House of Professionals (HOP) Official

🌙 Ramadan Kareem from House of Professionals

May this holy month strengthen our values of integrity, empathy, gratitude, and service to others. Let us embrace reflection, kindness, and mindful progress.

✨ Wishing you peace and countless blessings.

📅 SBP Projects Stronger Growth & Stable Inflation
According to the latest Monetary Policy Report, the State Bank of Pakistan expects real GDP growth of 3.75–4.75% for FY26, up from earlier forecasts, supported by easier financial conditions and credit expansion. Inflation is projected to stay within the 5–7% target band, and the current account deficit is expected to remain modest (0–1% of GDP). The central bank also foresees foreign exchange reserves rising toward ~$18 billion by June 2026.

📅 SBP Approves Bank Merger Assessment for Microfinance Sector
The State Bank of Pakistan granted Mobilink Microfinance Bank Ltd. approval to begin due diligence on potentially merging with APNA Microfinance Bank Ltd. This step, regulated under the Banking Companies Ordinance, could lead to industry consolidation, subject to further approvals. Officials emphasized regulatory safeguards, confidentiality requirements, and compliance checks during the review period.

📅 Sialkot Chamber Engages Business Community on Competitiveness
The Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) hosted an awareness session attended by its president and members, focusing on enhancing business competitiveness. Stakeholders discussed industry challenges, export promotion strategies, and the need for supportive government policies to boost economic growth from export-oriented sectors.

📅 Indus AI Summit Concludes with National Tech Agenda
The Indus AI Summit 2026, part of Indus AI Week (9–15 Feb), concluded in Islamabad, cementing Pakistan’s strategic focus on artificial intelligence. Led by the Prime Minister and tech ministers, initiatives on AI policy, innovation ecosystems, and international collaboration were outlined to modernize the economy, boost productivity, and upskill the workforce for tech-driven growth.

📅 Finance Ministry Highlights Fiscal Progress at AlUla Conference
At the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized Pakistan’s fiscal discipline, buffer building, and structural reform agenda. He noted that the fiscal deficit has been reduced below ~5.4% of GDP, that the debt-to-GDP ratio has fallen toward ~70%, and stressed digital transformation’s role in economic modernization while managing climate and macro risks.

📅 Pakistan Flags Broader Economic Recovery
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad announced that Pakistan’s economic recovery may extend beyond expectations, with growth potentially reaching 4.75% in FY26. He cited resilient agricultural output and improved manufacturing activity, reinforced by strong remittances and stable finances, despite early fiscal year trade headwinds. The outlook contrasted with some IMF projections, reflecting confidence in internal demand and policy traction.

📅 Power Tariff Restructuring Expected to Reshape Costs
Proposed power pricing changes by regulators and the government aim to shift subsidy burdens away from industries, potentially reducing industrial electricity costs by ~13–15% while increasing household bills by up to ~50% for typical users. Analysts say this restructuring could ease manufacturing cost pressures but risk reigniting inflation, a delicate IMF program condition.

📅 IMF Engages Pakistan on Electricity Tariff Reform
The International Monetary Fund and Pakistani authorities are negotiating electricity tariff revisions under the ongoing $7 billion IMF Extended Fund Facility. The discussions emphasize protecting low- and middle-income households, even as tariff changes seek to enhance subsidy targeting, reduce circular debt, and ease industry cost burdens, a key structural reform area.

📅 Finance Minister Advocates NFC Formula Reform
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb advocated changing the population-based NFC revenue sharing formula, under which ~82% of federal revenues are distributed by population metric, arguing it hinders equitable development. He also noted Pakistan will repay $1.3 billion in debt in April and that broader reforms are essential to unleash growth and improve inter-government fiscal balance.

📅 Solar Policy Debate Emerges After NEPRA Regulation Change
Experts, lawmakers, and investor groups expressed concern over the new NEPRA Prosumer Regulation 2026, warning that altered net-metering rules for rooftop solar could undermine consumer trust and slow solar adoption. Critics argue that insufficient stakeholder consultation and legal clarity may weaken investment confidence in renewables, affecting long-term cost and sustainability goals.

📅 January 26, 2026 | SBP Keeps Policy Rate at 10.50%
Pakistan’s central bank held its key policy rate at 10.5%, defying market expectations for a cut, citing the need to balance price stability with growth. Annual inflation for December slowed to around 5.6%, giving policymakers room to prioritize macroeconomic stability. The move came after cumulative easing of over 1150 bps since mid-2024.

📅 January 27, 2026 | Business Groups Urge Tariff & Rate Reforms
Leading business groups including the FPCCI have criticized the SBP’s rate hold, urging cuts to single-digit interest levels (e.g., 7%) to reduce borrowing costs for exporters and SMEs. Exporters also called for restructuring energy tariffs on industrial users, highlighting the need for competitive cost structures to revive manufacturing.

📅January 31, 2026 | Pakistan PSX Ends January on Mixed Note
The Pakistan Stock Exchange closed January with strong gains earlier in the month but fell sharply in the final week as investors booked profits amid economic concerns. The benchmark KSE-100 saw volatility as inflation, monetary policy and geopolitical tensions influenced sentiment.

