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Pakistan's economic turmoil under Shehbaz Sharif's second term as Prime Minister of Pakistan

Anybody know why global companies are leaving Pakistan enmasse? Shell, Pfizer, Total, Telenor and now surprisingly P&G are/have exited Pakistan recently.
 

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Anybody know why global companies are leaving Pakistan enmasse? Shell, Pfizer, Total, Telenor and now surprisingly P&G have exited Pakistan recently.
Bunch of different reasons
- It's increasingly tough to manufacture in Pakistan. Raw material & machinery import permissions, forex availability are unpredictable
- Companies are consolidating strategically and happy to just leave certain countries to distributors
- Growth in Pakistan has been very low

But the biggest reason by far is the unstated ban on profit repatriation. Because of the IMF loan and need for reserves, companies are sitting on years of profits that they're not being allowed to repatriate.
 
After Shell Pfizer Parco etc now P&G also to pack up from Pakistan and close its business in the country. Well at the end we might be left with Ittefaq Steel and Ramzan Sugar Mills in the country.
 
Very surprising that P&G only came in 1991 to Pak? Pak economy was better before that . P&G has been slow on growth overall though, they exited Nigeria and Argentina in last 2 years as well.

In India HUL was the first choice of IItians in the 1990s lol how things have changed.. back in the day itself HUL was considered one of the most innovative companies in the world, if I'm not wrong P&G has beaten UL now
 
Very surprising that P&G only came in 1991 to Pak? Pak economy was better before that . P&G has been slow on growth overall though, they exited Nigeria and Argentina in last 2 years as well.

In India HUL was the first choice of IItians in the 1990s lol how things have changed.. back in the day itself HUL was considered one of the most innovative companies in the world, if I'm not wrong P&G has beaten UL now
American companies were slow to globalise back then. P&G really got active in India only in the 80s. They're still a lot smaller than Unilever in India.

They're bigger than Unilever globally though and Nestle is bigger than both of them.

I'm not sure HLL was ever big for IITians. Unless you're thinking of the IIMs where they're still Day 0 but attract a more niche crowd - those who're keen on a career in Marketing.
 
American companies were slow to globalise back then. P&G really got active in India only in the 80s. They're still a lot smaller than Unilever in India.

They're bigger than Unilever globally though and Nestle is bigger than both of them.

I'm not sure HLL was ever big for IITians. Unless you're thinking of the IIMs where they're still Day 0 but attract a more niche crowd - those who're keen on a career in Marketing.
It used to be back in the day for Chennai IItians, they hated going into IT, I lived closed by and an impressionable teen this is what they had as their fav back then.
But yes i don't know if they wanted to go to HLL after cracking IIM or before it.

I have despised Nestle since college due to propaganda but I know Unilever and P&G aren't that innocent either..or any such corporation.
 
Very surprising that P&G only came in 1991 to Pak? Pak economy was better before that . P&G has been slow on growth overall though, they exited Nigeria and Argentina in last 2 years as well.

In India HUL was the first choice of IItians in the 1990s lol how things have changed.. back in the day itself HUL was considered one of the most innovative companies in the world, if I'm not wrong P&G has beaten UL now
It was PML(N) in power in 1991 as well.
 
It was PML(N) in power in 1991 as well.
@Major
@Slim
@Mamoon
@emranabbas

Look at this fraud on the import data. So all the hype of CAD surplus was a total lie. Under reporting of $11bn in imports. You cant trust a single thing from these crooks on anything. Soon the real economic growth figures will come out and not the faked figures and they will show the economy hasnt grown since 2022
 

Inflation drops to 3% following economic reforms: Aurangzeb​


Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb has announced that inflation in Pakistan has decreased to 3% this month, attributing the decline to ongoing economic reforms.

In an interview with Nikkei Asia, the finance minister highlighted the importance of these reforms, noting that inflation was as high as 38% in May of 2023.

He expressed confidence in continuing with reforms in line with International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions, emphasising that the 25th IMF program would be the final one.

Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan is focusing on stabilising its export growth model, attracting foreign investment, and re-engaging with global financial markets.

He added that Pakistan is prepared to access China’s financial markets, including plans for issuing yuan bonds and encouraging corporate stock listings in Hong Kong.

The finance minister also anticipates the initial issuance of Panda Bonds by the end of this fiscal year. Additionally, he expects an improved credit rating for Pakistan, with expectations of a ‘B’ rating from global agencies.

Aurangzeb further expressed interest in potential joint listings of Pakistani-Chinese ventures in Hong Kong, with further listings planned for Pakistani companies.

Highlighting the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he underscored that the initiative is pivotal for strengthening bilateral relations, serving as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. He stressed that CPEC remains crucial for the country’s development.

The finance minister assured that Pakistan continues to maintain high-level security for Chinese citizens and all foreigners, ensuring their safety amid ongoing projects.

Another lie from these crooks.
 
