 2026‑27 budget removes the 18% sales tax on sanitary pads, tampons, condoms and contraceptive medicines to improve affordability and access for women and families.

22. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources

    Pakistan solar panel prices surge after proposed sales‑tax hike

    Pakistan solar panel prices have risen sharply after proposals to increase sales tax to 18%, pushing 5‑kW systems to PKR 650,000 and causing market uncertainty and delayed commercial orders.

23. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Pakistan extends fuel‑saving austerity measures and revises shop hours until June 30

    Pakistan extended its austerity and fuel‑conservation measures to 30 June 2026, lengthening grocery store hours to 10 pm and setting new closing times for shops, restaurants and other venues.

24. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan budget tax proposals threaten EV and solar growth

    Pakistan’s budget proposes a 25% tax on imported EVs and an increase to 18% on solar panels, risking growth in renewable energy that has saved $12 bn in fuel imports.

25. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan unveils solar credit scheme for flat owners amid looming tax changes

    Pakistan launches a solar‑credit program for apartment dwellers and faces IMF‑driven proposals to lift tax breaks on solar panels and electric‑vehicle components, potentially raising costs in 2026.

26. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources

    Pakistan introduces solar wheeling policy as net‑metered solar output hits record

    Pakistan is drafting a solar wheeling policy to transfer rural‑generated solar credits to cities, while net‑metered solar output set a record in April 2026, boosting consumer savings and raising utility revenue

27. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan revises tyre customs values and eyes 18% sales tax on all vehicles

    Pakistan updates customs values for imported tyres and proposes an 18% sales tax on all vehicles, likely raising prices and affecting auto demand.

28. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan Secures LNG Cargoes to Meet Summer Energy Demand

    Pakistan is acquiring additional LNG cargoes—including a spot purchase from BP Singapore—to meet rising summer electricity demand, while restoring domestic gas output and using long‑term contracts with Qatar.

29. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan raises GST on stationery to 18% starting July 2026

    Pakistan will raise GST on stationery from 10% to 18% on 1 July 2026 under the Finance Bill 2026‑27, a move urged by the IMF to broaden the tax base and increase revenue.

30. 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources

    Pakistan and EU deepen trade and security cooperation in Islamabad talks

    Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif and EU leader Kaja Kallas met in Islamabad to boost trade under GSP+, cooperate on climate and digital projects, and support regional peace mediation.

31. 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 5 sources

    Pakistan orders earlier market closures in Islamabad to curb energy use

    Islamabad orders markets to close by 8 p.m. and restaurants by 10 p.m. as Pakistan tightens energy‑saving rules; Punjab may revert to the same 8 p.m. limit from June 2.

32. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan IMF Budget Talks Signal Possible Mobile Phone Tax Cuts

    Pakistan finalised IMF budget talks ahead of a June 5 budget, eyeing a 18% duty on premium smartphones that could lower iPhone and Samsung prices, amid debate over local manufacturer impacts.

33. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan government proposes higher GST on solar panels and hybrid cars

    Pakistan's upcoming budget may lift GST on solar panels to 18% and on hybrid cars to up to 25%, while allocating Rs 830 bn for power subsidies and drafting a New Energy Vehicle policy.

34. 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launches four‑day China visit

    Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif begins a four‑day visit to China, meeting officials in Hangzhou and Beijing to bolster strategic ties, CPEC, and economic cooperation.

35. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan hikes LNG prices by up to 28% in May

    Pakistan raised LNG prices up to 28% for May, affecting both distribution networks, as global energy costs rise and Qatar shipments arrive.

36. 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Punjab courts uphold three‑month school summer break despite private school petition

    Lahore High Court keeps Punjab’s three‑month school summer break, rejecting a private‑school push to shorten it.

37. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    KP Province Secures Federal Deal to Reopen CNG Stations

    Pakistan's KP province and federal government agree to reopen CNG stations and supply gas to end the fuel crisis.

38. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Pakistan's proposed 28th Amendment could extend government tenure beyond five years

    Pakistan's draft 28th amendment could let the federal government extend its term and delay elections under crisis conditions.

39. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 5 sources

    Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warns of external aggression during Quetta security tour

    PM Shehbaz Sharif warns of external aggression and leads Balochistan security meeting during Quetta visit.

40. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources

    Pakistan avoids June electricity price hike as government stabilises rates

    Pakistan’s Power Division says govt measures kept June 2026 electricity rates stable, averting a Rs5‑6 per unit increase.

41. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan adjusts shop closure hours after Punjab market shutdown sparks backlash

    Punjab's 8 p.m. market closure hurts sales; Islamabad shops get hours extended until May 31.

42. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 19 sources

    Qatar's LNG Export Halt Hits Global Energy Markets as Pakistan Secures Limited Shipments

    Qatar's LNG exports are stalled by Hormuz closure, hurting global markets, while Pakistan manages to import two Qatar cargoes.

43. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls for Unity on International Peace Day

    Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif urged unity and tolerance on the International Day of Living Together in Peace, highlighting human‑rights initiatives.

44. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Pakistan amendments spark debate on judicial independence, governance

    Pakistan's 26th and 27th amendments curb judicial independence, while a proposed 28th amendment pushes for presidential, merit‑based governance.

45. 3 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources

    Pakistan Telecom Authority Advances Spectrum Sharing Amid 5G Tax Hurdles

    Pakistan's PTA pushes spectrum sharing to speed 4G/5G, while high taxes and red tape threaten the rollout's economic gains.

46. 3 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources

    PTCL warns of week‑long internet slowdown in Pakistan due to submarine cable repair

    PTCL says Pakistan may face week‑long internet slowdowns from May 11‑18 as it repairs a submarine cable.

47. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Punjab government sets school summer break from May 22 to Aug 24

    Punjab sets school summer holidays from May 22 to Aug 24 amid rising heat, announced by Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat.

48. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan telecom sector pushes for tax cuts on 5G devices and mobile services

    Pakistan telecom firms seek duty cuts on 5G gear and lower mobile taxes, while government reviews phone tax relief for overseas Pakistanis.

49. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Pakistan government centralises high‑speed diesel imports under state oil firm

    Pakistan bars private firms from HSD imports, giving PSO sole authority to control fuel costs.

50. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Pakistan halts power outages after LNG deliveries arrive

    LNG arrivals end Pakistan’s load shedding, with officials cautioning potential rise in generation costs.

51. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Pakistan judiciary advances reforms as government backs judge transfers amid backlash

    Pakistan's judiciary holds a full-court session on reforms as the government backs Islamabad High Court judge transfers amid backlash.

52. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Pakistan seeks to remove licensing and fees for 25 kW solar installations

    Pakistan seeks NEPRA removal of licensing and fees for solar systems up to 25 kW following directives from the energy minister.

53. 3 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Pakistan declares May 1 Labour Day public holiday nationwide; Sindh confirms province-wide observance

    Pakistan declares May 1 Labour Day public holiday nationwide; Sindh also observes May 1 with a three-day holiday next week.

54. 4 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Pakistan ends free electricity for power-sector employees; Lahore High Court rules on abolition

    Pakistan ends free electricity for power-sector staff; Lahore High Court rules on abolition.