📅 February 1, 2026 | FPCCI Hails PM’s Economic Package for Industry
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) welcomed the government’s major economic relief package for industry, including Rs4.40/unit reduction in power tariffs. Business leaders said this will significantly lower production costs and support export-oriented sectors, calling it a “turning point” for Pakistan’s economy.

📅 February 1, 2026 | Exports Surge, Trade Deficit Narrows Sharply
Provisional data showed Pakistan’s exports rose to roughly $3.06 billion in January 2026, a nearly 35% month-on-month increase while imports declined, narrowing the trade deficit to about $2.72 billion. This marked the first time exports surpassed $3 billion in a single month, signaling improved external sector momentum.

📅 February 1, 2026 | PM’s External Financing Push Highlights Economic Stress
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that he and military leadership undertook discreet international visits to secure loan support from allied countries to bridge Pakistan’s financing gap, highlighting the macroeconomic pressures facing the country and continued reliance on external funding.

📅 February 1, 2026 | Macro Indicators: Inflation & Trade Snapshot
Alpha-Akseer forecast January inflation near 6.0% year-on-year, with real interest rates around 4.5%, reflecting price pressures in food items. Separately, capital market data showed strong trading activity, with major indices fluctuating and market participation expanding, signaling mixed but active investor engagement.

HOP EcoNews: 19th Jan to 25th Jan, 2026

📅 January 19, 2026 | Finance Ministry Strengthens Economic Partnerships at WEF
At the World Economic Forum, Pakistan’s finance leadership engaged with Saudi, UAE, and Kuwaiti counterparts, countries that together account for over 25% of Pakistan’s annual remittances (approx. USD 8–9 billion). Discussions focused on foreign direct investment, trade financing, and infrastructure cooperation, at a time when Pakistan aims to lift FDI inflows above USD 2.5 billion annually and maintain macroeconomic stability under the IMF programme.

📅 January 20, 2026 | World Bank Voices Concerns Over Regulatory Amendments
The World Bank cautioned that proposed amendments to NEPRA and electricity laws could weaken regulatory autonomy in a power sector already burdened by inefficiencies. Pakistan’s energy sector faces annual losses exceeding Rs 500 billion, and the Bank warned that reduced regulator independence may delay private investment and complicate power sector reforms agreed under international financing frameworks.

📅 January 21, 2026 | Fitch Maintains Pakistan’s Credit Rating at ‘B- Negative’
Fitch Ratings affirmed Pakistan’s long-term foreign-currency rating at B- (Negative Outlook), citing external debt servicing needs of over USD 20 billion annually and governance challenges. However, Fitch acknowledged improving macro stability, declining inflation, and IMF programme continuity as factors supporting short-term debt servicing capacity.

📅 January 22, 2026 | Macro Outlook: Stability but Reform Ex*****on Key
Economic analysts observed that Pakistan has moved beyond crisis-level stabilization, with inflation halved year-on-year and the current account near balance. They emphasized that sustained growth targeted at 3–4% annually now depends on tax base expansion, SOE reforms, and consistent policy ex*****on rather than emergency monetary tightening.

📅 January 24, 2026 | SME Expo Highlights Micro & Small Business Role
The Made in Pakistan – SME Expo 2026 featured 174 exhibitors across more than 30 SME clusters, highlighting a sector that contributes around 40% to GDP and employs over 70% of Pakistan’s non-agricultural workforce. Banks and development institutions promoted financing initiatives, as SME credit currently accounts for less than 7% of total private-sector lending, well below regional benchmarks.

📅 January 25, 2026 | Business Forum Urges Government Action on Economy
The Pakistan Business Forum warned that energy tariffs (Rs 55–60 per unit for industry) and a tax-to-GDP ratio below 10% are undermining competitiveness. The Forum urged rationalization of taxes, reduction in industrial power costs, and regulatory simplification to revive exports, which remain near USD 30–32 billion annually.

📅 January 25, 2026 | Border Trade Disruption Impacts Economy Regionally
Prolonged closure of key trade crossings with Afghanistan disrupted daily trade worth an estimated USD 2–3 million, severely impacting markets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Local traders reported sharp price increases in essential goods, underlining the economic cost of geopolitical tensions on border economies and informal trade networks.

Disclaimer:
HOP EcoNews is an informational bulletin curated from publicly available sources to share updates on global economic and business trends. While care is taken in its compilation, House of Professionals (HOP) does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content and assumes no liability for actions taken based on this information. This initiative aims to keep the professional community informed and engaged. To unsubscribe, contact [email protected].

House of Professionals is pleased to announce the engagement of Mr. Nasir Mahmood in the capacity of Director - Executives Learning Programs.

In this role, Mr. Nasir Mahmood will be responsible for building, managing, and strengthening relationships with industry, corporate organizations, and professional communities. His engagement will support the institutional outreach and professional linkage of Corporate Trainings, Management Certifications, and Leadership Programs offered by House of Professionals.

🎉 Happy New Year 2026! 🎉

Stepping into 2026, the House of Professionals extends warm wishes to our growing community of professionals and organizations.
We remain committed to upskilling people, strengthening businesses, and contributing to society through learning, innovation, and sustainable development.

✨ Wishing you a year of growth, impact, and professional excellence. ✨

— hopinternational.org

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