It used to be back in the day for Chennai IItians, they hated going into IT, I lived closed by and an impressionable teen this is what they had as their fav back then.
But yes i don't know if they wanted to go to HLL after cracking IIM or before it.

I have despised Nestle since college due to propaganda but I know Unilever and P&G aren't that innocent either..or any such corporation.
I have worked for both P&G and HUL, my stint at P&G was relatively short. However, neither HUL nor P&G are attractive for IT professionals anymore. Unilever is notorious for frequent organizational restructure and layoffs, they do this drama for every 3–4 years, whenever they sell a product or de-merge a line or business.
 
After Shell Pfizer Parco etc now P&G also to pack up from Pakistan and close its business in the country. Well at the end we might be left with Ittefaq Steel and Ramzan Sugar Mills in the country.
Looks like Tapal Danedar Tea will replace the Unilever, truly a proud moment. Made in Pakistan dream has been achieved under the current government.
 

FM Dar holds talks with EU Council president on GSP Plus status​

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) scheme with European Union Council President Antonio Costa on Wednesday, ahead of an upcoming review this month.

The status was granted by the EU in 2014, which led to a 108 per cent hike in Pakistani textile exports to the EU due to concessional tariffs. In October 2023, the European Parliament unanimously voted to extend the GSP+ status for another four years until 2027 for developing countries, including Pakistan, to enjoy duty-free or minimum duty on European exports.

The upcoming GSP+ monitoring mission was delayed from June because of the Iran-Israel conflict and will scrutinise Pakistan’s record on 27 international conventions tied to the trade scheme, which grants duty-free access to most Pakistani exports.

The Foreign Office (FO) said that FM Dar called on Costa for a meeting in Brussels, Belgium, in which they “exchanged views on various areas of mutual interest, including GSP+, trade and economic cooperation expansion, and regional and global security developments”.

The two also reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to multilateralism.

The FO said both sides noted with satisfaction the “positive trajectory” of the Pakistan-EU relationship and agreed to further strengthen the “mutually beneficial partnership” across various domains.

FM Dar also acknowledged and appreciated the EU’s support to Pakistan, both bilaterally and on multilateral platforms.

The FO added that both sides agreed to continue working together to advance common priorities and deepen cooperation across key sectors.

FM Dar reached Belgium earlier today after attending a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Moscow. During the three-day visit, he will attend the seventh strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the European Union (EU).

 

PM Shehbaz urges Bahrain to invest in Pakistan during meeting with Crown Prince Salman​

MANAMA (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in food security, IT, construction, mines and minerals, healthcare, renewable energy, and tourism sectors.

He was talking to Crown Prince of Bahrain Prince Salman at the Al-Qudaibiya Palace in Manama on Wednesday.

The prime minister also proposed enhanced port-to-port connectivity between Karachi, Gwadar and Khalifa Bin Salman Port.

He acknowledged Bahrain's support for the over 1570,000-strong Pakistani community and reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to provide more skilled manpower.

He welcomed further collaboration in higher education, technical training, and digital governance, building on the King Hamad University initiative, and thanked Bahrain for facilitating the release and repatriation of Pakistani nationals.

The prime minister highlighted the potential to increase bilateral trade to $1 billion within three years, supported by the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, which is at advanced stage of finalisation and recently eased visa requirements.

Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated Bahrain on its success for the UN Security Council non-permanent membership for a 2 year term 2026-2027 and expressed Pakistan's readiness for close coordination during its tenure.

Defence and security cooperation were also discussed, with both sides agreeing to further expand collaboration in training, cyber security, defence production, and information sharing.

Both leaders discussed the recent developments in Gaza, and agreed that the establishment of peace and stability was long overdue for the people of Gaza who have suffered for decades.

Earlier upon arrival at the place, the prime minister was presented a guard of honour.

Source: Dunya News
 

PM Shehbaz urges Bahrain to invest in Pakistan during meeting with Crown Prince Salman​

MANAMA (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in food security, IT, construction, mines and minerals, healthcare, renewable energy, and tourism sectors.

He was talking to Crown Prince of Bahrain Prince Salman at the Al-Qudaibiya Palace in Manama on Wednesday.

The prime minister also proposed enhanced port-to-port connectivity between Karachi, Gwadar and Khalifa Bin Salman Port.

He acknowledged Bahrain's support for the over 1570,000-strong Pakistani community and reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to provide more skilled manpower.

He welcomed further collaboration in higher education, technical training, and digital governance, building on the King Hamad University initiative, and thanked Bahrain for facilitating the release and repatriation of Pakistani nationals.

The prime minister highlighted the potential to increase bilateral trade to $1 billion within three years, supported by the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, which is at advanced stage of finalisation and recently eased visa requirements.

Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated Bahrain on its success for the UN Security Council non-permanent membership for a 2 year term 2026-2027 and expressed Pakistan's readiness for close coordination during its tenure.

Defence and security cooperation were also discussed, with both sides agreeing to further expand collaboration in training, cyber security, defence production, and information sharing.

Both leaders discussed the recent developments in Gaza, and agreed that the establishment of peace and stability was long overdue for the people of Gaza who have suffered for decades.

Earlier upon arrival at the place, the prime minister was presented a guard of honour.

Source: Dunya News
Bahrain should invest while the sharifs and the elite invest abroad. Growth went From 6% to zero,
 

Pakistan aims to boost trade with Kyrgyzstan to $200m in two years​


ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan has expressed strong commitment to enhancing trade with Kyrgyzstan, setting a target to increase bilateral trade volume from the current $15 million to $200 million within the next two years.

The development comes as both countries signed a series of important agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during a high-level ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov witnessed the signing of multiple MoUs across diverse sectors, including mining, geosciences, energy, culture, tourism, foreign services, and prisoner exchange. In a symbolic gesture to deepen people-to-people relations, Bishkek and Islamabad were officially declared twin cities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the visiting president, describing the visit as “historic and highly significant” for bilateral ties. He said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relationship with Kyrgyzstan, adding that the agreements marked a substantial step forward in strengthening cooperation.

“We have reaffirmed our collective resolve to take our relations to new heights,” the prime minister stated. “The Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum will open new avenues for economic cooperation, trade and investment.”

PM said 15 MoUs and agreements were signed, highlighting that enhanced trade connectivity and collaboration would particularly benefit energy, regional linkages, and youth development programs.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov thanked Pakistan for its warm hospitality, calling the country “a trusted and important partner in South Asia.” He emphasised that the CASA-1000 energy project remains vital for meeting regional energy demands, while cooperation in education, science, technology and transportation will continue to grow.

Zhaparov also praised ongoing counter-terrorism coordination and said both countries share similar views on global and regional matters. At the conclusion of the ceremony, he extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Kyrgyzstan.

Source: Dunya News
 

CPI inflation slows to 5.6pc year-on-year in December​

Pakistan’s consumer price inflation slowed to 5.6 per cent year-on-year in December, while prices fell every month, official data showed on Thursday.

The data comes after the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) cut its key policy rate by 50 basis points to 10.5pc last month, breaking a four-meeting hold, in a move that surprised markets. All analysts polled by Reuters had expected rates to remain unchanged at the December meeting.

Inflation eased from 6.1pc in November and marked a sharp slowdown from levels that peaked above 30pc in 2023, according to official data.

Lower prices of perishable food items helped drive the monthly decline, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said, with food prices falling 1.7pc month-on-month in December, led by declines in both urban and rural areas.

The finance ministry had said on Wednesday that inflation was expected to remain moderate at 5.5-6.5pc in December.

The SBP has said that inflation stayed within its 5-7pc target range during the July-November period, but warned that core inflation remains sticky and headline inflation could rise temporarily towards the end of this fiscal year, which ends in June, due to base effects.

Non-food inflation remained elevated in both urban and rural areas in December, underscoring the central bank’s concerns over persistent underlying price pressures.

The central bank has said the inflation outlook remains broadly unchanged, while the International Monetary Fund has cautioned against premature monetary easing under the $7 billion loan programme.

Source: DAWN
 

CPI inflation slows to 5.6pc year-on-year in December​

Pakistan’s consumer price inflation slowed to 5.6 per cent year-on-year in December, while prices fell every month, official data showed on Thursday.

The data comes after the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) cut its key policy rate by 50 basis points to 10.5pc last month, breaking a four-meeting hold, in a move that surprised markets. All analysts polled by Reuters had expected rates to remain unchanged at the December meeting.

Inflation eased from 6.1pc in November and marked a sharp slowdown from levels that peaked above 30pc in 2023, according to official data.

Lower prices of perishable food items helped drive the monthly decline, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said, with food prices falling 1.7pc month-on-month in December, led by declines in both urban and rural areas.

The finance ministry had said on Wednesday that inflation was expected to remain moderate at 5.5-6.5pc in December.

The SBP has said that inflation stayed within its 5-7pc target range during the July-November period, but warned that core inflation remains sticky and headline inflation could rise temporarily towards the end of this fiscal year, which ends in June, due to base effects.

Non-food inflation remained elevated in both urban and rural areas in December, underscoring the central bank’s concerns over persistent underlying price pressures.

The central bank has said the inflation outlook remains broadly unchanged, while the International Monetary Fund has cautioned against premature monetary easing under the $7 billion loan programme.

Source: DAWN
The economy has bombed big time. No economic growth, no investment, assets being taken by the Generals at gun point, exports are down and inflation only controlled by lack of demand. They borrowed 22 trillion in 3 years and each day we borrowing billions. And all this so that a predatory elite can live in luxury and take national planes to distribute wedding cards whilst 47% of people are living below the PK poverty line.
 
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